System and method for managing lighting of an airfield

Abstract

A method (500) for managing lighting of an airfield using one or more virtual software- defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) is disclosed. The method includes receiving geolocation information of one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n) installed along the airfield from one or more light control units (104a, 104b, 104c...104n). Further, the method includes assigning one or more network addresses to the one or more lighting elements. The method includes creating the one or more virtual software-defined circuits corresponding to the one or more lighting elements. The method includes selecting at least one virtual circuit from among the one or more virtual software-defined circuits. The method includes controlling at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements corresponding to the selected at least one virtual circuit.

Description

10259W0016SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING LIGHTING OF AN AIRFIELD FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to airfield lighting management systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for managing lighting of an airfield using one or more virtual software-defined circuits.BACKGROUND

[0002] Airfield lighting systems include a network of lighting elements installed along various parts of an airport, including runway edge lighting elements, approach lighting elements for aircraft landing assistance, taxiway centerline, edge lighting elements, apron floodlighting elements, and terminal area lighting elements. The airfield lighting systems provide visual guidance to pilots during take-off, landing, and ground movements, especially under low visibility conditions.

[0003] The airfield lighting systems are typically based on static circuits that are hardwired and manually operated or semi-automatically controlled using a fixed logic. The airfield lighting systems are activated based on scheduled aircraft operations or manual input from users. The users include air traffic controllers.

[0004] Airfield Lighting control and monitoring system (ALCMS) allows the users to effectively control various airfield lighting systems, including runway, approach, taxiway, stop bars, and apron. Lighting elements can be switched off and on individually or in groups. Further, a Wireless or Wired Individual Lighting Control and Monitoring System (W-ILCMS) revolutionizes airfield lighting management by utilizing dual-mode wireless and wired communication. The W-ILCMS is designed to seamlessly upgrade existing ALCMS into Individual Lighting Control and Monitoring Systems (ILCMS).

[0005] However, it is not possible to operate an ALCMS in foggy conditions, as ALCMS cannot monitor and control airfield lighting individually, thereby hampering the safety of the ALCMS, and leading to failures that can adversely impact an aviation industry. Some existing systems use Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) or centralized control interfaces for remote operation, but the PLCs still rely on rigid electrical circuit arrangements and do not easily accommodate dynamic changes in airfield operations, such as unscheduled aircraft movements or evolving runway usage patterns. Moreover, the existing systems cannot integrate real-time aircraft location data to make intelligent decisions regarding lighting control.

[0006] Furthermore, the existing systems often operate with minimal automation and limited situational awareness, leading to potential safety concerns, inefficient lighting usage, and10259W0016 increased energy consumption. Attempts to modernize lighting controls often require costly infrastructure changes and lack flexibility in how groups of the lighting elements can be logically managed across spatial zones. Therefore, there is a need for a system and a method for managing lighting of an airfield that can overcome one or more problems associated with the existing art.

[0007] The drawbacks / difficulties / disadvantages / limitations of the conventional techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purposes and the disclosure would never limit its scope only to such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below below-mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks / disadvantages of the conventional arts, which are not explicitly captured above.SUMMARY

[0008] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and or nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for managing lighting of an airfield using one or more virtual software-defined circuits is disclosed. The method includes receiving geolocation information of one or more lighting elements installed along the airfield from one or more light control units which are associated with the one or more lighting elements. Further, the method includes assigning one or more network addresses to the one or more lighting elements based on the received geolocation information. Furthermore, the method includes creating the one or more virtual software-defined circuits corresponding to the one or more lighting elements based on the assigned one or more network addresses. The one or more virtual software-defined circuits indicate at least one virtual path between at least two lighting elements or a virtual path among a plurality of lighting elements. In addition, the method includes selecting at least one virtual software-defined circuit from among the one or more virtual software-defined circuits based on at least one of one or more operational requirements associated with an aircraft, one or more operational requirements of the airfield, or one or more operational requirements of the one or more lighting elements. Further, the method includes controlling at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements corresponding to the selected at least one virtual software-defined circuit.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for managing lighting of an airfield using one or more virtual software-defined circuits is disclosed. The10259W0016 system includes a memory and at least one processor operatively coupled to the memory. The at least one processor is configured to receive geolocation information of one or more lighting elements installed along the airfield from one or more light control units. The one or more light control units are associated with the one or more lighting elements. Further, the at least one processor is configured to assign one or more network addresses to the one or more lighting elements based on the received geolocation information. Furthermore, the at least one processor is configured to create the one or more virtual software-defined circuits for the one or more lighting elements based on the assigned one or more network addresses. The one or more virtual software-defined circuits indicate at least one of a virtual path between at least two lighting elements or a virtual path among a plurality of lighting elements. In addition, the at least one processor is configured to select at least one virtual software-defined circuit from among the one or more virtual software-defined circuits based on one or more operational requirements of an aircraft, one or more operational requirements of the airfield, or one or more operational requirements of the one or more lighting elements. Further, the at least one processor is configured to control at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements corresponding to the selected at least one virtual software-defined circuit.

