System and method for monitoring aircraft at airport

Abstract

To provide a system and a method for monitoring a position of an aircraft relative to other structures at an airport.SOLUTION: A system (100) and a method include a user interface (110) having a display (112). A control unit (120) is configured to monitor a position of an aircraft (102) relative to one or more other structures at an airport (106), associate the aircraft (102) model with the position of the aircraft (102), associate the one or more structure models (126) with the one or more other structures, and display the aircraft (102) model and one or more structure models (126) on the display (112).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for monitoring the position of aircraft at airports, such as when taxiing between different locations. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] Aircraft are used to transport passengers and cargo between various locations. Numerous aircraft depart and arrive at a typical airport each day.

[0003]

[0003] A typical airport has a variety of obstacles that an aircraft operator (e.g., a pilot) must avoid while taxiing to different locations. Fixed structures, such as buildings, gates, light poles, and signs, are easily visible to the operator and can be easily avoided. However, the airport also contains a variety of vehicles, such as other aircraft and ground support vehicles.

[0004]

[0004] Typically, an aircraft operator can accurately assess a potential collision with an obstacle ahead of the aircraft and take the necessary action to avoid such an obstacle. However, once the nose of the aircraft passes an obstacle, the clearance between the remaining parts of the aircraft (wings and tail) and the obstacle may present a problem because the operator may not be able to accurately assess the clearance between parts of the aircraft that are not in the field of view. Summary of the Invention

[0005] What is needed is a system and method for monitoring the position of an aircraft relative to other structures at an airport, and a system and method that accurately, effectively, and efficiently enables aircraft operators to avoid collisions (e.g., potential collisions) with other structures at an airport.

[0006] With these needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system that includes a user interface having a display, wherein a control unit is configured to monitor a position of an aircraft relative to one or more other structures at an airport, associate an aircraft model with the aircraft position, associate one or more structure models with the one or more other structures, and display the aircraft model and the one or more structure models on the display.

[0007] The one or more other structures may include one or more other aircraft, one or more fixed structures, and / or one or more ground vehicles. The one or more structure models may include one or more other aircraft models associated with the one or more aircraft, one or more fixed structure models associated with the one or more fixed structures, and / or one or more ground vehicle models associated with the one or more ground vehicles.

[0008]

[0008] The user interface may be located in the cockpit of the aircraft.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the aircraft model includes a three-dimensional (3D) model of the aircraft. The 3D model provides geometric information for the aircraft. The geometric information includes the size, shape, length, height, and width of exterior features of the aircraft, including the fuselage, wings, and tail.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the control unit is further configured to output an alert to the aircraft in response to detecting a collision between the aircraft and one or more other structures. For example, the control unit is configured to detect a collision when the aircraft is within a predetermined distance of the one or more other structures.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the control unit is further configured to display an intended path graphic for the aircraft model on the display, and the control unit may be further configured to detect a collision when the intended path graphic intersects with one or both of one or more other structures or another intended path graphic.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the control unit may be further configured to automatically control the aircraft in response to detecting a collision with one or more other structures.

[0013]

[0013] The control unit may be an artificial intelligence or machine learning system.

[0014]

[0014] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method including: monitoring, by a control unit, the position of an aircraft relative to one or more other structures at an airport; associating, by the control unit, an aircraft model with the position of the aircraft; associating, by the control unit, one or more structure models with one or more other structures; and displaying, by the control unit, the aircraft model and the one or more structure models on a display of a user interface.

[0015] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more control units including a processor to perform operations including monitoring a position of an aircraft relative to one or more other structures at an airport, associating an aircraft model with the position of the aircraft, associating one or more structure models with one or more other structures, and displaying the aircraft model and the one or more structure models on a display of a user interface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1]

[0016] A block diagram of a system for monitoring aircraft on a ground route at an airport according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 2]

[0017] 1 illustrates a front view of a display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3]

[0018] 1 shows a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a control unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5]

[0020] 1 illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017]

[0021] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of specific embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As used herein, the use of the singular form "a" or "an" preceding an element or step should be understood as not necessarily excluding a plurality of such elements or steps. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that incorporate features described herein. Furthermore, embodiments that "comprising" or "having" one or more elements having certain conditions may include additional elements that do not have those conditions (unless expressly stated otherwise).

