Method and electronic device for assisting in preparing an aircraft flight, associated computer program

Abstract

Method and electronic device for assisting in preparing a flight of an aircraft, associated computer program This method for assisting in preparing a flight of an aircraft (12) is implemented by an electronic preparation assistance device (10) and comprises the following steps: - acquisition of positions of characteristic objects, each characteristic object being chosen from a passage zone, a target zone, an obstacle and a GNSS jammer; - calculation of a trajectory of the aircraft (12) from a starting point to an arrival point, the trajectory being calculated as a function of the acquired positions of the characteristic objects; and - display, on a display screen (14), of the calculated trajectory.During the calculation step, the trajectory of the aircraft (12) is also calculated based on an estimated ratio, called PNT quality, between a quantity representative of a quality of reception of a GNSS signal by a GNSS receiver (36) on board the aircraft (12) and a quantity representative of noise resulting from interference. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Method and electronic device for assisting in the preparation of an aircraft flight, associated computer program

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for assisting in the preparation of an aircraft flight, the method being implemented by an electronic device for assisting in the preparation; as well as a computer program comprising software instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement such a method for assisting in the preparation.

[0002] The invention also relates to such an electronic device for assisting in preparing the aircraft for flight.

[0003] A preparation phase for an aircraft flight, in particular a preparation phase for a mission, such as a search and rescue mission, also called SAR (from the English Search And Rescue), a mission to winch a person or an object, or even a surveillance mission, is complex and represents a significant workload for a user, or more often a team, in charge of this preparation.

[0004] A method for assisting in preparing an aircraft flight generally comprises an acquisition of positions of characteristic objects corresponding to the flight to be prepared; then a calculation of a trajectory from a starting point to an arrival point, this as a function of the acquired positions of the characteristic objects; and finally a display of the calculated trajectory, in order to allow the user to evaluate the proposed trajectory, then to enter, if necessary, other possible characteristic objects and / or to modify some of the characteristic objects already entered.

[0005] However, the flight thus prepared, and in particular the calculated trajectory, are not always optimal.

[0006] The aim of the invention is then to propose a method, and an associated electronic device, for assisting in the preparation of a flight of an aircraft making it possible to calculate a better trajectory for the aircraft, in particular in terms of safety.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a method for assisting in the preparation of a flight of an aircraft, the method being implemented by an electronic preparation assistance device and comprising the following steps:

[0008] - acquisition of positions of characteristic objects, each characteristic object being selected from the group consisting of: a passage area, a target area, an obstacle and a GNSS jammer;

[0009] - calculation of a trajectory of the aircraft from a starting point to a point arrival, the trajectory being calculated based on the acquired positions of the characteristic objects;

[0010] - display, on a display screen, of the calculated trajectory;

[0011] during the calculation step, the trajectory of the aircraft is also calculated as a function of an estimated ratio, called PNT quality, between a quantity representative of a quality of reception of a GNSS signal by a GNSS receiver on board the aircraft and a quantity representative of noise resulting from jamming.

[0012] The preparation assistance method according to the invention then makes it possible to take into account the PNT quality when calculating the trajectory, and then to have a more reliable positioning of the aircraft when it is in flight, and in doing so to improve the flight safety of the aircraft.

[0013] The PNT quality for Positioning, Navigation, and Timing makes it possible to quantify the precision, reliability and integrity of positioning, navigation and time synchronization information provided by a satellite navigation system, also called a GNSS system (Global Navigation Satellite System), such as a GPS system (Global Positioning System), a Galileo system, a Glonass system, or even a Beidou system.

[0014] Preferably, the preparation assistance method according to the invention further comprises the determination of a desired minimum threshold for the PNT quality, called the PNT threshold, and the trajectory is then calculated so that the PNT quality is greater than the PNT threshold at each point of the trajectory. This then makes it possible to guarantee a minimum PNT quality at each point of the calculated trajectory, and therefore to have at each point of the trajectory a minimum reliability of the position of the aircraft provided by the GNSS receiver.

