Stimuli-Sensitive Multi-Function Display for Cockpit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of aircraft cockpit systems, existing Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) face challenges in efficiently consolidating control functions and reducing pilot workload, as they occupy increasing cockpit space and require dedicated hardware, limiting ergonomic comfort and configurability.
Innovation Solution
A stimuli-sensitive display screen with integrated Cursor Control Devices (CCDs) and virtual touchkey arrays, allowing pilots to control cursors and avionics displays through touch or proximity inputs, enabling flexible configuration and reduced hardware reliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If control functions are consolidated into MFDs, then cockpit space is optimized and hardware is reduced, but pilot ergonomics and ease of operation deteriorate due to increased complexity and reduced tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is divided into multiple functional zones: a first area for displaying flight information, a second area for displaying system information, and a third area serving as a touch-sensitive control zone. This segmentation allows each zone to have specialized functions while maintaining overall integration, improving pilot ergonomics by providing dedicated interaction areas without increasing hardware footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen performs multiple functions: it displays flight data, system information, and serves as a touch-sensitive control interface. The third area specifically functions both as a display region and as a control input zone, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware controls and optimizing cockpit space while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive touch interaction.
2Device complexity
If dedicated hardware controls are replaced with MFDs, then device complexity is reduced, but operation speed and productivity worsen due to increased manipulation time
Solution Approach 1:
The third area of the display screen is pre-configured with touch-sensitive controls that provide immediate response to pilot input. Virtual buttons and controls are pre-positioned in the third area, allowing pilots to rapidly access and manipulate flight data without navigating through multiple menus or layers, thereby maintaining high operation speed while reducing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive third area acts as an intermediary between the pilot and the flight data systems. It provides a direct, intuitive interface where pilots can touch the display to access and manipulate data, eliminating the need for complex hardware control panels while maintaining rapid access to critical information through direct touch interaction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If MFDs expand to occupy all available cockpit space, then adaptability and information display capability improve, but pilot focus and safety deteriorate due to increased distraction
Solution Approach 1:
Different areas of the display screen have specialized qualities optimized for their specific functions. The first area is optimized for primary flight information with high visibility and minimal distraction, the second area displays supplementary system information, and the third area provides touch-sensitive controls. This local optimization allows comprehensive information display while maintaining pilot focus on critical flight data by separating control interactions from primary flight displays.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example embodiment, display system includes a first display device and a multi-function display (MFD). The first display device is configured to selectively render a first cursor thereon. The MFD is separate from, and is in operable communication with, the first display device. The MFD includes a stimuli-sensitive display screen. A first CCD is at least selectively within a first area of the stimuli-sensitive display screen, and is configured to generate a first signal, in response to a first input that is sensed in the first area of the stimuli-sensitive display screen, for controlling the first cursor on the first display device. An avionics display is at least selectively rendered within in a first sub-area of a second area of the stimuli-sensitive display screen.