Apparatuses and methods for displaying autoflight information

• US 20040059474A1
• Filed: 09/20/2002
• Published: 03/25/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/20/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Gunn, Peter D., Griffin, John C. III, Boorman, Daniel J.
• Application Number:
  US10/251,493
• Publication Number:
  US 20040059474A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/14
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 23/00 Combined instruments indicating more than one navigational value, e.g. for aircraft; Combined measuring devices for measuring two or more variables of movement, e.g. distance, speed or acceleration

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for displaying autoflight information and controlling autoflight systems. In one embodiment, a flight deck for an aircraft having an autoflight system includes at least one pilot seat, at least one window positioned forward of the pilot seat, and a forward instrument panel positioned forward of the pilot seat. In one aspect of this embodiment, the forward window provides a forward field of view out of the aircraft for a pilot seated in the pilot seat. In another aspect of this embodiment, the flight deck further includes a display device configured to provide information related to one or more autoflight modes. The display device can be positioned at least approximately between the forward instrument panel and the forward window to provide the pilot with autoflight information at least proximate to the forward field of view. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the display device can be configured to provide information related to one or more target flight parameters.

Claims

1. A flight deck for an aircraft having an autoflight system, the flight deck comprising:

at least one pilot seat;

at least one window positioned forward of the pilot seat, the forward window configured to provide a forward field of view out of the aircraft for a pilot seated in the pilot seat;

at least one instrument panel positioned forward of the pilot seat; and

a display device positioned at least approximately between the forward instrument panel and the forward window, the display device configured to provide information related to one or more autoflight modes.

2. The flight deck of claim 1, wherein the forward window has an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the flight deck further comprises a glare shield positioned adjacent to the lower portion of the forward window, wherein the glare shield is configured to reduce glare on one or more flight instruments positioned on the forward instrument panel, and wherein the display device is positioned at least proximate to the glare shield.

3. The flight deck of claim 1, wherein the forward window has an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the flight deck further comprises a glare shield positioned adjacent to the lower portion of the forward window, wherein the glare shield is configured to reduce glare on one or more flight instruments positioned on the forward instrument panel, and wherein the display device is incorporated into the glare shield.

4. The flight deck of claim 1, wherein the display device is configured to provide information related to one or more target flight parameters.

5. The flight deck of claim 1, wherein the forward window has an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the display device is positioned at least proximate to the lower portion of the forward window.

6. The flight deck of claim 1, further comprising at least one primary flight display (PFD) positioned at least proximate to the forward instrument panel, wherein the display device is positioned closer to the forward window than the PFD is to the forward window.

7. The flight deck of claim 1, further comprising at least one primary flight display (PFD) positioned at least proximate to the forward instrument panel, wherein the display device is positioned closer to the forward field of view than the PFD is to the forward field of view.

8. The flight deck of claim 1, further comprising at least one primary flight display (PFD) positioned at least approximately forward of the pilot seat, wherein the display device is positioned at least approximately between the forward window and the PFD.

9. The flight deck of claim 1, further comprising a data entry device configured to receive input for controlling the autoflight system, the data entry device being positioned at least approximately forward of the pilot seat.

10. The flight deck of claim 1, further comprising a data entry device configured to receive input for controlling the autoflight system, the data entry device including an alphanumeric keyboard and a cursor control device, the data entry device being positioned at least approximately forward of the pilot seat.

11. The flight deck of claim 1, further comprising a data entry device configured to receive input for controlling the autoflight system, the data entry device including a display screen, an alphanumeric keyboard and a cursor control device, the data entry device being positioned at least approximately forward of the pilot seat.

12. The flight deck of claim 1, further comprising a data entry device configured to receive input for controlling the autoflight system, the data entry device including a control display unit (CDU), the data entry device being positioned at least approximately forward of the pilot seat.

13. The flight deck of claim 1, further comprising a data entry device configured to receive input for controlling the autoflight system, wherein the data entry device is positioned at least proximate to the display device.