[0011] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting an environment for establishing a system for managing lighting of an airfield using one or more virtual software-defined circuits, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram depicting an implementation of the system for creating the one or more virtual software-defined circuits, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;10259W0016

[0015] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram depicting one or more Master Control Units (MCUs) and the one or more light control units of the system for controlling the at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting an implementation of the system for converting an Airfield Lighting Control and Monitoring System (ALCMS) to an Individual Lamp Control and Monitoring System (ILCMS), in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method for managing lighting of an airfield using one or more virtual software-defined circuits, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0018] Figure 6 illustrates an example block diagram of the system for managing the lighting of the airfield using one or more virtual software-defined circuits, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale.

[0020] Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the structure, one or more components of the structure may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0021] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

[0022] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.10259W0016

[0023] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more. . or “one or more elements is required.”

[0024] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and / or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and / or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

[0025] Use of the phrases and / or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and / or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and / or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and / or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and / or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

[0026] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

[0027] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other10259W0016 structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting an environment 100 for establishing a system for managing lighting of an airfield using one or more virtual software-defined circuits, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. The environment 100 may include one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n, one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c. . . 104n, a network 106, and a user device 108.

[0030] The one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n may include, but are not limited to, one or more taxiway centreline lighting elements, one or more edge lighting elements, one or more runway centreline lighting elements, one or more runway approach lighting elements, one or more threshold zone lighting elements, one or more stop-bar lighting elements, one or more PAPI lighting elements, one or more parking bay lighting elements, one or more apron lighting elements, one or more tumpad lighting elements, one or more signboard lighting elements, and the like.

[0031] In an embodiment, the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n may be installed along the airfield. The airfield may be a defined area on land intended to be used for the arrival, departure, and surface movement of an aircraft. The aircraft may include, but is not limited to, a commercial airplane, a private jet, a helicopter, a remotely piloted aircraft system, and the like.

[0032] In an embodiment, the one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c... 104n may be associated with the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n. In an example, the one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c... 104n and the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n may be a single integrated circuit. The one or more one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c... 104n may include, but are not limited to, electromechanical or electronic elements installed at the airfield and operatively coupled with the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n. The one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c. . . 104n may be configured to perform lighting operations such as activation, deactivation, brightness adjustment, or mode switching of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n.

[0033] In an embodiment, the user device 108 may be a communication terminal. The communication terminal may be an electronic device capable of transmitting and / or receiving data, commands, or status information over a wired or wireless communication network. The10259W0016 user device 108 may be a communication protocol that connects different sections of the airfield, such as Air Traffic Control (ATC), with a terminal building.

[0034] In an embodiment, the user device 108 may be configured to communicate with the one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c... 104n via the network 106. The network 106 may include a wireless network or a wired network. For example, the network 106 corresponds to a Sub-Gigahertz (Ghz) wireless network, a broadband network, a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), and a Personal Area Network.

[0035] The user device 108 may be operated by authorized personnel. The authorized personnel may include, but are not limited to, an air traffic controller, ground operations staff, and the like. In an embodiment, the user device 108 may include a display, user input mechanisms (e.g., touchscreen, keyboard), communication modules, and is operable to send commands, receive lighting status, visualize the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d (as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3), and monitor or control the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n across the airfield in real-time.

