Patent Publication Number: US-2010131481-A1

Title: Methods for locating an item when a search mode is not selected

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The subject matter described herein relates generally to electronic display systems, and more particularly, embodiments of the subject matter relate to methods for locating an item on a display device in an aircraft without manually selecting a search function. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In many modern aircraft, electronic cockpit displays (e.g., glass cockpits) replace traditional mechanical gauges and paper charts, and instead utilize computerized or electronic displays to graphically convey information. Each electronic display may include one or more windows that display information associated with a number of computing processes. For example, a single electronic display may simultaneously display a navigational map window, a synthetic vision window, a flight management window, and a flight planning window. These electronic displays provide enhanced situational awareness to a user and enable a user to perform flight management tasks more easily and efficiently, for example, by eliminating the need to consult paper charts or locate and analyze mechanical gauges. 
     Often, it is desirable to search within a window to locate a particular item of interest. For example, a user may want to locate a particular waypoint or navigational aid on a navigational map or in the flight plan. In most current systems, in order to locate a particular item, a user must manually select a search field or search box in an active window to initiate a search mode for the underlying process. For example, in an aircraft environment, a pilot may have to temporarily release the joystick used to operate the aircraft, and position his or her hand over to a mouse or another interface device to select and/or initiate the search mode. Otherwise, if the search field or function is not selected, attempts to enter a particular item via a keyboard or another input device are effectively ignored (i.e., typing on the keyboard does not produce any noticeable or useful result). Additionally, if there are multiple windows on a display, the pilot may also have to identify and select the proper window for the search. After manually selecting the search mode, the pilot may have to move his or her hand again in order to utilize a keyboard or another device to enter (or input) the item to be located. As a result, current systems increase demand on the pilot, particularly if the pilot is attempting to locate an item on a display device during a critical phase of flight (e.g., during landing or in an emergency situation). 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     A method is provided for locating an item on a display device. The method comprises indicating a search mode on the display device in response to receiving a user input when the search mode is not selected and automatically searching a database for an element that satisfies the user input. The method further comprises identifying, on the display device, an element in the database that satisfies the user input. 
     In another embodiment, a method is provided for locating an item in a window displayed on a display device. The method initializes by receiving a user input when no item is selected within the window. In response to receiving the user input, the method further comprises graphically indicating a search mode on the display device and searching a database associated with the window for an element that satisfies the user input. If an element in the database satisfies the user input, the method further comprises graphically indicating the element in the window. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the subject matter will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a display system suitable for use in an aircraft in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of an exemplary navigational map suitable for use with the display system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  a schematic view of a plurality of windows suitable for use with the display system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of an exemplary automatic search process suitable for use with the display system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view of an exemplary navigational map, suitable for use with the automatic search process of  FIG. 4 , showing a graphical indication of a search mode in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of a plurality of windows, suitable for use with the automatic search process of  FIG. 4 , showing a graphical indication of a search mode in accordance with one embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic view of an exemplary navigational map, suitable for use with the automatic search process of  FIG. 4 , showing graphical identification of an element that satisfies a user input in accordance with one embodiment; and 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view of a plurality of windows, suitable for use with the automatic search process of  FIG. 4 , showing graphical identification of an element that satisfies a user input in accordance with one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the subject matter of the application and uses thereof. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description. 
     Techniques and technologies may be described herein in terms of functional and/or logical block components, and with reference to symbolic representations of operations, processing tasks, and functions that may be performed by various computing components or devices. It should be appreciated that the various block components shown in the figures may be realized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, an embodiment of a system or a component may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. 
     The following description refers to elements or nodes or features being “coupled” together. As used herein, unless expressly stated otherwise, “coupled” means that one element/node/feature is directly or indirectly joined to (or directly or indirectly communicates with) another element/node/feature, and not necessarily mechanically. Thus, although the drawings may depict one exemplary arrangement of elements, additional intervening elements, devices, features, or components may be present in an embodiment of the depicted subject matter. In addition, certain terminology may also be used in the following description for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. 
     For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to graphics and image processing, navigation, flight planning, aircraft controls, and other functional aspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in an embodiment of the subject matter. 
