Rockwell Collins, Inc.

Rockwell International Corporation

Gary L Owen

James M Suiter

Maureen A Lehman

Sarah Barber

Michael James Krenz

Jeff M Henry

George W Palmer

Matthew T Smith

Michael G Espenes

James A Young, Jr

Michael K Bauer

Keith E Kankelfitz

Richard S Solar

The present invention provides systems, apparatus and means to perform various FMS flight plan edits and definition of navigation reference fixes using interactive graphical representations displayed on an MFD rather than a text-based CDU. In two of the embodiments of the present invention, means are provided where minimal pilot actions, i.e., shortcuts, (which may also include entry/adjustment of a numerical value) are performed on an electronic display that accomplish particular flight plan edits as compared to several pilot actions when using a CDU to perform the same edits. In another embodiment of the present invention, a means is provided where the data entry method is graphical in nature rather than alphanumeric text for inserting an airway into a flight plan. The alphanumeric identifiers are represented as graphical objects which are selectable. In yet another embodiment, the present invention teaches a means for a flight plan modification consisting of the entry or bidirectional adjustment of a parallel offset value directly on an electronic map. In another embodiment, the present invention includes the display of a dialog box showing interactive lists of the available instrument procedures for the selected airport which is displayed on an electronic map. The display lists remain in view after selections are made with the active selection and new selection highlighted differently in the list. In another embodiment of the present invention, a means is provided to allow entry/adjustment of navigation reference fix input data directly on the electronic map. Graphical navigation reference fix symbology is dynamically positioned on the electronic map while the input data value is being adjusted.

Enhanced graphical flight planning for a flight management system

A system for positioning a graphical object on an electronic display. A coarse positioning input control element provides a coarse position input signal and a fine positioning input control element provides a fine position input signal. A microprocessor is operatively connected to the coarse positioning input control element and the fine positioning input control element for integrating the coarse position input signal and the fine position input signal. The microprocessor output signal is provided to an electronic display. Manipulation of the coarse positioning input control element provides a rapid and coarse manual positioning of a graphical object and manipulation of the fine positioning input control element provides accurate positioning of the graphical object, thereby optimizing the efficiency for graphical object positioning on the electronic display.

System for integrated coarse and fine graphical object positioning

A flight management system (FMS) for an aircraft, that includes an integrated barometric altitude and satellite altitude-based vertical navigation (VNAV) system. The integrated barometric altitude and satellite altitude-based vertical navigation system, includes an altitude blending component for providing a smooth transition from a barometric altimetry source to a satellite altimetry source; and, a satellite altitude containment component operatively connected to the altitude blending component for limiting the difference of a barometric altitude path deviation to within a desired margin of a satellite altitude path deviation.

Integrated barometric altitude and satellite altitude-based vertical navigation system

An apparatus and method for displaying FMS information to a pilot with a map segment and a configurable window of textual information which is configurable both in size and content.

Method and apparatus for interactively displaying a route window for a flight management system

An apparatus and method for displaying flight information on a multi-functional avionics display where the display is divided into quadrants and a pop-up menu of available instrument functions to be displayed is provided within and for each of the quadrants, and the size of the display of the instrument functions is dynamically changed in response to manual and automatic stimuli.

Method and apparatus for interactively and automatically selecting, controlling and displaying parameters for an avionics electronic flight display system

An FMS with the capability of automatically adjusting the view of the flight path as the flight progresses while maintaining a set viewing direction. The vertical dimension of the flight path display chosen to fill the display and provide increased readability.

Automatic view adjusting flight plan display

An FMS with a three dimensional representation of the flight plan is disclosed. The view is adjustable via a joystick or other similar controller and is capable numerous varied views, including both a two dimensional lateral view and a two dimensional elevation view. Software is used to effect the changing views.

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Robins, IA, United States of America

Gary L Owen