Methods and apparatus for reducing TAWS annoying alarms based on TCAS

Abstract

This invention provides a method for reducing disruptive alarms from the Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS), comprising: using a Terrain Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) to identify the presence of other aircraft within a first horizontal range and a second range below the aircraft; generating a first signal in response to the identification of other aircraft within the first horizontal range and the second range below the aircraft; and providing the first signal to the TAWS to suppress alarm signals issued by the TAWS. Furthermore, this invention also provides a corresponding apparatus. With this invention, disruptive alarms from TAWS GPWS Mode 2 can be effectively suppressed when an aircraft passes overhead causing a jump in radio altitude.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to aircraft, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for reducing TAWS (Troubleshooting Alarms) based on TCAS (Traffic Control System). Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most aircraft are equipped with a Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS). The main function of TAWS is to prevent aircraft from colliding with the ground or obstacles. It provides pilots with appropriate warnings when the aircraft is approaching a dangerous ground or obstacle, thereby increasing aircraft safety.

[0003] However, during flight operations, aircraft often experience radio altitude jumps due to the passing of aircraft below, entering the TAWS (Ground Proximity Warning System) mode 2 alarm envelope, thus triggering the "TERRAIN TERRAIN" alarm.

[0004] For example, according to existing technology, TAWS determines the aircraft's position based on its latitude and longitude, GPS altitude, and other data, while also calculating the aircraft's altitude using an internal terrain database. If the altitude is greater than 5,000 feet, TAWS can suppress GPWS and reactive wind shear for up to 60 seconds when there are large jumps in radio altitude. However, if the altitude is less than 5,000 feet, TAWS cannot detect an aircraft passing below, leading to annoying TAWS alarms.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need in this field to reduce TAWS intrusive alerts. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, some concepts that will be further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art described above, the object of the present invention is to reduce TAWS harassing alarms.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for reducing harassing alarms from TAWS is provided, the method comprising: using a Trajectory Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) to identify whether other aircraft are present in a first range in the horizontal direction of the aircraft and a second range below the aircraft; generating a first signal in response to identifying the presence of other aircraft in the first range in the horizontal direction of the aircraft and the second range below the aircraft; and providing the first signal to TAWS to suppress the TAWS from issuing alarm signals.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first range may preferably be 1 nautical mile, and the second range may preferably be 2,500 feet.

[0010] In one embodiment, the method may further include: generating a second signal in response to the absence of other aircraft detected in a first range in the horizontal direction of the aircraft and a second range below the aircraft; and providing the second signal to TAWS so that TAWS can issue an alarm signal when conditions are met.

[0011] In one embodiment, the method may further include: transmitting an alarm signal to the unit alarm system to provide visual and / or audible alarms to the unit.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first signal and the second signal may include different values ​​of the same signal. For example, a discrete suppression signal may be provided, wherein the first signal may be the signal when the discrete suppression signal is set to "1", and the second signal may be the signal when the discrete suppression signal is set to "0".

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for reducing harassing alarms from TAWS is provided, the apparatus comprising: a Trajectory-in-Air Collision-Avoidance System (TCAS) configured to: identify the presence of other aircraft within a first range in the horizontal direction of the aircraft and a second range below the aircraft, and generate a first signal in response to identifying the presence of other aircraft within the first range in the horizontal direction of the aircraft and the second range below the aircraft; and TAWS configured to: receive the first signal from the TCAS to suppress the issuance of alarm signals.

[0014] In one embodiment, TCAS may be further configured to generate a second signal in response to the absence of other aircraft detected in a first range in the horizontal direction of the aircraft and a second range below the aircraft; and wherein TAWS is further configured to receive the second signal from TCAS to issue an alarm signal when a condition is met.

[0015] In one embodiment, the apparatus may further include: a unit alarm system configured to receive alarm signals from TAWS to provide visual and / or audible alarms for the unit.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided for storing a computer program that performs the method of the invention when executed by a processor.

[0017] By employing the technical solution provided by this invention, disruptive alarms in TAWS GPWS Mode 2 can be suppressed when an aircraft passes overhead causing a jump in radio altitude. Furthermore, the absence of a 5000-foot trigger altitude limitation avoids GPWS or reactive wind shear disruptive alarms caused by consecutive small jumps in radio altitude. Simultaneously, even when other aircraft are flying below the aircraft and the forward terrain warning function remains operational while this function is suppressed, flight safety can be ensured.