     Technologies and concepts discussed herein relate to display systems adapted to allow a user to quickly locate an item in one or more graphically rendered windows on a display device without having to manually select a search field or manually initiate a search function prior to entering a search query. Although the subject matter may be described herein in the context of an aircraft, various aspects of the subject matter may be implemented in other vehicles or in other display systems, and the subject matter is not intended to be limited to use with any particular vehicle. As described below, in an exemplary embodiment, a display system is configured to received a user input and search one or more databases for an element that satisfies the user input without the user having to first select or activate a search mode or search function. If an element in a database satisfies the user input, the element may be graphically indicated or identified in one or more windows in a manner that provides enhanced situational awareness and allows a user to quickly and reliably satisfy his or her information needs. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary embodiment of a display system  100 , which may be located onboard a vehicle, such as an aircraft  112 . The display system  100  may include, without limitation, a display device  102 , a user interface device  104 , a processor  106 , and a flight management system  108  (FMS). The display system  100  may also include at least one database  110  suitably configured to support operation of the display system  100  as described in greater detail below. 
     It should be understood that  FIG. 1  is a simplified representation of a display system  100  for purposes of explanation and ease of description, and  FIG. 1  is not intended to limit the application or scope of the subject matter in any way. In practice, the display system  100  and/or aircraft  112  will include numerous other devices and components for providing additional functions and features, as will be appreciated in the art. Furthermore, although the subject matter may be described herein in the context of an aviation environment, various aspects of the subject matter may be implemented in other vehicles, for example, motor vehicles (e.g., cars or motorcycles) and/or watercraft, or in non-vehicle applications, and the subject matter is not intended to be limited to use in an aircraft or any particular vehicle. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the display device  102  is coupled to the processor  106 , which in turn is coupled to the flight management system  108 . In an exemplary embodiment, the user interface device  104  is coupled to the processor  106  and adapted to allow a user (e.g., pilot, copilot, or crew) to interact with the display system  100 . The processor  106  is coupled to the database  110  such that the processor  106  can read information from the database  110 , and the processor  106  is configured to display, render, or otherwise convey one or more graphical representations or images associated with operation of the aircraft  112  on the display device  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, the flight management system  108 , the processor  106 , and the database  110  are cooperatively configured to enable searching for items and/or elements in a database  110  associated with a window graphically displayed on the display device  102 , as described in greater detail below. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the display device  102  is realized as an electronic display configured to display flight information or other data associated with operation of the aircraft  112  under control of the processor  106 , as will be understood. Depending on the embodiment, the display device  102  may be realized as a visual display device such as a monitor, display screen, flat panel display, or another suitable electronic display device. In an exemplary embodiment, the display device  102  is located within a cockpit of the aircraft  112 . It should be appreciated that although  FIG. 1  shows a single display device  102  onboard the aircraft  112 , in practice, additional display devices may be present. Furthermore, although  FIG. 1  shows the display device  102  within the aircraft  112 , in practice, the display device  102  may be located outside the aircraft  112  (e.g., on the ground as part of an air traffic control center or another command center) and communicatively coupled to the processor  106  over a data link. For example, the display device  102  may communicate with the processor  106  using a radio communication system or another data link system, such as a controller pilot data link (CPDL). 
