SYSTEMS AND mTNODS FOR REDUCING PARALLAX IN AIRCRAFT
DISPLAYS
BACKGROUND
[OOOl] The inventive concepts disclosed herein relate generally to the field of aircraft flight
display systems. More particularly, embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein
relate to systems and methods for reducing parallax in a display of an airborne platform.
[0002] A cockpit of an aircraft may include a control center with a set ofdisplays. The
displays can provide helpful information to an operator of the aircraft, such as a pilot, for
navigating and controlling the aircraft. Sophisticated aircrafts may include several displays
spread horizontally and vertically across the control center.
[0003] Some displays are not placed directly in front of the pilot's line of sight. For example,
when the pilot is seated in the cockpit, a display can be vertically placed several feet below the
pilot's head or eyes. This may cause the pilot to look downwards when viewing the display.
Similarly, the same display or another display can be horizontally placed several feet to the righi
of the pilot, causing the pilot to look towards the right when viewing the display. The vertical or
horizontal position of the display relative to the pilot can cause the pilot to experience parallax
error and strain when viewing ihe display.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to a system for an
airborne platform. The system includes a display device, an input device, and an image
processing circuit communicably coupled to the display device. The display device is configured
to display a visualization provided as a pixel matrix capable of being virtually rotated along a
horizontal axis or along a vertical axis based on a user input. The input device is configured to
receive the user input from a user, the user input providing an indication to virtually rotate the
visualization along at least one of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis. The image processing
circuit is further configured to receive pixel data corresponding to the pixel matrix, receive the
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user input from the input device, determine an offset angle to virtually rotate the visualization
along at least one of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis in response to the received user
input, configure the visualization in response to the determined offset angle, and output the
configured visualization for display on the display device.
[0005] In a further aspect, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to an image
processing circuit communicably coupled to a display device of an airborne platform configured
to display a visualization provided as a pixel matrix capable of being virtually rotated along a
horizontal axis or along a vertical axis based on a user input. The image processing circuit is
configured to receive pixel data corresponding to the pixel matrix. The image processing circuit
is further configured to receive the user input from the input device, the user input providing an
indication to virtually rotate the visualization along at least one of the horizontal axis and the
vertical axis. The image processing circuit is further configured to determine an offset angle to
virtually rotate the visualization along at least one of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis in
response to the received user input. The image processing circuit is further configured to
confignre the visualization in response to the determined offset angle. The image processing
circuit is further configured to output the configured visualization for display on the display
device.
[0006] In a further aspect, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to a method for
virtually rotating a visualization displayed on a display device of an airborne platform, the
visualization provided as a pixel matrix capable of being virtually rotated along a horizontal axis
or along a vertical axis based on a user input. The method includes receiving, by an image
processing circuit, pixel data corresponding to the pixel matrix. The method further includes
receiving, by the image processing circuit, the user input from an input device, the user input
providing an indication to virtually rotate the visualization along at least one of the horizontal
axis and the vertical axis. The method further includes determining, by the image processing
circuit, an offset angle to v~rtuallyro tate the visualization along at least one of the horizontal axis
and the vertical axis in response to the received user input. The method further includes
configuring, by the image processing circuit, the visualization in response to the determined
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offset angle. The method further includes outputting, by the image processing circuit, the
configured visualization for display on the display device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWPJGS
[0007] Implementations of the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be better understood
when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description
makes reference to the included drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, and in which some
features may be exaggerated and some features may be omitted or may be represented
schematically in the interest of clarity. Like reference numerals in the drawings may represent
and refer to the same or similar element, feature, or function. In the drawings:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an aircraft cockpit
according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein;
[0009] FIG. 2 is an example screenshot illustrating a visualization displayed on an aircraft
display screen, according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein;
[0010] FIG. 3 is an example screenshot illustrating a rotated visualization displayed on an
aircraft display screen, according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 4 is another example screenshot illustrating a rotated visualization displayed on an
aircraft display screen, according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 5 is another example screenshot illustrating a rotated visualization displayed on an
aircraft display screen, according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system configured to
generate a rotated visualization for display on an aircraft display screen, according to the
inventive concepts disclosed herein; and
[0014] FIG. 7 is an exemplary embodiment of a process for generating a rotated visualization
for display on an aircraft display screen, according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the inventive concepts disclosed herein in
detail, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts are not limited in their application to the
details of construction and the arrangement of the components or steps or methodologies set
forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. In the following detailed
description of embodiments of the instant inventive concepts, numerous specific details are set
forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the inventive concepts. However, it
will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the instant disclosure that
the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, well-known features may not be described in detail to avoid unnecessarily
complicating the instant disclosure. The inventive concepts disclosed herein are capable of other
embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood
that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting.
[0016] Broadly, embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to
systems and methods for reducing parallax in a display of an airborne platform (e.g., an aircraft).
The inventive concepts disclosed herein can be utilized in a number of display devices and
systems for airborne platforms including but not limited to flight control and autopilot systems,
navigation systems, and flight display systems. While the present disclosure describes systems
and methods implementable for an airborne platform, the inventive concepts disclosed herein
may be used in any type of environment (e.g., in another aircraft, a spacecraft, a ground-based
vehicle, or in a non-vehicle application such as a ground-based display system, an air traffic
control system, a radar system, avirtual display system).
