阅读说明：本技术 飞机显示系统和方法 (Aircraft display system and method ) 是由 菲利普·度永-保林 伯诺伊特·奥莱特 于 2020-11-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及飞机显示系统和方法。公开了用于控制飞机的显示设备的系统和方法。该方法包括使用与飞机相关联的操作数据,使主飞行显示呈现被显示在显示设备上,其中主飞行显示呈现包括具有第一字体大小的第一文本对象。该方法也包括使显示设备显示具有第二字体大小的第二文本对象。第二字体大小是第一字体大小的2.5倍或更多倍。(The invention relates to an aircraft display system and a method. Systems and methods for controlling a display device of an aircraft are disclosed. The method includes causing a primary flight display presentation to be displayed on a display device using operational data associated with the aircraft, wherein the primary flight display presentation includes a first text object having a first font size. The method also includes causing the display device to display a second text object having a second font size. The second font size is 2.5 or more times the first font size.)

1. A primary flight display system for an aircraft, the system comprising:

a display device;

one or more processors operatively connected to the display device; and

a non-transitory machine-readable memory, operatively connected to the one or more processors, storing instructions executable by the one or more processors and configured to cause the one or more processors to:

causing a primary flight display presentation to be displayed on the display device using data associated with operation of the aircraft, the primary flight display presentation including a first text object having a first font size; and

causing the primary flyway display presentation on the display device to include a second text object having a second font size that is 2.5 or more times the first font size.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the second font size is three or more times the first font size.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second font size is about four times the first font size.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the second font size is about five times the first font size.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the second font size is between 2.5 and ten times the first font size.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the second font size is between three and six times the first font size.

7. The system of any of claims 1-6, wherein the second textual object is an alert flag.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the second text object has a transparent background.

9. The system of any of claims 1-8, wherein the second textual object has a color commensurate with an alert level associated with the second textual object.

10. The system of any of claims 1-9, wherein the second text object has a transparency level commensurate with the alert level or alert level associated with the second text object.

11. The system of any of claims 1-10, wherein a second font size of the second text object is commensurate with the alert level or alert level associated with the second text object.

12. The system of any of claims 1-11, wherein the second text object defines an axis scale.

13. The system of any of claims 1-12, wherein the second textual object defines a heading scale.

14. The system of any of claims 1-13, wherein the first text object and the second text object are collocated.

15. The system of any of claims 1-14, wherein the first text object and the second text object are at least partially overlapped.

16. The system of any of claims 1-15, wherein one or more characters of the second text object are partially transparent.

17. The system of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the instructions are configured to cause the one or more processors to cause the second textual object to be displayed on a pose indicator of the primary flight display presentation.

18. The system of any of claims 1-17, wherein the second textual object is juxtaposed with a graphical object.

19. The system of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the instructions are configured to cause the one or more processors to cause the location of the second textual object to be selected based on a current flight phase of the aircraft.

20. An aircraft comprising a system according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

21. A computer-implemented method for controlling a display device of an aircraft, the method comprising:

causing a primary flight display presentation to be displayed on the display device using data associated with operation of the aircraft, the primary flight display presentation including a first text object having a first font size; and

causing the primary flyway display presentation on the display device to include a second text object having a second font size that is 2.5 or more times the first font size.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the second font size is three or more times the first font size.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the second font size is about four times the first font size.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the second font size is about five times the first font size.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein the second font size is between 2.5 and ten times the first font size.

26. The method of claim 21, wherein the second font size is between three and six times the first font size.

27. The method of any of claims 21-26, wherein the second textual object is an alert flag.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the second text object has a transparent background.

29. The method of any of claims 21-28, wherein the second textual object has a color commensurate with an alert level associated with the second textual object.

30. The method of any of claims 21-29, wherein the second text object has a transparency level commensurate with the alert level or alert level associated with the second text object.

31. The method of any of claims 21-30, wherein a second font size of the second text object is commensurate with the alert level or alert level associated with the second text object.

32. A method according to any one of claims 21 to 31, wherein the second text object defines an axis scale.

33. The method of any of claims 21 to 32, wherein the second text object defines a heading scale.

34. The method of any of claims 21-33, wherein the first text object and the second text object are collocated.

35. The method of any of claims 21-34, wherein the first text object and the second text object are at least partially overlapped.

36. The method of any of claims 21-35, wherein one or more characters of the second text object are partially transparent.

37. The method of any of claims 21 to 36, comprising: causing the second textual object to be displayed on a pose indicator of the primary flight display presentation.