     In various embodiments, the user interface device  104  may be realized as a keypad, touchpad, keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, joystick, or another suitable device adapted to receive input from a user. In some embodiments, the user interface device  104  may be realized as a microphone, a headset, or another device capable of receiving an auditory input. It should also be appreciated that although  FIG. 1  shows a single user interface device  104 , in practical embodiments, multiple user interface devices may be present. In an exemplary embodiment, user interface device  104  is located within a cockpit of the aircraft  112 , however, in practice, the user interface device  104  may be located outside the aircraft  112  and communicatively coupled to the processor  106  over a wireless data link or another suitable communication channel. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the flight management system  108  is located onboard the aircraft  112 . Although not illustrated, in practice, the flight management system  108  may be coupled to and/or include one or more additional modules or components as necessary to support navigation, flight planning, and other conventional aircraft control functions in a conventional manner. For example, the flight management system  108  may obtain and/or determine one or more navigational parameters associated with operation of the aircraft  112 , and provide these parameters to the processor  106 . Depending on the embodiment, the flight management system  108  may obtain and/or determine one or more of the following: the geographic location and/or position of the aircraft  112  (e.g., the latitude and longitude), the heading of the aircraft  112  (i.e., the direction the aircraft is traveling in relative to some reference), the current altitude of the aircraft  112 , a speed metric associated with the aircraft  112  (e.g., the airspeed, groundspeed or velocity), the current wind speed and/or wind direction, the temperature, or pressure. In this regard, the flight management system  108  may include and/or be coupled to a navigation system such as a global positioning system (GPS), inertial reference system (IRS), or a radio-based navigation system (e.g., VHF omni-directional radio range (VOR) or long range aid to navigation (LORAN)), and may include one or more sensors suitably configured to support operation of the navigation system, as will be appreciated in the art. The flight management system  108  may also include and/or be coupled to one or more sensor systems configured to obtain one or more of the operational parameters associated with the aircraft  112  described above. As described below, the flight management system  108  and/or the processor  106  are cooperatively configured to graphically display information regarding operation of the aircraft  112 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the processor  106  is configured to display, render, or otherwise convey one or more graphical representations or images associated with operation of the aircraft  112  in one or more windows on the display device  102 , as described in greater detail below. The processor  106  may be implemented or realized with a general purpose processor, a content addressable memory, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein. In this regard, a processor may be realized as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, or the like. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration. In practice, processor  106  includes processing logic that may be configured to carry out the functions, techniques, and processing tasks associated with the operation of the display system  100 , as described in greater detail below. Furthermore, the steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in firmware, in a software module executed by processor  106 , or in any practical combination thereof. Additionally, although  FIG. 1  depicts the processor  106  and the flight management system  108  as separate elements, in practice, the processor  106  may be integral with the flight management system  108  or another module within the vehicle or aircraft  112 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the processor  106  and/or the flight management system  108  are cooperatively configured to display, render, or otherwise convey graphical representations, images, information pertaining to the aircraft  112  in one or more graphical windows on the display device  102 . In this regard, a window refers to a visual area containing graphical representations or images associated with one or more computing processes or programs executing on the processor  106  and/or flight management system  108 , as will be appreciated in the art and described in greater detail below. That is, a window generates, conveys, renders, or otherwise displays graphical representations or images based on data received from one or more underlying processes or programs. In an exemplary embodiment, each window displayed on the display device  102  is associated with an underlying process executing on the flight management system  108  or processor  106 , as will be appreciated in the art. Accordingly, as used herein, the term “window” may be understood as referring to a graphical window (e.g., a window displayed on a display device) along with the underlying process and/or program associated with the window, as will be appreciated in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, a window has a defined area and/or boundary (e.g., a bordered rectangle), wherein the contents of the window (e.g., graphical representations or images within the area or boundary) convey information pertaining to the process and/or program the window is associated with. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a window at any time may convey no information, that is, the window and/or space on the display device  102  may be reserved for use by a particular process. Depending on the embodiment, the location or positioning of the window within a viewing area on the display device  102  may be adjusted (that is, the window may be moved), the size, shape, and/or area of the window may be adjusted, and a window may be overlapped by one or more other windows (e.g., cascaded windows) or display elements on the display device, as will be appreciated in the art. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the processor  106  and/or flight management system  108  may be cooperatively configured to render or otherwise graphically display a navigational map  200  in a window  202  (e.g., a navigational map window) on the display device  102 . In this regard, the processor  106  and/or the flight management system  108  may also be configured to render a graphical representation of the aircraft  204  within the navigational window  202 , which may be overlaid or rendered on top of a background  206 . The background  206  may be realized as a graphical representation of the terrain, topology, or other suitable items or points of interest (e.g., waypoints, airports, navigational aids) within a given distance of the aircraft  112 , as will be appreciated in the art. 