[0017] In some embodiments, a system includes an airborne platform, a display device
provided in the airborne platform, an input device, and an image processing circuit configured to
output a visualization on the display device. The visualization is provided as a pixel matrix on a
display screen of the display device. The image processing circuit is configured to virtually
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rotate the visualization along an x-axis andlor a y-axis by modifying or manipulating a plurality
of pixels in the pixel matrix.
[0018] The image processing circuit can be configured to virtually rotate the visualization in
response to user input from the input device. For example, a pilot or operator may desire to
virtually rotate the visualization such that a plane formed by the pixel matrix appears to face the
pilot. The pilot can interact with the input device to provide an indication of an offset angle in
which the visualization is virtually rotated along the x-axis and/or the y-axis. The image
processing circuit can process the received indication and virtually rotate the visualization by
modifying or manipulating the displayed pixel matrix. By virtually rotating the visualization
displayed on the display screen, the image process circuit simulates actual rotation of the display
screen and/or display device to reduce the effects of parallax error.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view schematic illustration of an aircraft cockpit 100
is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The
aircraft cockpit 100 can be configured for a pilot or operator to interact with avionics systems of
an airborne platform. The aircraft cockpit 100 is shown to include a control center 10 having one
or more flight displays 20 and one or more user interface ("UI") elements 22. The flight displays
20 can be horizontally or vertically placed at various locations across the control center 10.
[0020] The flight displays 20 may be implemented using any of a variety of display
technologies, including CRT, LCD, organic LED, dot matrix display, and others. The flight
displays 20 may be navigation (NAV) displays, primary flight displays, electronic flight bag
displays, tablets such as i~ad@com puters manufactured by Apple, Inc. or tablet computers,
synthetic vision system displays, head up displays (HUDs) with or without a projector, wearable
displays, watches, Google g lass@. The flight displays 20 may be used to provide information to
the flight crew, thereby increasing visual range and enhancing decision-making abilities. One or
more of the flight displays 20 may be configured to display altitude, airspeed, vertical speed, and
navigation and traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) advisories. One or more ofthe flight
displays 20 may also be configured to function as, for example, a multi-function display used to
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display navigation maps, weather radar, electronic charts, TCAS traffic, aircraft maintenance
data and electronic checklists, manuals, and procedures. One or more of the flight displays 20
may also be configured to function as, for example, an engine indicating and crew-alerting
system (EICAS) display used to display critical engine and system status data. Other types and
functions of the flight displays 20 are contemplated as well. According to various exemplary
embodiments ofthe inventive concepts disclosed herein, at least one of the flight displays 20
may be configured to provide a rendered display from the systems and methods of the inventive
concepts disclosed herein.
[0021] In some embodiments, the flight displays 20 may provide an output based on data
received from a system external to an aircraft, such as a ground-based weather radar system,
satellite-based system, a sensor system, or from a system of another aircraft. In some
embodiments, the flight displays 20 may provide an output from an onboard aircraft-based
weather radar system, LlDAR system, infrared system or other system on an aircraft. For
example, the flight displays 20 rnay include a weather display, a weather radar map, and a terrain
display. In some embodiments, the flight displays 20 rnay provide an output based on a
combination of data received from multiple external systems or from at least one external system
and an onboard aircrafi-based system. The flight displays 20 may include an electronic display
or a synthetic vision system (SVS). For example, the flight displays 20 may include a display
configured to display a two-dlmensional(2-D) image, a three-dimensional (3-D) perspective
image of terrain andlor weather information, or a four dimensional (4-D) display of weather
information or forecast information. Other views of terrain andlor weather information may also
be provided (e.g., plan view, horizolltal view, vertical view). The views may include
monochrome or color graphical representations of the terrain andlor weather information.
Graph~carle presentations of weather or terrain may include an indication of altitude of the
weather or terrain or the altitude relative to an aircraft. The flight displays 20 may receive image
information, such as a visualization including one or more flight path indicators, and display the
visualization to help an aircraft crew member to control the aircraft, such as to follow the flight
path to an end location such as a landing location (e.g., to a runway).
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[0022] The UI elements 22 may include, for example, dials, switches, buttons, touch screens,
keyboards, a mouse, joysticks, cursor control devices (CCDs), menus on Multi-Functional
Displays (MFDs), or other multi-function key pads certified for use with avionics systems. The
UI elements 22 may be configured to, for example, allow an aircraft crew member to interact
with various avionics applications and perform functions such as data entry, manipulation of
navigation maps, and moving among and selecting checklist items. For example, the UI
elements 22 may be used to adjust features of the flight displays 20, such as contrast, brightness,
width, and length. The UI elements 22 may also (or alternatively) be used by an aircraft crew
member to interface with or manipulate the displays of the flight displays 20. For example, the
UI elements 22 may be used by aircraft crew members io adjust the brightness, contrast, and
information displayed on the flight displays 20. The UI elements 22 may additionally be used to
acknowledge or dismiss an indicator provided by the flight displays 20. The U1 elements 22
may be used to correct errors 011 the flight displays 20. The UI elements 22 may also be used to
adjust a rotation of a visualization displayed on the flight display 20, as described below in
further detail.
