SVS Mode Switching Between Taxi and Takeoff Runway Views

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional synthetic vision systems (SVS) provide a narrow field of view suitable for take-off, flight, and landing operations but are inadequate for taxiing to a takeoff point on a runway, lacking the necessary wide field of view and clarity during taxi operations.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that switches between an SVS taxi mode exocentric view and flight mode egocentric view based on predefined exclusion zones, using aircraft and runway dimensions to determine transitions, ensuring optimal visibility during taxiing and take-off.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If traditional SVS provides a narrow field of view, then it is sufficient for take-off, flight, and landing operations, but it is not ideal for taxiing to a takeoff point on a runway

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidsuitability for different operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the SVS view mode changeable based on aircraft operational state. The system transitions between a first view mode (narrow field of view) for flight operations and a second view mode (wide field of view) for taxiing operations, allowing the display to adapt its characteristics dynamically to match the current operational requirements of the aircraft.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of field of view width by switching between different view modes. The system modifies the display parameter (field of view) from narrow to wide based on whether the aircraft is in flight mode or taxiing mode, thereby optimizing the visual information presentation for each specific operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If SVS uses a narrow field of view for flight operations, then it provides sufficient detail for take-off and landing, but it reduces visibility during taxiing operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual detail for flight operationsVSAvoidfield of view width
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the field of view width based on the aircraft's operational state. During flight operations, it maintains a narrow field of view to provide sufficient visual detail for take-off and landing, while switching to a wide field of view during taxiing operations to improve visibility of the surrounding environment and runway surroundings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by switching between different field of view widths corresponding to different operational modes. The display system changes the field of view parameter from narrow (for flight) to wide (for taxiing), optimizing the balance between visual detail and overall situational awareness based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system switches between SVS modes frequently, then it adapts to different operational states, but it creates nuisance transitions that disrupt the display

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse to operational changesVSAvoiddisplay stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by proactively switching to the appropriate view mode before the aircraft actually enters the corresponding operational state. The controller predicts when mode switching should occur based on aircraft position and operational parameters, preparing the display in advance to avoid sudden or disruptive transitions during critical operational moments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3819896B1System and method to change synthetic vision system (SVS) mode
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC
  • EP3819896B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3819896B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3819896B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system may include a display (902) and a processor (904). The processor may: output a synthetic vision system (SVS) taxi mode exocentric view (102) of an aircraft while the aircraft is performing taxi operations and when the aircraft is not in a predetermined exclusion zone, the predetermined exclusion zone including portions of a runway where the aircraft is able to begin taking off, wherein a width of the predetermined exclusion zone is based at least in part on at least one of a width of the runway or a classification of the runway; and output an SVS flight mode egocentric view from the aircraft when the aircraft is in the predetermined exclusion zone. The display may display the SVS taxi mode exocentric view until the aircraft is in the predetermined exclusion zone and display the SVS flight mode egocentric view when the aircraft is in the predetermined exclusion zone.