[0018] These and other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative only and do not limit the scope of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To gain a more detailed understanding of the manner in which the features of the present invention are described above, reference can be made to various embodiments to provide a more specific description of the above-briefly summarized aspects, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of the invention and should not be considered as limiting its scope, as this description may allow for other equivalent and effective aspects.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of an apparatus for reducing annoying alarms in TAWS according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0021] Figure 2 The illustration describes a schematic diagram of using TCAS to identify whether other aircraft exist within a first horizontal range and a second range below the aircraft, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a method for reducing annoying TAWS alarms according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0023] Figure 4 A general hardware device for performing the method of the invention according to an embodiment of the invention has been described. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and its features will become further apparent in the following specific description.

[0025] As mentioned above, TAWS's GPWS and reactive wind shear functions primarily provide ground impact protection when the aircraft is flying at low altitudes. GPWS alarms triggered by an aircraft passing overhead are considered disruptive alarms, and frequent disruptive alarms can reduce pilots' trust in TAWS, thus posing a safety risk. For example, according to current technology, TAWS determines the aircraft's position based on its latitude, longitude, GPS altitude, and other factors, while also calculating the aircraft's altitude using an internal terrain database. If the altitude is greater than 5,000 feet, TAWS suppresses GPWS and reactive wind shear functions for up to 60 seconds when there is a significant jump in radio altitude. However, if the altitude is below 5,000 feet, TAWS cannot detect an aircraft passing overhead, resulting in a disruptive TAWS alarm.

[0026] This invention proposes a method to suppress TAWS GPWS Mode 2 harassing alarms caused by radio altitude jumps due to the presence of an aircraft passing overhead. The method uses TCAS (Transportation and Control System) to identify other aircraft within a horizontal range and a range below the aircraft. When an aircraft is within this range, TCAS sends a discrete suppression signal to TAWS. If other aircraft remain within the range, this signal remains at 1. Upon receiving this signal, TAWS suppresses GPWS and reactive wind shear functions until the signal is reset to 0. Therefore, harassing alarms in TAWS GPWS Mode 2 can be effectively suppressed when radio altitude jumps are caused by an aircraft passing overhead.

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of an apparatus 100 for reducing annoying TAWS alarms according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described. It should be noted that... Figure 1 For illustrative purposes only and not for limitation, device 100 may include more than Figure 1 The components shown may have more or fewer components.

[0028] In one embodiment, device 100 may include a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) 110. TCAS is a set of computer systems installed on medium and large aircraft to prevent aircraft from colliding with each other in mid-air. Most commercial airliners today are equipped with TCAS. TCAS can display the distance and heading of neighboring aircraft to its own aircraft. The display range can be determined by the pilot. If there is a risk of collision with a neighboring aircraft in terms of distance or heading, TCAS will warn the pilot with sound and / or display.

[0029] In this embodiment, TCAS110 can be configured to identify whether other aircraft are present within a first range horizontally to the aircraft and a second range below the aircraft. For example, the first range may include 1 nautical mile, 2 nautical miles, 4 nautical miles, or any other suitable value. The second range may include 2000 feet, 2500 feet, 3000 feet, or any other suitable value.

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic diagram 200 illustrates the use of TCAS to identify the presence of other aircraft within a first horizontal range and a second range below the aircraft, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As exemplarily shown, the first range can be 1 nautical mile (NM) and the second range can be 2,500 feet (ft). Thus, TCAS can be used to identify whether there are other aircraft (e.g., one aircraft, two aircraft, or any number of aircraft) within 1 nautical mile horizontally and within 2,500 feet below the aircraft.

[0031] Back Figure 1 The TCAS 110 can be further configured to generate a first signal in response to the detection of other aircraft within a first range horizontally to the aircraft and a second range below the aircraft. This first signal can be used to suppress TAWS from generating GPWS or reactive wind shear disturbance alarms. Alternatively, if no other aircraft are detected within the first range horizontally to the aircraft and the second range below the aircraft, the TCAS 110 can be further configured to generate a second signal. This second signal can enable TAWS' GPWS and reactive wind shear functions, allowing TAWS to generate alarm signals when certain conditions are met (e.g., generating a TAWS GPWS mode 2 alarm signal when a large jump occurs in radio altitude). In one embodiment, the first and second signals may include different values ​​of the same signal. For example, if other aircraft are detected within a first range in the horizontal direction of the aircraft and a second range below the aircraft, the TCAS110 can generate a discrete suppression signal set to the value "1" (i.e., the first signal); if no other aircraft are detected within the first range in the horizontal direction of the aircraft and the second range below the aircraft, the TCAS110 can generate a discrete suppression signal set to the value "0" (i.e., the second signal).