[0023] Still referring to FIG. 1, one or more flight displays 20 within the control center 10 may
be vertically displaced andlor horizontally displaced relative to the operator. For example, when
the operator is seated in cockpit 100, the operator may need to look downwards to view one of
the flight displays 20 because the flight display 20 is vertically displaced relative to the
operator's eyes. Similarly, when the operator is seated in the left seat of cockpit 100, the
operator may need to look righiwards to view a flight display 20 placed in ihe middle of the
control center 10 because the flight display 20 is horizontally displaced relative to the operator's
eyes. Each ofihe flight displays 20 of the cockpit 100 may be vertically displaced, horizontally
displaced or both.
[0024] Each of the flight displays 20 has a display screen generally configured to display a
visual output, such as a pixel matrix having rows and columns. Each display screen is generally
positioned to face internal spaces of the cockpit 100. However, one or more display screens may
not be positioned to directly face an operator. Accordingly, an operator may experience parallax
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if a flight display 20 is horizontally andlor vertically displaced relative to the operator, and if a
display screen of the flight display 20 is not positioned to directly face the operator.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, an example screenshot 200 shows a visualization 250 with various
flight information and graphical representation according to the inventive concepts disclosed
herein. Although the visualization 250 is shown to include one combination of flight
information and graphical representations, the visualization 250 can include any variety of text,
pictures, or other information as described above.
100261 In some embodiments, the visualization 250 can be displayed by a display screen of a
flight display 20. The visualization 250 can be provided for display as a plane corresponding to
a pixel matrix with rows and columns. Each pixel in the pixel matrix can have a value
corresponding to a color. The visualization 250 can be virtually rotated about the y-axis and/or
the x-axis for display on the display screen. A plurality of pixel values in the pixel matrix can be
modified or manipulated to virtually rotate the visualization 250.
[0027] When the flight display 20 is horizontally or vertically displaced relative to the operator
and when a display screen of the flight display 20 does not face the operator, it may be desirable
to virtually rotate the visualization to simulate actual rotation of the display screen and/or the
flight display 20. The operator can interact with UI elements 22 to provide an indication to
virtually rotate the visualization at an offset angle corresponding to the x-axis andlor the y-axis.
(00281 Referring to FIGS. 3-5, various example screenshots displaying rotated visualizations
are shown according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Referring to FIG. 3, an example
screenshot 300 includes a rotated visualization 350. The rotated visualization 350 corresponds
to the visualization 250 virtually rotated about the y-axis. The rotated visualization 350 can be
displayed by a display screen of a flight display 20 as apixel matrix with rows and columns. In
some embodiments, a plurality of pixels in the pixel matrix corresponding to the visualization
250 are modified or manipulated to generate the rotated visualization 350.
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[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, an example screenshot 400 includes a rotated visualization 450.
The rotated visualization 450 corresponds to the visualization 250 virtually rotated about the xaxis.
The rotated visualization 450 can be displayed by a display screen of a flight display 20 as
a pixel matrix with rows and columns. In some embodiments, a plurality of pixels in the pixel
matrix corresponding to the visualization 250 are modified or manipulated to generate the
rotated visualization 450.
LO0301 In some embodiments, the flight display 20 is both vertically displaced and horizontally
displaced relative to the operator. In this regard, it may be desirable to the operator to virtually
rotate the visualization 250 about both the x-axis and the y-axis. FIG. 5 shows an example
screenshot 500 of a rotated visualization 550. The rotated visualization 550 corresponds to the
visualization 250 virtually rotated about both the x-axis and the y-axis. The rotated visualization
550 can be displayed by a display screen of the flight display 20 as a pixel matrix with rows and
columns. In some embodiments, a plurality of pixels in the pixel matrix corresponding to the
visualization 250 are modified or manipulated to generate the rotated visualization 550.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 6, a display system 600 configured to generate a rotated
visualization for display on an aircraft display screen is illustrated in accordance with the
inventive concepts described herein. The display system 600 can be included in an airborne
platform, such as by being included in or as part of aircraft cockpit 100. The display system 600
can include or be components of the aircraft cockpit 100, including the control center 10, the
flight displays 20, and the UI elements 22.
[0032] The display system 600 is shown to include an image processing circuit 604 and an
aircrafi computing system 602, and a display device 616. The image processing circuit 604 is
generally configured to virtually rotate a visualization (e.g. the visualization 250) for display on
a display screen. The visualization can relate to a two-dimensional plane represented as a pixel
matrix with rows and colurnns. In some embodiments, the image processing circuit 604 can be
configured to receive pixel data relating to the pixel matrix from the aircraft computing system
602.