38. The method of any of claims 21-37, wherein the second textual object is juxtaposed with a graphical object.

39. The method of any of claims 21 to 38, comprising: causing a location of the second textual object to be selected based on a current flight phase of the aircraft.

40. A computer program product for a method of controlling a display device of an aircraft, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing program code readable/executable by a computer, processor or logic circuit to perform the method of any of claims 21 to 39.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to aircraft and, more particularly, to aircraft display systems.

Background

An electronic Primary Flight Display (PFD) of the aircraft is used to display primary flight information and can include, for example, an airspeed indicator, a turn coordinator, an altimeter, and a vertical speed indicator. PFDs can also be used to display other perceptual types of information. The presentation of primary flight information and perception type information on the PFD may be distracting and significant effort from the pilot to interpret the presented information is required.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, the present disclosure describes a primary flight display system for an aircraft. The system comprises:

a display device;

one or more processors operatively connected to a display device; and

a non-transitory machine-readable memory operatively connected to the one or more processors, storing instructions executable by the one or more processors and configured to cause the one or more processors to:

causing a primary flight display presentation to be displayed on a display device using data associated with operation of an aircraft, the primary flight display presentation including a first text object having a first font size; and

causing the primary flyover display presentation on the display device to include a second text object having a second font size that is 2.5 or more times the first font size.

The second font size may be three or more times the first font size.

The second font size may be about four times the first font size.

The second font size may be about five times the first font size.

The second font size may be between 2.5 and ten times the first font size.

The second font size may be between three and six times the first font size.

The second text object may be an alert flag.

The second text object may have a transparent background.

The second text object may have a color commensurate with the alert level associated with the second text object.

The second text object may have a transparency level commensurate with the alarm level or levels associated with the second text object.

The second font size of the second text object may be commensurate with the alert level or alert level associated with the second text object.

The second text object may define an axis scale.

The second text object may define a heading scale.

The first text object and the second text object may be juxtaposed.

The first text object and the second text object may at least partially overlap.

One or more characters of the second text object may be partially transparent.

The instructions may be configured to cause the one or more processors to cause a second textual object to be displayed on the attitude indicator of the primary flight display presentation.

The second text object may be juxtaposed with the graphical object.

The instructions may be configured to cause the one or more processors to cause the location of the second textual object to be selected based on a current flight phase of the aircraft.

Embodiments can include combinations of the above features.

In another aspect, the present disclosure describes a computer-implemented method for controlling a display device of an aircraft. The method comprises the following steps:

causing a primary flight display presentation to be displayed on a display device using data associated with operation of an aircraft, the primary flight display presentation including a first text object having a first font size; and

causing the primary flyover display presentation on the display device to include a second text object having a second font size that is 2.5 or more times the first font size.

The second font size may be three or more times the first font size.

The second font size may be about four times the first font size.

The second font size may be about five times the first font size.

The second font size may be between 2.5 and ten times the first font size.

The second font size may be between three and six times the first font size.

The second text object may be an alert flag.

The second text object may have a transparent background.

The second text object may have a color commensurate with the alert level associated with the second text object.

The second text object may have a transparency level commensurate with the alarm level or levels associated with the second text object.

The second font size of the second text object may be commensurate with the alert level or alert level associated with the second text object.

The second text object may define an axis scale.

The second text object may define a heading scale.

The first text object and the second text object may be collocated.

The first text object and the second text object may at least partially overlap.

One or more characters of the second text object may be partially transparent.

The method may include causing a second textual object to be displayed on the attitude indicator of the primary flight display presentation.

The second text object may be juxtaposed with the graphical object.

The method may include causing: the location of the second textual object is selected based on the current flight phase of the aircraft.

Embodiments can include combinations of the above features.

In another aspect, the present disclosure describes a computer program product for a method of controlling a display device of an aircraft, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing program code, the program code readable/executable by a computer, processor or logic circuit to perform a method as disclosed herein.

In another aspect, the present disclosure describes an aircraft including a system as disclosed herein.

Further details of these and other aspects of the subject matter of the present application will be apparent from the detailed description and drawings included below.

Drawings

Referring now to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary aircraft cockpit and a corresponding exemplary aircraft including the cockpit;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary display system of the aircraft of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary primary flight display presentation generated using the system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary primary flight display presentation generated using the system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary primary flight display presentation generated using the system of FIG. 2; and

fig. 6 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a display device of an aircraft.

