System and method for providing terrain and runway warning services via a protected data link

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for providing terrain and runway feedback to an aircraft via a protected data link. The method utilizes a controller onboard the aircraft and a controller on the ground. The controller onboard the aircraft performs the following operations: formats a data packet of mobile platform data; confirms that the aircraft has a valid subscription service; protects the data packet using a protection protocol; and transmits the data packet via a protected data link. The ground controller performs the following operations: confirms the subscription service of the aircraft; verifies the protection protocol used on the data packet; decodes and processes the data using map extraction, threat detection, and image generation to generate raw terrain and runway feedback data; and transmits the raw data using the protected data link. An alarm controller is used to generate alarm commands for various alarm devices based on the raw terrain and runway feedback data.

Description

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD The field generally relates to navigation aids that provide terrain and runway alerts for mobile platforms, and more particularly, to systems and methods for providing terrain and runway alert services for mobile platforms using protected data links. Background Art

[0002] During the operation of a mobile platform, such as an aircraft, various navigation aids are relied upon. One type of navigation aid provides terrain and runway alerts and primarily involves processing high-resolution map data to determine whether objects or events in the environment surrounding the mobile platform are worthy of attention. The high-resolution map data may include massive amounts of data (e.g., 4.3+GB) and is often stored in a database.

[0003] Technical issues associated with the use of high-resolution terrain databases can reduce the effectiveness of terrain and runway warnings. One technical issue is distribution. Distributing a high-resolution terrain database to all aircraft worldwide to meet peak transmission needs consumes a large amount of bandwidth, which is typically expensive and of limited availability. Distribution of updates can occur frequently, often on a 28 or 56 day cycle. Another issue is that the time to load a high-resolution terrain database does not fit within the typical 20 minute turnaround time that many mobile platform operators strive for. Because of these distribution and bandwidth issues, consumers and users of this high-resolution map data have difficulty keeping their terrain databases updated, typically only once a year.

[0004] In addition to the above technical issues, memory capacity on mobile platforms can be expensive. Carrying 4.3+GB of memory capacity onboard each mobile platform can be very expensive, especially on smaller (less expensive) aircraft, such as those in the 2-6 seat category. Furthermore, processing power sufficient to sort through 4.3+GB of memory can be very expensive. Furthermore, the computational requirements of processing very high resolution map data present thermal management difficulties, especially for mobile platforms without forced air cooling.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for systems and methods for providing improved terrain and runway warnings that are superior to conventional methods. The desired systems and methods for terrain and runway warnings solve the above-mentioned technical problems and provide functional results that reliably assist pilots in performing the technical tasks of operating an aircraft. In addition to solving related issues, the following disclosure provides technical solutions to these problems. Summary of the invention

[0006] This Summary is provided to describe selected concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] A system for providing terrain and runway feedback for a mobile platform is provided, the system comprising: a first controller, the first controller being onboard the mobile platform, the first controller being operable to: create a first data packet of concurrently collected mobile platform data including status data; format the first data packet according to a first communication protocol; protect the first data packet using a protection protocol; and transmit the protected first data packet according to the first communication protocol; and a second controller, the second controller being external to the mobile platform, the second controller being operable to: decode the first data packet to reveal concurrently collected data; process the concurrently collected data using map extraction and threat detection to generate terrain and runway feedback data ; performing image generation on the terrain and runway feedback data to create image data; formatting the image data and the terrain and runway feedback data according to a second communication protocol to create a second data packet; protecting the second data packet using a protection protocol; and transmitting the protected second data packet according to the second communication protocol; and an alarm controller operable to: receive the protected second data packet from the second controller; verify the protection protocol used on the protected second data packet; decode the second data packet to reveal the image data and the terrain and runway feedback data; and generate each of a display command, an audio command, and a device command in response to the image data and the terrain and runway feedback data.