14. The flight deck of claim 1, further comprising a data entry device configured to receive input for controlling the autoflight system, wherein the data entry device includes a keypad and is positioned at least proximate to the display device.

15. The flight deck of claim 1, further comprising a data entry device configured to receive input for controlling the autoflight system, wherein the data entry device includes a rotary knob and is positioned at least proximate to the display device.

16. The flight deck of claim 1, further comprising a data entry device configured to receive digital data for controlling the autoflight system from a ground-based source, the data entry device being positioned at least approximately forward of the pilot seat.

17. The flight deck of claim 1, further comprising a data entry device configured to receive digital data for controlling the autoflight system from an air traffic control station, the data entry device being positioned at least approximately forward of the pilot seat.

18. The flight deck of claim 1, further comprising a data entry device configured to receive digital data for controlling the autoflight system from a ground-based source operated by an airline, the data entry device being positioned at least approximately forward of the pilot seat.

19. The flight deck of claim 1, wherein the autoflight system includes at least an autothrottle and an autopilot, and wherein the display device is configured to provide information related to the autothrottle and the autopilot.

20. The flight deck of claim 1, wherein the one or more autoflight modes are represented by a textual shorthand.

21. The flight deck of claim 1, wherein the one or more autoflight modes are represented by a flight mode annunciator (FMA).

22. The flight deck of claim 1, wherein the one or more autoflight modes are represented by clear text.

23. The flight deck of claim 1, wherein the one or more autoflight modes are graphically represented.

24. The flight deck of claim 1, wherein the one or more autoflight modes are related to one or more of airspeed, vertical guidance, and/or lateral guidance.

25. The flight deck of claim 1, wherein the display device is configured to provide information related to one or more target flight parameters, and wherein the one or more target flight parameters are one or more of airspeed, altitude, heading, track, and/or course.

26. The flight deck of claim 1, wherein the display device is configured to provide information related to one or more target flight parameters, wherein the one or more target flight parameters are one or more of airspeed, altitude, heading, track, and/or course, and wherein the one or more autoflight modes are related to one or more of airspeed, vertical guidance, and/or lateral guidance.

27. The flight deck of claim 1, wherein the display device includes an airspeed display screen configured to provide information related to airspeed of the aircraft.

28. The flight deck of claim 1, wherein the display device includes an airspeed display screen and at least one associated airspeed selector, wherein the airspeed display screen is configured to provide information related to the airspeed of the aircraft and the airspeed selector is configured for selecting an airspeed for the aircraft.

29. The flight deck of claim 1, wherein the display device includes a vertical guidance display screen configured to provide information related to altitude of the aircraft.

30. The flight deck of claim 1, wherein the display device includes a vertical guidance display screen and at least one associated vertical guidance selector, wherein the vertical guidance display screen is configured to provide information related to the altitude of the aircraft and the vertical guidance selector is configured for selecting an altitude for the aircraft.

31. The flight deck of claim 1, wherein the display device includes a lateral guidance display screen configured to provide information related to lateral direction of the aircraft.

32. The flight deck of claim 1, wherein the display device includes a lateral guidance display screen and at least one associated lateral guidance selector, wherein the lateral guidance display screen is configured to provide information related to the lateral direction of the aircraft and the lateral guidance selector is configured for selecting a lateral direction for the aircraft.

33. The flight deck of claim 1, further comprising an autoflight performance selector positioned at least generally forward of the pilot seat, the autoflight performance selector configured to control the response of the autoflight system to autoflight guidance input.

34. A flight deck for an aircraft having an autoflight system, the flight deck comprising:

at least one pilot seat;

at least one window positioned forward of the pilot seat, the forward window configured to provide a forward field of view out of the aircraft for a pilot seated in the pilot seat;

at least one instrument panel positioned forward of the pilot seat; and

a display device positioned at least approximately between the forward instrument panel and the forward window, the display device having a first display screen configured to provide autoflight mode information related to airspeed, a second display screen configured to provide autoflight mode information related to vertical guidance, and a third display screen configured to provide autoflight mode information related to lateral guidance.