     In some embodiments, the display device  102  may have multiple windows simultaneously displayed thereon. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , in addition to a navigational window  202 , the processor  106  and/or flight management system  108  may be cooperatively configured to render or otherwise graphically display a flight plan  300  (or waypoint list) in a separate window  302  (e.g., a flight planning window). It should be appreciated that, in practice, numerous possible configurations and combinations of windows are possible, and the subject matter described herein is not intended to limited to any particular arrangement. For example, the processor  106  and/or flight management system  108  may be cooperatively configured to render or otherwise graphically display information relating to the operating status of the aircraft  112  (e.g., an environmental control window  304 ) or additional perspective views (e.g., a synthetic vision display or three-dimensional perspective view) in one or more additional windows on the display device  102 . In the depicted embodiment, the windows  202 ,  302 ,  304  are tiled or arranged in a non-overlapping manner, however, in practice, the windows may be overlapping or arranged in another suitable manner. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , in an exemplary embodiment, the processor  106  accesses or includes a database  110  suitably configured to support operation of one or more processes and/or programs executing on the processor  106  and/or flight management system  108 , as described herein. It should be appreciated that although  FIG. 1  shows a single database  110 , in practice, additional databases may be present. Furthermore, although  FIG. 1  shows the database  110  within the aircraft  112 , in practice, the database  110  may be located outside the aircraft  112  and communicatively coupled to the processor  106  over a data link or another suitable communication channel. In addition, although  FIG. 1  depicts the database  110  as a separate component, in practical embodiments, the database  110  may be integral with the flight management system  108  or the processor  106 . In this regard, each process and/or program executing on the processor  106  and/or flight management system  108  may implement or be coupled to one or more databases  110  (e.g., application-specific databases) associated with the process and/or program. The database  110  may be realized in memory, such as, for example, RAM memory, flash memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the database  110  contains information for items and/or elements associated with operation of the aircraft  112 . For example, in an aircraft  112 , a navigational map process or a flight planning process may implement and/or be associated with a database  110  that contains information associated with a plurality of navigational reference points or navigational aids. The navigational database may be based on one or more sectional charts, digital maps, or any other suitable commercial or military database or map, as will be appreciated in the art. For each navigational reference point, the database  110  may maintain position information (e.g., latitude and longitude), altitude information (e.g., the altitude of the navigational reference point or the surrounding area), and other relevant information for the given reference point, as will be appreciated in the art. Depending on the embodiment, the navigational database may maintain information for various types of navigational reference points, such as, for example, VHF omni-directional ranges (VORs), distance measuring equipment (DMEs), tactical air navigation aids (TACANs), and combinations thereof (e.g., VORTACs), position fixes, initial approach fixes (IAFs), final approach fixes (FAFs) or other navigational reference points used in area navigation (RNAV). In some embodiments, a database  110  may be associated with multiple processes and/or programs. For example, a navigational database may be associated with and/or accessed by a navigational map process and a flight planning process. It should be appreciated that, depending on the processes executing on the processor  106  and/or flight management system  108 , that instead of or in addition to navigational database, a database  110  may be realized as an obstacle database, a taxi airport database, a geopolitical database, a road data base, an approach database, an external database (e.g., accessed via a data link or network), or another suitable user-defined or system-generated database. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , in an exemplary embodiment, a display system may be configured to perform an automatic search process  400  and additional tasks, functions, and operations described below. The various tasks may be performed by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. For illustrative purposes, the following description may refer to elements mentioned above in connection with  FIG. 1 . In practice, the tasks, functions, and operations may be performed by different elements of the described system, such as a display device, a user interface device, a processor, a flight management system, or a database. It should be appreciated that any number of additional or alternative tasks may be included, and may be incorporated into a more comprehensive procedure or process having additional functionality not described in detail herein. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 4 , and with continued reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , an automatic search process  400  may be performed to quickly locate an item and/or element within one or more windows displayed on a display device. In an exemplary embodiment, the automatic search process  400  initializes by receiving a user input when no selectable item, object, field, and/or other element is selected in a window displayed on the display device (task  402 ). For example, one or more windows displayed on the display device may each include any number of selectable items, objects, fields, and/or other elements which are currently displayed in the window(s) on the display device. In an exemplary embodiment, if an item in the window has been selected, the display system  100  responds in a conventional manner without continuing execution of automatic search process  400 , as will be appreciated in the art. In this manner, the automatic search process  400  continues only when certain items, objects, fields, and/or other elements currently displayed in the windows on the display device are in an inactive state. That is, a user has not activated and/or selected any currently displayed item, object, field, and/or other element, or if the user has previously activated and/or selected any currently displayed item, the process and/or program associated with the activation and/or selection has timed out or expired, as will be understood in the art. In this manner, if no items, objects, fields, and/or other elements are selected, the automatic search process  400  enables search functionality of the display system  100  without the user having to manually select or designate the desired search function or search field, as described below. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the automatic search process  400  receives a user input in the form of an alphanumeric and/or textual input via the user interface device  104  (e.g., via a keyboard or keypad). As described in greater detail below, a text entry field and/or search field may be displayed and/or rendered on the display device in response to the user input. Alternatively, the display system  100  and user interface  104  may be cooperatively configured to generate an alphanumeric and/or textual input in response to receiving an auditory input (e.g., via a microphone or headset). 
