METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DISPLAYING AIRCRAFT ENGINE CHARACTERISTICS

• US 20060220914A1
• Filed: 06/03/2004
• Published: 10/05/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/06/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Sikora, Joseph A., Wiedemann, John
• Granted Patent: US 7,148,814 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/945
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 7/08 using a common indicating element for two or more variables

Abstract

A method and system for displaying aircraft engine information. In one embodiment, the method includes directing the display of an icon that represents an overall operational state of an aircraft engine, with the overall operational state including one of a started state and an unstarted state. The method can further include directing a change in a displayed characteristic of the icon when the overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes from the one of the started state and the unstarted state to the other of the started state and the unstarted state. In a further embodiment, the method can further include repeatedly directing changes in the display of the icon as the aircraft changes from the unstarted state to the started state.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for displaying aircraft engine information, comprising:

directing the display of an icon that represents an overall operational state of an aircraft engine, the overall operational state including one of a started state and an unstarted state;

receiving a plurality of signals corresponding to a plurality of engine operating parameters while the engine is changing between the unstarted state and the started state;

if all the engine operating parameters are within corresponding ranges, determining that the overall operational state of the aircraft engine is the started state;

if fewer than all the engine operating parameters are within the corresponding ranges, determining that the overall operational state of the aircraft engine is the unstarted state; and

directing a change in a displayed characteristic of the icon at least proximate to a time when the overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes from the one of the started state and the unstarted state to the other of the started state and the unstarted state.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the one state is a first overall operational state, the other state is a second overall operational state, and directing a change in the characteristic of the icon includes directing a first change in the characteristic of the icon, and wherein the method further comprises directing a second change in a characteristic of the icon at least proximate to a time when the overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes to a third overall operational state.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein directing a change in a characteristic of an icon includes changing the icon to include a representation of a fan.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein directing the display includes directing the display of a representation of an engine inlet without a representation of a fan when the engine is in the unstarted state and with the representation of a fan when the engine is in the started state.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining whether the engine is in the started state or the unstarted state based at least in part on a signal corresponding to engine rpm.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

when the engine is in the started state, displaying a fan icon representative of a fan; and

when the engine has failed, ceasing to display the fan icon and instead displaying an icon representative of an X.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising repeatedly directing changes in the display of the icon as the aircraft engine changes from the unstarted state to the started state.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining the overall state of the aircraft engine from at least one engine operating parameter selected from engine rpm, thrust, engine pressure ratio, exhaust gas temperature, oil pressure, oil temperature, oil quantity, fuel flow, combuster burner pressure and vibration.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising directing a display corresponding to operator instructions based at least in part on the overall operational state of the aircraft engine.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the one state is a first overall operational state, the other state is a second overall operational state, and directing a change in the characteristic of the icon includes directing a first change in the characteristic of the icon, and wherein the method further comprises:

directing a second change in the display of the icon at least proximate to a time when the overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes to a third overall operational state; and

directing a display of a visual cue corresponding to an operator instruction when the overall operational state of the aircraft engine is the third overall operational state.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving an indication as to whether the engine is operating normally or not;

directing a display of a first visual cue when the engine is operating normally; and

directing a display of a second visual cue different than the first visual cue when the engine is not operating normally.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein directing the display of an icon includes directing the display of a graphical icon representative of the aircraft engine.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein directing the display of an icon includes directing the display of an icon having a shape representative of the aircraft engine.

17. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a graphical representation of actual and available engine thrust in addition to the icon.

18. The method of claim 1 wherein the one state is a first overall operational state, the other state is a second overall operational state, and directing a change in the characteristic of the icon includes directing a first change in the characteristic of the icon, and wherein the method further comprises:

directing a second change in a displayed characteristic of the icon when the overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes to a third overall operational state; and

directing a third change in a displayed characteristic of the icon when the overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes to a fourth overall operational state;

wherein the aircraft engine is not running when the overall operational state is the first overall operational state, and wherein the aircraft engine is operating within normal limits when the overall operational state is the second state, further wherein the aircraft engine is operating with a malfunction that requires a reduction in aircraft engine power when the overall operational state is the third overall operational state, still further wherein the aircraft engine is operating with a malfunction that requires the aircraft engine to be shut down when the overall operational state is the fourth overall operational state.

