System and method for automatic magnetic declination detection

Abstract

Systems and methods for automatic magnetic declination detection, including: receiving first magnetic declination data associated with an airport from a magnetic declination database; determining second magnetic declination data based on a published approach associated with the airport and one or more trajectory measurements when an aircraft flies along a centerline of a heading beacon signal of the airport; determining the difference between the first magnetic declination data and the second magnetic declination data; and updating the magnetic declination database based at least on the second magnetic declination data when the difference satisfies a deviation threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for automatic magnetic declination detection. Background Art

[0002] As air traffic continues to increase, safe and efficient aircraft management becomes increasingly important. One aspect of aircraft management includes the ability of an aircraft to operate in suboptimal conditions, such as inclement weather. For example, an aircraft may employ an instrument landing system ("ILS") to assist the crew in safely landing the aircraft without the assistance of optimal visual cues. One aspect of ILS that ensures safe operation is magnetic declination ("magvar") data, which alerts the crew of the difference between magnetic north and true north at a particular location due to changes in the Earth's magnetic field.

[0003] Magvar data can be stored, tracked, and updated at various points in the aircraft management ecosystem. However, communication between these various points can be limited, leaving individual aircraft dependent on outdated and potentially inaccurate data. Outdated and / or inaccurate magvar data adversely affects the safety and effectiveness of these types of operations as crews use magvar data for ILS approaches under suboptimal conditions. Summary of the invention

[0004] In a specific implementation, a method includes receiving first magnetic declination data associated with an airport from a magnetic declination database. The method also includes determining second magnetic declination data based on a published approach associated with the airport and one or more trajectory measurements when an aircraft flies along a centerline of a localizer signal of the airport. The method also includes determining a difference between the first magnetic declination data and the second magnetic declination data. The method also includes updating the magnetic declination database based on at least the second magnetic declination data if the difference meets a deviation threshold.

[0005] In another specific implementation, a device includes one or more processors, and the one or more processors are configured to receive first magnetic declination data associated with an airport from a magnetic declination database. The one or more processors are also configured to determine second magnetic declination data based on a published approach associated with the airport and one or more trajectory measurements when the aircraft flies along the centerline of a localizer signal of the airport. The one or more processors are further configured to determine the difference between the first magnetic declination data and the second magnetic declination data. The one or more processors are further configured to: if the difference meets a deviation threshold, then update the magnetic declination database at least based on the second magnetic declination data.

[0006] In another specific implementation, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to receive first magnetic declination data associated with an airport from a magnetic declination database. The instructions also cause the one or more processors to determine second magnetic declination data based on a published approach associated with the airport and one or more track measurements when an aircraft flies along a centerline of a localizer signal of the airport. The instructions further cause the one or more processors to determine a difference between the first magnetic declination data and the second magnetic declination data. The instructions further cause the one or more processors to update the magnetic declination database based on at least the second magnetic declination data when the difference meets a deviation threshold.

[0007] In another specific implementation, a device includes: a device for receiving first magnetic declination data associated with an airport from a magnetic declination database. The device also includes a device for determining second magnetic declination data based on a published approach associated with the airport and one or more trajectory measurements when an aircraft flies along a centerline of a localizer signal of the airport. The device also includes a device for determining a difference between the first magnetic declination data and the second magnetic declination data. The device also includes: a device for updating the magnetic declination database based on at least the second magnetic declination data when the difference meets a deviation threshold.

[0008] The features, functions, and advantages described herein can be achieved independently in various embodiments or may be combined in yet other embodiments further details of which can be found with reference to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 An exemplary system for automatic magnetic declination detection according to some embodiments of the subject disclosure is depicted.

[0010] Figure 2 Depicted is an example diagram of an airport configured to enable instrument-assisted landings by aircraft approaching a runway at the airport, in accordance with some implementations of the subject disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for automatic magnetic declination detection according to some embodiments of the subject disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a computing environment including a computing device configured to support various aspects of computer-implemented methods and computer-executable program instructions (or code) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Magnetic declination generally refers to the angular difference between true north and magnetic north at a specific location on the Earth's surface. True north is the direction toward the Earth's geographic North Pole, while magnetic north is the direction toward the North Magnetic Pole. The Earth's magnetic field is non-uniform, and the non-uniformity changes over time. Therefore, the angle between magnetic north and true north changes depending on the location on the Earth.

[0014] Aircraft navigation has traditionally relied on a magnetic compass to determine heading and direction. Because magnetic north is not aligned with true north, pilots must account for magnetic declination to ensure accurate navigation. Using magnetic declination, pilots can convert between magnetic direction (as indicated by the compass) and true direction (relative to true north). This conversion allows pilots to plot accurate flight routes, calculate wind corrections, and communicate position efficiently.

[0015] Magnetic declination plays a role in instrument assisted landing, especially when using an ILS that guides the aircraft during the final stages of landing. An ILS consists of two main components: a localizer and a glide path beacon. The localizer provides horizontal guidance, ensuring that the aircraft is aligned with the centerline of the runway, while the glide path beacon provides vertical guidance, ensuring that the aircraft maintains the correct descent path. The localizer and glide path beacon signals are referenced to magnetic north to provide accurate guidance to the aircraft. The system is calibrated to provide precise heading and descent angles based on the magnetic declination at the specific location where the instrument landing system is installed. Flight crews using an ILS approach to an airport can use the magnetic declination information about the airport and published information about the orientation of the airport's runway to align the aircraft with the ILS signal.