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100331 In some embodiments, the image processing circuit 604 is configured to determine an
offset angle to virtually rotate a visualization (e.g., the visualization 250) along an x-axis and/or
along a y-axis. The image processing circuit 604 can be configured to determine the offset angle
in response to input information received from input devices 620. The image processing circuit
604 can be configured to generate a rotated matrix according to the determined offset angle by
modifying or manipulating a plurality of pixels in the pixel matrix to generate a rotated
visualization. For example, the image processing circuit 604 can be configured to modify a
pixel color value for each of the plurality of pixels. The image processing circuit 604 can be
configured to output the rotated visualization on a display screen of the display device 616, for
example as shown with reference to FIGS. 3-5.
[0034] The display device 616 can be generally configured to display a visualization
represented as a pixel matrix. In some embodiments, the display device 616 is communicably
coupled to the image processing circuit 604. The display device 616 can be similar to the flight
display 20 described above with reference to FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the display device
61 6 is vertically andlor horizontally placed along the control center 10 of the cockpit 100. In
some embodiments, the display device 616 has a display screen that is generally positioned to
face internal spaces of the cockpit 100. An operator may experience parallax when the display
screen does not face the operator.
[0035] The display system 600 is shown to further include one or more input devices 620. The
input devices 620 are generally configured to receive a user input from an operator relating to an
adjustment of a visualization displayed on the display device 616. In some embodiments, the
user input relates to an indication of rotating a visualization about an axis at an offset angle
value. The input devices are generally configured to provide the image processing circuit 604
with input information relating to the indication.
[0036] The input devices 620 are communicably coupled to the image processing circuit 604.
In some embodiments, the input devices 620 are communicably coupled to the image processing
circuit 604 by a wired connection (e.g., via an electronic data bus of the airborne platform). In
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some embodiments, the input devices 620 are communicably coupled to the image processing
circuit 604 by a wireless connection (e.g., the display system 600 can include wireless receiver
hardware for communicating with wireless transmission hardware provided with the input
devices 620). In some embodiments, system 600 includes both wired and wireless connections.
[0037] The input devices 620 are shown to include the UI elements 22 and an eye detection
system 622. Embodiments can include any combination of the UI elements 22, the eye detection
system 622, and any other device configured to receive user input. The input devices 620 can be
configured to transmit input information relating to the received user input to the image
processing circuit 604.
[0038] In some embodiments, the input devices 620 includes a plurality of UI elements 22 as
described above with reference to FIG. 1. For example, the U1 elements 22 may include two
dials configured to receive a user input relating to a desired adjustment of the visualization. A
first dial can be associated with virtually rotating the visualization along a y-axis, and the second
dial can be associated with virtually rotating the visualization along the x-axis. In another
example embodiment, the UI elements 22 can include a touch screen device configured to
receive touch gestures relating to a desired adjustment of the visualization. The touch screen
device can be integrated with the display device 616 (e.g., the display device 616 is or includes a
touchscreen). Embodiments can include any suitable combination of the UI elements 22.
[0039] In some embodiments, the input devices 620 includes an eye detection system 622. The
eye detection system 622 can be configured to detect a horizontal displacement component
value, vertical displacement component value, and/or a distance value of the display device 616
relative to the operator. The horizontal displace~nentc omponent value can correspond to a
horizontal position of the display relative to the operator. The vertical displacement component
value can correspond to a vertical position of the display relative to the operator. The distance
value of the display device 616 can correspond to a distance between the operator and the display
device 616 and/or the control center 10. In some embodiments, the input devices 620 are
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configured to automatically detect the horizontal displacement component value, vertical
displacement component value, andlor a distance value.
[0040] In some embodiments, the eye detection system 622 can include one or more cameras
for detecting the horizontal displacement component value, the vertical displacement component
value, andlor the distance value. For example, a camera can be configured to receive an image
of the operator's head by placing the camera proximate to the control center 10 and positioning
the camera such that its lens is pointed towards the headrest of a seat. The camera of the eye
detection system 622 can be configured to continuously or intermittently receive images or
frames that capture at least a portion of the operator's body. In some embodiments, the camera
is also configured to capture surrounding areas of the cockpit 100 to facilitate eye detection. The
eye detection system 622 can be configured to transmit the received images or frames to image
processing circuit 604.
[0041] The eye detection system 622 can be any suitable type andlor configuration for
detecting the horizontal displacement component value, the vertical displacement component
value, andlor the distance value. For example, in some embodiments, the eye detection system
622 can include a light source configured to create infrared or near-infrared light and an optical
sensor configured to receive corneal reflections for eye detection. In another example
embodiment, the eye detection system 622 can include a wearable device (e.g., eyeglasses or a
head-mounted device) and one or more sensors proximate to the display device 616. In another
example embodiment, the eye detection system 622 can include a thermal camera configured to
detect the position (e.g., a vertical displacement component value) of the operator's head.
[0042] In some embodiments, the input devices 620 can include any device in addition to or
alternate to the U1 elements 22 and the eye detection system 622. In some embodiments, the
input devices 620 includes one or more sensor devices configured to automatically detect or
estimate the position of the operator's eyes or head. For example, the input devices 620 can
include a sensor device configured in a seat of the cockpit 100 and/or another sensor device
proximate to the display device 616. The sensors can be configured lo detect or estimate a
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horizontal displacement component of the display device 61 6 relative to the operator seat.