8-10. -10. (canceled)

19. A computer-implemented method for displaying aircraft engine information, comprising:

directing the display of an icon that represents an unstarted state of an aircraft engine;

directing a display of an alphanumeric message indicating at least approximately how close the aircraft is to achieving the started state; and

as an overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes from the unstarted state to a started state, repeatedly directing changes in a displayed characteristic of the icon and in the display of the alphanumeric message.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein repeatedly directing changes in the display of the icon includes increasing an amount of a display field having a selected display characteristic as the aircraft engine changes from the unstarted state to the started state.

21. The method of claim 19 wherein repeatedly directing changes in the display of the icon includes increasing an amount of a display field having a selected color as the aircraft engine changes from the unstarted state to the started state.

23. The method of claim 19, further comprising repeatedly directing changes in the display of the icon as the overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes from the started state to the unstarted state.

22. (canceled)

24. A computer-implemented method for displaying aircraft engine information, comprising:

directing the display of an icon that represents an unstarted state of an aircraft engine, the icon representing an aircraft engine having an inlet;

as an overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes from the unstarted state to a started state, repeatedly directing first changes in a displayed characteristic of the icon, including increasing an amount of a display field having a selected color; and

when the aircraft engine achieves the started state, directing a second change in a displayed characteristic of the icon to indicate the started state, the second change including presenting a fan icon at the inlet portion of the engine icon.

26. The method of claim 24 further comprising:

directing a third change in the display of the icon when the aircraft engine is operating with a malfunction that requires a reduction in aircraft engine power; and

directing a fourth change in the display of the icon when the aircraft engine is operating with a malfunction that requires the aircraft engine to be shut down.

25. (canceled)

27. A computer-readable medium having contents that cause a computing device to display information corresponding to an overall operational state of an aircraft engine by performing a method, comprising:

directing the display of an icon that represents an overall operational state of an aircraft engine, the overall operational state including one of a started state and an unstarted state;

receiving a plurality of signals corresponding to a plurality of engine operating parameters while the engine is changing between the unstarted state and the started state;

if all the engine operating parameters are within corresponding ranges, determining that the overall operational state of the aircraft engine is the started state;

if fewer than all the engine operating parameters are within the corresponding ranges, determining that the overall operational state of the aircraft engine is the unstarted state; and

directing a change in a displayed characteristic of the icon at least proximate to a time when the overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes from the one of the started state and the unstarted state to the other of the started state and the unstarted state.

28. The computer-readable medium of claim 27 wherein the one state is a first overall operational state, the other state is a second overall operational state, and directing a change in the characteristic of the icon includes directing a first change in the characteristic of the icon, and wherein the method further comprises directing a second change in a characteristic of the icon at least proximate to a time when the overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes to a third overall operational state.

29. The computer-readable medium of claim 27 wherein directing the display includes directing the display of a representation of an engine inlet without a representation of a fan when the engine is in the unstarted state and with the representation of a fan when the engine is in the started state.

30. The computer-readable medium of claim 27, further comprising determining whether the engine is in the started state or the unstarted state based at least in part on a signal corresponding to engine rpm.

31. The computer-readable medium of claim 27, further comprising repeatedly directing changes in the display of the icon as the aircraft engine changes from the unstarted state to the started state.

32. The computer-readable medium of claim 27, further comprising:

directing a display of a first visual cue corresponding to an indication that the engine is operating normally when the engine is operating normally; and

directing a display of a second visual cue corresponding to an indication that the engine is not operating normally when the engine is not operating normally.

33. The computer-readable medium of claim 27 wherein the one state is a first overall operational state, the other state is a second overall operational state, and directing a change in the characteristic of the icon includes directing a first change in the characteristic of the icon, and wherein the method further comprises:

directing a second change in a displayed characteristic of the icon when the overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes to a third overall operational state; and

directing a third change in a displayed characteristic of the icon when the overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes to a fourth overall operational state;

wherein the aircraft engine is not running when the overall operational state is the first overall operational state, and wherein the aircraft engine is operating within normal limits when the overall operational state is the second state, further wherein the aircraft engine is operating with a malfunction that requires a reduction in aircraft engine power when the overall operational state is the third overall operational state, still further wherein the aircraft engine is operating with a malfunction that requires the aircraft engine to be shut down when the overall operational state is the fourth overall operational state.