[0016] Some aircraft operate with an onboard data source for magnetic declination data, which may be outdated and inaccurate. Updating the onboard data source may require maintenance with dedicated equipment, reducing the ability to keep the data up to date and reducing the frequency of updating the magnetic declination data.

[0017] The systems and methods of the present disclosure utilize existing onboard computing resources and operating parameters to generate accurate, up-to-date magnetic declination data for a specific location of an aircraft, and in some implementations, utilize the ability to accumulate and analyze magnetic declination measurements from multiple aircraft to maintain a more accurate database of local magnetic declination data.

[0018] The technical advantage of the present disclosure is that local magnetic declination data can be automatically and accurately updated for use in ILS approaches. The present disclosure can also allow the accumulation and verification of a large number of samples of local magnetic declination data, thereby generating more accurate and up-to-date magnetic declination data than relying on a single measurement. The accumulated data can then be transmitted to the aircraft for future use in ILS approaches.

[0019] The accompanying drawings and the following description illustrate specific exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to design various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles described herein and are included within the scope of the claims following this description. In addition, any embodiments described herein are intended to aid in understanding the principles of the present disclosure and are to be interpreted as not limiting. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments or embodiments described below, but is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0020] The detailed description is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, common features are represented by common reference numerals throughout the drawings. As used herein, different terms are used only for the purpose of describing a particular implementation and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, some features described herein are singular in some implementations and plural in other implementations. For illustration, Figure 1 Describes a method comprising one or more processors ( Figure 1 106), which means that in some embodiments, the system 100 includes a single processor 106, and in other embodiments, the system 100 includes multiple processors 106. For ease of reference herein, such features are generally introduced as "one or more" features and are then referred to in the singular or optional plural (indicated by "(s)") unless aspects related to multiple features are being described.

[0021] The terms "comprise," "comprises," and "comprising" are used interchangeably with "include," "includes," or "including." Additionally, the term "wherein" is used interchangeably with the term "wherein." As used herein, "exemplary" indicates an embodiment, implementation, and / or aspect, and should not be construed as limiting or indicating a preference or preferred implementation. As used herein, ordinal terms (e.g., "first," "second," "third," etc.) used to modify an element (such as a structure, component, operation, etc.) do not, by themselves, indicate any priority or order of the element relative to another element, but merely distinguish the element from another element having the same name (but with respect to the use of the ordinal term). As used herein, the term "set" refers to a grouping of one or more elements, and the term "plurality" refers to a plurality of elements.

[0022] As used herein, "generate", "calculate", "use", "select", "access" and "determine" are interchangeable unless the context indicates otherwise. For example, "generate", "calculate" or "determine" a parameter (or signal) may refer to actively generating, calculating or determining a parameter (or signal) or may refer to using, selecting or accessing an already generated parameter (or signal), such as by another component or device. As used herein, "connection" may include "communication connection", "electrical connection" or "physical connection", and may also (or alternatively) include any combination thereof. Two devices (or components) may be directly or indirectly connected (e.g., communicatively connected, electrically connected or physically connected) via one or more other devices, components, wires, buses, networks (e.g., wired networks, wireless networks, or combinations thereof), etc. Two electrically connected devices (or components) may be included in the same device or different devices, and may be connected via electronic devices, one or more connectors, or inductive coupling, as illustrative, non-limiting embodiments. In some embodiments, two devices (or components) coupled in a communicative manner (e.g., in electrical communication) may directly or indirectly send and receive electrical signals (digital signals or analog signals), for example, via one or more wires, buses, networks, etc. As used herein, "directly coupled" is used to describe two devices being coupled (e.g., communicatively coupled, electrically coupled, or physically coupled) without intermediate components.

[0023] Figure 1 An exemplary system 100 for automatic magnetic declination detection is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the system 100 includes a computing device 102 configured to communicate with one or more magnetic declination databases 104.

[0024] In some implementations, the magnetic declination database 104 may include, correspond to, or be included in an electronic device that includes a memory 134 storing the first magnetic declination data 124. In some aspects, the magnetic declination database(s) 104 may be onboard an aircraft. The magnetic declination database(s) 104 may include a plurality of magnetic declination data associated with a corresponding plurality of geographic locations (e.g., airports) for communication to the computing device 102. For example, the first magnetic declination data 124 may include one or more data points indicating the magnetic declination at a particular geographic point (such as a particular airport).

[0025] In some aspects, the magnetic declination database(s) 104 may have a granularity that defines the level of detail at which data is stored at the magnetic declination database(s) 104. For example, data may be stored as integer values ​​(e.g., 0, 1, 2, etc.), one significant digit floating point values ​​(e.g., 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.2, etc.), two significant digit floating point values, etc. The level of detail at which data is stored at the magnetic declination database 104 may reflect the level of detail at which changes in information associated with the data in the magnetic declination database 104 become significant. For example, a design choice of a database having an integer level granularity may be associated with a choice that changes in data values ​​that cannot be reflected with an integer are ignored. To illustrate, an integer level granularity may lose information associated with a difference of 1.1 degrees and 1.2 degrees, both of which may be stored as 1 degree. In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the magnetic declination database(s) 104 may have a granularity in the range of 0.5–1.0 degrees and including 0.5 and 1.0. For example, if the granularity of the magnetic declination database 104 is 0.5 degrees, the first magnetic declination data 124 may be stored in increments of 0.5 degrees (eg, 0 degrees, 0.5 degrees, 1.0 degrees, 1.5 degrees, etc.).

