Attitude and Configuration Indicator Display System and Method

Abstract

Attitude and Configuration Indicator Display System and Method within the context of an Electronic Instrument System in which the configuration status of a piloted craft; typically the instant positions of lift inducing elements and drag inducing elements, are represented by symbol groupings integrated with an a parent icon, typically a chevron-type symbol representative of the piloted craft. The symbol groupings receive data from associated on-board sensors and are displayed singly or in combination with each other anytime the piloted craft is not in a clean configuration to instantly alert the pilot(s) of the configuration status with a single glance directed to the attitude indicator.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This Application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 661,784 filed Mar. 24, 2010.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates generally to electronic instrument display systems and specifically to the display of configuration settings of a piloted craft within an attitude indicator; the piloted craft, including but not limited to, fixed wing aircraft, rotor-wing aircraft, spacecraft, lighter than air aircraft, and watercraft such as ships, barges, boats, semi-submersibles and fully submersible craft.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Various advances electronic instrument display systems and in particular Electronic Flight Information Systems (EFIS), have been implemented to make the difficult task of interpreting the operational status of commercial aircraft easier for pilots. Generally flight display systems include a primary flight display (PFD) installed in front of the left seat pilot position and ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is an Attitude and Configuration Indicator Display System and Method that provides a way for pilots to quickly and easily understand the configuration of their aircraft. This is done through a display system that includes graphical symbol groups representative of the piloted craft's configuration, such as flaps, slats, landing gear, and spoilers. Dedicated sensors associated with each configuration element provide the information via a computerized control system, which is displayed as symbol groups that move in concert with an aircraft reference symbol. The invention helps prevent accidents, reduces the number of displays required, and helps reduce mental fatigue. The technical effects of the invention include a more intuitive understanding of the aircraft's configuration, improved safety, and a more efficient and effective flying experience.

Problems solved by technology

The misapprehension of the configuration status, and in particular the position of the spoilers figures in a number of recent accidents.

While on most modern transport craft ground spoilers extend automatically upon touchdown, any failure to deploy spoilers in a timely fashion may result in accidents.

The NTSB investigation found that the pilots failed to arm the automatic ground spoiler system.

It was revealed that the spoilers had not deployed and that only one engine had deployed its thrust reverser causing the aircraft to careen off the runway.

In some cases, failure to deactivate the spoilers when accelerating has caused accidents.

For example, failure to deactivate the spoilers while climbing to avoid a mountain contributed to the crash of American Airlines Flight 965 on Dec. 20, 1995.

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