34. A computer system for displaying information corresponding to the operation of an aircraft engine, comprising:

a determining component with contents capable of determining an overall operational state of the aircraft engine, the overall operational state including one of a started state and an unstarted state, the determining component further being capable of;

receiving a plurality of signals corresponding to a plurality of engine operating parameters while the engine is changing between the unstarted state and the started state;

if all the engine operating parameters are within corresponding ranges, determining that the overall operational state of the aircraft engine is the started state; and

if fewer than all the engine operating parameters are within the corresponding ranges, determining that the overall operational state of the aircraft engine is the unstarted state; and

a display component with contents capable of displaying an icon indicating the overall operational state of the aircraft engine, the display component further being capable of directing a change in a displayed characteristic of the icon at least proximate to a time when the overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes from the one of the started state and the unstarted state to the other of the started state and the unstarted state.

35. The system of claim 34 wherein the display component is capable of directing the display of a representation of an engine inlet without a representation of a fan when the engine is in the unstarted state and with the representation of a fan when the engine is in the started state.

36. The system of claim 34, wherein the display component is capable of repeatedly directing changes in the display of the icon as the aircraft engine changes from the unstarted state to the started state.

37. The system of claim 34 wherein the display component is capable of:

directing a display of a first visual cue corresponding to an indication that the engine is operating normally when the engine is operating normally; and

directing a display of a second visual cue corresponding to an indication that the engine is not operating normally when the engine is not operating normally.

38. A computer system for displaying information corresponding to the operation of an aircraft engine, comprising:

determining means for determining an overall operational state of the aircraft engine, the overall operational state including one of a started state and an unstarted state, the determining means being capable of;

receiving a plurality of signals corresponding to a plurality of engine operating parameters while the engine is changing between the unstarted state and the started state;

if all the engine operating parameters are within corresponding ranges, determining that the overall operational state of the aircraft engine is the started state; and

if fewer than all the engine operating parameters are within the corresponding ranges, determining that the overall operational state of the aircraft engine is the unstarted state; and

display means for displaying an icon indicating the overall operational state of the aircraft engine, the display means further being capable of directing a change in a displayed characteristic of the icon at least proximate to a time when the overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes from the one of the started state and the unstarted state to the other of the started state and the unstarted state.

39. The system of claim 38 wherein the display means is capable of directing the display of a representation of an engine inlet without a representation of a fan when the engine is in the unstarted state and with the representation of a fan when the engine is in the started state.

40. The system of claim 38, wherein the display means is capable of repeatedly directing changes in the display of the icon as the aircraft engine changes from the unstarted state to the started state.

41. The system of claim 38 wherein the display means is capable of:

directing a display of a first visual cue corresponding to an indication that the engine is operating normally when the engine is operating normally; and

directing a display of a second visual cue corresponding to an indication that the engine is not operating normally when the engine is not operating normally.

42. A computer-readable medium containing a data structure having information for display, the information when displayed including an icon that indicates a qualitative overall operating state of the aircraft engine, wherein:

the qualitative overall operational state includes one of a started state and an unstarted state;

the icon has a characteristic that changes when the overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes from the one of the started state and the unstarted state to the other of the started state and the unstarted state; and

the computer readable medium is configured to;

receive a plurality of signals corresponding to a plurality of engine operating parameters while the engine is changing between the unstarted state and the started state;

if all the engine operating parameters are within corresponding ranges, determine that the overall operational state of the aircraft engine is the started state; and

if fewer than all the engine operating parameters are within the corresponding ranges, determine that the overall operational state of the aircraft engine is the unstarted state.

43. The computer-readable medium of claim 42 wherein the icon includes a representation of an engine inlet without a representation of a fan when the engine is in the unstarted state and with the representation of a fan when the engine is in the started state.

44. The computer-readable medium of claim 42, wherein a characteristic of the icon changes repeatedly as the aircraft engine changes from the unstarted state to the started state.

45. A computer-implemented method for displaying aircraft engine information, comprising:

directing the display of an icon that represents an overall operational state of an aircraft engine, the overall operational state including one of a started state and an unstarted state; and

directing a change in a displayed characteristic of the icon at least proximate to a time when the overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes from the one of the started state and the unstarted state to the other of the started state and the unstarted state, wherein directing the display includes directing the display of a representation of an engine inlet without a representation of a fan when the engine is in the unstarted state and with the representation of a fan when the engine is in the started state.

46. A computer-implemented method for displaying aircraft engine information, comprising:

directing the display of an icon that represents an overall operational state of an aircraft engine, the overall operational state including one of a started state and an unstarted state;

directing a change in a displayed characteristic of the icon at least proximate to a time when the overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes from the one of the started state and the unstarted state to the other of the started state and the unstarted state;

when the engine is in the started state, displaying a fan icon representative of a fan; and

when the engine has failed, ceasing to display the fan icon and instead displaying an icon representative of an X.