[0026] In some implementations, the computing device 102 may be configured to receive first magnetic declination data 124 associated with an airport from the magnetic declination database(s) 104. The computing device 102 may include one or more processors 106 coupled to a memory 108 that includes instructions that, when executed by the processor 106, cause the processor 106 to perform certain functions, such as those described in detail below.

[0027] The processor 106 may include one or more components configured to perform one or more of those functions, including a magnetic declination analyzer 110. In some implementations, the magnetic declination analyzer 110 may be configured to determine the second magnetic declination data 112 based on a published approach associated with an airport and one or more trajectory measurements 118 when the aircraft flies along the centerline of a localizer signal of the airport, as described in more detail below and with reference to Figure 2 In some aspects, data associated with a published approach may be stored as published approach data 116 , which may, in some aspects, be stored at memory 108 along with trajectory measurement(s) 118 .

[0028] The magnetic declination analyzer 110 may also be configured to determine a difference 114 between the first magnetic declination data 124 and the second magnetic declination data 112. If the difference 114 satisfies a deviation threshold 120, the magnetic declination analyzer 110 may also be configured to update (or multiple) magnetic declination databases 104 based at least on the second magnetic declination data 112. In some aspects, the deviation threshold 120 is associated with the granularity of the magnetic declination database 104. As described above, the granularity of the magnetic declination database 104 can be associated with an acceptable loss of information. Associating the deviation threshold 120 with the granularity of the magnetic declination database 104 allows the electronic device 102 to confirm that the difference 114 between the first magnetic declination data 124 and the second magnetic declination data 112 is significant enough to require an update to the magnetic declination database 104. In a particular aspect, the deviation threshold 120 is within a range of 0.5-1.0 degrees and inclusive. For example, if the granularity of the magnetic declination database 104 is 0.5 degrees, the deviation threshold 120 may also be at 0.5 degrees.

[0029] In some aspects, the processor 106 may optionally communicate with an instrument landing system 122. In such aspects, the processor 106 may be configured to use the second magnetic declination data 112 to initiate an instrument landing system approach to an airport during a subsequent flight of the aircraft using the instrument landing system 122. In some aspects, the instrument landing system 122 may include or otherwise incorporate some or all of the components of the electronic device 102. In the same or alternative aspects, some or all of the components of the instrument landing system 122 may be located in a different electronic device.

[0030] In some implementations, the computing device 102 may optionally be configured to communicate with one or more declination data accumulators 126. The declination data accumulator 126 may be an electronic device including a memory 128 storing the third declination data 130. In some aspects, the computing device 102 may be configured to transmit the second declination data 112 to the declination data accumulator 126. In such aspects, the declination data accumulator 126 may be configured to accumulate the second declination data 112 with additional declination data received from one or more additional aircraft.

[0031] The computing device 102 may also optionally be configured to receive third magnetic declination data 130 from the magnetic declination data accumulator 126. The third magnetic declination data 130 may be based on at least a statistical analysis of the second magnetic declination data 112 and the additional magnetic declination data. The computing device 102 may also optionally be configured to update the magnetic declination database(s) 104 based on at least the third magnetic declination data 130.

[0032] In operation, an aircraft approaching an airport may use an ILS for instrument assisted landing. As part of approach planning, computing device 102 may receive first magnetic declination data 124 associated with an airport from magnetic declination database 104. As an exemplary embodiment, the first magnetic declination data may indicate that magnetic north differs from true north by 2.0 degrees at the airport.

[0033] Published approach data 116 associated with an airport may indicate the heading that an aircraft should attempt a particular approach at the airport. In addition to published approach data 116, computing device 102 may take one or more trajectory measurements 118 as the aircraft flies along the centerline of the localizer signal of the airport. For example, published approach data 116 may include data representing a published magnetic declination (e.g., 1.0 degrees) at the airport. Trajectory measurements 118 may include compass measurements, inertial measurement unit readings, or some combination thereof indicating the magnetic heading of the aircraft. Computing device 102 may be configured to determine second magnetic declination data 112 based on published approach data 116 and trajectory measurements 118.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, an aircraft attempting an ILS approach at a particular airport may be instructed to land on a runway designated as 22. Information about the designated runway may be obtained from published approach data 116, which may indicate, for example, that runway 22 is oriented at 217 degrees relative to true north. The aircraft may also receive first magnetic declination data 124 from magnetic declination database 104, which indicates that the magnetic declination at the airport is +2.0 degrees. Therefore, based on this information, the aircraft will expect the localizer signal centerline to be oriented along a direction of 219 degrees relative to the local compass reading. As the aircraft approaches the airport, the ILS may acquire the localizer signal and use the localizer signal to find the centerline of runway 22. As the aircraft flies along the centerline of the localizer signal, track measurements 118 may indicate that the aircraft is on a particular magnetic heading that is different from the expected 219 degrees relative to the local compass reading. For illustration, the centerline of the localizer signal may be at 220 degrees relative to the local compass reading, indicating a +3.0 degree deviation from true north. In this embodiment, the +3.0 degree deviation represents the second magnetic declination data 112. The computing device 102 may be configured to determine the difference 114 between the first magnetic declination data 124 (e.g., +2.0 degrees) and the second magnetic declination data 112 (e.g., +3.0 degrees). In this embodiment, the difference is 1.0 degree.

