Determining the runway exit for landing an aircraft

Abstract

To provide aircraft landing, and more specifically, an apparatus and method for determining a runway exit for landing an aircraft.SOLUTION: An apparatus is provided which determines (301) a plurality of runway exits reachable by an aircraft, and applied braking force in landing at each of the runway exits. The apparatus also predicts (302) the taxi-in time of the aircraft in landing at each of the runway exits. The apparatus also predicts (303) maintenance costs of the aircraft in landing at each of the runway exits based on the applied braking force, and predicts (304) the overall cost of the aircraft in landing at each of the runway exits based on the taxi-in time and the maintenance cost. The apparatus further determines (305), among the runway exits, the runway exit having a minimal of the overall costs, and presents a recommended runway exit candidate for landing the aircraft to a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to landing an aircraft, and more particularly to determining a runway exit for landing an aircraft. [Background technology]

[0002] During the landing process of an aircraft, the selection of a runway exit for landing affects the total operating cost of the aircraft. However, in many cases, this selection is not optimized to reduce the total operating cost of the aircraft. In one method, the pilot manually brakes the aircraft during the landing process. The applied brake force for landing at a given runway exit is adjusted based on the pilot's experience. In another method, a fixed brake force setting is applied for landing at a given runway exit. However, these methods only consider the required brake force and do not suggest the optimal runway exit or reduce the total operating cost of the aircraft through the selection of the runway exit.

[0003] It would therefore be desirable to provide a system and method that takes into account at least some of the above considerations, as well as other potential considerations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to determining a runway exit for landing an aircraft. In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a best or optimal runway exit may be determined based on various factors including at least maintenance costs, operating costs, and fuel costs. In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, recommended optimal runway exits may be presented to a pilot either by an autobrake system or by manual vector cues. In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, recommended optimal runway exits may be presented based on both dynamic cost factors and overall operational efficiency.

[0005] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may reduce the total operating costs of an aircraft by selecting an optimal runway exit for landing the aircraft. Unlike conventional approaches, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may consider multiple factors in addition to the required braking force to suggest the optimal runway exit, thereby reducing the total operating costs of the aircraft.

[0006] The present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following exemplary embodiments.

[0007] Some example embodiments provide a method for determining a runway exit for landing an aircraft, the method including: determining a plurality of runway exits reachable by the aircraft and an applied braking force for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits; predicting a taxi time for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits; predicting a maintenance cost for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the applied braking force; predicting a total cost for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the taxi time and the maintenance cost; identifying a runway exit from the plurality of runway exits that minimizes the total cost; and presenting to a user recommended candidates for the runway exit for landing the aircraft.

[0008] In certain exemplary embodiments of the method according to any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of the preceding exemplary embodiments, predicting maintenance costs for the aircraft includes predicting brake wear costs for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits.

[0009] In certain exemplary embodiments of the method according to any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of the preceding exemplary embodiments, predicting brake wear costs for the aircraft includes predicting the brake wear costs for the aircraft based on a maintenance schedule for the aircraft.

[0010] In certain exemplary embodiments of the method according to any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of the preceding exemplary embodiments, predicting brake wear costs for the aircraft includes predicting the brake wear costs for the aircraft based on forces applied to brakes of the aircraft upon landing.

[0011] In certain exemplary embodiments of the method according to any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of the preceding exemplary embodiments, predicting a total cost of the aircraft includes predicting fuel costs and operating costs for the aircraft if it were to land at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the taxi time, and predicting a total cost of the aircraft based on the fuel costs, the operating costs, and the maintenance costs.

[0012] In certain exemplary embodiments of the method according to any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of the preceding exemplary embodiments, presenting the recommended candidate runway exits includes presenting a quantitative value of the lowest total cost to the user.

[0013] In certain exemplary embodiments of the method according to any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of the preceding exemplary embodiments, the method further includes designating an updated runway exit if the aircraft lands in an area different from a designated landing area.