Embodiments can include any suitable sensor device, such as ultrasonic, photoelectric, laser
range-finder, etc.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 6 in further detail, the image processing circuit 604 is shown to
include a processor 606 and a memory 608. The processor 606 may be implemented as a
specific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field
programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable
electronic processing components. The memory 608 is one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM,
flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and computer code for completing and
facilitating the various user or client processes, layers, and modules described in the present
disclosure. The memory 608 may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory and
may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other
type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures of
the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The memory 608 is communicably connected to the
processor 606 and includes computer code or instruction modules for executing one or more
processes described herein. The memory 608 can include various circuits, software engines,
and/or modules that cause the processor 606 to execute the systems and methods described
herein.
100441 While FIG. 6 shows the image processing circuit 604 to include a single processor, in
various embodiments, the image processing circuit 604 can include various numbers or
arrangements of processors. For example, the processor 606 can be a multi-core processor. The
processor 606 can include a plurality of processors that may be dedicated to different tasks. The
image processing circuit 604 can include the processor 606 as well as a graphics processing unit
(GPU) (not shown); the GPU may be configured to retrieve (or be controlled by the processor
606 to retrieve) electronic instructions for generating a visualization and execute the electronic
instructions in order to generate a visualization for display by the display device 616.
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[0045] Memory is shown to include a rotation analysis circuit 610. In some embodiments, the
rotation analysis circuit 610 is configured to receive input information from the input devices
620 to determine an offset angle value and an axis of rotation. In some embodiments, the
rotation analysis circuit 61 0 is configured to provide adjustment information to the visualization
circuit 612 that includes the determined offset angle value and an axis of rotation.
[0046] In some embodiments, the input information received from the input devices 620
corresponds to a user input providing an indication to virtually rotate a visualization about an
axis. For example, in some embodiments it may be desirable to an operator to directly provide
an indication relating to an offset angle value and all axis of rotation using one or more UI
elements 22. The U1 elements 22 can include buttons, knobs, a touch-screen interface, or any
other device configured to receive a user input.
[0047] In some embodiments, the rotation analysis circuit 610 is configured to first process
andlor analyze received input information to determine an axis of rotation and an offset angle
value. For example, the input information received from the input devices 620 can relate to a
horizontal displacement component value, vertical displacement component value, and/or a
distance value of the display device 616 relative to the operator. The horizontal displacement
component value can correspond to a horizontal position of the display relative to the operator.
The vertical displacement component value can correspond to a vertical position of the display
relative to the operator. The distance value of the display device 61 6 can correspond to a
distance between the operator and the display device 616 and/or a point within the control center
10.
[0048] In some embodiments, the rotation analysis circuit 610 is configured to provide
adjustment information to the visualization circuit 612. The adjustment information can relate to
an axis of rotation and an offset angle value. In some embodiments, the rotation analysis circuit
61 0 is configured to determine two sets of adjustment information. The first set of adjustment
information can relate to an axis of rotation corresponding to the x-axis, and the second set of
adjustment information can relate to an axis of rotation correspondi~igto the y-axis.
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[0049] In soine embodiments, the offset angle generally relates to a number value of degrees or
radians in which the visualization is virtually rotated about an axis. In some embodiments, the
offset angle is expressed relative to the initial position of the visualization. For example, an
offset angle value corresponding to ten degrees relates to increased rotation about an axis
compared to an offset angle value corresponding to one degree. An offset angle value
corresponding to ninety degrees relates to an even further increased rotation (i.e., in which the
visualization is orthogonal to its initial position). An offset angle value corresponding to three
hundred and sixty degrees relates to the visualization returning to its initial position.
[0050] Embodiments can use any suitable system lo indicate the offset angle value. In an
example embodiment, the offset angle value can be expressed as a positive number when the
visualization is rotated in a particular direction about an axis and the offset angle value can be
expressed as a negative number when the visualization is rotated in the opposite direction. For
example, an offset angle value of five degrees and an offset angle value of negative threehundred
and fifty-five degrees relates to an identical or similar rotational position of the
visualization. In other embodiments, the offset angle is expressed as a positive number.
Referring to the preceding example, an offset angle value of negative five degrees can be
expressed as three hundred and fifty-five degrees.
[0051] The memory 608 is shown to include a settings database 614. The settings database 61 4
can be configured to store information relating to received input information. For example,
image processing circuit 604 may have received input information relating to a manual
adjustment indicating an axis of rotation and an offset angle value. It may be desirable for the
operator to store the axis of rotation and the offset angle value as a preset setting. The preset
setting can be retrieved from the settings database 614 when system 600 is powered or begins a
startup routine. In some embodiments, the image processing circuit 604 i~icludess, tores, or is
communicatively coupled to one or more databases, including the settings database 614.
100521 The memory 608 is shown to include a visualization circuit 612. The visualization
circuit 612 is generally configured to provide a visualization for displaying on a display screen
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of the display device 616. The visualization circuit 612 can be configured to provide the
visualization as a plane corresponding to a pixel matrix with rows and columns. Each pixel in
the pixel matrix can have a value corresponding to a color. The visualization circuit 612 can be
configured to receive pixel data relating to the pixel matrix from the aircraft computing system
602.