[0035] If the difference satisfies the deviation threshold 120, the computing device 102 updates the declination database 104 based on at least the second declination data 112. In an exemplary embodiment, if the granularity of the declination database 104 is 0.5 degrees and the deviation threshold 120 is correspondingly 0.5 degrees, then a 1.0 degree difference satisfies the deviation threshold 120, and the computing device 102 will update the declination database 104 with the second declination data 112. In some implementations, the updated data (e.g., 3.0 degree declination data instead of 2.0 degree declination) can be used to initiate an ILS approach to the airport during a subsequent flight of the aircraft.

[0036] In some operations, the computing device 102 may optionally be configured to transmit the second magnetic declination data 112 to a magnetic declination data accumulator 126. The magnetic declination data accumulator 126 may be configured, for example, to accumulate the second magnetic declination data 112 with additional magnetic declination data received from one or more additional aircraft. For example, for multiple aircraft using the systems and methods disclosed herein, the magnetic declination data accumulator 126 may accumulate the second magnetic declination data 112 from each aircraft to generate a large number of samples of different magnetic declination data for a particular location, thereby allowing statistical analysis to verify the different data. The statistical analysis may generate third magnetic declination data 130, which may be more accurate given the larger sample. In some aspects, the magnetic declination database 104 may be updated based at least on the third magnetic declination data 130.

[0037] In some implementations, computing device 102 may be associated with, integrated into, or otherwise included in an aircraft. System 100 may also include Figure 1 Components not shown in the figure. For example, the computing device 102 may also include a receiver configured to receive the first magnetic declination data 124 from the magnetic declination database 104. The receiver may be configured to receive the data, for example, via a computer bus. As an additional embodiment, the system 100 may also include one or more input / output interfaces, one or more network interfaces, etc. In addition, although Figure 1 The memory 108 of the system 100 is shown as storing certain data, but more, less, and / or different data may be present within the memory 108 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] In addition, although Figure 1Certain operations are shown occurring within computing device 102, but these operations may be performed by other components of system 100 without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. For example, one or more components external to computing device 102 may be configured to host or otherwise integrate with some or all components of instrument landing system 122. Such components may be located remotely from computing device 102 and accessed via a modem of computing device 102.

[0039] Further, although Figure 1 The computing device 102 and the magnetic declination database 104 are shown as separate, but other configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. For example, the computing device 102 and the magnetic declination database 104 may be integrated into a navigation computer of an aircraft. As an additional embodiment, one or more components of the computing device 102 may be distributed across multiple computing devices (e.g., a set of processor cores).

[0040] Furthermore, although Figure 1 The computing device 102, the magnetic declination database 104, and the magnetic declination data accumulator 126 are shown as separate, but other configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. For example, the computing device 102, the magnetic declination database 104, and the magnetic declination data accumulator 126 may be integrated into a navigation computer of an aircraft. As an additional embodiment, one or more components of the magnetic declination data accumulator 126 may be distributed across multiple computing devices (e.g., navigation computers of multiple different aircraft). As another embodiment, components of the magnetic declination data accumulator 126 and components of the magnetic declination database 104 may be integrated into one or more electronic devices different from the electronic device 102, integrated with the electronic device 102, or some combination thereof.

[0041] Figure 2 An example diagram 200 of an airport configured to enable an instrument assisted landing by an aircraft 202 approaching a runway 206 of the airport is depicted, in accordance with some implementations of the subject disclosure.

[0042] The airport may include one or more glideslope antennas 208 that are typically located near the runway 206 and are configured to transmit signals that provide vertical guidance to the approaching aircraft 202. The glideslope antenna 208 transmits a narrow radio beam (e.g., in the range of 329.15-335 MHz) that is angled upward at a specific angle (e.g., three degrees). The radio beam transmitted at a specific angle can be received by the approaching aircraft 202 to provide guidance for a vertical descent path. In the example diagram 200, the vertical range 212 indicates the general range that the aircraft 202 can be guided in an instrument assisted landing using the signal from the glideslope antenna 208.

[0043] The airport may also include one or more localizer antennas ("localizers") 210. The localizer antenna 210 is typically located at the far end of the runway 206 or near the landing zone. The localizer antenna 210 transmits a narrow radio beam (e.g., in the range of 108.1 to 111.95 MHz) that is transmitted at a specific angle (e.g., three to six degrees). The radio beam transmitted at a specific angle can be received by the approaching aircraft 202 to provide approach guidance in the horizontal plane. The localizer beam is oriented to coincide with the centerline of the runway, and the signal transmitted by the antenna allows the aircraft's onboard receiver to determine whether it is to the left or right of the desired approach path. In the example diagram 200, the horizontal range 214 indicates the general range over which the aircraft 202 can use the signal from the localizer antenna 210 for guidance in an instrument assisted landing.