[0018]

[0022] Several embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods that take into account the actual geometry of an aircraft to provide an accurate representation (e.g., a virtual wireframe representation) of the aircraft on a display. The systems and methods compare the geometry of the aircraft to the geometry of obstacles (e.g., fixed structures, other aircraft, ground vehicles, etc.) in close proximity (e.g., within 200 feet) to the aircraft. The systems and methods are configured to output an alert to an aircraft operator (e.g., a pilot) when the aircraft is within a predetermined distance of another structure. In at least one embodiment, the aircraft includes a display, such as in the cockpit or cockpit. The display visually projects the status of the aircraft's position, including the area behind the operator's field of view, thereby enabling the operator to timely change heading, reduce speed, hold current position, etc., to ensure safe ground operations.

[0019]

[0023] 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system 100 for monitoring an aircraft 102 on a ground path 104 of an airport 106, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The ground path 104 may include one or more parking areas proximate to gates, taxiways, runways, etc.

[0020]

[0024] Each aircraft 102 includes a controller 108 configured to enable an operator, such as a pilot, to control the operation of the aircraft 102. For example, the controller 108 may include one or more of a control handle, a yoke, a joystick, a flight control surface control, an acceleration device, a deceleration device, etc.

[0021]

[0025] The aircraft 102 also includes a user interface 110, such as in the cockpit or flight deck of the aircraft 102. The user interface 110 includes a display 112 and an input device 114. The display 112 may be a monitor, screen, television, touch screen, etc. The input device 114 may include a keyboard, mouse, stylus, touch screen interface (i.e., the input device 114 may be integrated with the display 112), etc. The user interface 110 may be or may be part of a computer workstation. For example, the user interface 110 may be part of a flight computer in the cockpit or flight deck of the aircraft 102. As another example, the user interface 110 may be a handheld device, such as a smartphone, tablet, etc.

[0022]

[0026] The aircraft 102 also includes a position sensor 116 that outputs a position signal. The position sensor 116 enables the aircraft 102 to be tracked by a tracking subsystem 118.

[0023]

[0027] The system 100 also includes a control unit 120 that communicates with the tracking subsystem 118, the aircraft 102 (e.g., using the user interface 110), and the model database 122, such as via one or more wireless connections. For example, the control unit 120 may communicate with the tracking subsystem 118, the user interface 110, and the model database 122, such as via one or more antennas or transceivers. The control unit 120 may be separate and distinct from the aircraft 102. For example, the control unit 120 may be located at a central monitoring location, such as at the airport 106, or at a location remote from the airport 106. The control unit 120 may be co-located with one or both of the tracking subsystem 118 and / or the model database 122. As another example, the control unit 120 may be remote from the tracking subsystem 118 and / or the model database 122. In at least one other example, the control unit 120 may be onboard the aircraft 102.

[0024]

[0028] In at least one embodiment, control unit 120 may also be in communication with controller 108 of aircraft 102 and may be configured to automatically operate controller 108 as described herein. Optionally, control unit 120 may not be in communication with controller 108 and may not be configured to automatically operate aircraft 102.

[0025]

[0029] The tracking subsystem 118 is configured to track the positions of the aircraft 102 in real time. In at least one embodiment, the tracking subsystem 118 is a radar subsystem. As another example, the tracking subsystem is an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) tracking subsystem. The real-time positions of the aircraft 102 on the ground and in the airspace are detected by the tracking subsystem 118. The tracking subsystem 118 receives position signals output by the position sensors 116 of the various aircraft 102. For example, the tracking subsystem 118 receives ADS-B signals output by the position sensors 116 of the various aircraft 102. As another example, the position sensors 116 may be global positioning system sensors. The position sensors 116 output signals indicative of one or more of the positions, altitudes, headings, accelerations, velocities, etc. of the various aircraft 102. The signals are received by the tracking subsystem 118.

