Rotorcraft Avionics Display Transitioning 2D to 3D View
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current avionics displays for rotorcraft provide only two-dimensional representations of surrounding obstacles, which do not effectively convey the relative height and three-dimensional space, posing a challenge for pilots during critical maneuvers like takeoff and landing.
Innovation Solution
An electronic display system that transitions from a two-dimensional to a three-dimensional view as the rotorcraft descends, providing a richer representation of the environment by aligning terrain and structure data with the rotorcraft's location from an acute angle, offering 360-degree information and accurate collision risk assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a two-dimensional map view is used to display terrain and structures, then the display is simple and easy to understand, but the relative height and three-dimensional space information is not effectively conveyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the display from a two-dimensional map view to a three-dimensional perspective view that dynamically adjusts based on rotorcraft altitude. This dimensionality change enables effective conveyance of relative height and three-dimensional space information while maintaining intuitive comprehension for the pilot.
2Reliability
If a three-dimensional view is provided at all altitudes, then the collision risk assessment is improved, but the display complexity and computational load increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic display system that automatically transitions between two-dimensional and three-dimensional views based on the rotorcraft's altitude. At low altitudes where collision risk is higher, the system provides three-dimensional perspective views for improved risk assessment. At higher altitudes, it reverts to simpler two-dimensional maps, optimizing computational efficiency and reducing unnecessary complexity.
3Loss of information
If the display area shows a large terrain area at low altitude, then the pilot has broad situational awareness, but the detail of local obstacles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing enhanced three-dimensional detail for obstacles in the immediate vicinity of the rotorcraft at low altitudes, while maintaining a broader contextual view of the surrounding terrain. The perspective projection naturally emphasizes nearby obstacles with greater detail while preserving situational awareness of the larger area through the angled viewpoint.
Data Source
AI summary
An avionics display for rotorcraft provides a depiction of 360 degrees of terrain and obstacles about the rotorcraft using a top plan view at above a predetermined altitude that transitions to an angle perspective view as the altitude drops. The display provides improved situational awareness for highly mobile aircraft at critical times of takeoff and landing.