[0015] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the preparation assistance method comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0016] - the method further comprises, prior to the calculation step:

[0017] + determination of a desired minimum threshold for PNT quality, called PNT threshold; and

[0018] during the calculation step, the PNT quality is greater than the PNT threshold at each point of the calculated trajectory;

[0019] - during the determination step, the PNT threshold comprises several values, each being associated with a respective geographical area; and during the calculation step, the PNT quality is higher than the corresponding value of the PNT threshold according to the geographical area where a respective point of the calculated trajectory is located;

[0020] - the value(s) of the PNT threshold can be modified by a user;

[0021] in particular after the display of the calculated trajectory of the aircraft, the modification of at least one value of the PNT threshold then triggering the calculation of a new trajectory of the aircraft;

[0022] - the method further comprises, prior to the calculation step:

[0023] + selection of at least one type of aircraft from a plurality of predefined types; and

[0024] during the calculation step, the trajectory is calculated respectively for each selected type of aircraft;

[0025] each trajectory calculated for a respective selected type then being displayable during the display step;

[0026] - the display step further comprises the display of a timeline and a cursor; the timeline comprising an initial time instant corresponding to the starting point, and several successive subsequent time instants up to a final time instant corresponding to the arrival point, the subsequent times being later than the initial time instant; the cursor being movable by a user along the timeline and indicating a time instant chosen from the initial time instant and the subsequent times; and the trajectory then being displayed as a function of the chosen time instant, the position of the aircraft and the characteristic objects being notably displayed at this chosen time instant;

[0027] - the displaying step further comprises displaying a representation of the quality PNT at different successive points of the calculated trajectory;

[0028] - the display step comprises the display of a map view including the trajectory of the aircraft and one or more representations of characteristic objects in their respective positions;

[0029] the map view preferably being displayable according to a respective display mode chosen from a plurality of distinct display modes; and

[0030] - the plurality of distinct display modes comprises:

[0031] + a nominal mode in which all characteristic objects are displayed, as well that the effects of interference;

[0032] + a GNSS mode in which zones representative of effect(s) of the GNSS jammers on PNT quality are displayed centered on the GNSS jammer(s) and depend on the calculated trajectory;

[0033] + a PNT mode in which the trajectory is displayed inside a corridor representing an approximate area of ​​the aircraft's position.

[0034] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising software instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement a preparation assistance method, as defined above.

[0035] The invention also relates to an electronic device for assisting in preparing an aircraft flight, the device being intended to be mounted on an aeronautical platform and comprising:

[0036] - an acquisition module configured to acquire object positions characteristics, each characteristic object being selected from the group consisting of: a passage area, a target area, an obstacle, and a GNSS jammer;

[0037] - a calculation module configured to calculate a trajectory of the aircraft from a starting point to an arrival point, the trajectory being calculated based on the acquired positions of the characteristic objects;

[0038] - a display module configured to display, on a display screen, the calculated trajectory;

[0039] the calculation module being configured to calculate the trajectory of the aircraft as a function, in addition, of an estimated ratio, called PNT quality, between a quantity representative of a quality of reception of a GNSS signal by a GNSS receiver on board the aircraft and a quantity representative of noise resulting from jamming.

[0040] These characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0041] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of an aeronautical platform comprising an electronic information display device and an electronic device for assisting in preparing a flight of an aircraft according to the invention, the flight preparation assistance device being connected to the display device;

[0042] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a view on a screen display of the display device of [Fig.l], for different modes of displaying information on the screen, namely a nominal mode, a GNSS mode and a PNT mode; and

[0043] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a flowchart of a method, according to the invention, of assistance in the preparation of the aircraft for flight, the method being implemented by the flight preparation assistance device of [Fig.l].

[0044] In [Fig.l], an aeronautical platform 5 comprises an electronic device 8 for displaying information and an electronic device 10 for assisting in preparing a flight of an aircraft 12. The flight preparation assistance device 10 is connected to the display device 8.

[0045] The aeronautical platform 5 is for example a terrestrial platform, such as a command and planning center, a drone operations ground station, an air navigation en route center (CRNA), a civil air traffic control center or an operational planning platform of an airline.

[0046] Alternatively, the aeronautical platform 5 is an avionics platform, typically intended to be carried on board the aircraft 12.

[0047] The display device 8 typically comprises an information display screen 14.

[0048] The flight preparation assistance device 10 comprises an acquisition module 20, a calculation module 22 and a display module 24. As an optional addition, the flight preparation assistance device 10 comprises a determination module 26 and / or a selection module 28.

[0049] In the example of [Fig.l], the flight preparation assistance device 10 comprises an information processing unit 30 formed for example by a memory 32 and a processor 34 associated with the memory 32.