[0044] In example diagram 200, aircraft 202 attempts to locate centerline 216 associated with the center of vertical range 212 and the center of horizontal range 214. Locating centerline 216 allows the ILS of aircraft 202 to know that the approach to runway 206 is on the centerline of localizer antenna 210 and on the proper glide path as indicated by glide path beacon antenna 208.

[0045] In some implementations, aircraft 202 may include Figure 1 When the aircraft 202 flies along the centerline 216 of the signal from the localizer antenna 210, the computing device 102 may be configured to determine the second magnetic declination data 112 based on the published approach data 116 associated with the airport and one or more track measurements 118 associated with the current heading of the aircraft 202. Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment, aircraft 202 may be configured to recognize that a magnetic heading aligned with centerline 216 of a signal from localizer antenna 210 indicates a magnetic declination of 3 degrees relative to true north (e.g., Figure 1 The second magnetic declination data 112) is not Figure 1 The magnetic declination database 104 indicates a magnetic declination of two degrees (e.g., Figure 1 If the difference between the first magnetic declination data 124 and the second magnetic declination data 112 satisfies Figure 1 If a deviation threshold 120 is determined, the computing device 102 may be configured to update the magnetic declination database 104 based on at least the second magnetic declination data 112 .

[0046] Figure 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary method 300 for automatic magnetic declination detection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 300 may be initiated, executed, or controlled by one or more processors executing instructions, such as a processor executing instructions from memory 108. Figure 1 The processor 106 starts, executes or controls.

[0047] In some implementations, method 300 includes receiving first magnetic declination data associated with an airport from a magnetic declination database at 302. For example, Figure 1 The processor 106 may receive first magnetic declination data 124 associated with an airport from the magnetic declination database 104 .

[0048] exist Figure 3 In an embodiment of the present invention, method 300 may further include: at 304, determining second magnetic declination data based on a published approach associated with the airport and one or more trajectory measurements when the aircraft flies along the centerline of the localizer signal of the airport. Figure 1 The processor 106 may be configured to determine the approach based on the published approach data 116 associated with the airport and the signal from the localizer antenna 210 of the airport as the aircraft follows the approach. Figure 2 The second magnetic declination data 112 is determined based on one or more trajectory measurements 118 while the centerline 216 is flying.

[0049] exist Figure 3 In an embodiment of the present invention, the method 300 may further include: at 306, determining a difference between the first magnetic declination data and the second magnetic declination data. For example, Figure 1 The processor 106 may determine a difference 114 between the first magnetic declination data 124 and the second magnetic declination data 112. The method 300 may also include, at 308, updating the magnetic declination database based on at least the second magnetic declination data if the difference satisfies a deviation threshold. For example, if the difference 114 satisfies the deviation threshold 120, Figure 1 The processor 106 may update the magnetic declination database 104 based at least on the second magnetic declination data 112 .

[0050] Although method 300 is shown as including a certain number of steps, without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure, more, fewer, and / or different steps may be included in method 300. For example, method 300 may optionally include additional steps, as described in more detail below.

[0051] exist Figure 3 In an embodiment of the present invention, method 300 may also optionally include: at 310, using the second magnetic declination data to initiate an instrument landing system approach to an airport during a subsequent flight of the aircraft. Figure 1 The processor 106 may be configured to use the second magnetic declination data 112 to initiate an instrument landing system approach to the airport during a subsequent flight of the aircraft.

[0052] exist Figure 3In an embodiment of the present invention, method 300 may also optionally include: at 312, transmitting the second magnetic declination data to a magnetic declination data accumulator, wherein the magnetic declination data accumulator is operable to accumulate the second magnetic declination data with additional magnetic declination data received from one or more additional aircraft. For example, Figure 1 The processor 106 may be configured to transmit the second magnetic declination data 112 to a magnetic declination data accumulator 126 , wherein the magnetic declination data accumulator 126 is operable to accumulate the second magnetic declination data with additional magnetic declination data received from one or more additional aircraft.

[0053] As described above, more, fewer, and / or different steps may be included in method 300 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, method 300 may vary depending on the count and type of input data received. In certain configurations, Figure 1 The system 100 may be configured to obtain the first magnetic declination data 124; determine the difference 114; and recheck the first magnetic declination data 124 to ensure that the first magnetic declination data 124 is accurately received.

[0054] Figure 4 4 is a block diagram of a computing environment 400 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the computing environment including a computing device 410 configured to support various aspects of computer-implemented methods and computer-executable program instructions (or codes). For example, the computing device 410 or a portion thereof is configured to execute instructions to initiate, execute, or control the above-referenced Figure 1-Figure 3 In certain aspects, computing device 410 may include, correspond to, or be included in computing device 102, magnetic declination database 104, Figure 1 A magnetic declination data accumulator 126, one or more servers, one or more virtual devices, or a combination thereof.

[0055] The computing device 410 includes one or more processors 420. In certain aspects, the processor 420 corresponds to Figure 1106. The processor 420 is configured to communicate with a system memory 430, one or more storage devices 450, one or more input / output interfaces 440, one or more communication interfaces 460, or any combination thereof. The system memory 430 includes volatile memory devices (e.g., random access memory (RAM) devices), non-volatile memory devices (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) devices, programmable read-only memory, and flash memory), or both. The system memory 430 stores an operating system 432, which may include a basic input / output system for booting the computing device 410 and a complete operating system that enables the computing device 410 to interact with users, other programs, and other devices. The system memory 430 stores system (program) data 438, such as published approach data 116, trajectory measurements 118, Figure 1 deviation threshold 120, or a combination thereof.