     In response to receiving the user input when no item is selected, the automatic search process  400  continues by determining a search context that identifies or designates the window(s) and/or processes for searching (task  404 ). As described in greater detail below, the search context determines how the automatic search process  400  responds to the received user input depending on the status of the display system. The search context may designate one or more windows for searching for the user input, or designate only an active or focused window (or the current window). In an exemplary embodiment, based on the search context, the automatic search process  400  indicates a graphically indicates a search mode (e.g., by displaying a text entry field or search field) in response to the user input, and provides the user input to one or more windows and/or processes. In this manner, the automatic search process  400  functions as an intelligent search process that eliminates unnecessary and/or distracting steps that a user may have to perform in conventional systems. For example, a user, such as a pilot, does not have to manually identify the appropriate window or process for searching, and then manually select the search field or function associated within that window before entering the search query and initiating the search. As a result, more of the pilot&#39;s effort and attention can be focused on operating the aircraft. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, if there is a window that is currently displayed and active, the automatic search process  400  may determine the search context such that it designates the active window for searching. In one embodiment, the active window may be the window having a cursor or pointer positioned over and/or within the area defined by the window. Alternatively, the active window comprises the window where there was the most recent activity, for example, based on user input or a response from the display system  100  within the window (e.g., a pop-up or message within the window). In this regard, the search context may designate a window that is not necessarily “active,” but rather a window that a user was previously interested in and/or engaged with (e.g., a “focused window”) as a default window for searching. In another embodiment, if there is no active window, for example, if the previously active window has timed out or expired, the automatic search process  400  may determine the search context such that it designates all currently displayed windows for searching. In another embodiment, if there is no active window, the automatic search process  400  may determine the search context such that it designates the entire system (e.g., all databases  110 ) for searching. 
     In yet another embodiment, the automatic search process  400  may determine the search context such that it designates a process and/or program that is the most commonly used process and/or program for searching. For example, the automatic search process  400  may maintain a record of processes (or windows) and searches, such that the automatic search process  400  may determine the most commonly used process and designate that process for searching. In an alternative embodiment, the automatic search process  400  may determine the search context such that it designates a process and/or program that is most relevant to the user input. For example, if the user input begins with a ‘K’ (e.g., ‘KDCA’) the automatic search process  400  may recognize the user input as an airport and designate a process associated with a navigational or airport database, such as a navigational window (e.g., window  202 ) or flight planning window (e.g., window  302 ). Alternatively, the automatic search process  400  may designate a most relevant process based upon the phase of flight of the aircraft  112 . For example, the flight management system  108  may determine the aircraft  112  is approaching a known landing location (e.g., a runway or landing strip) based on a proximity to an associated navigational reference point, a rate of descent of the aircraft  112 , or other factors, as will be appreciated in the art. Based on the phase of flight, the automatic search process  400  may determine and/or designate a process or window that is most relevant to landing the aircraft  112  for searching. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the automatic search process  400  continues by graphically indicating a search mode on the display device (task  406 ). As used herein, a search mode should be understood as referring to the search functionality associated with one or more windows and/or processes executing within the display system. For example, a process may have a resident search function, and the window associated with the process may have a search field, menu item, or another means for a user to select and initiate the search functionality, as will be appreciated in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor  106  receives an input signal from the user interface device  104  indicative of a user input, and in response graphically indicates the search mode on the display device  102 . In other words, the automatic search process  400  may graphically indicate that the search functionality associated with one or more windows and/or processes is (or will be) activated based upon the received user input, even though the user has not manually selected a search mode or search function for a window and/or process. In accordance with one embodiment, the automatic search process  400  indicates the search mode in a manner that is influenced by the search context. