Eye of the Controller
4Pages

Eye of the Controller Development of high-resolution monitors provides options to enhance the ATCO’s working experience. DFS Control Center in Langen, Germany The ATC industry is currently witnessing the birth, adaptation and increasing popularity of 4K2K resolution LCD monitors. As this popularity originated in commercial markets, such as the LCD TV market, it raises the question: “Can these 4K2K monitors be applied to mission-critical environments, such as a modern en-route or approach center?” To answer with any degree of realistic understanding, a wide range of influences, both technical and commercial, need to be taken into account. Stability in Tradition The mission-critical nature of the ATC market dictates the absolute and uncompromising need for reliable products to be used 24/7 for a number of years. ATM systems are typically deployed for 20 years or more before a major overhaul or renewal is considered. During the life of the ATM system there will be interim hardware refreshes from time to time but the monitor format itself generally cannot deviate from the original configuration. Careful consideration is vital to the long-term performance of the system. There is little doubt that the 2K2K monitor format has been, and remains, the most dominant primary control monitor format in the professional ATM arena for displaying the key secondary surveillance radar (SSR) feed. The great majority of hardware refreshes for existing systems and new system deployment to ATC centers still strongly depend on the 2K2K format’s performance, reliability and long-term availability. From the early implementation of display techn

technologies will continue to have a place in the market, the industry is now more open to new concepts that could improve performance and efficiency and offer alternatives to how ATCOs view and manage information. Opening the Door to New Visual Concepts The 2K2K monitor format remains the dominant primary control monitor format in ATC. into ATC centers using round cathode ray tubes (CRTs) to the success of the Sony DDM CRT, the SSR signal itself directly determined the monitors’ fundamental dimensions and format over the years. Maintaining the screen size of 50cm (19in) from edge-to-edge,...

The 4K2K resolution itself is still quite new to the professional monitor industry despite being commonplace in the commercial LCD TV market. Monitor manufacturers still search for industrial applications where the resolution could be beneficial and therefore warrant sustained product development. However, the professional 4K2K market is still developing and extreme care must be taken in selecting suitable products for mission-critical environments. The generational move in attitudes toward IT in general, influenced by the media in our personal experiences outside the control room, exposes...

time for 4K2K to become a widespread alternative to 2K2K configurations. While production of such a panel is not out of the question, it would require a similar demand from another industry, as the worldwide ATC demand alone is not high enough to sustain the volumes needed to justify production. Considering the Factors The fundamental purpose and goals of the industry will remain unchanged and the challenges of increasing traffic volume mean that the industry will evolve. The mission-critical nature of ATC will continue to dictate the uncompromising need for reliable control solutions with...