[0026]

[0030] The tracking subsystem 118 is configured to track the current position of the aircraft 102. The control unit 120 monitors the position of the aircraft 102 via data received from the tracking subsystem 118. That is, the tracking subsystem 118 tracks the position of the aircraft 102, and the control unit 120 receives such data from the tracking subsystem 118. In at least one embodiment, the tracking subsystem 118 is an ADS-B tracking subsystem. In such an embodiment, the ADS-B tracking subsystem 118 determines the current position of the aircraft 102 via satellite navigation via position signals for the aircraft 102 output by a position sensor 116. The position signals are received by one or more position receivers of the tracking subsystem 118. The position sensor 116 may be or may include a transmitter that periodically outputs information about the aircraft 102 (e.g., identification details, current position, current altitude, and current speed). The tracking subsystem 118 receives the transmitted position signals via the position receivers and determines the current real-time position, heading, speed, etc. of the aircraft 102.

[0027]

[0031] The model database 122 includes data regarding various structures at the airport 106. The structures can be fixed structures and moving structures. In at least one embodiment, the model database 122 includes aircraft models 124 associated with the aircraft 102 at the airport 106. The aircraft models 124 include information regarding the size, shape, length, height, width, etc. of the aircraft 102. In at least one embodiment, the aircraft models 124 include a three-dimensional (3D) model of the aircraft 102, such as a 3D wireframe model. The 3D model of the aircraft 102 provides geometric information about the aircraft 102, including the size, shape, length, height, width, etc. of the exterior features of the aircraft 102, including the fuselage, wings, tail, etc.

[0028]

[0032] The model database 122 may also include fixed structure models 126 for various fixed structures at the airport 106, such as buildings, lighting structures, signs, etc. Optionally, the model database 122 may not include fixed structure models.

[0029]

[0033] The model database 122 may also include ground vehicle models 128 for various ground vehicles at the airport 106. The ground vehicles 128 may be tracked by the tracking subsystem 118. Optionally, the model database 122 may not include the ground vehicle models 128.

[0030]

[0034] During operation, the aircraft 102 is tracked by a tracking subsystem 118. A control unit 120 receives tracking data from the tracking subsystem 118 to identify the position of the aircraft 102 on one or more ground paths 104 at the airport 106. Based on the tracked position of the aircraft 102, the control unit 120 associates an aircraft model 124 with the tracked position of the aircraft 102. For example, the control unit 120 registers, overlays, superimposes, etc. the aircraft model 124 to the tracked position of the aircraft 102. The aircraft model 124 is scaled to fit the tracked position to provide physical dimensions of the exterior parts of the aircraft 102, such as the length, width, etc. of the fuselage, wings, tail, etc. The aircraft model 124 may be oriented based on the tracked position of the aircraft, such as ADS-B data, such that the front, rear, and sides of the aircraft model 124 are aligned with the actual heading of the aircraft 102. Aircraft model 124 may provide a virtual representation of the 3D exterior features of aircraft 102, including the fuselage, wings, tail, etc. As another example, aircraft model 124 may be a virtual representation that shows the exterior boundaries (length, width, etc.) of aircraft 102. In this example, aircraft model 124 may be a circular or spherical representation that defines the exterior boundaries of aircraft 102.

[0031]

[0035] In at least one embodiment, control unit 120 associates an aircraft model 124 with each aircraft 102 at airport 106. Optionally, control unit 120 may associate aircraft models 124 only for other aircraft 102 that are within a predetermined distance of aircraft 102, such as within 500 feet. Optionally, the predetermined distance may be less than 500 feet (such as 200 feet) or more than 500 feet (such as 1000 feet). Control unit 120 may also associate fixed structure models 126 with known locations of structures at airport 106 and / or ground vehicle models 128 with tracked locations of ground vehicles at airport 106. Optionally, control unit 120 only associates aircraft models 124 with various aircraft 102 at airport 106. As another example, the control unit 120 associates an aircraft model 124 with an aircraft 102 at the airport 106 and a ground vehicle model 128 with a ground vehicle at the airport 106 (but not with a fixed structure).

[0032]

[0036] After locating the aircraft 102 and associating an aircraft model 124 with the aircraft 102, the control unit 120 communicates with the user interface 110 to provide a virtual representation of the aircraft 102 on the display 112. In particular, the control unit 120 displays the aircraft model 124 of the aircraft 102 on the display 112. The aircraft model 124 is linked to the position of the aircraft 102 on the ground path(s) 104. This position is tracked by the tracking subsystem 118. Thus, as the aircraft 102 moves on the ground path(s) 104, the aircraft model 124 displayed on the display 112 moves in real time with the tracked position. The control unit 120 scales the aircraft model 124 to provide accurate dimensions on the display 112. Control unit 120 may also display ground path(s) 104 on display 112, as well as other structures, such as aircraft models 124 of other aircraft 102, fixed structure models 126 of fixed structures, and ground vehicle models 128 of tracked ground vehicles, on display 112. In this manner, an operator of aircraft 102 can look at display 112 to determine whether aircraft 102 has sufficient clearance to various other structures on ground path(s) 104.

