Abstract: A flight deck system for an aircraft includes a processor, a graphical interface for displaying flight-related information in the form of selectable items, a control interface for receiving a selection of the selectable items, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing electronic representations of charts. The selectable items correspond to the electronic representations of charts, and the electronic representations of charts describe minima and associated conditional criteria for operating the aircraft (e.g., proximate to an airport). The processor is configured to arrange the selectable items, receive a selection of the selectable items, identify a corresponding one of the electronic representations of charts, receive a condition associated with the aircraft, compare the condition to the conditional criteria for operating the aircraft to identify an applicable one of the plurality of minima, and display the applicable one of the plurality of minima on the graphical interface.

Abstract: A flight deck system for an aircraft includes a display device for providing a graphical interface for displaying flight-related information including a plurality of windows to an operator. The display device is configured for displaying the plurality of windows within a plurality of regions. The plurality of regions can each have a predefined shape and orientation on the display screen according to a regular grid layout. A touch interface is coordinated with the display device for receiving touch information from the operator and allowing the operator to interact with the graphical interface. A processor is communicatively coupled with the touch interface device and operatively coupled with the display device. The processor can be configured to dynamically recreate a selected window of flight-related information within one or more of the plurality of regions corresponding to an operator-selected icon. In such embodiments, the operator can operate the graphical interface through direct touch.

Abstract: A flight deck system for an aircraft includes a processor, a graphical interface for displaying flight-related information in the form of selectable items, a control interface for receiving a selection of the selectable items, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing electronic representations of charts. The selectable items correspond to the electronic representations of charts, and the electronic representations of charts describe circling approaches and associated conditional criteria for operating the aircraft (e.g., proximate to an airport).

Abstract: A flight deck system for an aircraft includes a processor, a graphical interface for displaying flight-related information in the form of selectable items, a control interface for receiving a selection of the selectable items, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing electronic representations of charts. The selectable items correspond to the electronic representations of charts, and the electronic representations of charts describe minima and associated conditional criteria for operating the aircraft (e.g., proximate to an airport). The processor is configured to arrange the selectable items, receive a selection of the selectable items, identify a corresponding one of the electronic representations of charts, receive a condition associated with the aircraft, compare the condition to the conditional criteria for operating the aircraft to identify an applicable one of the plurality of minima, and display the applicable one of the plurality of minima on the graphical interface.

Abstract: A control interface device for receiving spatial data input by an operator in a flight deck system for an aircraft includes a generally longitudinal housing and a plurality of keys. The housing can be gripped by opposing digits of an operator's hand and can stabilize the operator's hand (e.g., during a turbulence event). The plurality of keys is arranged along a line. The control interface device is configured to couple with a processor operatively coupled with a graphical interface for displaying flight-related information. The flight-related information can include a plurality of selectable items arrangeable along a second line when viewing the graphical interface. Each one of the plurality of keys is mapped to a corresponding one of the plurality of selectable items displayed along the second line of the graphical interface so that the operator associates the plurality of keys with corresponding positions of the plurality of selectable items.

Abstract: A flight deck system for an aircraft includes a display device for providing a graphical interface for displaying flight-related information including a plurality of windows to an operator. The display device is configured for displaying the plurality of windows within a plurality of regions. The plurality of regions can each have a predefined shape and orientation on the display screen according to a regular grid layout. A touch interface is coordinated with the display device for receiving touch information from the operator and allowing the operator to interact with the graphical interface. A processor is communicatively coupled with the touch interface device and operatively coupled with the display device. The processor can be configured to dynamically recreate a selected window of flight-related information within one or more of the plurality of regions corresponding to an operator-selected icon. In such embodiments, the operator can operate the graphical interface through direct touch.

