Existing auto-flight systems and existing flight management systems are very complicated to operate and utilize non-intuitive interfaces. The non-intuitive nature of existing auto-flight systems and existing flight management systems often results in unintended flight mode activations and surprises. Operating existing auto-flight systems and existing flight management systems has become increasingly complicated and challenging for both new and very experienced pilots.
The patented touchscreen flight mode control panel is communicatively coupled to the auto-flight system. The touchscreen flight mode control panel is configured to receive primary flight mode data from the auto-flight system. The touchscreen flight mode control panel is also configured to graphically present each primary flight mode of the plurality of primary flight modes to a user. The touchscreen flight mode control panel is further configured to detect touch gestures and direct executions of the user. The touchscreen flight mode control panel is additionally configured to output touch gesture data and direct execution data to the auto-flight system.
Patent Information
Patent Number: US 9,132,913
Patent Title: Simplified auto-flight system coupled with a touchscreen flight control panel
Inventors: Shapiro; Geoffrey A. (Cedar Rapids, IA), Etherington; Timothy J. (Hampton, VA), Smith-Velazquez; Laura Maxine (Owings Mills, MD)
Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc. (Cedar Rapids, IA)
Family ID: 1000000397961
Appl. No.: 14/038,439
Filed: September 26, 2013
Abstract: A system includes an auto-flight system and a touchscreen flight mode control panel. The auto-flight system is configured to control a plurality of primary flight modes. The touchscreen flight mode control panel is communicatively coupled to the auto-flight system. The touchscreen flight mode control panel is configured to receive primary flight mode data from the auto-flight system. The touchscreen flight mode control panel is also configured to graphically present each primary flight mode of the plurality of primary flight modes to a user. The touchscreen flight mode control panel is further configured to detect touch gestures and direct executions of the user. The touchscreen flight mode control panel is additionally configured to output touch gesture data and direct execution data to the auto-flight system.