[0056] System memory 430 includes one or more applications 434 (eg, instruction sets) that are executable by processor 420. For example, one or more applications 434 include instructions 436 that are executable by processor 420 to initiate, control, or execute a reference Figure 1-Figure 3 For illustration, the one or more applications 434 include instructions 436 that are executable by the processor 420 to initiate, control, or perform one or more operations, the one or more operations described with reference to determining the second magnetic declination data 112, determining the difference 114 between the first magnetic declination data 124 and the second magnetic declination data 112, and if the difference 114 satisfies the deviation threshold 120, updating the magnetic declination database based on at least the second magnetic declination data.

[0057] In a specific embodiment, the system memory 430 includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a computer-readable storage device) storing instructions 436, which, when executed by the processor 420, cause the processor 420 to initiate, perform, or control operations to improve the automated environment of aviation information services. The operations include: receiving first magnetic declination data associated with an airport from a magnetic declination database. The operations also include: determining second magnetic declination data based on a published approach associated with the airport and one or more trajectory measurements when the aircraft flies along the centerline of a localizer signal of the airport. The operations also include determining a difference between the first magnetic declination data and the second magnetic declination data. The operations also include: updating the magnetic declination database based on at least the second magnetic declination data if the difference meets a deviation threshold.

[0058] One or more storage devices 450 include non-volatile storage devices, such as magnetic disks, optical disks, or flash memory devices. In particular embodiments, storage devices 450 include removable and non-removable storage devices. Storage devices 450 are configured to store operating systems, images of operating systems, applications (e.g., one or more applications 434), and program data (e.g., program data 438). In particular aspects, system memory 430, storage devices 450, or both include tangible computer-readable media. In particular aspects, one or more storage devices 450 are external to computing device 410.

[0059] One or more input / output interfaces 440 enable computing device 410 to communicate with one or more input / output devices 470 to facilitate user interaction. For example, one or more input / output interfaces 440 may include a display interface, an input interface, or both. For example, input / output interface 440 is suitable for receiving input from a user, receiving input from another computing device, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, input / output interface 440 conforms to one or more standard interface protocols, including a serial interface (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) interface or an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) interface standard), a parallel interface, a display adapter, an audio adapter, or a custom interface ("IEEE" is a registered trademark of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers of Piscataway, New Jersey). In some implementations, input / output device 470 includes one or more user interface devices and a display, including some combination of buttons, keyboards, pointing devices, displays, speakers, microphones, touch screens, and other devices.

[0060] The processor 420 is configured to communicate with a device or controller 480 via one or more communication interfaces 460. For example, the one or more communication interfaces 460 may include a network interface. The device or controller 480 may include, for example, Figure 1 The magnetic declination database 104.

[0061] In some implementations, a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a computer-readable storage device) stores instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to initiate, perform, or control operations to perform some or all of the functionality described above. For example, the instructions may be executed to implement Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the processing may be performed by one or more processors (e.g., one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphics processing units (GPUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs)) executing instructions, by dedicated hardware circuits, or any combination thereof. Figures 1 to 3 Part or all of one or more operations or methods.

[0062] In conjunction with the described implementation, a device includes means for receiving first magnetic declination data associated with an airport from a magnetic declination database. For example, the means for receiving the first magnetic declination data includes Figure 1 A computing device 102, (one or more) processors 106, (one or more) magnetic declination databases 104, one or more other circuits or components configured to receive first magnetic declination data associated with an airport from the magnetic declination database, or any combination thereof.

[0063] The apparatus also includes means for determining second magnetic declination data based on a published approach associated with the airport and one or more track measurements when the aircraft flies along the centerline of a localizer signal of the airport. For example, the means for determining the second magnetic declination data includes Figure 1 A computing device 102, (one or more) processors 106, a magnetic declination analyzer 110, one or more other circuits or components configured to determine second magnetic declination data based on a published approach associated with an airport and one or more trajectory measurements when the aircraft flies along the centerline of a localizer signal of the airport, or any combination thereof.

[0064] The apparatus also includes means for determining a difference between the first magnetic declination data and the second magnetic declination data. For example, the means for determining the difference includes Figure 1 The computing device 102, the processor(s) 106, the magnetic declination analyzer 110, one or more other circuits or components configured to determine a difference between the first magnetic declination data and the second magnetic declination data, or any combination thereof.

[0065] The apparatus further comprises means for updating the magnetic declination database based at least on the second magnetic declination data if the difference satisfies a deviation threshold. For example, the means for updating the magnetic declination database comprises Figure 1 A computing device 102, (one or more) processors 106, a magnetic declination analyzer 110, (one or more) magnetic declination databases 104, one or more other circuits or components configured to update the magnetic declination database based on at least the second magnetic declination data if the difference meets the deviation threshold, or any combination thereof.

[0066] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structures of different implementations. These illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all elements and features of the devices and systems utilizing the structures or methods described herein. After reviewing the present invention, many other embodiments may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Other implementations may be utilized and derived from the present disclosure so that structural and logical replacements and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, method operations may be performed in an order different from the order shown in the figure or one or more method operations may be omitted. Therefore, the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive.