[0008] A method for providing terrain and runway feedback to an aircraft is also provided, the method comprising: at a telemetry controller onboard the aircraft: creating a first data packet including concurrently collected mobile platform data including status data; formatting the first data packet according to a first communication protocol; when a subscription management service is enabled, confirming that the aircraft has a valid subscription service; protecting the first data packet using a protection protocol; and transmitting the protected first data packet according to the first communication protocol; and at a threat and map controller external to the mobile platform: receiving the protected first data packet from the aircraft; verifying the protection protocol used on the protected first data packet; decoding the first data packet to reveal the concurrently collected data; processing the first data packet with map extraction and threat detection concurrently collected data, thereby generating terrain and runway feedback data; performing image generation on the terrain and runway feedback data, thereby creating image data; formatting the image data and the terrain and runway feedback data according to a second communication protocol, thereby creating a second data packet; protecting the second data packet using a protection protocol; and transmitting the protected second data packet according to the second communication protocol; and at an alarm controller: receiving the protected second data packet from the second controller; verifying the protection protocol used on the protected second data packet; decoding the second data packet to reveal the image data and the terrain and runway feedback data; and generating each of a display command, an audio command, and a device command in response to the image data and the terrain and runway feedback data.

[0009] In another embodiment, a system for providing terrain and runway feedback to a mobile platform is provided, the system comprising: a display system that responds to display commands; and a telemetry controller that is operable to transmit a protected first data packet of concurrently collected mobile platform data including status data, the system comprising: a threat and map controller external to the mobile platform, the threat and map controller being operable to: receive the protected first data packet from the mobile platform; verify a protection protocol used on the protected first data packet; decode the first data packet to reveal the concurrently collected data; process the concurrently collected data using map extraction, threat detection, and image generation to create terrain and runway feedback data; format the terrain and runway feedback data according to a second communication protocol to create a second data packet; protect the second data packet using the protection protocol; and transmit the protected second data packet according to the second communication protocol; and an alarm controller that is operable to: receive the protected second data packet from a second controller; verify the protection protocol used on the protected second data packet; decode the second data packet to reveal image data and terrain and runway feedback data; and generate and transmit display commands in response to the terrain and runway feedback data.

[0010] Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the systems and methods will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing background. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present application will be described below in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like numbers represent like elements, and:

[0012] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a system for providing terrain and runway warning services to mobile platforms using a protected data link according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0013] Figures 2 to 3 A method of providing terrain and runway warning services to a mobile platform using a protected data link is depicted in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The following specific embodiments are merely illustrative in nature and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or the application and use of such embodiments. As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "used as an example, instance or illustration". Therefore, any embodiment described as "exemplary" herein is not necessarily understood to be preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The embodiments described herein are exemplary embodiments provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention rather than to limit the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. In addition, it is not intended to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the aforementioned technical field, background technology, summary of the invention or the following specific embodiments.

[0015] As described above, conventional approaches to terrain and runway warning for mobile platforms are hampered by technical issues associated with storage, distribution, peak transmission requirements and processing of high-resolution terrain databases. A proposed system for providing terrain and runway warning services for mobile platforms using a protected data link ( Figure 1 , system 100) provides a technical solution to at least these technical problems, for example by reducing peak transmission demands to continuous and background transmission demands.

[0016] The design strategy provided by the proposed system for providing terrain and runway warning services to mobile platforms using protected data links includes, but is not limited to: (1) storing a massive high-resolution terrain database on the ground, where the database can be continuously updated with the latest / best version available to subscribers on the mobile platform / aircraft; this alleviates the mobile platform's need for massive high-resolution terrain database storage; (2) performing data processing and image generation based on terrain data on the ground; this alleviates the mobile platform's hot, expensive computing power; and (3) leveraging existing onboard data sources for data acquisition. The design strategy provided herein simply adds a small telemetry controller, or a telemetry controller and an alert controller, to the existing equipment (i.e., hardware and software) onboard. This design strategy utilizes a handshake-style protection protocol and operates over a protected data link. This design strategy provides many advantages over conventional terrain and runway warning systems, for example, storing the terrain database outside the aircraft protects the terrain database from aircraft-related power failures, lightning, vibration, dust, and cooling loss, and increases the opportunity for each aircraft accessing map data to access the best available and latest map data. These design features and many more reduce the cost, complexity and quality assurance procedures of the mobile platform / aircraft.The following figures and description provide more details.