Detailed Description

Systems and methods for assisting a pilot during flight of an aircraft are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the systems and methods disclosed herein can improve operation of an aircraft cockpit by providing visualization techniques to display textual objects in a manner that reduces interference with traditional display characters and symbology used on a Primary Flight Display (PFD) or other type of aircraft display. In some embodiments, the systems and methods disclosed herein may enable high saliency to be achieved for textual objects associated with immediate action flags while limiting pilot distraction, for example, before or during an escape maneuver requiring significant pilot attention. In some embodiments, the systems and methods disclosed herein can allow the prominence of a text object to be commensurate with the associated alert level. In some embodiments, the systems and methods disclosed herein can allow for the simultaneous display of textual objects and/or graphical objects in an overlapping, yet clear and efficient manner.

In some embodiments, the systems and methods disclosed herein can enhance the situational awareness of pilots during relatively high workload flight phases. This enhancement of situational awareness can improve flight safety by helping to reduce the likelihood of pilot error. The systems and methods disclosed herein can be used during various phases of operation (e.g., flight) of an aircraft.

Aspects of various embodiments are described with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 illustrates a partially schematic representation of an exemplary aircraft 10 and a cockpit 12 that may be part of the aircraft 10. The aircraft 10 may be a corporate, private, commercial, or any other type of aircraft. For example, the aircraft 10 may be a fixed wing or a rotary wing aircraft. In some embodiments, the aircraft 10 may be a narrow-bodied twin-engine jet passenger aircraft or a (e.g., ultra-long range) commercial jet. The aircraft 10 may be a remotely controlled drone. The cabin 12 can include more elements or fewer elements than those shown and described herein. The cockpit 12 can include a left portion 12A intended for use by a pilot (sometimes referred to as a "captain") of the aircraft 10 and a right portion 12B intended for use by a co-pilot (sometimes referred to as a "co-pilot") of the aircraft 10. As referred to herein, the term "pilot" is intended to encompass an individual on board the aircraft 10 or off board the aircraft 10 that is responsible for the operation of the aircraft 10 during flight. The left and right side portions 12A, 12B can have functionally identical components such that at least some operational redundancy can be provided between the left and right side portions 12A, 12B of the cab 12.

The cockpit 12 can include one or more display devices 14A, 14B (generally referred to herein as "display devices 14") that provide respective display areas. In the exemplary configuration of the cockpit 12 shown in fig. 1, the left side portion 12A and the right side portion 12B can each include two overhead display devices 14A (hereinafter referred to in the singular as "HDD 14A") and an additional HDD 14A can be provided in the base area 16 of the cockpit 12. The HDD 14A provided in the base area 16 can be shared by both pilots during normal operation of the aircraft 10. The HDD 14A can include one or more Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs), Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), plasma displays, Light Emitting Diode (LED) based displays, or any type of display device suitable for use in the cockpit 12. The HDD 14A can be configured to dynamically display (e.g., real-time) information about various systems of the aircraft 10, information related to flight/mission plans, maps, and any other information that may be useful to a pilot during operation of the aircraft 10. The HDD 14A can facilitate a dialog between the pilot and various systems of the aircraft 10 via a suitable graphical user interface. The cockpit 12 can include one or more data input devices such as, for example, one or more cursor control devices 18, one or more multi-function keypads 20 that allow the pilot to enter data. In some embodiments, one or more HDDs 14A can have a touch sensitive display area to allow a user to input by the pilot touching the applicable display area.

The cockpit 12 can also include one or more head-up display devices 14B (hereinafter referred to in the singular as "HUD 14B"), which can be transparent displays capable of presenting data without the pilot removing his/her point of view from the windshield of the aircraft 10. The HUD 14B can present information to the pilot while the pilot's head is positioned "up" and looking forward, rather than looking down at a lower instrument or display such as the HDD 14A at an angle. In various embodiments, the right and left side portions 12A, 12B of the cab 12 can each have a HUD 14B, or alternatively, the cab 12 can include only one HUD 14B disposed, for example, in the left side portion 12A of the cab 12. The HUD 14A may be a fixed display or a head mounted display (including a head mounted display). In various embodiments, the HUD 14B can include a CRT configured to generate an image on a phosphor screen, a solid state light source such as an LED modulated by an LCD screen to display the image, an optical waveguide to generate the image directly in a combiner, or a scanning laser configured to display the image on a transparent medium.