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , if the search context designates an active window or a particular window or process, such as navigational window  202 , the processor  106  may render or display a search field  500  (e.g., a text box or text entry field). In an exemplary embodiment, the automatic search process  400  replicates the user input as received within the search field in the designated window. As shown, the user input ‘K’ is replicated in the search field  500 . That is, characters entered as a result of typing and/or keystrokes by a user are reproduced in the search field as they are entered. In this regard, the processor  106  may also render and/or display text  502  proximate the search field and/or text box that denotes the search mode (e.g., ‘SEARCH’). In another embodiment, if the search context designates more than one currently displayed window or the entire system, the processor  106  may render or display a search field or text box overlying one or more windows (e.g., in the center of the display device  102 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , a search field  600  may be shown overlying the windows  202 ,  302 ,  304  along with text  602  to indicate the search mode. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the automatic search process  400  continues by automatically searching a database for an element that satisfies the user input (task  408 ). In an exemplary embodiment, the automatic search process  400  searches automatically as the user input is received, that is, the automatic search process  400  searches without the user manually initiating the search (e.g., by hitting ENTER or graphically selecting the equivalent thereof). In this regard, the automatic search process  400  may be adapted to display a list of partial matches corresponding to elements in the database that satisfy and/or match a partial user input. Alternatively, the automatic search process  400  may briefly wait for an indication that the user input is complete (e.g., ENTER), or detecting that the user input is finished (e.g., based on a period of time with no input) before searching for an element that satisfies the user input. 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments, the automatic search process  400  searches the database(s) based on the designated search context. For example, if the search context designates an active window (or the underlying process) displayed on the display device  102 , the automatic search process  400  automatically searches the database(s)  110  that are associated with the active window (or process) for an element that satisfies the user input. In this regard, the processor  106  may be configured to identify and search the database(s)  110  for an element that matches the user input, or alternatively, the processor  106  may provide the user input to a search function embodied within the active window or process. Similarly, if the search context designates a specific window and/or process (e.g., the most relevant or commonly used window/process), the automatic search process  400  automatically searches the database(s)  110  that are associated with the designated window and/or process. If the search context designates all currently displayed windows (or underlying processes) for searching, the automatic search process  400  may automatically search the database(s)  110  that are associated with the currently displayed windows and/or processes. In this regard, for each displayed window and/or process, the processor  106  may be configured to search the associated database(s)  110 , or alternatively, the processor  106  may provide the user input to a search function embodied within the displayed window and/or process. In another embodiment, if the search context designates the entire system, the automatic search process  400  may search all databases  110  of the display system  100  for an element that satisfies the user input. 
     If no element in the database(s) satisfies the user input, the automatic search process  400  may graphically indicate a failure on the display device  102  or otherwise exit and terminate the process (task  410 ). In an exemplary embodiment, if an element in the database satisfies the user input, the automatic search process  400  continues by identifying the element on the display device to indicate a search result based on the user input (task  410 ,  412 ). For example, if a navigational window  202  is displayed on the display device  102  and the navigational window  202  is the active window and/or designated window based on the search context, the automatic search process  400  searches the database(s)  110  associated with the navigational window and/or process, as described above. In response to locating an element in the database that satisfies or matches the user input, the automatic search process  400  may graphically identify the element in the navigational window. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , if the user input (e.g., ‘KDCA’) matches or otherwise identifies an element in a navigational database (e.g., airport KDCA), the automatic search process  400  may graphically identify the element by displaying a graphical representation of the element  700  within the navigational window  202 . As shown, the automatic search process  400  may indicate and/or identify the element  700  by highlighting the element using one or more a graphical features. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the graphical feature is realized as a circle surrounding the element  700 , although in practice, the graphical feature may be realized as another suitable geometric shape surrounding the element. In alternative embodiments, element  700  may be identified using an arrow, a pointer, or another suitable symbol displayed proximate the element  700 . Alternatively, instead of or in addition to highlighting the element  700 , the automatic search process  400  may highlight or identify the element  700  by rendering and/or displaying the element  700  using a visually distinguishable characteristic. That is, the automatic search process  400  may render and/or display the element  700  using a visually distinguishable characteristic, such as, for example, a visually distinguishable color, hue, tint, brightness, graphically depicted texture or pattern, contrast, shading, outlining, transparency, opacity, and/or another suitable graphical effect (e.g., blinking, pulsing, or other animation). 
