UAM Corridor Visual Indication for Pilot Situational Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack effective visual indications for pilots to remind them of relevant rules when operating near Urban Air Mobility (UAM) corridors, which are crucial for safe aircraft operations within and across these corridors.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a processor configured to receive corridor and aircraft position data, determine the relative distance of the aircraft to the corridor, and display a graphical indication on a user interface, such as a primary flight display or a map, to enhance situational awareness by showing the aircraft's proximity to or occupation of the UAM corridor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If no visual indication system is implemented, then the display remains simple and uncluttered, but pilots lack awareness of corridor proximity and relevant rules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overlays corridor information graphics on top of the existing flight display map, adding a new dimension of information (corridor proximity and rules) without replacing the base navigation display. This allows pilots to see both traditional navigation data and corridor awareness information simultaneously in a layered presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary graphic layer that mediates between the pilot and the corridor information. Instead of directly presenting raw data or complex alerts, the system uses visual indicators (such as colored zones or symbols) that intuitively convey corridor proximity and applicable rules, making the information accessible without cluttering the display.
2Reliability
If corridor information is always displayed, then pilots have continuous awareness of corridor rules, but the display becomes cluttered and harder to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The corridor information graphics are dynamically adjusted based on the aircraft's proximity to corridors. When the aircraft is far from corridors, the graphics are minimized or hidden. As the aircraft approaches corridor boundaries, the graphics become more prominent, providing just-in-time information that improves compliance without creating constant visual clutter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different visual qualities to different regions of the display based on corridor proximity. Areas near corridor boundaries receive enhanced visual treatment (such as colored overlays or boundary lines), while areas far from corridors maintain the standard display appearance. This localized enhancement ensures information is provided where needed without overwhelming the pilot elsewhere.
3Reliability
If the system provides detailed corridor rule information, then pilots can adhere to rules more accurately, but the information processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-processes corridor rule information and prepares graphic representations in advance. When the aircraft approaches a corridor, the relevant rule information is already formatted and positioned for immediate display, eliminating the need for real-time information generation or complex processing during critical approach phases.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (100) for graphical indication of a corridor is disclosed. The system may include a display (145) and a processor (160). The processor (160) may be configured to receive corridor position data of a corridor and aircraft position data indicative of a position of an aircraft. The processor (160) may also be configured to determine a relative distance of the aircraft in relation to the corridor based on the corridor position data and the aircraft position data. The processor (160) may further be configured to display a corridor graphic associated with the corridor based on the relative distance.