[0017] Reference now Figure 1In an embodiment, a system for providing terrain and runway warning services for a mobile platform using a protected data link 100 (also referred to herein as "system" 100) is generally associated with a mobile platform 25, an external computing unit 50, and an alarm controller 85, each of which is operable to communicate via a satellite and / or terrestrial communication network 75. In various embodiments, the system 100 drives one or more alarm devices 95, such as: a display device, a display system, an audio system, a light, a tactile system, etc.

[0018] The alarm controller 85 may be co-located with the person or computer directing the mobile platform 25. In some embodiments, the alarm controller 85 and the alarm device 95 are onboard the mobile platform 25. In other embodiments, such as remotely piloted aircraft, urban air mobility vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, etc., the alarm controller 85 and the alarm device 95 are external to the mobile platform 25.

[0019] In various embodiments, the mobile platform 25 is an aircraft and is referred to as aircraft 25. The telemetry controller 35 performs the functions and operations of the system 100 that occur when the system 100 is onboard the aircraft 25. The telemetry controller 35 is in operative communication with a plurality of onboard data sources 102 that perform data collection. Non-limiting examples of onboard data sources 102 include: a radio altimeter 106, an air data computer (ADC) 108, an attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) 110, a global positioning system (GPS or GNSS) 112, a flight management system (FMS) 114, an inertial reference system (IRS) 116, an instrument landing system (ILS) 118, an engine telemetry controller 35, and a user input device 122 (for receiving and generating discrete pilot or crew inputs).

[0020] Individually, each onboard data source 102 can generate its corresponding data using analog, discrete or digital coding. Telemetry controller 35 is operable to passively receive and actively collect data from each onboard data source 102, and collect them simultaneously and / or concurrently, that is, collect simultaneously. This function may be referred to as data acquisition. At any given time, the data collected concurrently from onboard data sources 102 are referred to as "mobile platform data". In an embodiment, mobile platform data include state data (e.g., ground speed, altitude, azimuth, position and direction of movement) of mobile platform 25. In various embodiments, mobile platform data may include state data and sensed avionics data (e.g., engine state, fuel state, flap configuration, etc.).

[0021] For ease of discussion, a block of mobile platform data collected concurrently at time t is referred to as a data packet. The telemetry controller 35 is operable to generate a data packet, determine or identify a previously specified communication protocol for use, and format the data packet in accordance with the communication protocol. The previously specified communication protocol may be provided by a user via a user input device, may be programmed into the telemetry controller 35 during an initialization process, or may be communicated to the telemetry controller 35 from an external source.

[0022] In various embodiments, the telemetry controller 35 is further operable to perform subscription management when the subscription management service is enabled. Performing subscription management includes steps for confirming, via the external computing unit 50, that the mobile platform 25 has a valid subscription service enabled. In embodiments using a subscription service, the telemetry controller 35 will confirm the valid subscription service before proceeding to protect the data packets using the protection protocol and transmitting the protected data packets to the external computing unit 50 (via the satellite and terrestrial communication network 75).

[0023] In various embodiments, regardless of whether a subscription management service is used, once a protected data packet is generated, it is transmitted using a high-bandwidth, high-reliability air-to-ground data link; this is referred to herein as transmitting it using a protected data link. Figures 2 to 3 These operations are described in more detail.

[0024] The system 100 functions involving expensive processing of mobile platform data with high-resolution terrain data are performed by an external computing unit 50 on the ground, such as at a ground station. The external computing unit 50 may include a threat and map controller 45, an optional subscription database 130, a terrain database 132, a map extraction module 134, a threat detection module 136, and an image generation module 138. The subscription database 130 stores and maintains the latest subscription status of multiple mobile platform members. In various embodiments, the threat and map controller 45 is operable to add, update, and remove members of the subscription database 130. In various embodiments, the subscription status includes at least a binary valid / invalid association with each mobile platform member of the multiple mobile platforms in the subscription database 130. As described above, the terrain database 132 is used to store and maintain massive, high-definition, up-to-date terrain map data. In an embodiment using a subscription management service, the threat and map controller 45 is operable to verify the subscription status in response to a validity query from the mobile platform 25. The threat and map controller 45 is operable to receive data packets transmitted from the mobile platform 25, verify the protection protocol used on the received data packets, and decode and input process the data encoded within the data packets. As used herein, input processing decoded data packets includes feeding the data into a virtual model of the aircraft or an appropriate mobile platform model to subject it to input data validation and filtering as is typically done in preparation for map extraction and threat detection.