[0033]

[0037] In at least one embodiment, the control unit 120 may further output an alert to the aircraft 102 in response to detecting a collision between the aircraft 102 and another structure. For example, the control unit 120 may output an alert when the aircraft 102 is within a predetermined distance of another structure. For example, if the aircraft 102 is within a predetermined distance of 50 feet of another structure, the control unit 120 may output an alert indicating the proximity to the other structure. The alert may be displayed as a graphic, text, or the like on the display 112 and / or output as an audio signal via a speaker in the cockpit or flight deck. Alternatively, the control unit 120 may not output an alert.

[0034]

[0038] In at least one embodiment, the control unit 120 may also provide an intended path graphic for the aircraft model 124 of the aircraft 102 displayed on the display 112. The intended path graphic may be a polygon showing the future location of the aircraft 102 continuing its current course for a predetermined period of time, such as 30 seconds or less. Optionally, the predetermined period of time may be less than 30 seconds (e.g., 10 seconds) or greater than 30 seconds (e.g., 1 minute or more). If the intended path graphic, when displayed on the display via the respective models, intersects with the intended path graphic of another aircraft 102 or ground vehicle, the control unit 120 outputs an alert to the aircraft 102 regarding a potential collision, thereby enabling the operator of the aircraft 102 to take corrective action. Alternatively, the control unit 120 may identify and not display the intended path graphic.

[0035]

[0039] In at least one embodiment, in response to control unit 120 detecting an actual or potential collision between aircraft 102 and another structure (e.g., another aircraft 102, a ground vehicle, and / or a fixed structure) on ground path(s) 104 (e.g., due to an intersection of intended ground paths or the aircraft 102 and the structure being within a predetermined distance of each other, e.g., 50 feet or less), control unit 120 automatically maneuvers aircraft 102 to ensure that aircraft 102 does not contact the structure. Optionally, control unit 120 may be configured not to automatically control aircraft 102.

[0036]

[0040] As described herein, system 100 includes a user interface 110 having a display 112. A control unit 120 is configured to monitor the position of aircraft 102 (e.g., as tracked by tracking subsystem 118) relative to one or more other structures at airport 106. Control unit 120 is further configured to associate an aircraft model 124 with the position of aircraft 102, associate one or more structure models (e.g., models 124, 126, and / or 128) with the one or more other structures, and display aircraft model 124 and the one or more structure models on display 112. The one or more other structures include one or more other aircraft, one or more fixed structures, and / or one or more ground vehicles. The one or more structure models include one or more other aircraft models associated with the one or more aircraft, one or more fixed structure models associated with the one or more fixed structures, and / or one or more ground vehicle models associated with the one or more ground vehicles.

[0037]

[0041] 2 shows a front view of the display 112, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the control unit 120 displays a virtual representation of an area of ​​the airport 106, such as one or more ground paths 104. In this virtual representation, tracked positions 102a and 102b of different aircraft 102 may be displayed. The control unit 120 provides (overlaid, superimposed, etc.) aircraft models 124a and 124b on top of the tracked positions 102a and 102b, respectively. The control unit 120 displays intended route graphics 130a and 130b for the aircraft models 124a and 124b, respectively.

[0038]

[0042] The control unit 120 may also display on the display 112 a ground vehicle model 128 associated with a ground vehicle 140. The ground vehicle 140 may be a ground support vehicle at the airport 106, such as a mobile fuel tanker, a baggage handling vehicle, an emergency vehicle (such as an ambulance or fire engine), or the like.

[0039]

[0043] As described herein, control unit 120 takes into account the precise geometry of aircraft 102 and provides a representation of aircraft 102 on display 112, such as via aircraft model 124. Control unit 120 compares such information with various other structures on ground path 104, such as other aircraft, ground vehicles, and fixed structures. In this manner, control unit 120 provides accurate and continuous information to the operator of aircraft 102 to ensure collisions are avoided. The tracked data and associated model displayed on display 112 is continuously updated based on changes in the aircraft's heading, the relative position and course of other structures, etc.