[0032] The apparatus 100 may further include a TAWS 120. In one embodiment, the TAWS 120 may be configured to receive the first signal and / or the second signal described above from the TCAS 110 to determine whether to suppress the generation of an alarm signal based on the first signal and / or the second signal. For example, when the first signal is received, the TAWS 120 may be configured to disable the TAWS's GPWS function and reactive wind shear function to suppress the generation of an alarm signal. When the second signal is received, the TAWS 120 may be configured to enable the TAWS's GPWS function and reactive wind shear function to generate and issue an alarm signal when conditions are met.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, apparatus 100 may further include a crew alarm system 130. Crew alarm system 130 may be configured to receive alarm signals from TAWS 120 to provide visual and / or audible alarms to the crew. Examples of crew alarm system 130 may include, but are not limited to, displays, speakers, light-emitting diodes, etc.

[0034] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a method 300 for reducing annoying TAWS alarms according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. In one embodiment, method 300 may be described above with reference to... Figure 1 The method 300 is executed by the described apparatus 100. In another embodiment, the method 300 can also be executed by a computer program stored on a computer-readable medium. Of course, the method 300 can also be executed by any other suitable software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0035] In box 310, method 300 may include: using TCAS to identify whether other aircraft are present within a first range horizontally to the aircraft and a second range below the aircraft. For example, it may use... Figure 1 The TCAS110 shown is used to identify the presence of other aircraft within a first horizontal range and a second range below the aircraft. For example, the first range could include 1 nautical mile, 2 nautical miles, 4 nautical miles, or any other suitable value. The second range could include 2000 feet, 2500 feet, 3000 feet, or any other suitable value.

[0036] In box 320, method 300 may include: generating a first signal in response to detecting the presence of other aircraft within a first range horizontally to the aircraft and a second range below the aircraft. For example, in response to detecting the presence of other aircraft within the first range horizontally to the aircraft and the second range below the aircraft, Figure 1 The TCAS110 shown can generate a first signal. This first signal can be used to suppress TAWS from generating GPWS or reactive wind shear disturbance alarms.

[0037] In box 330, method 300 may include: providing the first signal to TAWS to suppress the TAWS from issuing alarm signals. For example, Figure 1 The TCAS110 shown can be directed to Figure 1 The TAWS120 shown provides the first signal to disable the TAWS GPWS function and reactive wind shear function, thereby suppressing the generation of the TAWS120 and issuing an alarm signal.

[0038] In one embodiment, method 300 may further include: generating a second signal in response to the absence of other aircraft detected within a first range horizontally to the aircraft and a second range below the aircraft; and providing the second signal to TAWS so that TAWS can issue an alarm signal when a condition is met. For example, in response to the absence of other aircraft detected within a first range horizontally to the aircraft and a second range below the aircraft, Figure 1 The TCAS110 shown can generate a second signal and direct it to... Figure 1 The TAWS120 shown provides this second signal so that the TAWS120 can generate and issue an alarm signal when there is a large jump in radio altitude.

[0039] In one embodiment, method 300 may further include: transmitting an alarm signal to a unit alarm system to provide visual and / or audible alarms to the unit. For example... Figure 1 The TAWS120 shown can transmit the alarm signals it generates to Figure 1 The unit alarm system 130 shown provides various visual and / or audible alarms for the unit.

[0040] Figure 4 A general hardware device 400 for performing the method of the present invention according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is described.

[0041] Reference Figure 4 Hardware device 400 will now be described, which is an example of a hardware device applicable to various aspects of this disclosure. Hardware device 400 can be any machine configured to perform processing and / or computation, and can be, but is not limited to, a workstation, server, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, personal digital assistant, smartphone, airborne device, or any combination thereof.