[0014] Some exemplary embodiments provide an apparatus for determining a runway exit for landing an aircraft, the apparatus including a processor and a memory storing executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method according to any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination of the preceding exemplary embodiments.

[0015] Some exemplary embodiments provide a computer-readable storage medium for determining a runway exit for landing an aircraft, the computer-readable storage medium being non-transitory and having computer-readable program code stored thereon that, upon execution by a processor, causes the apparatus to perform at least a method according to any preceding exemplary embodiment or any combination thereof.

[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four, or more features or elements described herein, whether or not those features or elements are explicitly combined or described in a specific exemplary embodiment described herein. The present disclosure is intended to be read in its entirety, and therefore, all individual features or elements of the present disclosure, in all its aspects and exemplary embodiments, should be construed as being combinable with one another unless the context of the present disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.

[0017] This summary has therefore been presented for the purposes of merely summarizing some exemplary embodiments so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments described above are merely examples and should not be construed as narrowing the scope or spirit of the present disclosure in any way. Other exemplary embodiments, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of some described exemplary embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] Having described exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for determining a runway exit for landing an aircraft according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for determining a runway exit for landing an aircraft according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart of various steps of a method for determining a runway exit for landing an aircraft, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus according to some exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the drawings do not depict all embodiments of the present disclosure. Indeed, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. For example, unless otherwise indicated, referring to something as a "first," "second," etc. should not be construed as implying a particular order. Furthermore, while an item may be described as being above another item, it may also be below (unless otherwise indicated) or vice versa. Similarly, while an item may be described as being to the left of another item, it may also be to the right (unless otherwise indicated) or vice versa. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings.

[0021] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to landing an aircraft, and more particularly to determining a runway exit for landing an aircraft.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a runway exit determination system 100 for determining a runway exit for landing an aircraft 110 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In some examples, the system may be implemented by an apparatus for determining a runway exit for landing an aircraft, as will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4 . In one example, the system is, for example, onboard an aircraft. In another example, the system is, for example, remote from the aircraft but communicates with the aircraft via a suitable wireless communication link.

[0023] The runway exit determination system 100 includes any of several different subsystems (each a separate system) for performing one or more functions or operations. As shown, in some examples, the system includes one or more of a candidate identifier 101, a cost predictor 102, a runway exit selector 103, and a graphical user interface (GUI) 104. Such subsystems may be co-located or directly connected to one another. Alternatively, in some cases, some of such subsystems may communicate with one another via one or more computer networks. Also, while the candidate identifier, cost predictor, runway exit selector, and GUI are shown as part of the system, any one or more of them may function or operate as separate systems independent of any of the other subsystems. Also, the system may include one or more additional or alternative subsystems other than those shown in FIG. 1 .

[0024] In some examples, the candidate identifier 101 is configured to determine a plurality of runway exits reachable by the aircraft 110 and the braking force to be applied by the aircraft if it were to land at each of the plurality of runway exits. For example, the candidate identifier can determine a plurality of runway exits reachable by the aircraft based on the speed, direction, and fuel status of the aircraft and the distance to the plurality of runway exits. These runway exits are candidate runway exits for landing the aircraft. In another example, the candidate identifier determines how much braking force must be applied by the aircraft if it were to land at each of the plurality of runway exits. The applied braking force may be represented, for example, by a required brake setpoint if it were to land at each of the plurality of runway exits.

[0025] The candidate identification unit 101 can provide information about the plurality of runway exits to the cost prediction unit 102. In some examples, the cost prediction unit is configured to predict a taxi-in time of the aircraft 110 when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits. The taxi-in time of the aircraft is, for example, the time between the actual landing time of the aircraft and the actual in-block time of the aircraft. The actual landing time of the aircraft is, for example, the time when the aircraft touches down, and the actual block-in time of the aircraft is, for example, the time when the aircraft brakes lock into a parking position at a gate. In one example, the cost prediction unit can predict the taxi-in time of the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the estimated landing time and the taxi routes assigned to the plurality of runway exits.