It should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure, including the display of textual objects, are not limited to one or more display devices 14 being part of the flight deck 12 or on the aircraft 10. For example, the steps of displaying and associating textual objects can alternatively or additionally be performed outside of the aircraft 10 using systems located outside of the aircraft 10 and used to remotely control the aircraft 10 and/or the display device 14. For example, relevant information can be communicated between the aircraft 10 and a location remote from the aircraft 10 (e.g., a ground station) for use by an operator (i.e., a pilot) remotely controlling/piloting the aircraft 10.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary system 22 that may be part of the aircraft 10 or external to the aircraft 10 and that is capable of assisting the pilot during flight of the aircraft 10 by providing the pilot with enhanced situational awareness with reduced distraction. The system 22 can be integrated with the cockpit 12. The system 22 can include one or more computers 24 (hereinafter referred to in the singular) operatively connected to one or more display devices 14 (e.g., the HDD 14A and/or the HUD 14B) of the cockpit 12. The computer 24 can be configured to control at least some of the information/content displayed on the display device 14. The system 22 and method disclosed herein can be used with one or more display devices 14 operating as a PFD. Thus, text objects defined herein can be displayed on one or more PFDs.

The computer 24 can include one or more data processors 26 (hereinafter referred to in the singular) and one or more computer-readable memories 28 (hereinafter referred to in the singular) storing computer-readable instructions 30 executable by the data processors 26 and configured to cause the data processors 26 to generate output including one or more signals for causing the display device 14 of the aircraft 10 to display one or more textual objects 32A, 32B and optionally other textual or graphical (i.e., non-textual) objects.

The computer 24 is capable of receiving input 34 in the form of data or information that can be processed by the data processor 26 in accordance with the instructions 30 to generate suitable output for controlling the display device 14. The inputs 34 can include information (data) associated with the operation of the aircraft 10. The pilot can receive input 34 via manual entry using one or more pilot input devices, such as, for example, cursor control device 18 and/or multi-function keypad 20. Alternatively or additionally, the input 34 can be automatically received from one or more data sources (e.g., aircraft systems 36) operatively connected to the computer 24, such as, for example, a navigation system, a flight management system, an aerial data system, and/or an (e.g., radar) altimeter. The inputs 34 can include operating parameters of the aircraft 10 measured via suitable sensors or derived from data acquired via such sensors. The inputs 34 can include data indicative of a substantially real-time status of the aircraft 10. The term "substantially" as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related.

The computer 24 may be part of an avionics suite of the aircraft 10 and is operatively integrated with the avionics components of the aircraft 10. For example, in some embodiments, the computer 24 can be configured to perform additional functions in addition to those described herein, including management of one or more graphical user interfaces of the flight deck 12 and/or other portions of the aircraft 10. Multiple computers 24 or data processors 26 can be used to perform the methods disclosed herein (or portions thereof), or alternatively a single computer 24 or data processor 26 can be used entirely to perform the methods disclosed herein (or portions thereof). In some embodiments, the computer 24 can be physically integrated with (e.g., embedded within) the display device 14.

The data processor 26 can comprise any suitable device configured to cause a series of steps to be performed by the computer 24 in order to implement a computer-implemented process such that the instructions 30, when executed by the computer 24, can cause the functions/acts specified in the methods described herein to be performed. The data processor 26 can comprise, for example, any type of general purpose microprocessor or microcontroller, a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) processor, an integrated circuit, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a reconfigurable processor, other suitably programmed or programmable logic circuitry, or any combination thereof.

Memory 28 can include any suitable known or other machine-readable storage medium. The memory 28 can include a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Memory 28 can comprise any suitable combination of types of computer memory located internal or external to computer 24. The memory 28 can comprise any storage means (e.g., device) suitable for retrievably storing machine-readable instructions 30 executable by the data processor 26.

Fig. 3 shows an exemplary representation of a PFD displayed on display device 14 using system 22. In various embodiments, the PFD representation shown on the display device 14 can include one or more of the following: airspeed indicator 38, attitude indicator 40, sometimes referred to as "ADI," sideslip indicator 42, altimeter 44, vertical velocity indicator 46, turn indicator 48, horizontal condition indicator (not shown), flight path vector (not shown), and flight director (not shown). The area of the display device 14 that is typically used as the attitude indicator 40 can inform the pilot in substantially real time of the pitch and roll characteristics of the aircraft 10 and the orientation of the aircraft 10 relative to the horizon. The attitude indicator 40 can be generally centered in the PFD representation.