[0040]

[0044] The aircraft model 124 displayed on the display 112 provides the operator of the aircraft 102 with a visual projection of the state of the aircraft 102 behind the operator's field of view. This assists the operator in taking corrective measures, such as changing heading, reducing speed, or holding the current position, when appropriate. The control unit 120 may also display virtual representations on displays elsewhere, such as at air traffic control, to enable improved monitoring during periods of poor visibility, etc.

[0041]

[0045] 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1-3 , at 200, the control unit 120 monitors the position of the aircraft 102 and other structures (e.g., other aircraft, ground vehicles, fixed structures) relative to one or more ground paths 104 of the airport 106. At 202, the control unit 120 associates an aircraft model 124 with the tracked position of the aircraft 102. At 204, the control unit 120 associates structure models (e.g., other aircraft models, ground vehicle models, and / or fixed structure models) with the other structures. Then, at 206, the control unit 120 displays the aircraft model 124 and the structure models on the display 112. The display 112 may be in the cockpit or flight deck of the aircraft 102, at a remote monitoring location (e.g., air traffic control), or the like.

[0042]

[0046] At 208, the control unit 120 determines whether a collision exists between the aircraft 102 and another structure. A collision may be a separation distance of less than a predetermined distance (e.g., 50 feet, 100 feet), an intersection of the intended path graphic with a structure or another intended path graphic, etc. If a collision does not exist, the method returns to 208.

[0043]

[0047] However, if a conflict does exist at 208, the method proceeds to 210 where the control unit 120 outputs an alert (visual and / or audible alert) to the operator of the aircraft 210. In at least one embodiment, the control unit 120 may also automatically control the aircraft 102 (e.g., overtaking the control unit 108) to steer the aircraft 102 out of the conflict.

[0044]

[0048] 4 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a control unit 120 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the control unit 120 includes at least one processor 300 in communication with a memory 302. The memory 302 stores instructions 304, received data 306, and generated data 308. The control unit 120 illustrated in FIG. 4 is merely exemplary and non-limiting.

[0045]

[0049] As used herein, terms such as "control unit," "central processing unit," "CPU," "computer," and the like may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system, including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), logic circuits, and any other circuits or processors, including hardware, software, or a combination thereof, capable of performing the functions described herein. The above examples are illustrative only and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and / or meaning of the above terms. For example, control unit 120 may be or include one or more processors configured to control operations as described herein.

[0046]

[0050] The control unit 120 is configured to execute a set of instructions stored in one or more data storage units or elements (such as one or more memories) to process data. For example, the control unit 120 may include or be coupled to one or more memories. The data storage units may also store data or other information as desired or needed. The data storage units may take the form of an information source or a physical memory element within a processing machine.

[0047]

[0051] The set of instructions may include various commands that instruct the control unit 120 as a processing machine to perform particular operations (e.g., methods and processes of various embodiments of the subject matter described herein). The set of instructions may take the form of a software program. The software may take various forms such as system software or application software. Further, the software may take the form of a collection of separate programs, a program subset within a larger program, or a portion of a program. The software may also include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing of input data by the processing machine may be in response to user commands, in response to results of previous processing, or in response to a request made by another processing machine.

[0048]

[0052] The diagrams of the examples herein may depict one or more control or processing units, such as control unit 120. It should be understood that this processing or control unit may represent a circuit, circuitry, or portion thereof, that may be implemented as hardware having associated instructions (e.g., software stored on a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, etc.) that perform the operations described herein. The hardware may include state machine circuitry hardwired to perform the functions described herein. Optionally, the hardware may include electronic circuitry including and / or connected to one or more logic-based devices, such as a microprocessor, processor, controller, etc. Optionally, control unit 120 may represent processing circuitry, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microprocessor(s), etc. The circuitry in various examples may be configured to execute one or more algorithms to perform the functions described herein. Such one or more algorithms, whether or not explicitly identified in a flowchart or method, may include aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0049]

[0053] As used herein, the terms "software" and "firmware" are used interchangeably and include any computer program stored in a data storage unit (e.g., one or more memories) for execution by a computer, including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The types of data storage units listed above are merely exemplary and thus not limiting as to the types of memory that may be used for storing computer programs.