[0026] In some examples, the cost predictor 102 is configured to predict a maintenance cost for the aircraft 110 when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits based on applied brake force. In such examples, the cost predictor is configured to predict a brake wear cost for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits. In some examples, the cost predictor is configured to predict the brake wear cost for the aircraft based on an aircraft maintenance schedule as a method for predicting the brake wear cost for the aircraft. The aircraft maintenance schedule may represent, for example, scheduled times for brake replacement of the aircraft and facilities where one or more of the brakes can be replaced. In one example, if the aircraft lands at a runway exit that is close to a facility that replaces the brakes, the brake wear cost may be lower. In other examples, the brake wear cost may be predicted based on other factors, such as the applied brake force of the aircraft when landing and whether one or more of the brakes can be replaced at the facility.

[0027] In some examples, the cost prediction unit 102 is configured to predict a total cost of the aircraft 110 to land at each of the plurality of runway exits based on taxiing time and maintenance cost. In these examples, the cost prediction unit is configured to predict a fuel cost and an operating cost of the aircraft to land at each of the plurality of runway exits based on taxiing time. For example, the cost prediction unit may predict the fuel cost during the taxiing period for each predicted taxiing time. The cost prediction unit may also predict an operating cost of the aircraft, such as the time cost for arriving at the gate and parking. In some examples, the cost prediction unit is configured to predict a total cost of the aircraft based on the fuel cost, operating cost, and maintenance cost. The total cost is, for example, the sum of the fuel cost, operating cost, and maintenance cost. For example, the fuel cost, operating cost, and maintenance cost are each expressed in monetary terms, and the total cost is the sum of the respective monetary terms.

[0028] The cost prediction unit 102 can provide information on the predicted total cost to the runway exit selection unit 103. In some examples, the runway exit selection unit is configured to determine a runway exit for landing the aircraft 110 from among the plurality of runway exits. The runway exit is the runway exit with the lowest total cost among the predicted total costs for the aircraft to land at each of the plurality of runway exits. The selected runway exit may be the optimal runway exit for landing the aircraft. The selected runway exit can be dynamically updated, for example, based on one or more of the variables on which the runway exit was selected. In some examples, the runway exit selection unit 103 is configured to specify an updated runway exit when the aircraft lands in an area different from the specified landing area.

[0029] The runway exit selector 103 can provide information about the selected runway exit to the GUI 104. In some examples, the GUI is configured to present a user, such as a pilot of the aircraft, with recommended runway exits for landing the aircraft 110. In these examples, the GUI is configured to present a quantitative value of the minimum total cost to the user. For example, the minimum total cost may be a monetary amount, and the GUI may present this monetary amount to the user.

[0030] 2 illustrates a flow diagram 200 depicting a method for determining a runway exit for landing an aircraft 110, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, in block 201, the candidate identifyr 101 may determine all candidate runway exits for landing and the brake settings required if landing at these candidate runway exits. For example, the candidate identifyr may determine candidate runway exits that the aircraft can reach based on the aircraft's speed, direction, and fuel status, as well as the distance to the candidate runway exits.

[0031] In block 202, the cost prediction unit 102 can predict the taxiing time of the aircraft 110 when landing at each of all candidate runway exits. For example, the cost prediction unit can predict the taxiing time of the aircraft when landing at each of the candidate runway exits based on the estimated actual landing time and the taxiing route assigned to the candidate runway exit. After predicting the taxiing time, in block 203, the cost prediction unit can predict the fuel cost for all the predicted taxiing times. In one example, the cost prediction unit can predict the fuel cost based on fuel flow data 211 stored in a database. In block 204, the cost prediction unit can also predict the operating cost for landing at the candidate runway exits. The operating cost includes, for example, a time cost that depends on the arrival of the aircraft at the gate. The operating cost can be predicted based on operational data 212 stored in a database.

[0032] In block 205, the cost predictor 102 may predict brake wear costs for the aircraft 110 for landing at all candidate runway exits. The cost predictor may predict brake wear costs based on schedule data 213 and maintenance data 214 stored in one or more databases. The schedule data and maintenance data may represent, for example, scheduled times when worn brakes will be replaced and facilities at which worn brakes can be replaced.