The information presented in the various regions and indicators of the display device 14 can be based on real-time data associated with the operation of the aircraft and received as input 34. Information can be presented using graphical objects (e.g., lines, symbols, or other non-textual objects) and/or textual objects. In some embodiments, system 22 can be configured to render one or more first text objects 32A in a PFD representation in one or more "normal" first font sizes and one or more second text objects 32B in the same PFD representation in one or more second font sizes that are substantially larger than the first font size of any first text object 32A, any first text object 32A being displayed in the PFD representation concurrently with second text object 32B. The significant large difference in font size between first textual object 32A and second textual object 32B (and optionally other visual characteristics disclosed herein) can help the pilot distinguish between the different types of information presented by providing a relatively clear visual grouping between the types of information. In some embodiments, the first text object 32A of the first font size can be associated with primary flight information, which can include a pitch scale, a flight path vector, a flight director, and a speed indication and an altitude indication. Primary flight information may be defined as basic flight parameters known to those skilled in the art to be common to all PFDs and include at least one of airspeed, vertical velocity, attitude, and altitude.

In some embodiments, the second text object 32B of the second font size can be associated with perceptual types of information, which can include, for example, an alert message and a numerical value along a scale. The perception type information can be defined as information that is not (i.e., is other than) primary flight information.

Font size as referenced herein is intended to mean the overall size (typically height) of the font shown on display device 14. Font size can be measured in dot size (pt), which is a vertical measurement of text, where 72 dots equals one inch (25.4 mm). In some embodiments, the second font size of second text object 32B may be at least 2.5 times the first font size of first text object 32A. In some embodiments, the second font size of the second text object 32B may be three or more times the first font size of the first text object 32A. In some embodiments, the second font size of the second text object 32B may be four or more times the first font size of the first text object 32A. In some embodiments, the second font size of second text object 32B may be five or more times the first font size of first text object 32A. In some embodiments, the second font size of second text object 32B may be up to ten times the first font size of first text object 32A. In some embodiments, the second font size of second text object 32B may be between 2.5 times and ten times the first font size of first text object 32A. In some embodiments, the second font size of the second text object 32B may be between 2.5 and eight times the first font size of the first text object 32A. In some embodiments, the second font size of the second text object 32B may be between three and six times the first font size of the first text object 32A. In some embodiments, the second font size of the second text object 32B may be between 2.5 and five times the first font size of the first text object 32A. In various embodiments, the second font size of the second text object 32B may be about 2.5 times, about three times, about four times, about five times, about six times, about seven times, about eight times, about nine times, or about ten times the first font size of the first text object 32A.

In addition to font size, other characteristics of the second text object 32B can be used to achieve the desired visual effect. For example, the characteristics of second textual object 32B can be selected such that primary flight information is not excessively occluded (e.g., masked or covered) by second textual object 32B and the pilot's eye scan pattern is also not excessively disturbed. For example, the characteristics of second text object 32B can be selected to provide an appropriate level of prominence and prominence so that second text object 32B becomes distinguishable from its surroundings. In some embodiments, the characteristics of second textual object 32B can be selected to achieve a visual effect that is not overly thick or conspicuous and does not capture the pilot's eye scan pattern for a long period of time. The characteristics of the second text object 32B can also be selected so as not to create false images when combined with other graphical or text objects that can be juxtaposed with the text object 32B.

The characteristics of the second text object 32B can include one or more of the following: positioning within the display area of display device 14, font size, font style, use of bold characters, use of solid or hollow characters, color, shading, transparency level of characters, flashing, blanking, contrast, dynamic changes in color saturation, fading animations for introducing and removing second text object 32B from display device 14, and overlays with other text objects or graphical objects shown on display device 14. The shading can include a patterned and solid graphic overlay, whether opaque or partially transparent. During operation of system 22, the commands generated by computer 24 for displaying second text object 32B on display device 14 can represent a string of text characters, their location within the display area of display device 14, and one or more attributes specifying visual characteristics corresponding to a desired visual effect.

Referring to fig. 3, the second text object 32B may be a numerical value such as "27", "30", and "33" that defines a heading scale along a horizontal line displayed in the PFD representation. The second text object 32B can be displayed in a display area that also includes the gesture indicator 40. The visual characteristics of the second text object 32B can be selected to exhibit a level of significance commensurate with the alert level (urgency) associated with the information represented by the second text object 32B. In this embodiment, the second text object 32B has a relatively high transparency level and has a color (e.g., white) selected to correspond to a relatively low alert level. While the second textual objects 32B effectively convey the predetermined information to the pilot, they do not distract the pilot too much and do not significantly obscure other primary flight information displayed on the display device 14.