[0050]

[0054] 1-4 , embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and systems that enable a computing device to quickly and efficiently analyze large amounts of data. For example, the control unit 120 may analyze various aspects of many aircraft 102 over a particular period of time. Thus, a large amount of data that may not be easily discernible by a human is tracked and analyzed. As described herein, the vast amount of data is efficiently organized and / or analyzed by the control unit 120. The control unit 120 analyzes the data in a relatively short amount of time to quickly and efficiently identify the locations of various aircraft and other structures at the airport and send alerts in response to timely detection of potential conflicts between them. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure provide improved, efficient functionality and overwhelmingly superior performance to humans analyzing vast amounts of data.

[0051]

[0055] In at least one embodiment, components of system 100, such as control unit 120, provide and / or enable a computer system that operates as a dedicated computer system for providing a virtual representation of an aircraft relative to other structures at airport 106 and alerting operators of potential collisions. Control unit 120 improves upon standard computing devices by identifying and automatically communicating such information to aircraft operators in an efficient and effective manner.

[0052]

[0056] In at least one embodiment, all or a portion of the systems and methods described herein may be or otherwise include an artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning system capable of automatically performing the operations of the methods also described herein. For example, the control unit 120 may be an artificial intelligence or machine learning system. These types of systems may be trained from external information and / or self-trained, iteratively improving the accuracy of how data is analyzed to identify locations, associate models, output alerts, etc. Over time, these systems improve by identifying and communicating with increasing accuracy and speed, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of any potential errors. For example, an AI or machine learning system may learn, identify models, associate such models with tracked locations, and identify potential collisions. The AI ​​or machine learning systems described herein may include techniques enabled by adaptive predictive capabilities. The techniques exhibit at least some degree of autonomous learning to automate and / or enhance pattern detection (e.g., recognizing irregularities or regularities in data), customization (e.g., generating or modifying rules to optimize record matching), and the like. The system may be trained and retrained using feedback from one or more prior analyses of the data, ensemble data, and / or other such data. Based on this feedback, the system may be trained by adjusting one or more parameters, weights, rules, criteria, etc. used in the same analysis. This process may be performed using data or ensemble data instead of training data and may be repeated multiple times to iteratively improve the identification and communication described herein. Training minimizes conflicts and interference by implementing an iterative training algorithm, in which the system is retrained with an updated set of data based on feedback examined prior to the most recent training of the system. This provides a robust analytical model capable of successfully determining runway alerts in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

[0053]

[0057] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft 102 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The aircraft 102 includes a propulsion system 412 including, for example, engines 414. Optionally, the propulsion system 412 may include more engines 414 than shown. The engines 414 are supported by wings 416 of the aircraft 102. In other embodiments, the engines 414 may be supported by a fuselage 418 and / or a tail section 420. The tail section 420 may also support a horizontal stabilizer 422 and a vertical stabilizer 424. The fuselage 418 of the aircraft 102 defines an interior cabin 430, which may include a cockpit or flight deck, one or more work sections (e.g., a galley, a crew baggage area, etc.), one or more passenger sections (e.g., first class, business class, and economy class), one or more restrooms, etc. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an aircraft 102. It should be understood that the aircraft 102 may be sized, shaped, and configured differently than that shown in FIG.

[0054]

[0058] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes embodiments according to the following clauses.

[0055]

[0059] Article 1. a user interface having a display; 1. A system comprising a control unit, the control unit comprising: monitoring the position of the aircraft relative to one or more other structures at the airport; associating an aircraft model with the location of the aircraft; Associating one or more structure models with said one or more other structures; and displaying the aircraft model and the one or more structure models on the display.

[0056]

[0060] Article 2. The system described in clause 1, wherein the one or more other structures include one or more other aircraft, one or more fixed structures, or one or more ground vehicles, and the one or more structure models include one or more other aircraft models associated with the one or more other aircraft, one or more fixed structure models associated with the one or more fixed structures, or one or more ground vehicle models associated with the one or more ground vehicles.

[0057]

[0061] Article 3. 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the user interface is located in the cockpit of the aircraft.