[0036] The user device 108 may include the system 110 configured to manage the lighting of the airfield. In an embodiment, the system 110 may be established within the user device 108. In another embodiment, the system 110 may be externally connected to the user device 108. Yet, in another embodiment, some part of the system 110 may be internally established within the user device 108, and some part of the system 110 may be externally connected to the user device 108.

[0037] In an embodiment, the system 110 may be configured to receive geolocation information of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n installed along the airfield from one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c... 104n from the one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c. . . 104n. The geolocation information may include spatial position data of each light element 102a, 102b, 102c... or 102n that is deployed across the airfield. In an embodiment, the one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c. . . 104n may be configured to store the geolocation information.

[0038] In an embodiment, the system 110 may be configured to assign one or more network addresses to the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n based on the received geolocation information. The one or more network addresses may include, but are not limited to, an Internet Protocol (IP) address, a Media Access Control (MAC) address, or any other form of identifier conforming to an addressing scheme used in an underlying communication protocol.10259W0016

[0039] In an embodiment, the system 110 may be configured to create the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d corresponding to the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n based on the assigned one or more network addresses. In an embodiment, the creation of the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d may refer to a server-based process of defining a logical grouping of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n, managing collective behaviour of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n, and enabling control of airfield lighting without requiring physical rewiring or hardware modifications.

[0040] In an embodiment, the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d may indicate at least one virtual path between at least two lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c... 102n or a virtual path among a plurality of lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c... 102n.

[0041] In an embodiment, the system 110 may be configured to receive aircraft identification data and geolocation data from one or more Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) stations. The aircraft identification data may include, but is not limited to, at least one of an aircraft registration number, a tail number, an airline name, and the like.

[0042] Further, the geolocation data may correspond to the aircraft operating on or in proximity to the airfield. In an embodiment, the system 110 may be configured to create the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d for the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c..., 102n based on at least one of a selection of a plurality of network addresses corresponding to the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n, the received aircraft identification data, and the geolocation data.

[0043] In an embodiment, the system 110 may be configured to select the at least one virtual software-defined circuit 202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d from among the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d. The at least one virtual software- defined circuit 202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d may be selected based on at least one of one or more operational requirements associated with the aircraft one or more operational requirements of the airfield, or one or more operational requirements of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n.

[0044] The one or more operational requirements may include, but are not limited to, an aircraft movement, a route of the aircraft between a runway and a parking stand, an activation of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n, a deactivation of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n, one or more environmental conditions, and the like. The one or more operational requirements of the one or more lighting elements 102a,10259W0016102b, 102c...102n may include parameters that dictate how, when, and to what extent specific lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n need to operate in order to support safe and efficient airfield operations.

[0045] In an embodiment, the system 110 may be configured to select at least one virtual software-defined circuit 202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d based on at least one change in the one or more operational requirements associated with the aircraft, the one or more operational requirements of the airfield, or the one or more operational requirements of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...l02n.

[0046] In an embodiment, the system 110 may be configured to control at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n corresponding to the selected at least one virtual software-defined circuit 202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d. The system 110 may be configured to transmit a control signal to the one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c. . . 104n corresponding to the selected at least one virtual software-defined circuit 202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d.

[0047] The control signal may define operational parameters such as switching ON / OFF, dimming level, color, temperature, timing of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n. Further, the system 110 may be configured to control the at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n based on the transmitted control signal.

[0048] In an embodiment, the at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements may include, but is not limited to, activating the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n, deactivating the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n, monitoring a status of each of the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n), and the like.

[0049] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram depicting an implementation of the system 110 for creating the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 110 may include the one or more nodes nl, n2, n3. . ,n20. In an embodiment, the one or more nodes nl, n2, n3...n20 may also be referred to as the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n.

[0050] The one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d may be created on the user device 108 using the system 110 by mapping the one or more network addresses of one or more network hardware elements. The one or more network hardware elements may be located at the one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c. . . 104n. In an10259W0016 embodiment, the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d may be configured to generate the functionality of a grouped physical circuit.

[0051] Further, in an embodiment, once the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d are mapped in a server dashboard associated with the system 110, a user may select various set(s) of virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d in accordance with the one or more operational requirements. The user may include, but is not limited to, an air traffic controller, and the like. The server dashboard may be a graphical user interface (GUI) or software platform hosted on a centralized server or cloud-based system that enables real-time monitoring, visualization, and control the one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c... 104n.