The second text object 32B can be positioned in the PFD representation and in an overlapping relationship with other text objects (e.g., the first text object 32A) and/or graphical objects (e.g., lines and symbols) displayed in the same display area. In other words, one or more second text objects 32B can be juxtaposed with one or more first text objects 32A or other objects. Thus, the message represented by the second text object 32B need not be presented in an area of the display area where there are no other objects. In the illustrated example, the digital value "30" is in an overlapping relationship with a horizon that is part of the pitch scale of the attitude indicator 40. In various embodiments, the second text object 32B can be displayed to overlay or underlie other objects. In some embodiments, first text object 32A and second text object 32B can at least partially overlap. The second text object 32B can have a transparent background area so as not to obstruct the underlying display around and between the characters of the second text object 32B.

Figure 4 shows another exemplary representation of a PFD displayed on display device 14 using system 22. The second textual object 32B can include the numerical values "27", "30", and "33" from fig. 3, and alternatively or additionally, include an alert flag displaying the message "stall". The warning sign can be displayed in a display area that also includes the gesture indicator 40. For example, the warning sign can be displayed in a central region of the PFD representation and may cover a portion of the gesture indicator 40.

The alarm flags can be associated with miscompare errors, faults, or other time critical events. The visual characteristics of the alert indicator can be selected to exhibit a level of significance commensurate with the alert level associated with the information represented by the alert indicator. In this embodiment, the alert flag has a lower transparency level, has a font size greater than the numerical values "27", "30", and "33", and has a color (e.g., red) selected to correspond to a relatively higher alert level. In various embodiments, colors such as white, amber, and red can be used for low, medium (caution), and high (warning) alarm levels, respectively. While the "stall" warning sign effectively communicates the predetermined message and corresponding warning level to the pilot, the warning sign does not significantly obscure other primary flight information displayed on the display device 14 and also does not pull the pilot's gaze away from the primary flight information, which may be helpful to the aircraft in addressing conditions associated with the warning sign.

The alert flag can be positioned in the PFD representation of the display device 14 and in an overlapping relationship with other textual objects (e.g., the first textual object 32A) and/or graphical objects (e.g., lines and symbols) displayed in the same display area. In some embodiments, a corresponding tactile and/or audible alarm can be generated in conjunction with an alarm sign displayed in the PFD representation.

Figure 5 shows another exemplary representation of a PFD displayed on display device 14 using system 22. The second text object 32B can include the numerical values "27", "30" and "33" from fig. 3, or alternatively or additionally also another warning sign displaying the message "pull up". The warning flag can be displayed in the PFD representation and may cover a portion of the gesture indicator 40. The visual characteristics of the alert indicator can be selected to exhibit a level of significance commensurate with the alert level associated with the information represented by the alert indicator. In this embodiment, the alarm flag has a lower transparency level and has a font size greater than the numerical values "27", "30", and "33" selected to correspond to a relatively higher alarm level. While the "pull-up" alert message effectively communicates the predetermined message and corresponding alert level to the pilot, the alert flag does not significantly obscure other primary flight information displayed on the display device 14 and also does not pull the pilot's gaze away from the primary flight information, which may be helpful to the pilot in addressing the condition of the aircraft 10 associated with the alert flag.

The location of the alert flag can be linked to a particular operational (e.g., flight) phase of the aircraft 10. For example, an alert sign displayed during an approaching flight phase can be displayed at a lower position on the display area than the same or other alert signs displayed during another flight phase. In some embodiments, the location of second text object 32B can depend on the content of second text object 32B.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart of a method 100 for controlling a (e.g., primary flight) display device of the aircraft 10. The method 100 may be computer-implemented and performed using the system 22 described herein or other suitable system. Accordingly, the functionality of the system 22 disclosed herein also applies to the method 100 and is not repeated below with respect to the method 100. The method 100 can include:

causing a PFD representation to be displayed on the display device 14 using data associated with operation of the aircraft 10 (e.g., the input 34 in fig. 2), the PFD representation including a first text object 32A having a first font size (see block 102); and

the PFD representation on the display device 14 is caused to include a second text object 32B having a second font size that is 2.5 times or more the first font size (see block 104).

The above description is intended to be exemplary only, and persons skilled in the relevant art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed. The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the subject matter of the claims. This disclosure is intended to cover and embrace all suitable variations in technology. Modifications that fall within the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure, and such modifications are intended to fall within the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation generally consistent with the description.