[0025] The threat and map controller 45 is also operable to feed output from the input processing to the map extraction module 134, the threat detection module 136, and the image generation module 138, thereby generating raw data including image data, terrain feedback data, and runway feedback data, which is collectively referred to as "terrain and runway feedback data." In various embodiments, instead of processing all available terrain data in the generation of "terrain and runway feedback data," the threat and map controller 45 identifies chunks of terrain data associated with the mobile platform (referred to herein as terrain data fragments) and processes them into data packets; for example, a terrain fragment may be a 100-mile area.

[0026] In various embodiments, the map extraction module 134, the threat detection module 136, and the image generation module 138 are conventionally available software programs and / or hardware devices that the threat and map controller 45 commands in a conventional manner to generate terrain and runway feedback data. In other embodiments, the threat and map controller 45 includes instructions and algorithms therein to perform the operations provided by the map extraction module 134, the threat detection module 136, and the image generation module 138. Regardless of the division of tasks within the external computing unit 50, the external computing unit 50 is operable to format and protect the terrain and runway feedback data in accordance with a specified communication protocol, and to transmit the protected terrain and runway feedback data. The threat and map controller 45 transmits the protected data packets using a high bandwidth, high reliability air-to-ground data link. In conjunction with Figure 2 These operations are described in more detail.

[0027] The alarm controller 85 is a system 100 component that processes the output of the external computing unit 50. The alarm controller 85 is operable to receive data packets transmitted from the external computing unit 50, check the validity of the received data packets, and remove the digital signature and encryption layer, that is, decode the movement data within the data packet, thereby revealing the raw data including image data, terrain feedback data and runway feedback data. The alarm controller 85 is operable to generate and transmit alarm commands using the raw data. In some embodiments, the raw data can be directly transmitted to drive the low-level driver functions in the alarm device 95 block (for example, a discrete output that can power a light or other visual indicator in the cockpit). The raw data can also contain a discrete indication of what auditory alarm is to be given, or it can contain an actual audio wave file to be played in the alarm device 95 block.

[0028] Additionally, the alert controller 85 is operable to generate alert commands for the alert device 95 in response to processing the raw data. In various embodiments, the external computing unit 50 may access the line operations center data, and the threat and map controller 45 may augment or customize the wave files according to the native language of the operator or pilot of the mobile platform 25. In various embodiments, the threat and map controller 45 changes the volume setting according to previously specified pilot preferences or according to ambient noise levels (based on sensed engine speed, air speed, rainfall rate, sampled cockpit audio, etc. provided within the data packet).

[0029] In various embodiments, the data packets transmitted by the external computing unit 50 contain a map to be displayed on a navigation display in the aircraft 25. In various embodiments, the threat and map controller 45 compromises with the bandwidth limitations and closed-loop response time requirements of the aircraft 25 because the raw data generated contains a much larger and higher resolution map than the display system on the aircraft 25 can accommodate, and then identifies the portion deemed most relevant to the mobile platform 25 and samples (rasterizes) it to generate alert commands as display commands for the display system on the aircraft 25. In an exemplary embodiment, the display commands are generated for a display device implemented on one or more electronic display devices such as a multifunction display (MFD) or a multifunction control display unit (MCDU), which is configured as any combination of the following: a head-up display (HUD), an alphanumeric display, a vertical situation display (VSD), and a lateral navigation display (ND).

[0030] In summary, alert commands may include display commands for a display system to render one or more of text, symbols, graphics (two-dimensional and three-dimensional), and animations. Alert commands may include a complete set of signals to cause cockpit data to be communicated to the pilot and crew via a graphical display on the cockpit display system. Alert commands may include audio commands for an audio system to emit words or sounds. And, alert commands may include equipment controls. In short, in various embodiments, the alert controller 85 is operable to generate each of the display commands, audio commands, and equipment commands in response to the image data and terrain feedback data and runway feedback data. In combination Figure 2 These operations are described in more detail.