[0058]

[0062] Article 4. 4. The system of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the aircraft model includes a three-dimensional (3D) model of the aircraft, the 3D model providing geometric information of the aircraft, the geometric information including the size, shape, length, height, and width of external features of the aircraft, including the fuselage, wings, and tail.

[0059]

[0063] Article 5. 5. The system of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the control unit is further configured to output an alert to the aircraft in response to detecting a collision between the aircraft and the one or more other structures.

[0060]

[0064] Article 6. 6. The system of clause 5, wherein the control unit is configured to detect the collision when the aircraft is within a predetermined distance of the one or more other structures.

[0061]

[0065] Article 7. 7. The system of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the control unit is further configured to display an intended route graphic for the aircraft model on the display.

[0062]

[0066] Article 8. The system described in clause 7, wherein the control unit is further configured to detect a collision when the intended path graphic intersects with one or both of the one or more other structures or another intended path graphic.

[0063]

[0067] Article 9. 9. The system of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the control unit is further configured to automatically control the aircraft in response to detecting a collision with the one or more other structures.

[0064]

[0068] Article 10. 10. The system of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the control unit is an artificial intelligence or machine learning system.

[0065]

[0069] Article 11. monitoring, by the control unit, the position of the aircraft relative to one or more other structures at the airport; associating, by the control unit, an aircraft model with the position of the aircraft; associating, by the control unit, one or more structure models with the one or more other structures; and displaying, by the control unit, the aircraft model and the one or more structure models on a display of a user interface.

[0066]

[0070] Article 12. The method of clause 11, wherein the one or more other structures include one or more other aircraft, one or more fixed structures, or one or more ground vehicles, and the one or more structure models include one or more other aircraft models associated with the one or more other aircraft, one or more fixed structure models associated with the one or more fixed structures, or one or more ground vehicle models associated with the one or more ground vehicles.

[0067]

[0071] Article 13. 13. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the user interface is located in a cockpit of the aircraft.

[0068]

[0072] Article 14. 14. The method of any one of clauses 11 to 13, wherein the aircraft model includes a three-dimensional (3D) model of the aircraft, the 3D model providing geometric information of the aircraft, the geometric information including size, shape, length, height, and width of exterior features of the aircraft, including the fuselage, wings, and tail.

[0069]

[0073] Article 15. 15. The method of any one of clauses 11 to 14, further comprising outputting, by the control unit, an alert to the aircraft in response to detecting a collision between the aircraft and the one or more other structures.

[0070]

[0074] Article 16. 16. The method of clause 15, wherein said detecting includes determining that said aircraft is within a predetermined distance of said one or more other structures.

[0071]

[0075] Article 17. displaying, by the control unit, an intended path graphic for the aircraft model on the display; and 17. The method of any one of clauses 11 to 16, further comprising detecting a collision by the control unit when the intended path graphic intersects with one or both of the one or more other structures or another intended path graphic.

[0072]

[0076] Article 18. 18. The method of any one of clauses 11 to 17, further comprising automatically controlling the aircraft in response to detecting, by the control unit, a collision with the one or more other structures.

[0073]

[0077] Article 19. 19. The method of any one of clauses 11 to 18, wherein the control unit is an artificial intelligence or machine learning system.

[0074]

[0078] Article 20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more control units, including a processor, to perform a plurality of operations, the operations including: monitoring the position of the aircraft relative to one or more other structures at the airport; associating an aircraft model with the location of the aircraft; Associating one or more structure models with said one or more other structures; and and displaying the aircraft model and the one or more structure models on a display of a user interface.

[0075]

[0079] As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for monitoring the position of an aircraft relative to other structures at an airport. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for accurately, effectively, and efficiently enabling aircraft operators to avoid collisions (e.g., potential collisions) with other structures (fixed and moving) at the airport.

[0076]

[0080] For purposes of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, various spatial and directional terms may be used, such as top, bottom, lower, center, sideways, horizontal, vertical, front, etc., but it should be understood that such terms are used solely with reference to the orientations shown in the drawings. These orientations may be flipped, rotated, or otherwise changed so that top becomes bottom, bottom becomes top, horizontal becomes vertical, etc.

