Virtual Flight Deck Simulation for Rapid Design Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating and training on new flight deck designs are hindered by the time and expense of creating physical prototypes and simulators, which lack realism and often delay training and customer demonstrations.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and apparatus simulate a flight deck by identifying a model with panel locations, generating displays from aircraft data, and presenting a virtual flight deck environment that can be manipulated by user input, reducing the need for physical prototypes and providing a realistic training experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical prototypes are built for flight deck evaluation, then realism and tactile feedback are improved, but cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of flight deck displays and instruments using software simulations. These virtual representations replicate the visual appearance, layout, and operational characteristics of physical flight deck components without requiring physical materials. The system generates photorealistic images and interactive simulations that allow evaluators to assess flight deck designs with high fidelity while avoiding the time and cost of building physical prototypes.
2Reliability
If physical prototypes are built for flight deck evaluation, then realism is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical prototype construction with a computational system. Instead of using wood, foam core, and other physical materials to build flight deck models, the system uses computer-generated imagery, virtual reality environments, and software-based simulations. This substitution eliminates material costs, reduces manufacturing complexity, and allows for rapid iteration of design variations without incurring additional production expenses.
3Measurement precision
If flight deck designs are evaluated using traditional methods, then comprehensive assessment is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary generation of virtual flight deck environments before actual evaluation begins. The system pre-configures multiple display layouts, instrument configurations, and operational scenarios in a virtual environment. Evaluators can then access these pre-prepared simulations immediately, eliminating the need to wait for physical prototype construction. This preliminary preparation enables comprehensive assessment of multiple design variations simultaneously, significantly accelerating the evaluation process while maintaining thoroughness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is present for presenting a flight deck. A model of the flight deck is identified having a number of locations for a number of displays. Aircraft data is obtained. A number of panels is generated from the aircraft data. A display of the flight deck is generated containing the number of panels in the number of locations to form a presentation of the flight deck.