Virtual Guarded Switch for Aircraft Touchscreens
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Solution Overview
Problem
As flight deck technology evolves towards touchscreen-based functionality, there is a heightened risk of inadvertent activation of critical aircraft systems, which necessitates a solution to protect against accidental actuation while maintaining familiarity, speed, and ease of operation, especially in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A virtual guarded switch (VGS) system is implemented on aircraft touchscreen displays, featuring a virtual guard that can be removed through specific user actions, such as press-and-hold gestures, with timers and haptic feedback to prevent accidental activation, ensuring protection against inadvertent actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If touchscreen-based functionality is implemented to reduce physical switches, then device complexity is reduced, but the risk of inadvertent activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
A virtual guard element is introduced as an intermediary between the touchscreen display and the critical switch function. This virtual guard requires specific user actions (press-and-hold gestures, entering codes, or voice commands) to be removed before the switch can be actuated, thereby preventing inadvertent activation while maintaining touchscreen functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system requires preliminary actions to be performed before the switch becomes active. These actions include pressing and holding the virtual switch for a predetermined time period, entering a security code, or providing a voice command. Only after these preliminary actions are completed does the virtual guard disappear and allow switch actuation.
2Reliability
If a virtual guard is added to touchscreen switches, then protection against inadvertent activation is improved, but ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual guard system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the situation. In normal conditions, it provides full protection requiring press-and-hold gestures or security codes. However, in emergency situations, the system can automatically remove the virtual guard or reduce its requirements, allowing rapid actuation without compromising normal safety protections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the interaction parameters based on the type of switch and situation. Different press-and-hold time periods are required for different switches, and the virtual guard can be configured to require different levels of interaction (simple press-and-hold, security code entry, or voice commands) depending on the criticality and context.
3Reliability
If press-and-hold gestures with timers are implemented, then protection against accidental actuation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touchscreen display itself provides the timing and control functions needed for the virtual guard system. The display monitors press-and-hold gestures, tracks the predetermined time periods, and automatically removes or maintains the virtual guard based on the duration of the gesture. This eliminates the need for separate hardware timers or complex control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback during the press-and-hold gesture to confirm that the system is registering the input and counting down the time period. This feedback mechanism helps users understand the system state and ensures proper interaction without requiring complex additional components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A system and method for actuating a critical aircraft system (126) via a virtual guarded switch (130) includes a touchscreen-based Virtual Guarded Switch (VGS) used to replace physical guarded switches. Aircraft systems display the VGS on traditional touch screen displays (110) either via pilot selection or automatically as a result of an abnormal condition. The VGS maintains protection against inadvertent touchscreen activation while remaining familiar, quick, and easy to understand and use.