35. The flight deck of claim 34, wherein the forward window has an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the flight deck further comprises a glare shield positioned adjacent to the lower portion of the forward window, wherein the glare shield is configured to reduce glare on one or more flight instruments positioned on the forward instrument panel, and wherein the display device is positioned at least proximate to the glare shield.

36. The flight deck of claim 34, wherein the forward window has an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the display device is positioned at least proximate to the lower portion of the forward window.

37. The flight deck of claim 34, further comprising a data entry device configured to receive input for controlling the autoflight system, the data entry device including a display screen, an alphanumeric keyboard and a cursor control device, the data entry device being positioned at least approximately forward of the pilot seat.

38. The flight deck of claim 34, further comprising a data entry device configured to receive input for controlling the autoflight system, wherein the data entry device includes a keypad and is positioned at least proximate to the display device.

39. The flight deck of claim 34, further comprising a data entry device configured to receive input for controlling the autoflight system, wherein the data entry device includes a rotary knob and is positioned at least proximate to the display device.

40. The flight deck of claim 34, further comprising a data entry device configured to receive digital data for controlling the autoflight system from a ground-based source, the data entry device being positioned at least approximately forward of the pilot seat.

41. The flight deck of claim 34, wherein the display device includes at least one airspeed selector, wherein the airspeed selector is configured for selecting an airspeed for the aircraft.

42. The flight deck of claim 34, wherein the display device includes at least one vertical guidance selector, wherein the vertical guidance selector is configured for selecting an altitude for the aircraft.

43. The flight deck of claim 34, wherein the display device includes at least one lateral guidance selector, wherein the lateral guidance selector is configured for selecting a lateral direction for the aircraft.

44. The flight deck of claim 34, wherein the first display screen is configured to provide target flight parameter information related to airspeed, wherein the second display screen is configured to provide target flight parameter information related to altitude, and wherein the third display screen is configured to provide target flight parameter information related to lateral direction.

45. The flight deck of claim 34, wherein the first, second, and third display screens are configured to collectively display an active situation line, wherein the active situation line includes information related to the manner in which the autoflight system is controlling the aircraft.

46. The flight deck of claim 34, wherein the first, second, and third display screens are configured to collectively display a next event line, wherein the next event line includes information related to the manner in which the autoflight system will be controlling the aircraft.

47. The flight deck of claim 34, wherein the first, second, and third display screens are configured to collectively display an active situation line and a next event line, wherein the active situation line includes first information related to the manner in which the autoflight system is controlling the aircraft, and wherein the next event line includes second information related to the manner in which the autoflight system will be controlling the aircraft.

48. The flight deck of claim 34, wherein the first, second, and third display screens are arranged in a horizontal line and are configured to collectively display an active situation line and a next event line, wherein the active situation line includes first information related to the manner in which the autoflight system is controlling the aircraft, and wherein the next event line includes second information related to the manner in which the autoflight system will be controlling the aircraft.

49. The flight deck of claim 34, wherein the first, second, and third display screens are configured to collectively display an active situation line and a next event line, wherein the active situation line includes first autoflight mode and target flight parameter information related to the manner in which the autoflight system is controlling the aircraft, and wherein the next event line includes second autoflight mode and target flight parameter information related to the manner in which the autoflight system will be controlling the aircraft.

50. A display device for use with an aircraft having an autoflight system, the display device comprising:

a first display screen configured to provide autoflight mode information related to airspeed;

a second display screen positioned at least approximately adjacent to the first display screen, the second display screen configured to provide autoflight mode information related to vertical guidance; and

a third display screen positioned at least approximately adjacent to at least one of the first and second display screens, the third display screen configured to provide autoflight mode information related to lateral guidance.

51. The flight deck of claim 50, wherein the first display screen is configured to provide target flight parameter information related to airspeed, wherein the second display screen is configured to provide target flight parameter information related to altitude, and wherein the third display screen is configured to provide target flight parameter information related to lateral direction.

52. The flight deck of claim 50, further comprising a data entry device positioned at least proximate to at least one of the first, second, and third display screens, the data entry device configured to receive input for controlling the autoflight system.