[0033] After the fuel cost, operating cost, and brake wear cost are predicted, the cost prediction unit 102 can predict the total cost of the aircraft 110 to land at the candidate runway exit. For example, the fuel cost, operating cost, and brake wear cost may each be expressed in monetary terms, and the total cost may be the sum of the respective monetary terms.

[0034] After predicting the total cost for the aircraft 110 to land at each candidate runway exit, the runway exit selector 103 can identify a cost minimal solution in block 206. For example, the cost minimal solution represents a selected runway exit that has the lowest total cost among the predicted total costs for the aircraft to land at each candidate runway exit. Also in block 206, the GUI 104 can identify the cost minimal solution and present to the pilot a recommended candidate runway exit for landing the aircraft. The pilot can then maneuver the aircraft to land at the selected runway exit according to the recommendation. In another example, the runway exit selector 103 can provide the recommended candidate runway exit to an autopilot system installed on the aircraft. The selected runway exit can be reached by manually or automatically controlling the brakes after the aircraft touches down on the runway.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of various steps of a method 300 for determining a runway exit for landing an aircraft 110, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the method includes, in block 301, determining a plurality of runway exits reachable by the aircraft and an applied braking force for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits. The method includes, in block 302, predicting a taxi time for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits. The method includes, in block 303, predicting a maintenance cost for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the applied braking force. Block 303 may include sub-block 303A. The method includes, in sub-block 303A, predicting a brake wear cost based on a maintenance schedule. The method includes, in block 304, predicting a total cost for the aircraft to land at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the taxi time and the maintenance cost. Block 304 may include sub-block 304A. The method includes, at sub-block 304A, predicting a total cost for the aircraft based on fuel costs, operating costs, and / or maintenance costs. The method includes, at block 305, identifying a runway exit from the plurality of runway exits that has a minimum total cost among the total costs. The method includes, at block 306, presenting to a user recommended runway exit options for landing the aircraft. The presented recommended options represent the identified minimum-cost solutions having a quantitative value. Block 306 may include sub-block 306A. At sub-block 306A, the method includes presenting to a user the quantitative value of the minimum total cost. The method includes, at block 307, specifying an updated runway exit if the aircraft lands in an area different from the specified landing area.

[0036] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the runway exit determination system 100 and its subsystems, including the candidate identifyr 101, the cost predictor 102, the runway exit selector 103, and the GUI 104, can be implemented by various means. The means for implementing the system and its subsystems include, for example, hardware, either alone or under the direction of one or more computer programs from a computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments, one or more devices can be configured to function as or otherwise implement the system and its subsystems shown and described herein. In embodiments involving two or more devices, the devices can be connected to or communicate with each other in various ways, for example, directly or indirectly via a wired or wireless network.

[0037] 4 illustrates an apparatus 400 according to some example embodiments. Generally, an apparatus according to example embodiments of the present disclosure may be, include, or be incorporated into one or more fixed or portable electronic devices. Examples of suitable electronic devices include smartphones, tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, workstation computers, server computers, etc. The apparatus may also include one or more of several components, such as, for example, a processor 401 (e.g., processing circuitry) coupled to a memory 402 (e.g., a storage device). In some examples, the apparatus 400 implements the runway exit determination system 100.

[0038] The processor 401 may, for example, be comprised of one or more processors, e.g., alone or in combination with one or more memories. A processor is generally any computer hardware capable of processing information, e.g., data, computer programs, and / or other suitable electronic information. The processor may be comprised of a collection of electronic circuits, some of which may be packaged as an integrated circuit or multiple interconnected integrated circuits (sometimes more commonly referred to as a "chip"). The processor may, for example, be configured to execute a computer program, e.g., on-board the processor or stored in memory 402 (of the same device or another device).