     In a similar manner, the automatic search process  400  may also highlight a textual identifier  702  proximate the element  700  as shown. In this manner, the element is distinguished from other items displayed in the window such that the element is clearly indicated or readily identified within the window as the search result based on the user input. In another embodiment, the automatic search process  400  may identify the element  700  by shading, dimming, hiding, or masking other objects and/or elements displayed in the window proximate the element  700 . For example, if the user input is an airport (or waypoint or navigational aid), the automatic search process  400  may hide all airports on the navigational map except for the airport (or waypoint or navigational aid) that satisfies the user input. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, if multiple items in satisfy the user input, the automatic search process  400  may render and/or display a list of the items such that a user may select the desired item from the list. In another embodiment, the automatic search process  400  may determine the item nearest the current location of the aircraft as the item that satisfies the user input. For example, if the user input is a waypoint identifier that corresponds to multiple waypoints at different locations around the world, the automatic search process  400  may determine and graphically identify the nearest waypoint to the current location of the aircraft as the element that satisfies the user input. 
     If the corresponding location of the element is such that the element is not within the area currently shown in the window, the automatic search process  400  may graphically identify the element by scrolling the window such that the graphical representation of the element is displayed in the window. For example, if the window is a navigational window and the location of the element corresponds to a location on the navigational map that is beyond the currently displayed region to the right, the automatic search process  400  may scroll the navigational window to the right (e.g., the navigational map shifts right to left) until the element is positioned within the window as desired. In accordance with one embodiment, the window is adjusted or scrolled such that the element is in the center of the navigational map. In this example, scrolling the navigational window and/or navigational map provides situational awareness by allowing a user (e.g., a pilot) to ascertain the location of the element relative to the current location of the aircraft  112 . Alternatively, instead of scrolling the window, the automatic search process  400  may instantaneously update and/or refresh the display such that the element is centered or otherwise displayed within the window. 
     In a similar manner, if the search context designates more than one currently displayed window and/or process for searching, the automatic search process  400  may graphically identify the element in each window where an element in the associated database satisfies the user input. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , a display device  102  may simultaneously have a navigational window  202  and a flight planning window  302  displayed thereon. If the user input is an airport (e.g., ‘KDCA’), the automatic search process  400  may graphically identify the airport in the navigational window  202  as described above. If the airport is also part of the flight plan  300 , the automatic search process  400  may also graphically identify the airport  800  in the flight planning window  302 . For example, the flight planning window  302  may be associated with a database containing navigational reference points (e.g., navigational aids, waypoints, and/or airports) that comprise a current flight plan  300  (or waypoint list). If an element in the database satisfies the user input (e.g., ‘KDCA’ is part of the flight plan  300 ), the automatic search process  400  may graphically indicate the element  800  within the current flight plan  300 . For example, the flight planning window  302  may scroll such that the airport  800  is centered or otherwise displayed within the flight planning window  302 . The automatic search process  400  may also be configured to highlight, graphically identify, or otherwise indicate the airport  800  in the flight planning window  302 , as described above in the context of  FIG. 7 . 
     In another embodiment, if the search context designates a window and/or process that is not currently displayed on the display device, the automatic search process  400  may display and/or render the designated window on the display device in response to an element satisfying the user input. For example, if the search context designates the most commonly used process and/or window for searching, and if an element in the database associated with the most commonly used process and/or window satisfies the user input, the automatic search process  400  may display and/or render the designated window overlying any other windows that may be displayed on the display device  102 . The automatic search process  400  may continue by graphically identifying the element in the designated window, as described above. Similarly, if the search context designates the entire system for searching, in response to an element in a system-level database satisfying the user input, the automatic search process  400  may graphically indicate or identify the element in the appropriate window(s), or display and/or render the appropriate windows associated with the database on the display device  102  based on the search context. 
     To briefly summarize, the methods and systems described above allow a user, such as a pilot or crew member, to quickly locate an item in one or more windows on a display device in a vehicle without having to manually select a search field or manually initiate a search function prior to entering a search query. The result of the search may be graphically indicated or identified in a manner that provides enhanced situational awareness and allows a user to quickly and reliably satisfy his or her information needs. 
     While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the subject matter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the subject matter. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the subject matter as set forth in the appended claims.