53. The flight deck of claim 50, further comprising a data entry device positioned at least proximate to at least one of the first, second, and third display screens, the data entry device including a keypad configured to receive input for controlling the autoflight system.

54. The flight deck of claim 50, wherein the first, second, and third display screens are configured to collectively display a next event line, wherein the next event line includes information related to the manner in which the autoflight system will be controlling the aircraft.

55. The flight deck of claim 50, wherein the first, second, and third display screens are configured to collectively display an active situation line and a next event line, wherein the active situation line includes first information related to the manner in which the autoflight system is controlling the aircraft, and wherein the next event line includes second information related to the manner in which the autoflight system will be controlling the aircraft.

56. The flight deck of claim 50, wherein the first, second, and third display screens are arranged in a horizontal line and are configured to collectively display an active situation line and a next event line, wherein the active situation line includes first information related to the manner in which the autoflight system is controlling the aircraft, and wherein the next event line includes second information related to the manner in which the autoflight system will be controlling the aircraft.

57. The flight deck of claim 50, wherein the first, second, and third display screens are configured to collectively display an active situation line and a next event line, wherein the active situation line includes first autoflight mode and target flight parameter information related to the manner in which the autoflight system is controlling the aircraft, and wherein the next event line includes second autoflight mode and target flight parameter information related to the manner in which the autoflight system will be controlling the aircraft.

58. The flight deck of claim 50, wherein the aircraft includes a flight management computer, and wherein the display device is operatively connected to the flight management computer and configured to exchange flight mode information with the flight management computer.

59. An autoflight system for use with an aircraft, the autoflight system comprising:

an autothrottle;

an autopilot;

a flight management computer configured to control the autothrottle and the autopilot; and

a display device operatively connected to the flight management computer and configured to exchange information with the flight management computer, the display device including;

a first display screen configured to provide autoflight mode information related to airspeed;

a second display screen positioned at least approximately adjacent to the first display screen, the second display screen configured to provide autoflight mode information related to vertical guidance; and

a third display screen positioned at least approximately adjacent to at least one of the first and second display screens, the third display screen configured to provide autoflight mode information related to lateral guidance.

60. The autoflight system of claim 59, wherein the first display screen is configured to provide target flight parameter information related to airspeed, wherein the second display screen is configured to provide target flight parameter information related to altitude, and wherein the third display screen is configured to provide target flight parameter information related to lateral direction.

61. The autoflight system of claim 59, further comprising a data entry device positioned at least proximate to at least one of the first, second, and third display screens, the data entry device configured to receive input for the flight management computer.

62. The autoflight system of claim 59, further comprising a data entry device positioned at least proximate to at least one of the first, second, and third display screens, the data entry device configured to receive input for the flight management computer via a rotary knob.

63. The autoflight system of claim 59, wherein the first, second, and third display screens are configured to collectively display an active situation line, wherein the active situation line includes information related to the manner in which the autoflight system is controlling the aircraft.

64. The autoflight system of claim 59, wherein the first, second, and third display screens are configured to collectively display a next event line, wherein the next event line includes information related to the manner in which the autoflight system will be controlling the aircraft.

65. The autoflight system of claim 59, wherein the first, second, and third display screens are configured to collectively display an active situation line and a next event line, wherein the active situation line includes first information related to the manner in which the autoflight system is currently controlling the aircraft, and wherein the next event line includes second information related to the manner in which the autoflight system will be controlling the aircraft.

66. The autoflight system of claim 59, wherein the first, second, and third display screens are arranged in a horizontal line and are configured to collectively display an active situation line and a next event line, wherein the active situation line includes first information related to the manner in which the autoflight system is controlling the aircraft, and wherein the next event line includes second information related to the manner in which the autoflight system will be controlling the aircraft.

67. The autoflight system of claim 59, wherein the first, second, and third display screens are configured to collectively display an active situation line and a next event line, wherein the active situation line includes first autoflight mode and target flight parameter information related to the manner in which the autoflight system is controlling the aircraft, and wherein the next event line includes second autoflight mode and target flight parameter information related to the manner in which the autoflight system will be controlling the aircraft.