I00531 The visualization circuit 612 can be configured to virtually rotate a visualization by
modifying or manipulating a plurality of pixel values in the pixel matrix. In some embodiments,
the visualization circuit 612 is configured to modify the plurality of pixels based on the
adjustment information received from the rotation analysis circuit 610. In some embodiments,
the visualization circuit 612 is configured to receive two sets of adjustment information. The
first set of adjustment information can relate to an axis of rotation correspoliding to the x-axis,
and the second set of adjustment information can relate to an axis of rotation corresponding to
the y-axis.
[0054] The visualization circuit 612 can be configured to modify or manipulate a plurality of
pixel values in the pixel matrix to virtually rotate the visualization using any conventional or
suitable image processing techniques. In some embodiments, the visualization circuit 612 can
be configured to initially receive digital pixel data relating to the pixel matrix. The received
pixel data can correspond to a pixel matrix that visually represents an unmodified visualization
(e.g., the visualization 250 as shown with reference to FIG. 2). The visualization circuit 612 can
be configured to receive the pixel data from one or more processing circuits, the input devices
620, the settings database 614, the aircraft computing system 602, etc. The visualization circuit
612 can be configured to manipulate or modify pixel color values of the received pixel matrix
based on an offset angle value to render a rotated visualization. The visualization circuit 612 can
be configured to output a pixel matrix corresponding to the rotated visualization, for example as
described with reference to FIGS. 3-5. In some embodiments, the visualization circuit 612
outputs the rotated visualization for display on the display device 616.
Atty. Dkt. No.: 17CR326 (047141-1282)
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 7, a method 700 for generating a rotated visualization for display
on an aircraft display screen is shown according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The
method 700 may be performed using various hardware, apparatuses, and systems disclosed
herein, such as the aircraft cockpit 100 and/or components or features of the display system 600.
In some embodiments, one or more steps of method 700 can be performed by the rotation
analysis circuit 610 andlor the visualization circuit 612. In some embodiments, method 700 is
initiated when the image processing circuit 604 andlor the display device 61 6 is powered or
initialized.
[0056] At step 702, the image processing circuit 604 receives pixel data. In some
embodiments, the pixel data corresponds to a visualization (e.g., the visualization 250 as shown
with reference to FIG. 2) provided as a pixel matrix for display on a display device (e.g. the
display device 616). The pixel matrix may have columns and rows with each pixel in the pixel
matrix having a value corresponding to a color.
[0057] The image processing circuit 604 can receive pixel data from various sources. For
example, the image processing circuit 604 can receive pixel data from the aircraft computing
system 602 or a graphics processing unit (GPU) configured to render a display output on the
display device 616. The image processing circuit 604 can be communicably connected to the
aircraft computing system 602 andlor the GPU to receive the pixel data. In other embodiments,
the image processing circuit 604 can be provided with the aircraft computing system 602 andlor
the GPU. In some embodiments, the pixel data can be received from the input devices 620. In
some embodiments, the image processing circuit 604 receives the pixel data from the memory
608. For example, the image processing circuit 604 can receive a preset setting relating to the
visualization from the settings database 614. The preset setting can relate to an axis of rotation
and an offset angle value.
[0058] At step 704, the image processing circuit 604 receives input information from at least
one input device. The input information can relate to a user input providing an indication to
virtually rotate a visualization about an axis at an offset angle value. The input information can
Atty. Dkt. No.: 17CR326 (047141-1282)
be received from the input devices 620 via a wired interface or a wireless interface. For
example, the input information can be received from the U1 elements 22. The UI elements 22
can include buttons, knobs, a touch-screen interface, or any other device configured to receive an
indication from an operator relating to virtual rotation of the visualization about an axis at an
offset angle value.
[0059] In some embodiments, the received input information corresponds to a horizontal
displacement component value, a vertical displacement component value, and/or a distance value
ofthe display device 616 relative to the operator. The horizontal displacement component value
can correspond to a horizontal position ofthe display device 616 relative to the operator. The
vertical displacement component value can correspond to a vertical position of the display device
616 relative to the operator. The distance value of the display device 616 can correspond to a
distance between the operator and the display device 61 6 andlor the control center 10. In some
embodiments, the input devices 620 are configured to automatically detect the horizontal
displacement component value, the vertical displacement component value, and/or the distance
value. The processing circuit 604 can receive the detected values as input information.
[0060] In some embodiments, input information is received froin the eye detection system 622.
The eye detection system 622 can be configured to detect a horizontal displacement component
value, vertical displacement component value, andlor a distance value of the display device 616
relative to the operator. In some embodiments, ilie eye detection system 622 can include one or
more cameras for detecting the horizontal displacement component value, the vertical
displacement component value, andior the distance value. For example, a camera can be
configured to receive an image of the operator's head by placing the camera proximate to the
control center 10 and positioning the camera such that its lens is pointed towards the headrest of
a seat. The eye detection system 622 can be any of suitable type and/or configuration for
detecting the horizontal displacement component value, the vertical displacement component
value. andior the distance value.