[0050] In the example of [Fig.l], the acquisition module 20, the calculation module 22 and the display module 24, as well as, as an optional complement, the determination module 26 and the selection module 28, are each produced in the form of software, or a software brick, executable by the processor 34. The memory 32 of the flight preparation assistance device 10 is then capable of storing acquisition software, calculation software and display software, as well as, as an optional complement, determination software and selection software. The processor 34 is then capable of executing each of the software among the acquisition software, the calculation software and the display software, as well as, as an optional complement, the determination software and the selection software.

[0051] In a variant not shown, the acquisition module 20, the calculation module 22 and the display module 24, as well as, as an optional addition, the determination module 26 and the selection module 28, are each produced in the form of a programmable logic component, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or in the form of a dedicated integrated circuit, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0052] When the flight preparation assistance device 10 is produced in the form of one or more software programs, i.e. in the form of a computer program, it is also capable of being recorded on a medium, not shown, that is readable by a computer. The computer-readable medium is, for example, a medium capable of storing electronic instructions and of being coupled to a bus of a computer system. By way of example, the readable medium is an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM memory, a RAM memory, any type of non-volatile memory (for example EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH, NVRAM), a magnetic card or an optical card. A computer program comprising software instructions is then stored on the readable medium.

[0053] The aircraft 12 is typically an airplane, such as a commercial airliner. Alternatively, the aircraft 12 is a helicopter.

[0054] As a further variant, the aircraft 12 is a drone, i.e. an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on board. According to this variant, the aircraft 12 is then remotely piloted by an operator.

[0055] The aircraft 12 is in particular equipped with a satellite positioning system, also called a GNSS system (for Geolocation and Navigation by a Satellite System, or Global Navigation Satellite System), comprising a satellite positioning receiver 36 and an antenna 38. This GNSS system is optionally equipped with one or more other additional positioning assistance sensors, such as in particular an inertial unit, a Doppler sensor, radio navigation in the event of loss of integrity, capacity or performance of the receiver 36. The GNSS system uses a constellation of satellites and makes it possible to provide a user, via the sensor(s) constituting it, with its 3D position, its 3D speed and the time. The GNSS system thus allows positioning, navigation and time measurement, and then forms a so-called PNT system (for Positioning, Navigation and Time).The GNSS system is, for example, a GPS system (from the English Global Positioning System), a Galileo system, a Glonass system, or even a Beidou system.

[0056] In particular, the aircraft 12 includes the receiver 36, also called on-board GNSS receiver, making it possible to receive a GNSS signal characterized by a reception quality.

[0057] The acquisition module 20 comprises at least one communication interface allowing an exchange of information with the user.

[0058] The acquisition module 20 is configured to acquire positions of characteristic objects 40, each characteristic object 40 being chosen from the group consisting of: a passage zone, a target zone, an obstacle, and a GNSS jammer.

[0059] The acquisition module 20, via its communication interface, allows the user to lock certain data, such as for example a position of a characteristic object 40, so that this data cannot be modified.

[0060] A passage zone designates an area that the aircraft 12 must cross during the flight, the latter being prepared by the flight preparation assistance device 10. Each passage zone is for example a geographical area to be flown over, or a refueling point for the aircraft, etc.

[0061] A target zone designates an area that the aircraft 12 must reach during its flight. Each target zone is typically entered before the flight by the user. and represents a flight objective. Each target area is, for example, a geographical area to be flown over, or an airport at which the aircraft 12 must land, etc.

[0062] An obstacle designates an object present in the land or air space close to the aircraft 12 and which must be avoided by the aircraft during its flight because it may be critical for the safety of the flight in the short, medium and long term. Each obstacle is for example a geographical area with dangerous topography, or a no-fly or no-overflight zone, etc.

[0063] A GNSS jammer designates a device having the capacity to corrupt and / or prevent the proper reception of data by the reception chain of the GNSS system equipping the aircraft 12 in a given geographical area, each GNSS jammer having a characteristic range. The range of a GNSS jammer is for example between 50 km and 400 km.

[0064] Each GNSS jammer is positioned in a geographical area that has a strategic interest, for example a jammer near an airport, a jammer near a radio antenna, etc.