[0052] In an embodiment, the server dashboard may be configured to display status and configuration of each virtual software-defined circuit 202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d and the associated one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n. Further, the server dashboard may be configured to allow the user to select, activate, deactivate, or reconfigure the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d based on the one or more operational requirements.

[0053] Furthermore, the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d may be configured to selectively activate the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n deactivate the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n, or monitoring a status of each of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n. In addition, the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d may be configured to group the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n across the airfield using the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d based on the one or more operational requirements. For example, the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...l02n are grouped for taxiway centreline, runway centreline, taxiway edge, and approach light.

[0054] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram depicting one or more Master Control Units (MCUs) 302a, 302b, 302c...302n and the one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c... 104n of the system 110 for controlling the at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, a server switch 304 may be configured to communicate with the system 110. The system 110 may be configured to transmit the control signal to the server switch 304.10259W0016

[0055] The one or more MCUs 302a, 302b, 302c...302n may be configured to receive the control signal from the server switch 304 via a field switch 306. The one or more MCUs 302a, 302b, 302c... 302n may be connected to the one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c... 104n. In an embodiment, the server switch 304 may be a centralized network switch integrated within a server or control infrastructure. For example, the server switch 304 is integrated within a Constant Current Regulator (CCR) Room or air traffic control that manages data communication between a server, the system 110, and the one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c... 104n.

[0056] In an embodiment, the field switch 306 may be a network switch deployed in the airfield, typically near the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n. The one or more MCUs 302a, 302b, 302c. . . 302n may be configured to transmit the control signal to the one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c. . . 104n.

[0057] The one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c... 104n may be configured to control the at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n corresponding to the selected at least one virtual software-defined circuit 202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d based on the received control signal.

[0058] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting an implementation of the system 110 for converting an Airfield Lighting Control and Monitoring System (ALCMS) to an Individual Lamp Control and Monitoring System (ILCMS), in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] In an embodiment, the one or more light controlling units 104a, 104b. . . 104n50. . . 104nl00. . . 104n may be connected to the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b. . . 102n50. . . 102nl00. . . 102nl00. The one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b. . . 102n50. . . 102nl00. . . 102nl00 may represent individual or grouped airfield lighting elements. In an embodiment, the one or more lighting elements 102a,102b. . . 102n50. . . 102nl00. . . 102nl00 may be installed along taxiways, runways, or aprons.

[0060] In an embodiment, the one or more light controlling units 104a,104b. . . 104n50. . . 104nl00. . . 104n may be configured to enable remote activation, brightness control, and health monitoring of the one or more light controlling units 104a, 104b. . . 104n50. . . 104nl00. . . 104n. Further, the one or more light controlling units 104a, 104b. . . 104n50. . . 104nl00. . . 104n may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the system 110.

[0061] In an embodiment, transmission nodes T1 and T2 may be field switches configured to connect the one or more light controlling units 104a, 104b. . . 104n50. . . 104nl00. . . 104n to a10259W0016 control infrastructure. The transmission nodes T1 and T2 may be configured to handle aggregation of data or relay commands between the one or more light controlling units 104a, 104b. . . 104n50. . . 104nl00. . . 104n and the system 110.

[0062] In an embodiment, the system 110 may be configured to display status, control the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d, assign network addresses, and track geo-location of each of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b. . . 102n50. . . 102nl00. . . 102nl00. Further, the system 110 may be configured to provide a graphical overview of a lighting network and enable creation and management of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b. . . 102n50. . . 102nl00. . . 102nl00.

[0063] In an embodiment, the MCU 302a, 302b, 302c. . . or 302n may be configured to act as a gateway between the system 110 and the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b. . . 102n50. . . 102nl00. . . 102nl00. Further, the MCU 302a, 302b, 302c... or 302n may be configured to manage wireless communication, authentication, and protocol translation. Further, the MCU 302a, 302b, 302c... or 302n may be configured to ensure reliable bidirectional data transfer between the system 110 and the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b. . . 102n50. . . 102nl00. . . 102nl00.

