Flight information system
First Claim
1. A flight instrument having a combined display comprising:
- an artificial horizon display comprising a horizon line responsive vertically to a first information source and responsive in rotation to a second information source;
an altitude display, said altitude display comprising an altitude scale having a shape following a first continuous arc without substantial deviation from said first continuous arc; and
a fixed reference pointer, said fixed reference pointer indicating altitude relative to said altitude scale;
wherein said altitude scale does not form a complete circle; and
wherein said altitude scale moves following said first continuous arc in response to altitude information from an altitude information source.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A flight instrument displays azimuth information in combination with horizon information and other optional information such as altitude and/or airspeed. Azimuth information is displayed using an elliptical pattern placed below a horizon line displaying horizon information. The horizon information may be based on gyro enhanced vertical speed and/or vertical axis information. The elliptical pattern may be representative of a horizontal circular heading indicator viewed from above and behind the circular indicator. In one embodiment, the elliptical azimuth pattern moves in response to movement of the horizon line to maintain position below the horizon line. Airspeed and/or altitude information may be displayed at the sides of the screen area using a circular arc display pattern.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A flight instrument having a combined display comprising:
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an artificial horizon display comprising a horizon line responsive vertically to a first information source and responsive in rotation to a second information source; an altitude display, said altitude display comprising an altitude scale having a shape following a first continuous arc without substantial deviation from said first continuous arc; and a fixed reference pointer, said fixed reference pointer indicating altitude relative to said altitude scale; wherein said altitude scale does not form a complete circle; and wherein said altitude scale moves following said first continuous arc in response to altitude information from an altitude information source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for displaying altitude information in combination with horizon information in a combination display comprising the steps of:
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displaying a horizon line responsive vertically and in rotation to said horizon information; displaying an altitude scale to be read relative to a fixed reference pointer;
said altitude scale having a shape following a continuous curve without substantial deviation from said continuous curve and without following a complete circle; andmoving said scale along said continuous curve in response to said altitude information. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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Specification