[0031] The satellite and terrestrial communication network 75 is operable to support low latency communications between the telemetry controller 35, the threat and map controller 45, and the alert controller 85. The satellite and / or terrestrial communication network 75 may support very high frequency (VHF), high frequency (HF), or satellite communications (SATCOM). It may also include the Aeronautical Radio Corporation (ARINC), the International Aeronautical Telecommunications Group (SITA) information technology, and the Internet. As a functional block, the satellite and terrestrial communication network 75 may represent one or more transmitters, receivers, and supporting communication hardware and software required for the components of the system 100 to communicate as described herein.

[0032] The exemplary embodiment of the system 100 utilizes a controller to perform functions, operations, and tasks, and thereby provides a technical solution to the above-mentioned technical problems. Figure 1 In the depicted example, telemetry controller 35 is onboard aircraft 25, threat and map controller 45 is located in an external computing unit, and alarm controller 85 is depicted as being external to both mobile platform 25 and external computing unit 50. In various embodiments, alarm controller 85 is internal to mobile platform 25 and may be integrated with telemetry controller 35.

[0033] As used herein, the term "controller" refers to any device used to facilitate communication and / or interaction between components of system 100 and to perform additional processes, tasks, and / or functions to support the operation of system 100, as described herein. According to an embodiment, the controller may be implemented or realized with: a general purpose processor (shared, dedicated, or group) controller, a microprocessor or microcontroller, and a memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs; a content addressable memory; a digital signal processor; an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA); any suitable programmable logic device; a combinational logic circuit, including discrete gate or transistor logic; discrete hardware components and memory devices; and / or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.

[0034] Continue to refer Figure 1In various embodiments, the telemetry controller 35, the threat and map controller 45, and the alarm controller 85 are each implemented as an enhanced computer system, including a memory and / or database for storing corresponding instruction sets, algorithms and / or programs, a processor for executing the instructions, and an input / output interface (I / O). The information in the memory and / or database can be organized and / or imported from an external data source during the initialization step of the process; the information can also be programmed via a user input device. Within each controller, an input / output interface (I / O) enables communication within the controller, as well as communication between the controller and other components that are in operable communication with the controller. The input / output interface (I / O) may include one or more network interfaces and may be implemented using any suitable method and device. In various embodiments, the input / output interface (I / O) supports communication with a technician and / or one or more storage interfaces for direct connection to a storage device (such as a subscription database 130 and a terrain database 132).

[0035] During operation of the controller, as described in system 100, the processor loads and executes one or more algorithms, instructions and rules embodied as programs, and thus controls the general operation of the controller. In other embodiments, the controllers (telemetry controller 35, threat and map controller 45, and alarm controller 85) can be implemented differently, individually, or in any combination using any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control components, processing logic and / or processor devices. It should also be understood that the telemetry controller 35 can be implemented differently from the threat and map controller 45, and the alarm controller 82 can be implemented the same as the telemetry controller 35, the same as the threat and map controller 45, or different from the telemetry controller 35 and the threat and map controller 45.

[0036] Reference now Figure 2-Figure 3 , the system 100 described above may be implemented by a processor-executable method to provide terrain and runway feedback to the mobile platform 25. For illustrative purposes, the following description of the method 200 may be combined with Figure 1 Reference is made to the elements described above. In practice, portions of method 200 may be performed by different components of the described system. It should be understood that method 200 may include any number of additional or alternative tasks, Figures 2 to 3 The tasks shown in the method 200 need not be performed in the order shown, and the method 200 may be incorporated into a more comprehensive procedure or method having additional functionality not described in detail herein. In addition, various implementations of the method 200 may be removed from the implementation as long as the intended overall functionality remains intact. Figures 2 to 3 One or more of the tasks shown in are omitted.

[0037] It is understood that before the method 200 begins, the controller is initialized. When implemented using an enhanced computer system, initialization may include instructions for uploading or updating programs so that they are executed by the corresponding processor. In various embodiments, initialization also includes identifying or determining previously specified communication protocols and protection protocols for use.

[0038] Operations 202-210 are performed by the telemetry controller 35. The operations of the telemetry controller 35 include: creating a first data packet of concurrently collected mobile platform data, including status data and sensed avionics status data, at 202; formatting the first data packet according to a first communication protocol at 204. Non-limiting examples of communication protocols include: TCP / IP-based protocols, such as FTP, TFTP; and ATN / OSI-based protocols, such as IP-SNDCF.