[0061] At step 706, the image processing circuit 604 determines an offset angle for adjusting
the visualization. The offset angle generally relates to a number value of degrees or radians in
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4836-5660-781 8
Atty. Dkt. No.: 17CR326 (047141-1282)
which a visualization is virtually rotated about an axis. In some embodiments, the offset angle is
expressed relative to an initial position of the visualization. For example, an offset angle value
corresponding to ten degrees relates to increased rotation about an axis compared to an offset
angle value corresponding to one degree. An offset angle value corresponding to ninety degrees
relates to an even further increased rotation (i.e., in which the visualization is orthogonal to its
initial position). An offset angle value corresponding to three hundred and sixty degrees relates
to the visualization returning to its initial position. Embodiments can use any suitable system or
unit of measurement to determine the offset angle value.
[0062] In some embodiments, the image processing circuit 604 determines the offset angle
value in response to received input information at step 704. In some embodiments, the image
processing circuit 604 determines an offset angle value by receiving an indication of an offset
angle value, for example via UI elements 22 at step 704. In some embodiments, the image
processing circuit 604 determines an offset angle value using one or more software modules.
For example, the image processing circuit 604 may use one or more software modules to
determine an offset angle value in response to receiving input information from the eye detection
system 622.
[0063] In some embodiments, the image processing circuit 604 determines the offset angle
value through a series of calculations using a received horizontal displacement component value,
a vertical displacement component value, andlor a distance value. In an example embodiment,
the received horizontal displacement component may have a value identical to a distance value.
The distance value may be a distance between the operator and a point within the control center
10 directly in front of the operator (e.g., an imaginary line formed between the operator and the
control center 10 would be orthogonal to the control center 10). In this example, the image
processing circuit 604 calculates an offset degree value to be forty-five degrees. In other
embodiments, the distance value is measured between the operator and the display device 616.
100641 At step 708, the image processing circuit 604 adjusts the visualization based on the
determined offset angle. The image processing circuit 604 can adjust the visualization using any
Atty. Dkt. No.: 17CR326 (047141-1282)
conventional or suitable image processing techniques. For example, the image processing circuit
604 can modify or manipulate a plurality of pixel values in the pixel matrix to render a rotated
visualization. In some embodiments, step 706 may involve determining an offset value relating
to both an x-axis and a y-axis. In this regard, step 708 can involve adjusting the visualization
based on the x-axis offset angle value and adjusting the visualization based on the y-axis offset
angle value.
100651 At step 708, the image processing circuit 604 outputs the rotated visualization. The
image processing circuit 604 can output a pixel matrix corresponding to the rotated visualization,
for example as described with reference to FIGS. 3-5. In some embodiments, the image
processing circuit 604 outputs the rotated visualization for display on the display device 616.
[0066] it is to be understood that embodiments of the methods according to the inventive
concepts disclosed herein may include one or more of the steps described herein. Further, such
steps may be carried out in any desired order and two or more of the steps may be carried out
simultaneously with one another. Two or more of the steps disclosed herein may be combined in
a single step, and in some embodiments, one or more of the steps may be carried out as two or
more sub-steps. Further, other steps or sub-steps may be carried out in addition to, or as
substitutes to one or more of the steps disclosed herein.
[0067] From the above description, it is clear that the inventive concepts disclosed herein are
well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain the advantages mentioned herein as well as
those inherent in the inventive concepts disclosed herein. While presently preferred
embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein have been described for purposes of this
disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest
themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the broad scope and
coverage of the inventive concepts disclosed and claimed herein.
[0068] Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not to
an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is
Atty. Dkt. No.: 17CR326 (047141-1282)
true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or
present), or both A and B are true (or present).
[0069] h addition, use of the "a" or "an" are employed to describe elements and components
of embodiments of the instant inventive concepts. This is done merely for convenience and to
give a general sense of the inventive concepts, and "a" and "an" are intended to include one or at
least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.
[0070] Finally, as used herein any reference to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments"
means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the inventive concepts disclosed
herein. The appearances of the phrase "in some embodiments" in various places in the
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, and embodiments of the
inventive concepts disclosed may include one or more of the features expressly described or
inherently present herein, or any combination or sub-combination of two or more such features,
along with any other features which may not necessarily be expressly described or inherently
present in the instant disclosure.

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A system for an airborne platform, comprising:
a display device configured to display a visualization, the visualization provided as a
pixel matrix capable of being virtually rotated along a horizontal axis or along a vertical axis
based on a user input;
an input device configured to receive the user input from a user, the user input providing
an indication to virtually rotate the visualization along at least one of the horizontal axis and the
vertical axis; and
an image processing circuit communicably coupled to the display device, the image
processing circuit configured to:
receive pixel data corresponding to the pixel matrix;
receive the user input from the input device;
determine all offset angle to virtually rotate the visualization along at least one of
the horizontal axis and the vertical axis in response to the received user input;
configure the visualization in response to the determined offset angle; and
output the configured visualization for display on ibe display device.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the visualization is configured by modifying a color
value of a plurality of pixels in the pixel matrix.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the user input provides an indication to virtually rotate
the visualization along the horizontal axis and along the vertical axis.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein:
the input device comprises a touch screen interface capable of receiving gestures of the
user; and
the user input is a touch gesture providing an indication to virtually rotate the
visualization.
