Vertical Situation Display Altitude Window for Weather Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vertical situation displays (VSD) in aircraft cockpits have a predetermined and static aspect ratio and altitude scale, making it difficult for pilots to discern uplink forecast weather data, such as clear air turbulence, which is presented as small rectangular blocks, hindering effective flight path adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A display device and method that allow pilots to input a flight altitude value, enabling the processor to display weather data within a selectable altitude range, along with flight plan data, and include additional information like strategic weather, uplink weather, and onboard radar data, providing a more interactive and detailed view of forecast weather.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the VSD maintains a predetermined and static aspect ratio and altitude scale, then the display structure is simple and stable, but the weather data appears as small rectangular blocks that are difficult to discern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic altitude window that can be adjusted by the pilot to different altitude ranges. The window dynamically adapts to show weather data at the selected altitude range, transforming the static display into a dynamic one that responds to user input and provides clear weather information without requiring changes to the overall display structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the Y-axis scale is predetermined to cover the highest waypoint altitude, then the entire flight plan is visible, but the altitude window cannot be adjusted to focus on specific altitude ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overall altitude range into adjustable window portions. Instead of displaying the entire altitude range from minimum to maximum waypoint altitude, the system divides the display into a movable altitude window that can be positioned at different altitude ranges. This segmentation allows pilots to focus on specific altitude ranges of interest while maintaining the ability to view the complete flight plan when needed.
3Loss of information
If the VSD uses a static altitude scale, then the display is simple to implement, but pilots cannot gather detailed weather information for specific altitude ranges to make flight level changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an altitude window as an intermediary element between the pilot and the weather data. This window acts as a mediator that selectively filters and presents weather information for a specific altitude range chosen by the pilot. The window serves as an intermediate layer that enhances information access without requiring fundamental changes to the underlying display system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for receiving and processing weather data and flight plan data is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first display, an input unit, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive flight plan data and weather data, and to determine, based on the weather data, which weather characteristics is located within a predetermined range of a predetermined flight altitude value. The processor is further configured to instruct the first display to display those weather data which are located within the predetermined range above and below the input flight altitude value together with the flight plan data, and to instruct the first display to additionally display at least one element of the group consisting of the elements: strategic information weather, uplink weather, weather information from external weather data provider, onboard weather radar information, notice to airmen, aeronautical information service data, terminal area forecast, air-traffic related information.