[0065] In addition, the acquisition module 20 allows the user to indicate one or more waypoints 42 (from the English waypoints). This therefore allows the user to define the waypoints 42 through which a trajectory 44 of the aircraft 12 must pass.

[0066] Advantageously, the acquisition module 20 comprises a memory, not shown. The memory is typically capable of storing the history of data entry of a flight by the user, to allow the user to reuse them for a future flight.

[0067] The calculation module 22 is configured to calculate the trajectory 44 of the aircraft 12 from a starting point 46 to an arrival point 48.

[0068] The calculation module 22 is configured to calculate the trajectory 44 as a function of the positions of the characteristic objects 40 acquired by the acquisition module 20, and also as a function of an estimated ratio, called PNT quality, between a quantity representative of a quality of reception of a GNSS signal by a GNSS receiver 36 on board the aircraft 12 and a quantity representative of noise resulting from jamming.

[0069] The quantity representative of the reception quality of the GNSS signal is for example an intensity of the received signal, a number of tracked satellites, a traceability and a value of the signal / noise ratio of the satellite signals, a noisier signal covering the one detected, etc.

[0070] The quantity representative of the noise resulting from voluntary and deliberate interference is for example a signal-to-noise level, or an attenuation, typically expressed in dB.

[0071] The PNT quality is the result and the translation of the calculation of the impacts of interference of the GNSS signals in the case of jamming. The PNT quality is for example estimated from a calculation of the impact of interference on the GNSS signal in the case of jamming. An algorithm for calculating an impact of sources of electromagnetic disturbance on the operation of the GNSS system is for example described in application FR 23 07282 filed on July 7, 2023. This document describes the calculation of the impact of interference, then the transcription of this calculated impact into different levels corresponding to states of the GNSS service. These levels are then used to quantify and explain the PNT quality.

[0072] Taking into account the PNT quality when calculating the trajectory 44 then makes it possible to limit a risk of jamming the GNSS system of the aircraft 12, and thus to improve the safety of the flight of the aircraft 12.

[0073] The trajectory 44 calculated by the calculation module 22 consists of a set of geographical coordinates defined as a function of time, so as to define a set of coordinates taken by the aircraft 12 during the flight. The positions defined by these coordinates are then calculated by taking into account the positions of the characteristic objects 40, the PNT quality of the geographical zones and the waypoints 42.

[0074] In particular, the geographic coordinates making up the trajectory 44 are advantageously located in a geographic area presenting satisfactory PNT quality.

[0075] In the presence of waypoints 42 provided by the user, the trajectory 44 is calculated by taking into account the constraint linked to these waypoints 42.

[0076] The display module 24 is configured to display, on the display screen 14, the calculated trajectory 44. This display is described in more detail below.

[0077] As an optional addition, the determination module 26 is configured to determine a desired minimum threshold for the PNT quality, also called PNT threshold.

[0078] According to this optional addition, the calculation module 22 is then configured to calculate the trajectory 44 such that the PNT quality is greater than the PNT threshold at each point of the calculated trajectory 44. The aircraft 12 then receives a GNSS signal with sufficient reception quality to obtain positioning of the aircraft 12 with satisfactory precision, i.e. to allow the aircraft 12 to move safely - from the point of view of its positioning - in the associated geographical area.

[0079] Advantageously, the PNT threshold comprises several values, each being associated with a respective geographical area. The geographical areas advantageously cover all of the areas likely to be overflown by the aircraft 12 during its flight.

[0080] According to this advantageous aspect, the calculation module 22 is then configured to calculate the trajectory 44 such that the PNT quality is greater than the corresponding value of the PNT threshold according to the geographical area where a respective point of the calculated trajectory 44 is located.

[0081] Advantageously, the value(s) of the PNT threshold can be modified by the user. Each value of the PNT threshold can in particular be modified after the display of the calculated trajectory 44 of the aircraft 12, the modification of at least one value of the PNT threshold then triggering the calculation 130 of a new trajectory 44 of the aircraft 12.

[0082] As an optional addition, the selection module 28 is configured to select at least one type of aircraft 12 from a plurality of predefined types, for example from information received from the user. The plurality of predefined types comprises for example: an airplane type, a helicopter type, a drone or UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) type; the airplane type being optionally further specified by then including a commercial airliner type, a military airplane type, a tourist airplane type, etc.

