Vertical Situation Display VPATH Inhibit Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current avionics display systems do not provide pilots with real-time feedback on how closely the aircraft's vertical trajectory diverges from its assigned path or guidance on recovering from such divergences, potentially increasing cognitive load and reducing situational awareness.
Innovation Solution
An avionics system incorporating a flight management system that receives vertical distance information, determines the desired vertical trajectory, and displays graphical feedback to pilots on divergence from the assigned path, including recovery trajectories and speeds, to indicate whether and how to recover from deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the VSD displays basic vertical position information from multiple sources, then the cognitive demand on the pilot is reduced, but the system does not provide feedback on trajectory convergence or divergence from the assigned VPATH
Solution Approach 1:
The VSD system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the aircraft's actual vertical trajectory and comparing it against the assigned VPATH. The system calculates convergence or divergence status and provides real-time visual feedback to the pilot through symbolic representations on the display, enabling the pilot to understand the current trajectory state without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The display system segments the vertical trajectory information into distinct visual elements: the assigned VPATH is displayed as a reference line, the actual trajectory is shown separately, and convergence/divergence status is indicated through specific symbols. This segmentation allows complex trajectory data to be presented in an organized, easily interpretable manner that reduces cognitive load while providing comprehensive feedback
2Reliability
If the VSD displays detailed trajectory convergence and divergence feedback, then situational awareness is enhanced, but the display complexity and information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses color changes and symbolic representations to indicate trajectory status. Different colors or symbols represent convergence, divergence, and recovery states, allowing the pilot to quickly assess situational awareness without processing complex numerical data. This visual encoding enhances reliability by making critical information immediately recognizable
Solution Approach 2:
The FMS automatically calculates trajectory convergence or divergence status and determines recovery recommendations without requiring pilot intervention. The system self-monitors vertical position, compares it against the assigned VPATH, and autonomously generates feedback displays, reducing the complexity burden on the display system while maintaining high situational awareness
3Ease of operation
If the system provides real-time feedback on trajectory divergence and recovery guidance, then pilot workload is reduced, but the computational requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The FMS pre-calculates recovery trajectories and recommended vertical speeds based on the current divergence state and aircraft performance parameters. By having recovery guidance pre-computed and ready for display, the system reduces pilot workload during actual recovery maneuvers without requiring complex real-time calculations, thus managing computational requirements effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The FMS acts as an intermediary between the complex flight control systems and the pilot. It processes raw trajectory data, determines convergence or divergence status, calculates recovery parameters, and presents simplified guidance information to the pilot. This intermediary function reduces pilot workload by handling computational complexity internally while presenting ease of use externally
Data Source
AI summary
A system and related method for enhancing situational awareness by providing, via a vertical situation display (VSD), real time feedback to the pilot when the vertical path (VPATH) of the aircraft diverges or deviates from its desired trajectory. The VSD may display the divergent trajectory to the pilot as well as advise whether the divergence from the desired VPATH can be recovered without exceeding the performance parameters of the aircraft. If the divergence is recoverable, the VSD may display a suggested recovery trajectory and recovery speed associated with reacquiring the desired VPATH based on the performance characteristics of the aircraft.