[0067] In addition, although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar results may replace the specific implementation shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of different implementations. Combinations of the above implementations and other implementations not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing this description.

[0068] The abstract of the present disclosure is submitted with the understanding that it is not used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the aforementioned specific embodiments, different features may be combined together or described in a single implementation for the purpose of streamlining the present disclosure. The above embodiments illustrate but do not limit the present disclosure. It should also be understood that many modifications and variations are possible according to the principles of the present invention. As reflected in the following claims, the subject matter claimed for protection may be directed to features less than all the features of any disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0069] Further, the present disclosure includes implementations according to the following embodiments:

[0070] According to embodiment 1, a method includes: receiving first magnetic declination data associated with an airport from a magnetic declination database; determining second magnetic declination data based on a published approach associated with the airport and one or more trajectory measurements when an aircraft flies along a centerline of a localizer signal of the airport; determining a difference between the first magnetic declination data and the second magnetic declination data; and if the difference satisfies a deviation threshold, updating the magnetic declination database based at least on the second magnetic declination data.

[0071] Embodiment 2 comprises the method according to embodiment 1, wherein the deviation threshold is associated with the granularity of the magnetic declination database.

[0072] Embodiment 3 comprises the method according to embodiment 2, wherein the granularity of the magnetic declination database is in the range of 0.5-1.0 degrees.

[0073] Embodiment 4 comprises the method according to embodiment 3, wherein the deviation threshold is in the range of 0.5-1.0 degrees.

[0074] Embodiment 5 includes the method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, and further includes: using the second magnetic declination data to initiate an instrument landing system approach to the airport during a subsequent flight of the aircraft.

[0075] Embodiment 6 includes the method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, and further includes: transmitting the second magnetic declination data to a magnetic declination data accumulator, wherein the magnetic declination data accumulator is operable to accumulate the second magnetic declination data with additional magnetic declination data received from one or more additional aircraft.

[0076] Embodiment 7 includes the method according to embodiment 6, and further includes receiving third magnetic declination data from the magnetic declination data accumulator, wherein the third magnetic declination data is based on at least a statistical analysis of the second magnetic declination data and the additional magnetic declination data.

[0077] Embodiment 8 includes the method according to embodiment 7, and further includes updating the magnetic declination database based on at least the third magnetic declination data.

[0078] According to embodiment 9, a device includes: one or more processors, the one or more processors being configured to: receive first magnetic declination data associated with an airport from a magnetic declination database; determine second magnetic declination data based on a published approach associated with the airport and one or more trajectory measurements when an aircraft flies along a centerline of a localizer signal of the airport; determine a difference between the first magnetic declination data and the second magnetic declination data; and if the difference satisfies a deviation threshold, update the magnetic declination database based at least on the second magnetic declination data.

[0079] Embodiment 10 comprises the apparatus according to embodiment 9, wherein the deviation threshold is associated with the granularity of the magnetic declination database.

[0080] Embodiment 11 comprises the apparatus according to embodiment 10, wherein the granularity of the magnetic declination database is in the range of 0.5-1.0 degrees.

[0081] Embodiment 12 comprises the apparatus according to embodiment 11, wherein the deviation threshold is in the range of 0.5-1.0 degrees.

[0082] Embodiment 13 includes the apparatus of any of Embodiments 9 to 12, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to plot a second route for the aircraft based at least on the second magnetic declination data.

[0083] Embodiment 14 includes a device according to any one of embodiments 9 to 13, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to transmit the second magnetic declination data to a magnetic declination data accumulator, and wherein the magnetic declination data accumulator is operable to accumulate the second magnetic declination data with additional magnetic declination data received from one or more additional aircraft.

[0084] Embodiment 15 comprises the apparatus according to embodiment 14, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to receive third magnetic declination data from the magnetic declination data accumulator, and wherein the third magnetic declination data is based at least on the statistical analysis of the second magnetic declination data and the additional magnetic declination data.

[0085] Embodiment 16 includes a device according to embodiment 15, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to update the magnetic declination database based on at least the third magnetic declination data.

[0086] Embodiment 17 includes the apparatus of any of Embodiments 9 to 16, wherein the one or more processors are integrated within a field replaceable unit of the aircraft.

[0087] Embodiment 18 includes the apparatus of any of Embodiments 9 to 17, wherein the one or more processors are integrated within a ground-based system.

[0088] According to embodiment 19, a non-temporary computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive first magnetic declination data associated with an airport from a magnetic declination database; determine second magnetic declination data based on published approaches associated with the airport and one or more trajectory measurements when an aircraft flies along a centerline of a localizer signal of the airport; determine a difference between the first magnetic declination data and the second magnetic declination data; and if the difference satisfies a deviation threshold, update the magnetic declination database based at least on the second magnetic declination data.

[0089] Embodiment 20 includes a non-transitory computer readable medium according to embodiment 19, wherein the deviation threshold is associated with the granularity of the magnetic declination database.

[0090] Embodiment 21 comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium according to embodiment 20, wherein the granularity of the magnetic declination database is in the range of 0.5-1.0 degrees.

[0091] Embodiment 22 includes a non-transitory computer readable medium according to embodiment 21, wherein the deviation threshold is in the range of 0.5-1.0 degrees.