[0083] According to this optional addition, the calculation module 22 is then configured to calculate the trajectory 44 for each selected type of aircraft 12, and each calculated trajectory 44 for a respective selected type is then displayable.

[0084] According to this optional addition, the acquisition module 20 is then configured to advantageously implement a hierarchy of the acquisition of the input data. For example, the acquisition of the data is carried out in the following order: choice of the type of aircraft, choice of the target zone, entry of the characteristic objects 40 and entry of the waypoints 42.

[0085] According to this optional addition, the selection module 28 is optionally configured to select several types of aircraft 12, and the calculation module 22 is then configured to calculate a respective trajectory 44 for each type of aircraft 12 selected.

[0086] The display by the display module 24 of the trajectory 44 calculated by the calculation module 22 will now be described in more detail.

[0087] According to a first use case within a terrestrial platform, such as for example a command and planning center, the display device 8 comprises for example a plurality of individual display screens 14 collaborating together. A giant screen, not shown, displaying a summary of the information displayed on the individual screens 14 advantageously completes the display device 8.

[0088] According to a second case of use within an aircraft 12 in flight, the display device 8 comprises for example, in addition to the display screen 14, a standalone tablet, a head-up display (HUD), and / or a headset with mixed reality technology.

[0089] As visible in [Fig.2], the display module 24 is configured to display time line 50 and a cursor 52. The time line 50 comprises an initial time instant T0 corresponding to the starting point 46, and several successive subsequent time instants up to a final time instant TF corresponding to the arrival point 48, the subsequent instants being after the initial time T0.

[0090] The successive subsequent time instants are typically defined in a discretized, or sampled, manner between the initial time instants T0 and final time instants TF. A discretization, or sampling, step, i.e. a timeless gap between two successive time instants along the timeline 50, is advantageously configurable by the user. This sampling step further typically depends on the length of the timeline 50 when it is displayed on the screen 14, as well as the screen resolution. In other words, the timeline 50 is displayed in the form of a number of successive pixels, and the sampling step advantageously corresponds to at least one pixel.

[0091] The cursor 52 can be moved by the user along the time line 50 and indicates a time instant chosen from the initial time T0 and the successive subsequent time instants and the final time instant TF.

[0092] The trajectory 44 is then displayed by the display module 24 as a function of the chosen time instant, the position of the aircraft 12, represented by a symbol 53 in the form of an arrow, and characteristic objects 40 being notably displayed at this chosen time instant, corresponding to the position of the cursor 52 along the time line 50.

[0093] In addition, the display module 24 is configured to display a representation of the PNT quality at different successive points of the calculated trajectory 44.

[0094] The display module 24 is then typically configured to deliver, to the display device 8 and for their display, a map view 54 including the trajectory 44 of the aircraft 12 and one or more representations of characteristic objects 40 in their respective positions.

[0095] The display module 24 is advantageously configured to display on the display device 8 the map view 54 according to several distinct display modes. In the example of [Fig.2], the display module 24 is configured to display the map view 54 according to three distinct display modes, namely a nominal mode M1, a GNSS mode M2 ​​and a PNT mode M3.

[0096] The nominal mode M1, also called “Impacts” mode, allows a display of all the characteristic objects 40 acquired by the acquisition module 20, as well as the effects of the jamming.

[0097] According to the nominal mode M1, the effects of the jamming are further represented by gray circular zones 56. The radius of these circular zones 56 defines the range of the jamming.

[0098] The GNSS M2 mode, also called “GNSS view” mode, allows the display of representative zones of effect(s) 58 of the GNSS jammer(s) on the PNT quality.

[0099] According to the GNSS M2 mode, the representative zones of effect(s) 58 are centered on the GNSS jammers and depend on the calculated trajectory 44.

[0100] The intensity of the effect(s) of the GNSS jammer(s) on the PNT quality may in particular be displayed using a color diagram (from the English heatmap chart).

[0101] The PNT M3 mode, also called “PNT fidelity” mode, allows a display similar to the display of the GNSS M2 mode, with in addition the trajectory 44 of the aircraft 12 displayed inside a corridor 60 representing an approximate zone of the position of the aircraft 12.

[0102] In addition, the display module 24 is configured to display the map view 54 according to different graphic display modes: 2D mode, 3D mode or even different orientations of the map view 54, such as a view oriented in the direction of the aircraft 12. These different graphic display modes are for example at the user's choice.