Atty. Dkt. No.: 17CR326 (047141-1282)
5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein:
the input device comprises an eye detection system capable of determining at least one of
a horizontal displacement component and a vertical displacement component as the user input;
and
the horizontal displacement component corresponds to an estimated horizontal distance
between the user and the display device and the vertical displacement component corresponds to
an estimated vertical distance between the eyes of the user and the display device.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein:
the eye detection system comprises a video camera capable of detecting at least one of
the estimated horizontal distance of the user relative to the display device and the estimated
vertical distance of the eyes of the user relative to the display device; and
the eye detection system is configured to respectively determine the horizontal
displacement component or the vertical displacement component in response to detecting the
estimated horizontal distance or the estimated vertical distance.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein:
the system further comprises a settings database communicably coupled to the image
processing circuit, the settings database configured to store a preset setting relating to an offset
angle value; and
the image processing circuit is further configured to:
receive, from the settings database, the preset setting;
configure the visualization in response to the received preset setting; and
output the configured visualization for display on the display device.
Atty. Dkt. No.: 17CR326 (047141-1282)
8. An image processing circuit communicably coupled to a display device of an airborne
platform, the display device configured to display a visualization provided as a pixel matrix
capable of being virtually rotated along a horizontal axis or along a vertical axis based on a user
input, the image processing circuit configured to:
receive pixel data corresponding to the pixel matrix;
receive the user input from the input device, the user input providing an indication to
virtually rotate the visualization along at least one of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis;
determine an offset angle to virtually rotate the visualization along at least one of the
horizontal axis and the vertical axis in response to the received user input;
configure the visualization in response to the determined offset angle; and
output the configured visualization for display on the display device.
9. The image processing circuit of claim 8, wherein the visualization is configured by
modifying a color value of a plurality of pixels in the pixel matrix.
10. The image processing circuit of claim 8, wherein the user input provides an indication to
virtually rotate the visualization along the horizontal axis and along the vertical axis.
11. The image processing circuit of claim 8, wherein:
the input device comprises a touch screen interface capable of receiving gestures of the
user; and
the user input is a touch gesture providing an indication to virtually rotate the
visualization.
Atty. Dkt. No.: 17CR326 (047141-1282)
12. The image processing circuit of claim 8, wherein:
the input device comprises an eye detection system capable of determining at least one of
a horizontal displacement component and a vertical displacement component as the user input;
and
the horizontal displacement component corresponds to an estimated horizontal distance
between the user and the display device and the vertical displacement component corresponds to
an estimated vertical distance between the eyes of the user and the display device.
13. The image processing circuit of claim 12, wherein:
the eye detection system comprises a video camera capable of detecting at least one of
the estimated horizontal distance of the user relative to the display device and the estimated
vertical distance of the eyes of the user relative to the display device; and
the eye detection system is configured to respectively determine the horizontal
displacement component or the vertical displacement component in response to detecting the
estimated horizontal distance or the estimated vertical distance.
14. The image processing circuit of claim I, wherein the image processing circuit is further
configured to:
receive a preset setting relating to an offset angle value from a settings database
communicably coupled to the image processing circuit and configured to store a plurality of
preset settings;
configure the visualization in response to the received preset setting; and
output the configured visualization for display on the display device.
Atty. Dkt. No.: 17CR326 (047141-1282)
15. A method for virtually rotating a visualization displayed on a display device of an
airborne platform, the visualization provided as a pixel matrix capable of being virtually rotated
along a horizontal axis or along a vertical axis based on a user input, the method comprising:
receiving, by an image processing circuit, pixel data corresponding to the pixel matrix;
receiving, by the image processing circuit, the user input from an input device, the user
input providing an indication to virtually rotate the visualization along at least one of the
horizontal axis and the vertical axis;
determining, by the image processing circuit, an offset angle to virtually rotate the
visualization along at least one of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis in response to the
received user input;
configuring, by the image processing circuit, the visualization in response to the
determined offset angle; and
outputting, by the image processing circuit, the configured visualization for display on
the display device.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the visualization is configured by modifying a color
value of a plurality of pixels in the pixel matrix.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the user input provides an indication to virtually rotate
the visualization along the horizontal axis and along the verlical axis.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein:
the input device comprises a touch screen interface capable of receiving gestures of the
user; and
the user input is a touch gesture providing an indication to virtually rotate the
visualization.
Atty. Dkt.No.: 17CR326 (047141-1282)
19. The method of claim 15, wherein:
the input device comprises an eye detection system capable of determining at least one of
a horizontal displacement component and a vertical displacement component as the user input;
and
the horizontal displacement component corresponds to an estimated horizontal distance
between the user and the display device and the vertical displacement component corresponds to
an estimated vertical distance between the eyes of the user and the display device.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein:
the eye detection system comprises a video camera capable of detecting at least one of
the estimated horizontal distance of the user relative to the display device and the estimated
vertical distance of the eyes of the user relative to the display device; and
the eye detection system is configured to respectively determine the horizontal
displacement component or the vertical displacement component in response to detecting the
estimated horizontal distance or the estimated vertical distance.