Third-Party API for 3D Avionics Symbology Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current avionics systems lack an interface for incorporating externally generated symbology into three-dimensional views, such as synthetic vision systems, limiting the ability to seamlessly integrate third-party-developed functionality into aircraft display systems.
Innovation Solution
A third-party accessible application programming interface (API) is introduced to generate symbology for three-dimensional views, allowing external entities to create and integrate position and context-sensitive symbols into aircraft display systems, using geo-referenced coordinates and widget runtime parameters to render symbology alongside proprietary elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a third-party accessible API is implemented to generate 3D symbology, then the adaptability and functionality of the avionics system are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An application programming interface (API) is introduced as an intermediary layer between third-party applications and the avionics display system. The API receives requests from external applications, processes them through standardized protocols, and returns appropriate 3D symbology representations. This mediator approach enables third-party functionality integration without directly complicating the core avionics system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into distinct modular components: the core avionics display system, the API interface layer, and external third-party applications. Each component operates independently with well-defined interfaces, allowing third-party symbology generation to be added without modifying or complicating the core flight-critical display system.
2Ease of operation
If third-party symbology is integrated into 3D views, then the ease of operation and customization are improved, but the reliability and safety management become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Different quality and validation standards are applied to different components of the symbology system. Third-party symbology undergoes rigorous validation and certification processes before being approved for use in specific contexts, while proprietary symbology maintains existing safety standards. This localized quality control allows customization without compromising overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where third-party symbology performance and safety metrics are continuously monitored and evaluated. This feedback loop enables the aviation authority to maintain and update approval standards based on real-world performance data, ensuring ongoing safety management while allowing operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A system that employs a third-party accessible application programming interface (API) to generate symbology for a three-dimensional view is disclosed. In embodiments, the third-party accessible API is running on or configured to communicate with at least one controller for an aircraft display system. The third-party accessible API is configured to receive a set of parameters for generating three-dimensional symbology. The controller is configured to receive the three-dimensional symbology from the third-party accessible API. The controller is further configured to generate a three-dimensional view that includes proprietary symbology and the three-dimensional symbology from the third-party accessible API at a display of the aircraft display system.