[0039] In an embodiment using a subscription management service, at 206, the telemetry controller 35 confirms that the mobile platform has a valid subscription service. The telemetry controller 35 may confirm that the mobile platform has a valid subscription service by: (i) transmitting a status request including an identification of the mobile platform to the external computing unit 50 (at 205); and (ii) receiving a positive response from the external computing unit 50 (at 206). The valid subscription service may include a registration. In various embodiments, the valid subscription service requires that the service fee has been paid in a timely manner. In one embodiment, if the telemetry controller 35 receives a negative response to the status request (at 206), the telemetry controller 35 may confirm that the mobile platform has a valid subscription service. Figure 2 ), the telemetry controller 35 may inhibit the operational performance of the mobile platform 25. In various embodiments, the telemetry controller 35 may determine when the subscription service is delinquent (if the telemetry controller 35 receives a negative response to the status request); and when the subscription service is delinquent, generate an alert command indicating that the bill from the mobile platform 25 is due.

[0040] At 208, regardless of whether the subscription management service is used, the telemetry controller 35 uses a protection protocol to protect the first data packet. The protection protocol is a means for preventing unnecessary monitoring and tampering. In some embodiments, the protection protocol includes a digital signature. In some embodiments, the protection protocol includes digital encryption. In some embodiments, the protection protocol includes a digital signature and digital encryption.

[0041] At 210 , the telemetry controller 35 transmits the protected first data packet according to the first communication protocol. It should be understood that the protected first data packet constitutes data to be processed by the terrain database 132 .

[0042] It will be appreciated that data packets may be collected sequentially by the telemetry controller 35 over a period of time. When there are multiple (N) data packets to be transmitted to the external computing unit 50, the first data packet may be referred to as the first data packet, or as data packet (t=1), and subsequent data packets may be enumerated as data packets (t=2) by data packets (t=N). In various embodiments, data packets are collected, protected, and transmitted at predetermined time intervals that are equally spaced. In other embodiments, the time intervals for collecting, protecting, and transmitting data packets are adjusted in response to an alarm priority algorithm.

[0043] Operations 212-230 are performed by the threat and map controller 45 on the ground at the external computing unit 50. As described above, in various embodiments, before accepting the transmitted data packet, a validity check may be performed to confirm that the sending mobile platform 25 has a valid subscription. From the perspective of the threat and map controller 45, the validity check includes receiving a status confirmation request from the mobile platform 25 at 212, the request including a mobile platform identification to reference the mobile platform identification in the subscription database 130, thereby recovering at least a binary true (valid) or false (invalid) response to the mobile platform 25 request. At 214, a binary true (valid) or false (invalid) response to the mobile platform 25 request is transmitted. In various embodiments, when the response is false, the external computing unit 50 may send a balance due message back to the mobile platform 25.

[0044] At 216, a protected data packet is received from the mobile platform 25. For embodiments using a subscription management service, at 216, protected data packets are only accepted / received from mobile platforms 25 with valid subscription services. It will be appreciated that in various embodiments, when the response is false, the external computing unit 50 does not accept the data packet at 216. At 218, for embodiments using a subscription management service, the threat and map controller 45 verifies the protection protocol used on the protected first data packet. Verifying the protection protocol may include (i) identifying the protection encapsulation; (ii) approving the digital signature; and (iii) approving the digital encryption. After the protection is verified, the method proceeds to 220 to decode the data to reveal the concurrently collected data, i.e., to classify the collected data packet into its original sensed state data block and sensed avionics data block.

[0045] The data from 220 can then be input for processing at 222, as used herein, which refers to feeding it into a virtual model of the aircraft or an appropriate mobile platform model to subject it to input data validation and filtering. At 224, the output data from 222 is fed to the map extraction module 134, the threat detection module 136, and the image generation module 138, thereby generating the raw data referred to above as the terrain and runway feedback data associated with the mobile platform. As done conventionally, the image generation module 138 can be configured to generate "background" image data, "threat" image data, or map data. At 226, the output from 224 (terrain and runway feedback data) is then formatted into a second data packet according to a second communication protocol, and protected by a second protection protocol at 228 before transmitting the formatted and protected second data packet (with terrain and runway feedback data) according to a second protection protocol at 230. In various embodiments, the first protection protocol and the second protection protocol are the same. In various embodiments, the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol are different.

