RTA Constraint Graphical Display for Pilot Negotiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flight management systems (FMS) on aircraft are insufficient to meet the requirement of negotiating a Required Time of Arrival (RTA) constraint with 95% reliable confidence, as they do not provide pilots with readily and intuitively available information necessary for effective communication with Air Traffic Control.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing RTA information on an aircraft display, which includes receiving aircraft status and performance data, determining flight phases, computing speed targets, and presenting critical data using graphical techniques to depict performance tolerance, allowing pilots to negotiate and monitor RTA constraints effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional FMS functions are used to provide RTA information, then the system is simple to operate, but the information is not sufficiently intuitive or complete to meet 95% reliable confidence requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments RTA information into distinct components including ETA, ETA window (earliest and latest possible arrival times), speed targets for different flight phases, and performance tolerance indicators. Each segment is displayed separately in the graphical interface, allowing pilots to comprehend each element independently while understanding their collective significance for meeting RTA constraints with 95% confidence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms traditional numerical RTA data into a graphical dimension that visually represents time and speed relationships. The graphical interface displays RTA information as visual elements showing the relationship between current position, speed targets, and predicted arrival time, adding a spatial dimension that makes the data more intuitive and comprehensible for pilot decision-making.
2Reliability
If detailed RTA constraint information is provided to meet 95% reliable confidence, then RTA negotiation capability improves, but the display complexity and information processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and highlights only the most critical RTA constraint information needed for 95% reliable confidence negotiation, separating it from less essential data. The system identifies and displays key parameters such as ETA window boundaries, required speed targets, and performance tolerance limits, while minimizing extraneous information to reduce display complexity and pilot cognitive load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded visual indicators to represent different aspects of RTA constraint information, such as color-coding speed targets for different flight phases or indicating performance tolerance boundaries. This visual encoding allows complex RTA data to be conveyed through intuitive color distinctions rather than requiring pilots to process numerous numerical parameters, thereby reducing perceived display complexity while maintaining comprehensive information delivery.
Data Source
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AI summary
Human-machine interface for required time of arrival (RTA) constraint negotiation. Embodiments present critical RTA information and results of associated data calculations to the pilot in a concise and informative manner using a dialogue box with intuitive graphical displays. Embodiments present critical RTA information to assist a pilot in negotiating the RTA constraint with air traffic controllers, accepting the clearance, and having confidence in the system that it will achieve the defined RTA constraint.