[0039] The processor 401 may be comprised of, for example, multiple processors, multiple processor cores, or other types of processors, depending on the particular embodiment. The processor may also be implemented using a heterogeneous processor system, where a primary processor is provided on a single chip along with one or more secondary processors. As another example, the processor may be a symmetric multiprocessor system including multiple processors of the same type. As yet another example, the processor may be implemented as or include, for example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. Thus, while a processor may perform one or more functions by executing a computer program, in various examples, the processor may also perform one or more functions without the aid of a computer program. In either case, the processor may be appropriately programmed to perform functions or operations in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Memory 402 is generally any hardware capable of temporarily and / or persistently storing information, such as, for example, data, computer programs (e.g., computer-readable program code 403), and / or other suitable information. Memory may include, for example, volatile and / or non-volatile memory and may be fixed or removable. Examples of suitable memory include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drives, flash memory, thumb drives, removable computer diskettes, optical disks, magnetic tape, or any combination thereof. Optical disks may include compact disk-read-only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk-read / write (CD-R / W), DVD, etc. In various cases, memory may be referred to as a computer-readable storage medium. Computer-readable storage media are non-transitory devices that can store information and are distinct from computer-readable transmission media, such as transitory electronic signals, that can transmit information from one place to another. Computer-readable media, as used herein, generally refer to computer-readable storage media or computer-readable transmission media.

[0041] In addition to the memory 402, the processor 401 is also connected to one or more interfaces, for example, for displaying, transmitting, and / or receiving information. The interfaces may include a communication interface 404 (e.g., a communication unit) and / or one or more user interfaces. The communication interface is configured to send and receive information, for example, to other devices, networks, etc. The communication interface is configured to send and receive information, for example, via physical (wired) and / or wireless communication links. Examples of suitable communication interfaces include a network interface controller (NIC), a wireless NIC (WNIC), etc.

[0042] The user interface may include a display 406 and / or one or more user input interfaces 405 (e.g., input / output units). The display may be configured to present or display information to a user, for example, and suitable examples include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode display (LED), a plasma display panel (PDP), etc. The user input interface may be wired or wireless, for example, and may be configured to receive information from a user to the device for processing, storage, and / or display. Suitable examples of user input interfaces include a microphone, a keyboard or keypad, a joystick, a touch-sensitive surface (separate from or integrated into a touchscreen), a biometric sensor, etc. The user interface may further include one or more interfaces for communicating with peripheral devices, such as a printer, a scanner, etc. In some examples, the user interface includes a GUI 104.

[0043] As can be seen from the above, program code instructions can be stored in a memory and executed by a correspondingly programmed processor to implement the systems, subsystems, tools, and their respective elements described herein. It should be noted that any suitable program code instructions can be loaded from a computer-readable storage medium into a computer or other suitable programmable device to form a specific machine, such that the specific machine is a means for implementing the functions described herein. These program code instructions can also be stored on a computer-readable storage medium that can instruct a computer, processor, or other programmable device to function in a particular manner, thereby forming a specific machine or a specific product. Instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium can form a product, such that the product is a means for implementing the functions described herein. Program code instructions can be retrieved from a computer-readable storage medium and loaded into a computer, processor, or other programmable device to configure the computer, processor, or other programmable device to perform the operations to be performed by the computer, processor, or other programmable device.

[0044] The program code instructions may be retrieved, loaded, and executed sequentially, e.g., one instruction at a time. However, in some exemplary embodiments, the retrieved, loaded, and / or executed may be performed in parallel, e.g., multiple instructions may be retrieved, loaded, and executed together. Execution of the program code instructions may form a computer-implemented process, and the instructions, when executed by a computer, processor, or other programmable device, enable operations to implement the functions described herein.

[0045] Execution of the instructions by a processor or storing the instructions on a computer-readable storage medium may result in the combination of operations to achieve the described functions. Accordingly, apparatus 400 includes a processor 401 and a computer-readable storage medium or memory 402 connected to the processor, the processor configured to execute computer-readable program code 403 stored in the memory. Additionally, one or more functions and combinations of functions may be realized by a special-purpose hardware-based computer system and / or processor that performs the described functions, or a combination of special-purpose hardware and program code instructions.