Abstract: An obstacle avoidance system is provided to assist a pilot in avoiding obstacles. The obstacle avoidance system includes a set of proximity sensors and a pilot interface device. The set of proximity sensors detects nearby obstacles by emitting a signal and receiving a reflected signal from an obstacle. A processor receives an obstacle indication from the set of proximity sensors and detects the obstacle that is in proximity to the aircraft based at least in part on the reflected signal. The processor acquires a distance and a direction to the obstacle and calculates a threat level posed by the obstacle. The pilot interface device is operable to display the following: an ownship icon indicative of the aircraft, a velocity vector icon indicative of a velocity vector of the aircraft, and an obstacle graphic indicative of the distance, direction, and threat level of the obstacle.

Abstract: An obstacle avoidance system is provided to assist a pilot in avoiding obstacles. The obstacle avoidance system includes a set of proximity sensors and a pilot interface device. The set of proximity sensors detects nearby obstacles by emitting a signal and receiving a reflected signal from an obstacle. A processor receives an obstacle indication from the set of proximity sensors and detects the obstacle that is in proximity to the aircraft based at least in part on the reflected signal. The processor acquires a distance and a direction to the obstacle and calculates a threat level posed by the obstacle. The pilot interface device is operable to display the following: an ownship icon indicative of the aircraft, a velocity vector icon indicative of a velocity vector of the aircraft, and an obstacle graphic indicative of the distance, direction, and threat level of the obstacle.

Abstract: An obstacle avoidance system is provided to assist a pilot in avoiding obstacles. The obstacle avoidance system includes a set of proximity sensors and a pilot interface device. The set of proximity sensors detects nearby obstacles by emitting a signal and receiving a reflected signal from an obstacle. A processor receives an obstacle indication from the set of proximity sensors and detects the obstacle that is in proximity to the aircraft based at least in part on the reflected signal. The processor acquires a distance and a direction to the obstacle and calculates a threat level posed by the obstacle. The pilot interface device is operable to display the following: an ownship icon indicative of the aircraft, a velocity vector icon indicative of a velocity vector of the aircraft, and an obstacle graphic indicative of the distance, direction, and threat level of the obstacle.

Abstract: An obstacle avoidance system is provided to assist a pilot in avoiding obstacles. The obstacle avoidance system includes a set of proximity sensors and a pilot interface device. The set of proximity sensors detects nearby obstacles by emitting a signal and receiving a reflected signal from an obstacle. A processor receives an obstacle indication from the set of proximity sensors and detects the obstacle that is in proximity to the aircraft based at least in part on the reflected signal. The processor acquires a distance and a direction to the obstacle and calculates a threat level posed by the obstacle. The pilot interface device is operable to display the following: an ownship icon indicative of the aircraft, a velocity vector icon indicative of a velocity vector of the aircraft, and an obstacle graphic indicative of the distance, direction, and threat level of the obstacle.

Abstract: An obstacle avoidance system is provided to assist a pilot in avoiding obstacles. The obstacle avoidance system includes a set of proximity sensors and a pilot interface device. The set of proximity sensors detects nearby obstacles by emitting a signal and receiving a reflected signal from an obstacle. A processor receives an obstacle indication from the set of proximity sensors and detects the obstacle that is in proximity to the aircraft based at least in part on the reflected signal. The processor acquires a distance and a direction to the obstacle and calculates a threat level posed by the obstacle. The pilot interface device is operable to display the following: an ownship icon indicative of the aircraft, a velocity vector icon indicative of a velocity vector of the aircraft, and an obstacle graphic indicative of the distance, direction, and threat level of the obstacle.

Abstract: An obstacle avoidance system is provided to assist a pilot in avoiding obstacles. The obstacle avoidance system includes a set of proximity sensors and a pilot interface device. The set of proximity sensors detects nearby obstacles by emitting a signal and receiving a reflected signal from an obstacle. A processor receives an obstacle indication from the set of proximity sensors and detects the obstacle that is in proximity to the aircraft based at least in part on the reflected signal. The processor acquires a distance and a direction to the obstacle and calculates a threat level posed by the obstacle. The pilot interface device is operable to display the following: an ownship icon indicative of the aircraft, a velocity vector icon indicative of a velocity vector of the aircraft, and an obstacle graphic indicative of the distance, direction, and threat level of the obstacle.

