Map and text display system for vehicle navigation
First Claim
1. Map display system for navigation of an aircraft showing map features, the system comprising:
- first memory means to store first map data of an area in which the aircraft may travel, such first map data including reference points comprising general map features;
first means to selectively collect and display map data from the first memory means which selected map data is effective for composing a first image component showing general features of the geographical area over which the aircraft is currently flying;
second means to compose a second image component showing a symbol of the aircraft;
means for repeatedly receiving position and direction of travel data for the aircraft from an external device and for repeatedly determining placement of the second image component relative to first image component;
display means for collectively displaying the first and second image components on said display means; and
means for generating an emergency display of nearest suitable landing sites, said means for producing said emergency display comprising;
(a) second memory means for storing therein second map data essentially relating to emergency landing sites and defining graphical and textual matter concerning landing sites and navigational aids located at or near said area in which the aircraft may travel;
(b) means for selectively collecting from said second map data information which relates to at least a predetermined number of suitable landing sites within the area over which the aircraft is currently flying, on the basis of user-selected criteria;
(c) means for composing a third image component showing emergency landing sites;
(d) means for replacing, on said display means, said first image component with said third image component and for continuously displaying and updating the position of said second image component relative to said third image component.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A map display system includes a vehicle symbol positioned in relation to background map data, and provides a large amount of relevant, easy-to-read map data to a user in a brief period of time. A first feature of the invention involves the drawing of aircraft landing and take-off areas in true size and orientation relative to background map data. A second feature involves display of navigation control areas in relation to an aircraft symbol. In accordance with a third feature, a user can select for display only objects meeting preselected criteria, such as airports having runways of a minimum length. A user can select an object for which text appears on the screen adjacent to that object and which may indicate relative position or distance to such object from the vehicle, in accordance with a fourth feature. A user can select full screen text of information concerning an object on a screen display, in accordance with a fifth feature. A sixth feature provides an automatic alert for an increased oncoming minimum safe altitude for aircraft flight. In an seventh feature, background map data is held stationary while a vehicle symbol moves in relation to the background map data. An emergency aircraft mode of operation, in accordance with an eighth feature, causes automatic display of at least a predetermined number of suitable landing sites according to preselected criteria, such as minimum runway length. A ninth feature involves display of planned and actual travel patterns of a vehicle.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. Map display system for navigation of an aircraft showing map features, the system comprising:
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first memory means to store first map data of an area in which the aircraft may travel, such first map data including reference points comprising general map features; first means to selectively collect and display map data from the first memory means which selected map data is effective for composing a first image component showing general features of the geographical area over which the aircraft is currently flying; second means to compose a second image component showing a symbol of the aircraft; means for repeatedly receiving position and direction of travel data for the aircraft from an external device and for repeatedly determining placement of the second image component relative to first image component; display means for collectively displaying the first and second image components on said display means; and means for generating an emergency display of nearest suitable landing sites, said means for producing said emergency display comprising; (a) second memory means for storing therein second map data essentially relating to emergency landing sites and defining graphical and textual matter concerning landing sites and navigational aids located at or near said area in which the aircraft may travel; (b) means for selectively collecting from said second map data information which relates to at least a predetermined number of suitable landing sites within the area over which the aircraft is currently flying, on the basis of user-selected criteria; (c) means for composing a third image component showing emergency landing sites; (d) means for replacing, on said display means, said first image component with said third image component and for continuously displaying and updating the position of said second image component relative to said third image component. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification