Terrain-Tracing Lines for Perspective Flight Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle display systems, particularly in aircraft, face challenges in accurately displaying distance or time information in perspective views without obstructing the operator's view of other crucial data, leading to potential misjudgment of object proximity.
Innovation Solution
A display system that includes a processor and display device capable of rendering a perspective view image with terrain-tracing lines that represent ground-referenced or vehicle-referenced ranges, conforming to the terrain profile, allowing selective display of these ranges to enhance distance estimation without visual obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a three-dimensional translucent plane with fixed range is displayed to show distance information, then distance measurement capability is improved, but the plane intrudes into visual space and obstructs the operator's view of other information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from displaying distance information using a three-dimensional translucent plane that occupies visual space to representing distance through two-dimensional terrain-tracing lines that conform to the terrain profile. This dimensional change allows distance information to be conveyed without creating visual obstruction, as the lines trace along the terrain contour rather than floating in three-dimensional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different colors or visual characteristics for terrain-tracing lines to represent different range values. By varying the visual properties of the lines based on distance, the system provides accurate distance measurement capability while maintaining clear visibility of the underlying terrain and other display elements, thus avoiding visual obstruction.
2Loss of information
If terrain information is displayed in perspective view to provide three-dimensional situational awareness, then spatial understanding is improved, but distance judgment between vehicle and terrain objects becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges terrain visualization with distance measurement by integrating terrain-tracing lines directly onto the terrain profile in the perspective view display. The lines are superimposed on the terrain contours, combining the three-dimensional spatial representation with quantitative distance information, thereby providing both spatial awareness and accurate distance judgment simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The terrain-tracing lines serve as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between three-dimensional terrain visualization and distance measurement. These lines trace along the terrain profile and encode distance information, acting as a mediator that conveys both the spatial form of the terrain and the quantitative distance data without compromising either aspect.
3Loss of information
If range display elements are continuously shown to provide constant distance reference, then distance awareness is improved, but the display elements may obstruct the operator's view of other information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic terrain-tracing lines that adjust their display based on operational context. The lines can be selectively activated or deactivated, and their visual properties can change based on the situation, providing constant distance reference when needed while minimizing visual obstruction when not required. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to varying operational requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A display system and method are provided for a vehicle that includes a processor (104) and a display. The processor (104) is adapted to receive terrain data (106) and navigation data (108) operable, in response thereto, to supply one or more image rendering display commands. The display device (118) is coupled to receive the image rendering display commands and operable, in response thereto, to simultaneously render (i) a perspective view image representative of the terrain dataand the navigation data and (ii) one or more terrain-tracing lines (226, 228, 230).