[0077]

[0081] As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is "configured to" perform an task or operation is structurally shaped, configured, or adapted specifically to correspond to the task or operation. For clarity and to avoid doubt, an object that can merely be modified to perform a task or operation is not "configured / set up to" perform a task or operation as used herein.

[0078]

[0082] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, not limiting. For example, the above-described examples (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define aspects of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the examples are by no means limiting, but are illustrative examples. Many other examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the accompanying claims and the detailed description herein, the words "including" and "in which" are used as the plain English equivalents of the words "comprising" and "wherein," respectively. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Moreover, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function form, and are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for," followed by a statement of function lacking further structure.

[0079]

[0083] The description herein uses examples to disclose various embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice various embodiments of the present disclosure, including making and using any device or system and practicing any methods incorporated therein. The patentable scope of various examples of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements that differ only insignificantly from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. a user interface (110) comprising a display (112); A system (100) comprising a control unit (120), the control unit (120) comprising: monitoring the position of the aircraft (102) relative to one or more other structures at the airport (106); associating an aircraft (102) model with the location of the aircraft (102); Associating one or more structure models (126) with the one or more other structures; and displaying the aircraft model and the one or more structure models on the display.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more other structures include one or more other aircraft, one or more fixed structures, or one or more ground vehicles, and the one or more structure models include one or more other aircraft models associated with the one or more other aircraft, one or more fixed structure models associated with the one or more fixed structures, or one or more ground vehicle models associated with the one or more ground vehicles.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the user interface is located in a cockpit of the aircraft.

4. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the aircraft model includes a three-dimensional (3D) model of the aircraft, the 3D model providing geometric information of the aircraft, the geometric information including size, shape, length, height, and width of exterior features of the aircraft, including a fuselage, wings, and tail.

5. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured to output an alert to the aircraft in response to detecting a collision between the aircraft and the one or more other structures.

6. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the control unit is configured to detect the collision when the aircraft is within a predetermined distance of the one or more other structures.

7. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured to display an intended route graphic for the aircraft model on the display.

8. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the control unit is further configured to detect a collision when the intended path graphic intersects with one or both of the one or more other structures or another intended path graphic.

9. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured to automatically control the aircraft in response to detecting a collision with the one or more other structures.

10. The system (100) of claim 1 , wherein the control unit (120) is an artificial intelligence or machine learning system (100).

11. monitoring, by a control unit (120), the position of the aircraft (102) relative to one or more other structures at the airport (106); associating, by the control unit (120), an aircraft (102) model with the position of the aircraft (102); associating, by the control unit (120), one or more structure models (126) with the one or more other structures; and displaying, by the control unit (120), the aircraft (102) model and the one or more structure models (126) on a display (112) of a user interface (110).

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more other structures include one or more other aircraft, one or more fixed structures, or one or more ground vehicles, and the one or more structure models include one or more other aircraft models associated with the one or more other aircraft, one or more fixed structure models associated with the one or more fixed structures, or one or more ground vehicle models associated with the one or more ground vehicles.

13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the user interface (110) is located in a cockpit of the aircraft (102).

14. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the aircraft model includes a three-dimensional (3D) model of the aircraft, the 3D model providing geometric information of the aircraft, the geometric information including size, shape, length, height, and width of exterior features of the aircraft, including a fuselage, wings, and tail.

15. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: outputting, by the control unit, an alert to the aircraft in response to detecting a collision between the aircraft and the one or more other structures.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the detecting comprises determining that the aircraft (102) is within a predetermined distance of the one or more other structures.

17. displaying, by the control unit (120), an intended route graphic for the aircraft (102) model on the display (112); and 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising detecting, by the control unit (120), a collision when the intended path graphic intersects with one or both of the one or more other structures or another intended path graphic.

18. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising automatically controlling the aircraft in response to detecting, by the control unit, a collision with the one or more other structures.

19. The method of claim 11 , wherein the control unit (120) is an artificial intelligence or machine learning system (100).

20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising a plurality of executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more control units (120) including a processor to perform a plurality of operations, the operations including: monitoring the position of the aircraft (102) relative to one or more other structures at the airport (106); associating an aircraft (102) model with the location of the aircraft (102); Associating one or more structure models (126) with the one or more other structures; and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for displaying the aircraft model and the one or more structure models on a display of a user interface;

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