Abstract: An obstacle avoidance system is provided to assist a pilot in avoiding obstacles. The obstacle avoidance system includes a set of proximity sensors and a pilot interface device. The set of proximity sensors detects nearby obstacles by emitting a signal and receiving a reflected signal from an obstacle. A processor receives an obstacle indication from the set of proximity sensors and detects the obstacle that is in proximity to the aircraft based at least in part on the reflected signal. The processor acquires a distance and a direction to the obstacle and calculates a threat level posed by the obstacle. The pilot interface device is operable to display the following: an ownship icon indicative of the aircraft, a velocity vector icon indicative of a velocity vector of the aircraft, and an obstacle graphic indicative of the distance, direction, and threat level of the obstacle.

Abstract: An obstacle avoidance system is provided to assist a pilot in avoiding obstacles. The obstacle avoidance system includes a set of proximity sensors and a pilot interface device. The set of proximity sensors detects nearby obstacles by emitting a signal and receiving a reflected signal from an obstacle. A processor receives an obstacle indication from the set of proximity sensors and detects the obstacle that is in proximity to the aircraft based at least in part on the reflected signal. The processor acquires a distance and a direction to the obstacle and calculates a threat level posed by the obstacle. The pilot interface device is operable to display the following: an ownship icon indicative of the aircraft, a velocity vector icon indicative of a velocity vector of the aircraft, and an obstacle graphic indicative of the distance, direction, and threat level of the obstacle.

Abstract: A touchscreen system for adapting a user interface broadly comprises a controller and a display screen, the display screen comprising a touchscreen. The display screen is operable to present the user interface. The controller may be configured to detect a defect in an area of the touchscreen, determine a location on the display screen related to the defect, and adapting the user interface on the display screen to compensate for the defect.

Abstract: A touchscreen system for adapting a user interface broadly comprises a controller and a display screen, the display screen comprising a touchscreen. The display screen is operable to present the user interface. The controller may be configured to detect a defect in an area of the touchscreen, determine a location on the display screen related to the defect, and adapting the user interface on the display screen to compensate for the defect.

Abstract: A touchscreen system for adapting a user interface broadly comprises a controller and a display screen, the display screen comprising a touchscreen. The display screen is operable to present the user interface. The controller may be configured to detect a defect in an area of the touchscreen, determine a location on the display screen related to the defect, and adapting the user interface on the display screen to compensate for the defect.

Abstract: Touchscreen electronics for detecting debris on a display screen of a touchscreen system and alerting a user to the presence of the debris broadly comprises a plurality of transmitters, a plurality of receivers, and a controller. Each transmitter may transmit at least one beam across the display screen. The receivers may detect the beams from the transmitters, and each receiver may generate a receive signal. The controller communicates with the transmitters and the receivers and may be configured to analyze the receive signals to determine if debris may be present on the display screen. If so, then the controller may generate an alert signal to indicate that the display screen needs to be cleaned or examined.

Abstract: A controller for an integrated avionics system and a method of operation of the controller is described herein. The controller includes a keyboard and a touch screen. Further, the controller provides hybrid functionality, such that a user can enter inputs (e.g., navigational data) into the controller via a keyboard-initiated input sequence, or via a touch screen-initiated input sequence. This hybrid functionality provides a user interface having the speed advantages associated with keyboard (scratchpad line select) input entry, while also providing the intuitive touch screen interface.

Abstract: An avionics control and display unit (CDU) in an integrated avionics system includes a display unit having a touch screen configured to detect touch input. The CDU is configured to have a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation. When the first mode of operation is selected, the display unit is configured to display control indicia to facilitate the control of one or more functions associated with the avionics system. When the second mode of operation is selected, the display unit is configured to enable a cursor control area to facilitate manipulation of indicia displayed by a display device such as a primary flight display (PFD) or a multifunction display (MFD), and so forth, via touch input to the touch screen over the cursor control area.