[0064] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method 500 for managing lighting of an airfield using the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 500 may be a computer-implemented method executed, for example, by one or more processors 602 and module(s).

[0065] At step 502, the method 500 may include receiving geolocation information of one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...l02n installed along the airfield from one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c...104n. The one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c... 104n may be associated with the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n.

[0066] At step 504, the method 500 may include assigning the one or more network addresses to the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n based on the received geolocation information.

[0067] At step 506, the method 500 may include creating the one or more virtual software- defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d corresponding to the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n based on the assigned one or more network addresses. The one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d may indicate the at10259W0016 least one virtual path between the at least two lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n or the virtual path among the plurality of lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n.

[0068] At step 508, the method 500 may include selecting the at least one virtual software- defined circuit 202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d from among the one or more virtual software- defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d based on at least one of one or more operational requirements associated with the aircraft, the one or more operational requirements of the airfield, or the one or more operational requirements of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n.

[0069] At step 510, the method 500 may include controlling the at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n corresponding to the selected at least one virtual software-defined circuit 202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d.

[0070] In an embodiment, for selecting the at least one virtual software-defined circuit 202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d from among the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d, the method 500 may include selecting the one or more virtual software- defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d based on at least one change in the one or more operational requirements.

[0071] The one or more operational requirements associated with the aircraft, the one or more operational requirements of the airfield, the one or more operational requirements of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n may include, but are not limited to, the aircraft movement, the route of the aircraft between the runway and the parking stand, the activation of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n, the deactivation of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n, or the one or more environmental conditions.

[0072] In an embodiment, the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n may include, but are not limited to, the one or more taxiway edge lighting elements, the one or more runway edge lighting elements, the one or more runway centreline lighting elements, the one or more runway approach lighting elements, one or more touchdown zone lighting elements, the one or more threshold zone lighting elements, the one or more stop-bar lighting elements, the one or more PAPI lighting elements, one or more parking bay lighting elements, the one or more apron lighting elements, the one or more turnpad lighting elements, or the one or more signboard lighting elements.

[0073] In an embodiment, for creating the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d, the method 500 may include receiving the aircraft identification data and the geolocation data from the one or more ADS-B stations. The aircraft identification data10259W0016 may include, but is not limited to, the aircraft registration number, the tail number, or the airline name. Further, the method 500 may include creating the one or more virtual software- defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d for the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n based on at least one of the selection of the plurality of network addresses corresponding to the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n, the received aircraft identification data, and the geolocation data for control and monitoring of air traffic movement on the airfield.

[0074] In an embodiment, for controlling the at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n, the method 500 may include transmitting the control signal to the one or more light control units 104a, 104b, 104c...104n corresponding to the selected at least one virtual software-defined circuit 202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d. Further, the method 500 may include controlling the at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n based on the transmitted control signal.

[0075] In an embodiment, the at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n may include, but is not limited to, activating the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n, deactivating the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n, monitoring the status of each of the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n to meet the operational requirements of the airfield, and the like. The operational requirements of the airfield may include category III airfield operations.

[0076] Further, the method 500 may include grouping the one or more lighting elements 102a, 102b, 102c...102n across the airfield using the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d based on the one or more operational requirements.

[0077] Figure 6 illustrates an example block diagram 600 of the system 110 for managing the lighting of the airfield using the one or more virtual software-defined circuits 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 110 may include one or more processors 602 (also referred to as the “processor” 602), a memory unit 604 (also referred to as the “memory” 604), and a communication unit 606 (e.g., communicator or communication interface).

[0078] In an embodiment, the processor 602 may be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The processor 602 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and / or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 602 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data10259W0016 stored in the memory unit 604 to perform operations / functions associated with the system 110, as discussed throughout the present disclosure.

[0079] The processor 602 may include one or a plurality of processors. At this time, one or a plurality of processors 602 may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or the like, a graphics-only processing unit such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a visual processing unit (VPU), and / or an Al-dedicated processor such as a neural processing unit (NPU). The one or a plurality of processors 602 may control the processing of the input data in accordance with a predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence (Al) model stored in the non-volatile memory and the volatile memory, i.e., memory unit 604. The predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence model is provided through training or learning.

