Aircraft Weather Display Managing Visual Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current meteorological data representation and display techniques in aircraft cockpits often overwhelm pilots with excessive information, leading to poor readability and navigation issues, which can compromise flight safety due to the critical nature of weather information for decision-making.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for managing weather information that receives background maps and weather product selections, determines graphic symbols and variations based on spatial scales, and adjusts displays according to visual density and flight context, enhancing readability and reducing cognitive load through optimized human-machine interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple types of meteorological data are displayed simultaneously, then comprehensive weather information is provided, but data clutter and poor readability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments meteorological data into multiple hierarchical layers (e.g., essential weather information, supplementary information, detailed data). The system allows pilots to selectively display different layers based on operational needs, preventing information overload while maintaining comprehensive data availability. Each layer can be independently controlled for visibility and detail level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal and hierarchical dimensions to data display. Instead of presenting all meteorological data simultaneously in a single view, the system organizes data across multiple time scales (past, present, forecast) and detail levels, allowing pilots to navigate through dimensions rather than being overwhelmed by flat, comprehensive data presentation.
2Loss of information
If detailed meteorological symbols and text are displayed, then complete weather information is available, but cognitive load increases and decision-making is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of information detail in different display regions or contexts. Critical safety-related meteorological information receives prominent, simplified presentation, while less critical data is available in reduced form or upon request. The interface adapts information density to the operational context and pilot needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intelligent intermediary layer that processes and filters meteorological data before presentation to the pilot. This intermediary analyzes the flight context, pilot selections, and current weather conditions to automatically curate and prioritize information, reducing cognitive load while maintaining data completeness through selective presentation.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple display layers and symbols are superimposed, then comprehensive meteorological coverage is achieved, but navigation and analytical capacity are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic display control where the system automatically adjusts the number, opacity, and positioning of display layers based on flight phase, weather severity, and pilot interactions. During critical flight phases or severe weather conditions, the system dynamically simplifies the display by reducing non-essential layers, while maintaining comprehensive data availability for when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary organization and pre-filtering of meteorological data based on anticipated pilot needs and flight context. Before the pilot encounters information overload, the system has already structured data into manageable groups and prioritized critical information, making navigation easier while preserving comprehensive coverage through organized accessibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method for managing meteorological data for aircraft flight management is disclosed, comprising the steps of receiving a map background and selections (711) of meteorological products; receiving meteorological data associated with the aircraft flight plan, according to a first spatial scale; determining one or more types of graphic symbols; according to a second spatial scale, determining one or more graphic variations (720) of the types of graphic symbols, the graphic overlays being predefined; and displaying (730) the map background and the determined graphic variations. Developments describe managing the visual density of the display, taking into account the flight context and/or the pilot's physiology, and disabling display adjustments on demand. Software and system aspects (e.g.electronic flight bag, eye tracking) are also described.