Vertical Situation Display Graphical Flight Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft cockpit displays, such as the navigation display, have limitations in presenting vertical flight path information, particularly in interpreting digital numbers for altitude and terrain, which can be cognitively demanding during critical phases of flight and lack graphical representation of vertical hazards.
Innovation Solution
A flight information display system comprising an electronic display device, connected to a computer with a database containing terrain, airspace, and map data, capable of displaying a side view of the planned and projected flight path, terrain symbols, and energy management information, enhancing situational awareness with graphical representations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If numerical data is used to display vertical flight path information, then information can be displayed, but cognitive effort required to interpret the data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses graphical symbols and visual representations to copy and represent vertical flight path information instead of using numerical data. The display shows visual depictions of terrain elevation, flight path trajectory, and vertical position relationships, allowing pilots to interpret spatial information intuitively rather than processing numbers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color coding to represent different terrain elevations and vertical flight path characteristics. Color gradients and changes visually encode vertical information, enabling rapid comprehension of terrain relative to flight path without requiring numerical interpretation by the pilot.
2Loss of information
If terrain information is displayed using color coding, then vertical terrain information can be shown, but the precision of elevation information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the terrain display by showing the flight path in three-dimensional space relative to terrain. Instead of only color-coded elevation contours, the system renders the flight trajectory with vertical positioning, allowing pilots to see both the terrain elevation and the aircraft's vertical position in the same visual field, preserving precision while maintaining graphical clarity.
3Device complexity
If basic vertical flight path information is displayed, then the display remains simple, but comprehensive flight path picture is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the navigation display and vertical situation display into a single integrated graphical interface. The flight path is shown with both lateral and vertical components in one cohesive visualization, combining terrain information, flight trajectory, and vertical position data without requiring separate displays, thus providing completeness while managing complexity through integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical situation display system for use in a vehicle such as, for example, an aircraft, is provided. A side view of an intended route of flight may be shown with altitude restrictions, airspace and instrument approach information, a projected flight path and range to airspeed symbol. The system may show terrain, weather, and traffic information along the intended route of flight. The system may be used in conjunction with a navigational display to enhance situational awareness. The system includes a computer, an electronic display device, an electronic entry device, a memory and a database. The database may contain terrain, airspace and flight planning data and may be updatable.