[0046] The present disclosure also includes examples according to the following appendices.

[0047] and presenting to a user recommended candidate runway exits for landing the aircraft.

[0048] Clause 2. The apparatus of Clause 1, wherein having the apparatus predict maintenance costs for the aircraft includes having the apparatus predict brake wear costs for the aircraft if it were to land at each of the plurality of runway exits.

[0049] Clause 3. The apparatus of Clause 2, wherein having the apparatus predict brake wear costs for the aircraft includes having the apparatus predict the brake wear costs for the aircraft based on a maintenance schedule for the aircraft or an applied brake force for the aircraft upon landing.

[0050] Appendix 4. The apparatus of any one of Appendixes 1 to 3, wherein having the apparatus predict the total cost of the aircraft includes having the apparatus predict fuel costs and operating costs of the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the taxiing time, and having the apparatus predict the total cost of the aircraft based on the fuel costs, the operating costs, and the maintenance costs.

[0051] Appendix 5. The device described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 4, wherein causing the device to present the recommended candidate runway exits includes causing the device to present to the user a quantitative value of the minimum total cost.

[0052] Clause 6. The apparatus of any of Clauses 1-5, wherein the memory stores further executable instructions that, in response to execution by the processor, cause the apparatus to further specify an updated runway exit if the aircraft lands in an area different from the designated landing area.

[0053] Supplementary Note 7. A method for determining a runway exit for landing an aircraft, the method comprising: determining a plurality of runway exits reachable by the aircraft and braking forces to be applied to the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits; predicting a taxiing time for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits; predicting a maintenance cost for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the applied braking forces; predicting a total cost for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the taxiing time and the maintenance cost; identifying a runway exit from the plurality of runway exits that has a minimum total cost; and presenting to a user recommended candidates for the runway exit for landing the aircraft.

[0054] Clause 8. The method of clause 7, wherein predicting maintenance costs for the aircraft includes predicting brake wear costs for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits.

[0055] Clause 9. The method of clause 8, wherein predicting brake wear costs for the aircraft includes predicting the brake wear costs for the aircraft based on a maintenance schedule for the aircraft or an applied brake force for the aircraft upon landing.

[0056] Appendix 10. The method of any one of Appendixes 7 to 9, wherein predicting the total cost of the aircraft includes predicting fuel costs and operating costs of the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the taxiing time, and predicting the total cost of the aircraft based on the fuel costs, the operating costs, and the maintenance costs.

[0057] Addendum 11. The method of any one of Addendums 7 to 10, wherein presenting the recommended candidate runway exits includes presenting a quantitative value of the lowest total cost to the user.

[0058] Appendix 12. The method of any of Appendixes 7-11, further comprising specifying an updated runway exit if the aircraft lands in an area different from the designated landing area.

[0059] Appendix 13. A computer-readable storage medium for determining a runway exit for landing an aircraft, the computer-readable storage medium being non-transitory and storing computer-readable program code that, when executed by a processor, causes the device to: determine a plurality of runway exits reachable by the aircraft and braking forces to be applied to the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits; predict a taxiing time for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits; predict a maintenance cost for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the applied braking forces; predict a total cost for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the taxiing time and the maintenance cost; identify a runway exit from the plurality of runway exits that will minimize the total cost; and present to a user recommended candidate runway exits for landing the aircraft.

[0060] Clause 14. The computer-readable storage medium of Clause 13, wherein having the apparatus predict maintenance costs for the aircraft includes having the apparatus predict brake wear costs for the aircraft if it were to land at each of the plurality of runway exits.

[0061] Appendix 15. The computer-readable storage medium of Appendix 14, wherein having the device predict brake wear costs for the aircraft includes having the device predict the brake wear costs for the aircraft based on a maintenance schedule for the aircraft or an applied braking force for the aircraft upon landing.

