Time-Based Overlay for Moving Map Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft-based moving maps do not effectively correlate distance-based and time-based positioning information, which is crucial for situational awareness, especially when flying over bodies of water or inhospitable terrain, or when dealing with wind patterns and wake vortices.
Innovation Solution
A flight display system that provides time-based overlays on a positional map display, including time-domain range indicators, wind vector adjustments, and manual controls for adjusting the time-based ranging indicators, which account for wind effects and provide accurate time-based ranging of fixed and moving objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional moving maps display only distance-based positioning information, then the map display remains simple and easy to operate, but time-based positioning information is not provided which reduces situational awareness for time-sensitive flight operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges distance-based positioning information with time-based positioning information into a single integrated moving map display. The system overlays time-based ranging indicators (concentric circles representing time intervals) onto the existing distance-based map, allowing pilots to simultaneously view both types of information without switching displays or systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the traditional spatial map display by introducing time-based ranging indicators that show time intervals (e.g., 1-minute, 2-minute, 3-minute intervals) from the ownship's current position. This creates a two-dimensional representation (distance and time) on the same display plane, enabling pilots to assess both spatial and temporal relationships with other objects.
2Measurement precision
If the moving map provides comprehensive time-based and distance-based positioning information, then situational awareness is improved, but the translation between distance and time becomes complex due to variable factors like wind patterns and relative velocities
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically calculates and adjusts time-based ranging indicators by continuously monitoring the ownship's velocity vector, wind patterns, and relative positions of other objects. The display processor autonomously translates between distance and time using current flight parameters, eliminating the need for manual calculations or pilot intervention while maintaining precision despite variable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously updates time-based ranging indicators based on real-time feedback from the ownship's velocity, wind conditions, and position changes. This dynamic adjustment ensures that time intervals remain accurate even as flight conditions change, with the display automatically recalculating based on current parameters rather than static pre-computed values.
3Measurement precision
If time-based ranging indicators are displayed without accounting for wind effects, then the display system remains simple, but the time-based ranging accuracy deteriorates due to wind patterns affecting aircraft ground speed
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically obtains wind vector information from onboard sensors and weather data sources, then uses this information to adjust time-based ranging calculations. The display processor independently computes corrected time intervals that account for headwinds, tailwinds, and crosswinds, without requiring manual input from the pilot, thereby maintaining accuracy while minimizing operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for displaying dynamic time-based ranging over a moving map determines position, heading, and airspeed information of an ownship. Based on the positioning information of the ownship, the moving map projects the ownship forward in time and superimposes on the moving map (which may already include distance-based ranging information) time-based ranging information indicating a projected range of positions of the ownship at future or subsequent times relative to the current time. The displayed time-based ranging indicators may be arcuate in shape but adjusted to account for dynamic factors such as headwinds or tailwinds that may affect the time required for the ownship to reach a target at a given distance.