68. An aircraft having an autoflight system, the aircraft comprising:

a flight deck;

at least one pilot seat positioned on the flight deck;

at least one forward window positioned forward of the pilot seat, the forward window configured to provide a forward field of view out of the aircraft for a pilot seated in the pilot seat;

a forward instrument panel positioned forward of the pilot seat; and

a display device positioned at least approximately between the forward instrument panel and the forward window, the display device configured to provide information related to one or more autoflight modes.

69. The aircraft of claim 68, wherein the forward window has an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the display device is positioned at least proximate to the lower portion of the forward window.

70. The aircraft of claim 68, wherein the forward window has an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the flight deck further comprises a glare shield positioned adjacent to the lower portion of the forward window, wherein the glare shield is configured to reduce glare on one or more flight instruments positioned on the forward instrument panel, and wherein the display device is positioned at least proximate to the glare shield.

71. The aircraft of claim 68, further comprising a data entry device configured to receive input for controlling the autoflight system, the data entry device being positioned at least approximately forward of the pilot seat.

72. The aircraft of claim 68, further comprising:

a flight management computer; and

a data entry device positioned at least approximately forward of the pilot seat, the data entry device configured to receive input for controlling the autoflight system and transmit the input to the flight management computer for controlling the autoflight system in response to the input.

73. The aircraft of claim 68, further comprising:

an autothrottle; and

an autopilot, wherein the display device is configured to provide information related to the autothrottle and the autopilot.

74. An apparatus for use with an aircraft having an autoflight system capable of controlling the attitude of the aircraft in pitch, roll and yaw axes, the apparatus comprising:

an autoflight performance selector configured to limit the response of the autoflight system to flight guidance instructions in at least two of the pitch, roll and yaw axes, the autoflight performance selector having at least a first selection and a second selection different than the first selection, wherein selecting the first selection causes the response of the autoflight system to flight guidance instructions to not exceed a first level in the at least two axes, and wherein selecting the second selection causes the response of the autoflight system to the flight guidance instructions to not exceed a second level in the at least two axes different than the first level.

75. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the autoflight performance selector includes a rotary knob having at least a min position and a max position, wherein selecting the min position limits the autoflight system to gentle maneuvers in the pitch and roll axes, and wherein selecting the max position allows the autoflight system to engage in more aggressive maneuvers in the pitch and roll axes.

76. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the autoflight performance selector includes a rotary knob having at least a min position and a max position, wherein selecting the min position limits the autoflight system to a first angle about the pitch axis and a second angle about the roll axis, and wherein selecting the max position limits the autoflight system to a third angle about the pitch axis greater than the first angle, and a fourth angle about the roll axis greater than the second angle.

77. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the autoflight performance selector includes a rotary knob having at least a min position and a max position, wherein selecting the min position limits the autoflight system to a first rate of pitch change about the pitch axis and a second rate of roll about the roll axis, and wherein selecting the max position limits the autoflight system to a third rate of pitch change about the pitch axis greater than the first rate, and a fourth rate of roll about the roll axis greater than the second rate.

78. The apparatus of claim 74 wherein the aircraft includes a center of gravity and the autoflight performance selector is configured to limit acceleration of the center of gravity relative to a vertical axis.

79. The apparatus of claim 74, further comprising an override capability selector, wherein activating the override capability selector disengages the autoflight performance selector.

80. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the autoflight performance selector includes display and a cursor control device, wherein the display presents the first and second selections, and wherein the first and second selections can be selected using the cursor control device.

81. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the autoflight performance selector includes a rocker switch having at least a first position and a second position, wherein selecting the first position limits the autoflight system to gentle maneuvers in the pitch and roll axes, and wherein selecting the second position allows the autoflight system to engage in more aggressive maneuvers in the pitch and roll axes.