[0103] In addition, the display module 24 is configured to deliver a real representation of the geographical area adjacent to the trajectory 44, in particular in the form of contour lines.

[0104] In addition, the display module 24 is configured to advantageously display a simplified representation of the trajectory 44 of the aircraft, in particular with only the most critical characteristic objects 40.

[0105] In addition, the display module 24 is configured to display several windows on the display screen 14, in particular in the form of a view split into windows, each window comprising a specific display mode or a trajectory 44 for one of the selected aircraft 12.

[0106] The operation of the aeronautical platform 5, and in particular of the electronic preparation assistance device 10, will now be explained, in particular with the aid of [Fig. 3] representing a flowchart of the method, according to the invention, for assisting in the preparation of a flight of the aircraft 12.

[0107] During an initial step 100, the preparation assistance device 10 acquires, via the acquisition module 12, the positions of characteristic objects 40, each characteristic object 40 typically being a passage zone, a target zone, an obstacle, or even a GNSS jammer.

[0108] The acquisition of these characteristic object positions 40 can in particular be done by action of the user via the communication interface.

[0109] During an optional following step 110, the preparation assistance device 10 determines, via its determination module 26, the PNT threshold, i.e. the minimum threshold desired for the PNT quality. Advantageously, several PNT threshold values ​​are determined during this determination step 110, each being typically associated with a respective geographical area.

[0110] Advantageously again, during this determination step 110, the value(s) of the PNT threshold can be modified by the user, in particular after the display of the calculated trajectory 44 of the aircraft 12, which then triggers the calculation of a new trajectory 44 of the aircraft 12.

[0111] At the end of the determination step 110, the preparation assistance device 10 moves on to a following step 120, also optional, during which it selects, via its selection module 28, at least one type of aircraft 12. This selection is also typically carried out based on user interaction.

[0112] Then, during a calculation step 130, the preparation assistance device 10 calculates, via its calculation module 22, the trajectory 44 of the aircraft from the departure point 46 to the arrival point 48.

[0113] The trajectory 44 of the aircraft 12 is calculated as a function of the acquired positions of the characteristic objects 40 and also as a function of the PNT quality, according to the invention.

[0114] When one or more PNT thresholds have been determined beforehand during the determination step 110, the trajectory 44 is advantageously calculated during the calculation step 130 as a function, in addition, of the determined PNT threshold(s), the trajectory 44 then typically being calculated in such a way that the PNT quality is greater than the PNT threshold at each point of the calculated trajectory, again in such a way that the PNT quality is greater than the corresponding value of the PNT threshold according to the associated geographical area.

[0115] During a following display step 140, the trajectory 44 (previously calculated during the calculation state 130) is displayed via the display module 24. The user can then modify the display of this trajectory 44 using the multiple properties of the display module 24 described above.

[0116] The user can in particular choose a display mode from the nominal mode M1, the GNSS mode M2 ​​or the PNT mode M3.

[0117] As an optional addition, the method further comprises the possibility of adding at least one waypoint 42 with a specific PNT threshold, and the trajectory 44 is then recalculated by the calculation module 22 to include the new waypoint 42, then displayed via the display module 24.

[0118] When, as an optional addition, the user modifies the value of one or more PNT thresholds, this allows him, for example, to lower the PNT threshold compared to the threshold determined beforehand, in particular when the PNT quality is not a critical datum in the targeted geographical area, and this then allows greater latitude for the calculation of the trajectory 44. Conversely, if the user knows that the aircraft 12 will pass through a geographical area where the location of the aircraft 12 must be measured particularly precisely, and that the PNT quality is a critical datum in said geographical area, the user can then increase the PNT threshold compared to the threshold determined beforehand, which then automatically triggers the calculation of a new trajectory 44 of the aircraft 12.The latitude for calculating this new trajectory 44 will then be lower, but the safety of the flight of the aircraft 12 will be improved by the better PNT quality imposed, resulting in a more precise measurement of the location of the aircraft 12.

[0119] It is then understood that the preparation assistance device 10 and the flight preparation assistance method according to the invention make it possible to calculate a better trajectory 44 for the aircraft 12, in particular in terms of safety. They also allow a reduction in the cognitive load of the user for preparing the flight of the aircraft 12.