[0092] Embodiment 23 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of any one of Embodiments 19 to 22, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to plot a second route for the aircraft based at least on the second magnetic declination data.

[0093] Embodiment 24 includes a non-temporary computer-readable medium according to any of Embodiments 19 to 23, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to transmit the second magnetic declination data to a magnetic declination data accumulator, and wherein the magnetic declination data accumulator is operable to accumulate the second magnetic declination data with additional magnetic declination data received from one or more additional aircraft.

[0094] Embodiment 25 comprises a non-temporary computer-readable medium according to embodiment 24, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to receive third magnetic declination data from the magnetic declination data accumulator, and wherein the third magnetic declination data is based at least on a statistical analysis of the second magnetic declination data and the additional magnetic declination data.

[0095] Embodiment 26 includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium according to embodiment 25, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to update the magnetic declination database based on at least the third magnetic declination data.

[0096] According to embodiment 27, a device includes: a device for receiving first magnetic declination data associated with an airport from a magnetic declination database; a device for determining second magnetic declination data based on a published approach associated with the airport and one or more trajectory measurements when an aircraft flies along a centerline of a localizer signal of the airport; a device for determining a difference between the first magnetic declination data and the second magnetic declination data; and a device for updating the magnetic declination database based at least on the second magnetic declination data if the difference meets a deviation threshold.

[0097] Embodiment 28 comprises the apparatus according to embodiment 27, wherein the deviation threshold is associated with the granularity of the magnetic declination database.

[0098] Embodiment 29 comprises the apparatus according to embodiment 28, wherein the granularity of the magnetic declination database is within the inclusive range of 0.5-1.0 degrees.

[0099] Embodiment 30 includes an apparatus according to embodiment 29, wherein the deviation threshold is within the inclusive range of 0.5-1.0 degrees.

[0100] Embodiment 31 includes the apparatus of any one of Embodiments 27 to 30, and further includes means for initiating an instrument landing system approach to the airport using the second magnetic declination data during a subsequent flight of the aircraft.

[0101] Embodiment 32 includes an apparatus according to any one of embodiments 27 to 31, and further includes a device for transmitting the second magnetic declination data to a magnetic declination data accumulator, wherein the magnetic declination data accumulator is operable to accumulate the second magnetic declination data with additional magnetic declination data received from one or more additional aircraft.

[0102] Embodiment 33 comprises an apparatus according to embodiment 32, and further comprises means for receiving third magnetic declination data from a magnetic declination data accumulator, wherein the third magnetic declination data is based at least on a statistical analysis of the second magnetic declination data and the additional magnetic declination data.

[0103] Embodiment 34 comprises an apparatus according to embodiment 33, and further comprises means for updating a magnetic declination database based at least on third magnetic declination data.

Claims

1. A device (102) for automatic magnetic declination detection, comprising: One or more processors (106) configured to: Receiving (302) first magnetic declination data (124) associated with an airport from a magnetic declination database (104); determining (304) second magnetic declination data (112) based on published approach data (116) associated with the airport and one or more trajectory measurements (118) of the aircraft as it flies along a centerline (216) of a localizer antenna (210) signal at the airport; determining (306) a difference (114) between the first magnetic declination data and the second magnetic declination data; as well as When the difference satisfies a deviation threshold (120), the magnetic declination database is updated (308) based on at least the second magnetic declination data.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The deviation threshold is associated with the granularity of the magnetic declination database.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The granularity of the magnetic declination database is within the range of 0.5-1.0 degrees, including 0.5 degrees and 1.0 degrees, wherein the deviation threshold is within the range of 0.5-1.0 degrees, including 0.5 degrees and 1.0 degrees.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more processors are further configured to plot a second route for the aircraft based at least on the second magnetic declination data.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more processors are further configured to transmit (312) the second magnetic declination data to a magnetic declination data accumulator (126), and wherein the magnetic declination data accumulator is used to accumulate the second magnetic declination data with additional magnetic declination data received from one or more additional aircraft.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The one or more processors are further configured to receive third declination data (130) from the declination data accumulator, and wherein the third declination data is based at least on a statistical analysis of the second declination data and the additional declination data.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The one or more processors are further configured to update the magnetic declination database based at least on the third magnetic declination data.

8. A method for automatic magnetic declination detection, comprising: Receiving (302) first magnetic declination data (124) associated with an airport from a magnetic declination database (104); determining (304) second magnetic declination data (112) based on published approach data (116) associated with the airport and one or more trajectory measurements (118) of the aircraft as it flies along a centerline (216) of a localizer antenna (210) signal at the airport; determining (306) a difference (114) between the first magnetic declination data and the second magnetic declination data; as well as When the difference satisfies a deviation threshold (120), the magnetic declination database is updated (308) based on at least the second magnetic declination data.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: The second declination data is transmitted (312) to a declination data accumulator (126), wherein the declination data accumulator is used to accumulate the second declination data with additional declination data received from one or more additional aircraft.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: Third declination data (130) is received from the declination data accumulator, wherein the third declination data is based at least on a statistical analysis of the second declination data and the additional declination data.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising updating the magnetic declination database based at least on the third magnetic declination data.

12. A non-transitory computer readable medium (430) comprising instructions (436) which, when executed by one or more processors (420, 106), cause the one or more processors to perform the method according to any one of claims 8-11.

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