[0062] Appendix 16. The computer-readable storage medium of any one of Appendixes 13 to 15, wherein having the device predict the total cost of the aircraft includes having the device predict fuel costs and operating costs for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the taxiing time, and having the device predict the total cost of the aircraft based on the fuel costs, the operating costs, and the maintenance costs.

[0063] Addendum 17. A computer-readable storage medium according to any one of Addendums 13 to 16, wherein causing the device to present the recommended candidate runway exits includes causing the device to present to the user a quantitative value of the lowest total cost.

[0064] Appendix 18. The computer-readable storage medium of any of Appendixes 13-17, further storing computer-readable program code that, in response to execution by the processor, causes the device to further specify an updated runway exit if the aircraft lands in an area different from the specified landing area.

[0065] Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein will be apparent to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings of the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Accordingly, the disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, while the foregoing description and the associated drawings set forth exemplary embodiments of example particular combinations of elements and / or functions, other combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided in alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, other combinations of elements and / or functions are contemplated, some of which may be set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, although specific terms are employed herein, these terms are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for determining a runway exit for landing an aircraft, comprising: The apparatus includes a processor and a memory storing executable instructions, the instructions responsive to execution by the processor to: determining, before the aircraft lands on a runway, a plurality of runway exits reachable by the aircraft and braking forces to be applied to the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits; predicting taxi times for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits; predicting maintenance costs for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the applied braking force; predicting a total cost for the aircraft to land at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the taxi time and the maintenance cost; selecting a runway exit from the plurality of runway exits that has the smallest total cost among the total costs; and and causing the device to present the selected runway exit for landing the aircraft as a recommended candidate to a user.

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein having the apparatus predict maintenance costs for the aircraft includes having the apparatus predict brake wear costs for the aircraft if it were to land at each of the plurality of runway exits.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein having the apparatus predict brake wear costs for the aircraft includes having the apparatus predict the brake wear costs for the aircraft based on a maintenance schedule for the aircraft or an applied brake force for the aircraft upon landing.

4. Having the apparatus predict a total cost of the aircraft includes: predicting fuel costs and operating costs for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the taxiing time; and predicting a total cost of the aircraft based on the fuel cost, the operating cost, and the maintenance cost.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein causing the apparatus to present the selected runway exit as the recommended candidate comprises causing the user to present a quantitative value of the minimum total cost.

6. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the memory stores further executable instructions that, in response to execution by the processor, cause the apparatus to further specify an updated runway exit if the aircraft lands in an area different from a designated landing area.

7. 1. A method for determining a runway exit for landing an aircraft, comprising: determining, before the aircraft lands on a runway, a plurality of runway exits reachable by the aircraft and braking forces to be applied to the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits; predicting taxi times for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits; predicting a maintenance cost for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the applied braking force; predicting a total cost for the aircraft to land at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the taxi time and the maintenance cost; selecting a runway exit from the plurality of runway exits that has the smallest total cost among the total costs; and presenting the selected runway exit to a user as a recommended candidate for landing the aircraft.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein predicting maintenance costs for the aircraft includes predicting brake wear costs for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits.

9. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein predicting brake wear costs for the aircraft includes predicting the brake wear costs for the aircraft based on a maintenance schedule for the aircraft or an applied brake force for the aircraft upon landing.

10. Predicting the total cost of the aircraft includes: predicting fuel costs and operating costs for the aircraft when landing at each of the plurality of runway exits based on the taxi times; and forecasting a total cost of the aircraft based on the fuel cost, the operating cost, and the maintenance cost.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein presenting the selected runway exit as the recommended candidate comprises presenting to the user a quantitative value of the lowest total cost.

12. The method of any of claims 7 to 11, further comprising designating an updated runway exit if the aircraft lands in an area different from the designated landing area.

13. The method of any of claims 7 to 12, wherein the presenting further comprises displaying, transmitting, or receiving information via a communication interface.

14. The method of any of claims 7 to 13, wherein the presenting further comprises receiving information from the user via a user input interface.

15. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the presenting further comprises displaying to the user by a display.

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