[0046] After transmitting the formatted and protected second data packet having terrain and runway feedback data related to the mobile platform at its current position and state (at 230), operations at the external computing unit 50 may end, as indicated by "B", or may continue and Figure 3 Pick up using method 300 above.

[0047] The above exemplary embodiments employ protection encapsulation with operations 208 and 228. It is contemplated that various embodiments may omit protection encapsulation operations 208 and 228, thereby transmitting only the corresponding formatted data packets.

[0048] The alarm controller 85 performs the operations shown in the method 300. At 302, the alarm controller 85 receives the formatted and protected second data packet (having terrain and runway feedback data therein). At 304, the alarm controller 85 verifies the protection encapsulation, and at 306, the protected second data packet is decoded into its underlying raw data (image data block, terrain feedback data block, and runway feedback data block). As described above, at 308, an alarm command is generated. The alarm command can be used for one or more alarm devices 95, such as: a display device, a display system, an audio system, a light, a tactile system, etc. Therefore, the alarm command can include a display command, an audio command, a lighting command, and a vibration control. In addition, the alarm controller 85 can generate a device command. It should be understood that the alarm command embodies the results of processing the mobile platform data with the terrain database 132; therefore, no matter where the alarm controller 85 resides, the operator can see, hear, or otherwise experience the results of processing the mobile platform data with the terrain data.

[0049] Although described in the context of a controller embodied as a fully operational enhanced computer system Figures 1 to 3 illustrative embodiments, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of the present disclosure can be distributed as program products. It is understood that programs for each of the three corresponding controllers (telemetry controller 35, threat and map controller 45, and alarm controller 82) can be developed together to cooperate with each other in various steps and in applying protection protocols and utilizing communication protocols. Once developed, these programs can be stored and distributed separately or together. As a program product, one or more types of non-transitory computer-readable signal-bearing media can be used to store and distribute programs, such as non-transitory computer-readable media that carry programs and contain additional computer instructions for causing a computer processor to load and execute the corresponding program. Such program products can take a variety of forms, and the present disclosure is equally applicable regardless of the type of computer-readable signal-bearing media used for distribution. Examples of signal-bearing media include: recordable media, such as floppy disks, hard disks, memory cards, and optical disks, and transmission media, such as digital and analog communication links. It should be understood that in certain embodiments, cloud-based storage and / or other technologies can also be used as storage and as a time-based view of program products for clearing requests.

[0050] Thus, the proposed system and method for providing terrain and runway feedback for a mobile platform provides a mobile platform with improved terrain and runway feedback. It is readily appreciated that the above example of the system 100 is non-limiting and that many other examples may be addressed by the controllers (telemetry controller 35, threat and map controller 45, and alarm controller 82).

[0051] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, circuits and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software or a combination of the two. Some embodiments and specific implementations are described above according to functions and / or logic block components (or modules) and various processing steps. However, it should be understood that such block components (or modules) can be implemented by being configured to perform any number of hardware, software and / or firmware components of a specified function. In order to clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, various exemplary components, blocks, modules, circuits and steps have been generally described above with respect to their functions. Whether such functions are implemented as hardware or software depends on the application and the design constraints imposed on the entire system.

[0052] A skilled person may implement the described functionality in different ways for each application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention. For example, implementations of systems or components may employ various integrated circuit components, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, etc., which may perform a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described herein are exemplary implementations only.

[0053] In addition, the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or executed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0054] The steps of the methods and algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be directly embodied in hardware, software modules executed by a controller or processor, or a combination of the two. The software module may reside in a RAM memory, a flash memory, a ROM memory, an EPROM memory, an EEPROM memory, a register, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. In an alternative, the storage medium may be integrated into the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC.

[0055] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, etc., can be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. Unless explicitly defined by the claim language, numerical ordinals such as "first", "second", "third", etc. only represent different individuals in a plurality, and do not imply any order or sequence. Unless explicitly defined by the language of the claims, the sequence of texts in any claim does not imply that the processing steps must be performed in a temporal or logical order according to such a sequence. When "or" is used herein, it is logical or mathematical, or also referred to as "inclusive or". Therefore, for the following three situations, A or B is true: A is true, B is true, and both A and B are true. In some cases, exclusive "or" is constructed with "and"; for example, for the following two situations, "one from A and B" is true: A is true and B is true.