[0080] In an embodiment, the memory unit 604 may include any non-transitory computer- readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random-access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and / or nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes. In an embodiment, the communication unit 606 may be configured to perform one or more functions for transmitting and receiving signals via a wireless channel.

[0081] The present disclosure provides various advantages. The present disclosure meets one or more operational requirements for Category II / III compliance, resulting in enhanced safety, power savings, and reliability. The present disclosure offers a rapid response and control time of less than one second, ensuring prompt and efficient operation. The present disclosure maintains high operational efficiency and safety in managing airfield lighting. The present disclosure enables individual control and monitoring of each lighting element, along with fast response times.

[0082] The present disclosure also forms a self-healing network that provides resilient and continuous connectivity. Each airfield light can be individually controlled and monitored, even if a communication node fails. The present disclosure supports mesh, star, and hybrid network topologies, thereby enhancing performance and reliability. The present disclosure allows for flexible network configurations that adapt to various airfield layouts and operational requirements, ensuring optimal performance under different conditions.

[0083] The present disclosure eliminates the need to modify existing physical circuits, streamlining the control and monitoring of airfield lighting elements. The present disclosure dynamically updates the one or more virtual software-defined circuits based on specific10259W0016 airport requirements, enabling flexible and customized lighting control. The solution is highly adaptable and efficient.

[0084] Additionally, the present disclosure supports numerous combinations and groupings of airfield lighting elements to meet airport operational needs. The present disclosure provides high-performing virtual software-defined circuits that operate fully automatically, with minimal to no manual intervention, based on airfeild operational rules and techniques.

[0085] Further, the present disclosure provides a two-adjacent-lighting-element fault alert. The present disclosure facilitates fast fault identification and maintenance and also increases power savings. The present disclosure meets the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for Category III (CAT-III) airfield lighting requirements. The present disclosure complies, guarantees, and provides the necessary performance and reliability for high-precision airfield operations.

[0086] The present disclosure represents a significant advancement in airfield lighting control and monitoring. The present disclosure offers a highly reliable and efficient solution that meets stringent international standards by integrating dual-mode communication, a self- healing network, and virtual software-defined circuit management. The present disclosure ensures that the airfield lighting can be managed with unprecedented precision and flexibility, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

[0087] While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

Claims

10259W0016We Claim:

1. A method (500) for managing lighting of an airfield using one or more virtual software-defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d), the method comprising:(502) receiving geolocation information of one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...l02n) installed along the airfield from one or more light control units (104a, 104b, 104c...104n), wherein the one or more light control units (104a, 104b, 104c...l04n) are associated with the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n);(504) assigning one or more network addresses to the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n) based on the received geolocation information;(506) creating the one or more virtual software-defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) corresponding to the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n) based on the assigned one or more network addresses, wherein the one or more virtual software-defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) indicate at least one virtual path between at least two lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n) or a virtual path among a plurality of lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...l02n);(508) selecting at least one virtual software-defined circuit (202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d) from among the one or more virtual software-defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) based on at least one of one or more operational requirements associated with an aircraft, one or more operational requirements of the airfield, or one or more operational requirements of the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n); and(510) controlling at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...l02n) corresponding to the selected at least one virtual software- defined circuit (202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d).

2. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein selecting the at least one virtual software-defined circuit (202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d) from among the one or more virtual software-defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) comprises: selecting the one or more virtual software-defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) based on at least one change in the one or more operational requirements.

3. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more operational requirements associated with the aircraft, the one or more operational requirements of the airfield, the one or more operational requirements of the one or more lighting10259W0016 elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n) comprise at least one of aircraft movement, a route of the aircraft between a runway and a parking stand, an activation of the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n), a deactivation of the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n), or one or more environmental conditions.

4. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...l02n) comprises at least one of one or more taxiway centreline lighting elements, one or more taxiway edge lighting elements, one or more runway edge lighting elements, one or more runway centreline lighting elements, one or more runway approach lighting elements, one or more touchdown zone lighting elements, one or more threshold zone lighting elements, one or more stop-bar lighting elements, one or more PAPI lighting elements, one or more parking bay lighting elements, one or more apron lighting elements, one or more turnpad lighting elements, or one or more signboard lighting elements.

5. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein creating the one or more virtual software-defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) comprises: receiving aircraft identification data and geolocation data from one or more Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) stations, wherein the aircraft identification data comprises at least one of an aircraft registration number, a tail number, or an airline name; and creating the one or more virtual software-defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) for the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n) based on at least one of a selection of a plurality of network addresses corresponding to the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n), the received aircraft identification data, and the geolocation data for control and monitoring of air traffic movement on the airfield.

6. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein controlling the at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...l02n) comprises: transmitting a control signal to the one or more light control units (104a, 104b, 104c...104n) corresponding to the selected at least one virtual software-defined circuit (202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d); and controlling the at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n) based on the transmitted control signal.10259W00167. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...l02n) comprises at least one of: activating the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n), deactivating the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n), or monitoring a status of each of the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...l02n) to meet the operational requirements of the airfield.

8. The method (500) as claimed in claim 1, comprising: grouping the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n) across the airfield using the one or more virtual software-defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) based on the one or more operational requirements.

9. A system (110) for managing lighting of an airfield using one or more virtual software- defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d), the system (110) comprising: a memory (604); at least one processor (602) operatively coupled to the memory (604), wherein the at least one processor (602) is configured to: receive geolocation information of one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n) installed along the airfield from one or more light control units (104a, 104b, 104c...104n), wherein the one or more light control units (104a, 104b, 104c...l04n) are associated with the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n); assign one or more network addresses to the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n) based on the received geolocation information; create the one or more virtual software-defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) for the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n) based on the assigned one or more network addresses, wherein the one or more virtual software- defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) indicate at least one of a virtual path between at least two lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n) or a virtual path among a plurality of lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n); select at least one virtual software-defined circuit (202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d) from among the one or more virtual software-defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) based on one or more operational requirements of an aircraft, one or more operational requirements of the airfield, or one or more operational requirements of the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n); and10259W0016 control at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n) corresponding to the selected at least one virtual software-defined circuit (202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d).

10. The system (110) as claimed in claim 9, wherein to select the at least one virtual software-defined circuit (202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d) from among the one or more virtual software-defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d), the at least one processor (602) is configured to: select the one or more virtual software-defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) based on at least one change in the one or more operational requirements.

11. The system (110) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more operational requirements comprise at least one of aircraft movement, a route of the aircraft between a runway and a parking stand, an activation of the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n), a deactivation of the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n), or one or more environmental conditions.

12. The system (110) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...l02n) comprises at least one of one or more taxiway centreline lighting elements, one or more taxiway edge lighting elements, one or more runway edge lighting elements, one or more runway centreline lighting elements, one or more runway approach lighting elements, one or more touchdown zone lighting elements, one or more threshold zone lighting elements, one or more stop-bar lighting elements, one or more PAPI lighting elements, one or more parking bay lighting elements, one or more apron lighting elements, one or more turnpad lighting elements, or one or more signboard lighting elements.

13. The system (110) as claimed in claim 9, wherein to create the one or more virtual software-defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d), the at least one processor (602) is configured to: receive aircraft identification data and geolocation data from one or more Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) stations, wherein the aircraft identification data comprises at least one of an aircraft registration number, a tail number, or an airline name; and create the one or more virtual software-defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) for the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n) based on at least one of a selection of a plurality of network addresses corresponding to the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n), the received aircraft identification data,10259W0016 and the geolocation data for control and monitoring of air traffic movement on the airfield .

14. The system (110) as claimed in claim 9, wherein to control the at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...l02n), the at least one processor (602) is configured to: transmit a control signal to the one or more light control units (104a, 104b, 104c...104n) corresponding to the selected at least one virtual software-defined circuit (202a, 202b, 202c, or 202d); and control the at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n) based on the transmitted control signal.

15. The system (110) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one operation of the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n) comprises at least one of: activating the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n), deactivating the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n), or monitoring a status of each of the one or more lighting elements to meet the one or more operational requirements of the airfield.

16. The system (110) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one processor (602) is configured to: group the one or more lighting elements (102a, 102b, 102c...102n) using the one or more virtual software-defined circuits (202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d) across the airfield based on the one or more operational requirements.

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