82. A method for manufacturing a flight deck for an aircraft having an autoflight system, the method comprising:

situating at least one pilot seat on the flight deck;

installing at least one window forward of the pilot seat, the window configured to provide a forward field of view out of the aircraft for a pilot seated in the pilot seat;

placing an instrument panel forward of the pilot seat;

providing a display device configured to provide information related to one or more autoflight modes; and

positioning the display device at least approximately between the forward instrument panel and the forward window.

83. The method of claim 82, wherein providing the display device includes configuring the display device to include information related to one or more target flight parameters.

84. The method of claim 82, wherein the forward window has an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein positioning the display device includes installing the display device at least proximate to the lower portion of the forward window.

85. The method of claim 82, wherein the forward window has an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the method further comprises positioning a glare shield adjacent to the lower portion of the forward window, wherein the glare shield is configured to reduce glare on one or more flight instruments positioned on the forward instrument panel, and wherein positioning the display device includes installing the display device at least proximate to the glare shield.

86. The method of claim 82, further comprising installing at least one primary flight display (PFD) at least proximate to the forward instrument panel, wherein positioning the display device includes installing the display device closer to the forward field of view than the PFD.

87. The method of claim 82, further comprising installing at least one primary flight display (PFD) at least approximately forward of the pilot seat, wherein positioning the display device includes installing the display device closer to the forward window than the PFD.

88. The method of claim 82, further comprising:

providing a data entry device configured to receive input for controlling the autoflight system; and

placing the data entry device at least approximately forward of the pilot seat.

89. The method of claim 82, further comprising:

providing a data entry device configured to receive input for controlling the autoflight system, the data entry device including an alphanumeric keyboard and a cursor control device; and

placing the data entry device at least approximately forward of the pilot seat.

90. The method of claim 82, further comprising:

providing a data entry device configured to receive digital data from a ground-based source for controlling the autoflight system; and

placing the data entry device at least approximately forward of the pilot seat.

91. The method of claim 82, wherein the autoflight system includes at least an autothrottle and an autopilot, and wherein providing the display device includes configuring the display device to provide information related to the autothrottle and the autopilot.

92. The method of claim 82, wherein providing a display device includes configuring the display device to provide the information related to the one or more autoflight modes in a textual shorthand.

93. The method of claim 82 wherein providing a display device includes configuring the display device to provide the information related to the one or more autoflight modes in a graphical representation.

94. The method of claim 82, wherein providing a display device includes configuring the display device to provide autoflight mode information related to one or more of airspeed, vertical guidance, and/or lateral guidance.

95. The method of claim 82, wherein providing a display device includes configuring the display device to provide information related to one or more target flight parameters, and wherein the one or more target flight parameters are one or more of airspeed, altitude, heading, track, and/or course.

96. The method of claim 82, wherein providing a display device includes configuring the display device to provide autoflight mode information related to one or more of airspeed, vertical guidance, and/or lateral guidance, and one or more target flight parameters related to one or more of airspeed, altitude, heading, track, and/or course.

97. A method for providing autoflight information on the flight deck of an aircraft having an autoflight system, the flight deck providing a forward field of view through at least one forward window, the method comprising:

receiving an autoflight control input;

controlling the aircraft in response to the received autoflight control input; and

displaying information related to one or more autoflight modes at least proximate to the forward field of view.

98. The method of claim 97, wherein the information related to one or more autoflight modes is first information, and wherein the method further comprises presenting second information related to one or more target flight parameters at least proximate to the forward field of view.

99. The method of claim 97, wherein the flight deck has a glare shield positioned adjacent to the forward window, and wherein displaying the information related to one or more autoflight modes includes providing the information on a display screen positioned at least proximate to the glare shield.

100. The method of claim 97, wherein the autoflight system includes at least an autothrottle and an autopilot, and wherein displaying the information related to one or more autoflight modes includes providing information related to the autothrottle and the autopilot.

101. The method of claim 98, wherein the information related to one or more autoflight modes is first information, wherein the method further comprises presenting second information related to one or more target flight parameters at least proximate to the forward field of view, and wherein the one or more target flight parameters are one or more of airspeed, altitude, heading, track, and/or course.