Patent ID: 6702229
Filing Date: 2004-03-09
Classification: B64D,G01C

Abstract:
A flight information visualization system for use in an aircraft, comprising:a first set of visual indicators extending generally vertically with respect to an interior of the aircraft, the first set of visual indicators including a first static reference indicator, at least a number of the visual indicators on either side of the first static reference indicator being selectively actuable to produce a visual indication; a second set of visual indicators extending generally vertically with respect to the interior of the aircraft and laterally spaced across a pilot's field-of-view from the first set of visual indicators, the second set of visual indicators including a second static reference indicator, at least a number of the visual indicators on either side of the second static reference indicator being selectively actuable to produce a visual indication; and at least one processor coupled to selectively activate at least some of the visual indicators of the first and the second set of visual indicators, the processor activating one of the indicators in the first set of visual indicators spaced from the first static indicator in a direction and by a distance proportional to a distance between an actual horizon on a first side of the aircraft during a current set of flight conditions and a reference horizon on the first side of the aircraft for a nominal set of straight and level flight conditions as a most distal activated one of the visual indicators in the first set of visual indicators from the first static indicator and activating one of the visual indicators in the second set of visual indicators spaced from the second static indicator in a direction and by a distance proportional to a distance between the actual horizon on a second side of the aircraft during the current set of flight conditions and the reference horizon on the second side of the aircraft for the nominal set of straight and level flight conditions as a most distal activated one of the visual indicators in the second set of visual indicators from the second static indicator.