Claims

Claims

1. A method for assisting in preparing a flight of an aircraft (12), the method being implemented by an electronic preparation assistance device (10) and comprising the following steps: - acquisition (100) of positions of characteristic objects (40), each characteristic object (40) being chosen from the group consisting of: a passage zone, a target zone, an obstacle and a GNSS jammer; - calculation (130) of a trajectory (44) of the aircraft (12) from a starting point (46) to an arrival point (48), the trajectory (44) being calculated as a function of the acquired positions of the characteristic objects (40); - display (140), on a display screen (14), of the calculated trajectory (44);characterized in that, during the calculation step (130), the trajectory (44) of the aircraft (12) is calculated as a function, in addition, of an estimated ratio, called PNT quality, between a quantity representative of a quality of reception of a GNSS signal by a GNSS receiver (36) on board the aircraft (12) and a quantity representative of noise resulting from interference.;

2. Method according to claim 1, in which the method further comprises, prior to the calculation step (130): - determining (110) a desired minimum threshold for the PNT quality, called PNT threshold; and during the calculation step (130), the PNT quality is greater than the PNT threshold at each point of the calculated trajectory (44).

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, in the determining step (110), the PNT threshold comprises several values, each being associated with a respective geographic area; and in the calculating step (130), the PNT quality is greater than the corresponding value of the PNT threshold according to the geographic area where a respective point of the calculated trajectory (44) is located.

4. Method according to claim 2 or 3, in which the value(s) of the PNT threshold can be modified by a user; in particular after the display (140) of the calculated trajectory (44) of the aircraft (12), the modification of at least one value of the PNT threshold then triggering the calculation (130) of a new trajectory (44) of the aircraft (12).

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises, prior to the calculation step (130): - selection (120) of at least one type of aircraft (12) from a plurality of predefined types; and during the calculation step (130), the trajectory (44) is calculated respectively for each selected type of aircraft (12); each calculated trajectory (44) for a respective selected type then being displayable during the display step (140).

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the display step (140) further comprises the display of a time line (50) and a cursor (52); the time line (50) comprising an initial time instant (T0) corresponding to the starting point (46), and several successive subsequent time instants up to a final time instant (TF) corresponding to the arrival point (48), the subsequent times being later than the initial time (T0); the cursor (52) being movable by a user along the time line (50) and indicating a time instant chosen from the initial time instant and the subsequent times; and the trajectory (44) then being displayed as a function of the chosen time instant, the position of the aircraft (12) and of the characteristic objects (40) being notably displayed at this chosen time instant.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the displaying step (140) further comprises displaying a representation of the PNT quality at successive points along the calculated trajectory (44).

8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the displaying step (140) comprises displaying a map view including the trajectory (44) of the aircraft (12) and one or more representations of characteristic objects (40) in their respective positions; the map view preferably being displayable according to a respective display mode selected from a plurality of distinct display modes.

9. A method according to claims 2 and 8, wherein the plurality of distinct display modes comprises: - a nominal mode (Ml) in which all the characteristic objects (40) are displayed, as well as the effects of the jamming; - a GNSS mode (M2) in which representative zones of effect(s) of the GNSS jammer(s) on the PNT quality are displayed in a manner centered on the GNSS jammer(s) and depend on the calculated trajectory (44); - a PNT mode (M3) in which the trajectory (44) is displayed inside a corridor (60) representing an approximate area of ​​the position of the aircraft (12).

10. A computer program comprising software instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. Electronic device (10) for assisting in preparing a flight of an aircraft (12), the device (10) being intended to be embarked in an aeronautical platform (5) and comprising: - an acquisition module (20) configured to acquire positions of characteristic objects (40), each characteristic object (40) being chosen from the group consisting of: a passage zone, a target zone, an obstacle, and a GNSS jammer; - a calculation module (22) configured to calculate a trajectory (44) of the aircraft (12) from a starting point (46) to an arrival point (48), the trajectory (44) being calculated as a function of the acquired positions of the characteristic objects (40); - a display module (24) configured to display, on a display screen (14), the calculated trajectory (44); characterized in that the calculation module (22) is configured to calculate the trajectory (44) of the aircraft (12) as a function, in addition, of an estimated ratio, called PNT quality, between a quantity representative of a quality of reception of a GNSS signal by a GNSS receiver (36) on board the aircraft (12) and a quantity representative of noise resulting from interference.

Images