[0042] Hardware device 400 may include elements that can be connected to or communicate with bus 402 via one or more interfaces. For example, hardware device 400 may include bus 402, one or more processors 404, one or more input devices 406, and one or more output devices 408. The one or more processors 404 may be any type of processor and may include, but are not limited to, one or more general-purpose processors and / or one or more dedicated processors (such as specialized processing chips). Input devices 406 may be any type of device that can input information into the hardware device and may include, but are not limited to, a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen, microphone, and / or remote control. Output devices 408 may be any type of device that can present information and may include, but are not limited to, a monitor, speaker, video / audio output terminal, vibrator, and / or printer. Hardware device 400 may also include or be connected to a non-transient storage device 410. The non-transient storage device 410 may be any storage device that is non-transient and capable of data storage, and may include, but is not limited to, disk drives, optical storage devices, solid-state storage, floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes or any other magnetic media, optical discs or any other optical media, ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), cache memory and / or any other memory chip or memory cartridge, and / or any other medium from which a computer can read data, instructions, and / or code. The non-transient storage device 410 may be separable from an interface. The non-transient storage device 410 may have data / instructions / code for implementing the methods and steps described above. Hardware device 400 may also include a communication device 412. The communication device 412 may be any type of device or system capable of communicating with external devices and / or networks, and may include, but is not limited to, modems, network interface cards, infrared communication devices, and devices such as Bluetooth. TM Wireless communication devices and / or chipsets such as devices, 1302.11 devices, WiFi devices, WiMax devices, cellular communication facilities, etc.

[0043] Bus 402 may include, but is not limited to, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0044] Hardware device 400 may also include working memory 414, which may be any type of working memory that can store instructions and / or data useful for the operation of processor 404, and may include, but is not limited to, random access memory and / or read-only memory devices.

[0045] Software elements may reside in working memory 414, including but not limited to operating system 416, one or more application programs 418, drivers, and / or other data and code. Instructions for performing the methods and steps described above may be included in one or more application programs 418. Executable code or source code of the instructions of the software elements may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (such as storage device 410 described above) and may be read into working memory 414 by compilation and / or installation. Executable code or source code of the instructions of the software elements may also be downloaded from a remote location.

[0046] From the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that this disclosure can be implemented by software with the necessary hardware, or by hardware, firmware, etc. Based on this understanding, embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in part as software. The computer software can be stored on a readable storage medium such as a computer's floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, or flash memory. The computer software includes a series of instructions to cause a computer (e.g., a personal computer, service station, or network terminal) to perform a method or a portion thereof according to a corresponding embodiment of this disclosure.

[0047] Throughout the specification, references to "an example" or "one example" have been made, meaning that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one example. Therefore, the use of such phrases may involve more than one example. Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples.

[0048] However, those skilled in the art will recognize that these examples can be practiced without one or more specific details, or with other methods, resources, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, resources, or operations have not been shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of these examples.

[0049] Although examples and applications have been explained and described, it should be understood that these examples are not limited to the precise configurations and resources described above. Various modifications, alterations, and variations that will be obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the claimed examples.

Claims

1. A method for reducing intrusive alarms from a Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS), the method comprising: The TCAS (Total Collision Avoidance System) is used to identify whether there are other aircraft in a first range horizontally and a second range below the aircraft. A first signal is generated in response to the detection of the presence of other aircraft within a first range in the horizontal direction of the aircraft and a second range below the aircraft. as well as The first signal is provided to the TAWS to suppress the TAWS from issuing alarm signals.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first range is 1 nautical mile and the second range is 2,500 feet.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: A second signal is generated in response to the absence of any other aircraft detected within a first range in the horizontal direction of the aircraft and a second range below the aircraft. as well as The second signal is provided to the TAWS so that the TAWS can issue an alarm signal when the conditions are met.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: The alarm signal is transmitted to the unit alarm system to provide visual and / or audible alarms for the unit.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the first signal and the second signal comprise different values ​​of the same signal.

6. An apparatus for reducing intrusive alarms from a Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS), the apparatus comprising: The Traverse Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is configured to: To identify whether there are other aircraft within a first horizontal range and a second range below the aircraft, and A first signal is generated in response to the detection of the presence of other aircraft within a first range in the horizontal direction of the aircraft and a second range below the aircraft. as well as Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS), which is configured to: The first signal from the TCAS is received to suppress the issuance of an alarm signal.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the TCAS is further configured to: generate a second signal in response to the absence of other aircraft detected in a first range in the horizontal direction of the aircraft and a second range below the aircraft; and wherein the TAWS is further configured to: receive the second signal from the TCAS to issue an alarm signal when a condition is met.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: A unit alarm system configured to receive alarm signals from the TAWS to provide visual and / or audible alarms to the unit.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first range is 1 nautical mile and the second range is 2,500 feet.

10. A non-transient computer-readable medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-5.

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