[0056] In addition, depending on the context, words such as "connected" or "coupled to" used when describing the relationship between different elements do not imply that a direct physical connection must be made between these elements. For example, two elements may be connected to each other physically, electronically, logically, or in any other way through one or more additional elements.

[0057] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the aforementioned specific embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations. It should also be understood that an exemplary embodiment or multiple exemplary embodiments are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the present invention in any way. On the contrary, the aforementioned specific embodiments will provide a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention for those skilled in the art. It should be understood that, without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims, various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. A system for providing terrain and runway feedback to a mobile platform without an onboard terrain database, the system comprising: A first controller is mounted on the mobile platform, and the first controller is operable to: creating a first data packet of concurrently collected mobile platform data including state data; formatting the first data packet according to a first communication protocol; protecting the first data packet using a protection protocol; as well as transmitting a protected first data packet according to the first communication protocol; and A second controller, the second controller is outside the mobile platform, and the second controller is operable to: decoding the first data packet to reveal the concurrently collected data; processing the concurrently collected data using map extraction and threat detection to generate terrain and runway feedback data; performing image generation on the terrain and runway feedback data to create image data including high resolution map data; formatting the image data and the terrain and runway feedback data according to a second communication protocol to create a second data packet containing a map; protecting the second data packet using the protection protocol; as well as transmitting a protected second data packet according to the second communication protocol; and An alarm controller, the alarm controller being operable to: receiving the protected second data packet from the second controller; verifying the protection protocol used on the protected second data packet; decoding the second data packet to reveal the image data and terrain and runway feedback data, wherein the alert controller is configured to identify a portion of the map associated with the mobile platform; as well as Display commands are generated in response to the image data and the terrain and runway feedback data by sampling the identified map portion, the display commands being used to present a sampled version of the identified map portion on a display system.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the alarm controller is located on or outside the mobile platform, and the first controller is further operable to create the first data packet, the first data packet also including concurrently collected flight data and user input data.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the protection protocol comprises a digital signature or digital encryption.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the second controller is further operable to: determining when a subscription service for the mobile platform is delinquent; and When the subscription service is delinquent, an alert command is generated indicating that a bill is due.

5. A method for providing terrain and runway feedback to an aircraft without a terrain database, the method comprising: At a telemetry controller onboard the aircraft: creating a first data packet of concurrently collected mobile platform data including state data; formatting the first data packet according to a first communication protocol; When the subscription management service is enabled, confirming that the aircraft has a valid subscription service; protecting the first data packet using a protection protocol; as well as transmitting a protected first data packet according to the first communication protocol; as well as At a threat and map controller external to the mobile platform: receiving the protected first data packet from the aircraft; verifying the protection protocol used on the protected first data packet; decoding the first data packet to reveal the concurrently collected data; processing the concurrently collected data using map extraction and threat detection to generate terrain and runway feedback data; performing image generation on the terrain and runway feedback data to create image data including high resolution map data; formatting the image data and the terrain and runway feedback data according to a second communication protocol to create a second data packet containing a map; protecting the second data packet using the protection protocol; as well as transmitting a protected second data packet according to the second communication protocol; as well as At the alert controller: receiving the protected second data packet from a second controller; verifying the protection protocol used on the protected second data packet; decoding the second data packet to reveal the image data and terrain and runway feedback data, wherein the alert controller is configured to identify a portion of the map associated with the mobile platform; as well as Display commands are generated in response to the image data and the terrain and runway feedback data by sampling the identified map portion, the display commands being used to present a sampled version of the identified map portion on a display system.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: Creating the first data packet also includes concurrently collected flight data and user input data. The method of claim 6 , wherein the alarm controller is located on the aircraft or outside the aircraft. The method of claim 7 , wherein the protection protocol comprises a digital signature or digital encryption.

9. The method of claim 5, further comprising, at the telemetry controller: When a subscription management service is enabled on the mobile platform, determining when the subscription service is delinquent; and When the subscription service is delinquent, an alert is generated indicating that a bill is due.

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