Aircraft 4D Trajectory Uplinking With Reduced Change-Point Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data models and protocols for communicating four-dimensional trajectory information from the ground to aircraft are inefficient due to large message sizes and bandwidth limitations, making it difficult to transmit usable trajectory data to aircraft computer systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a trajectory manager that identifies and selects a subset of trajectory change points describing the four-dimensional trajectory, converting the data into a format usable by aircraft computer systems, such as ARINC 702A, for transmission via ACARS protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complete four-dimensional trajectory information is transmitted using current data models and protocols, then the trajectory data is comprehensive and accurate, but the message size becomes large and bandwidth is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential trajectory change points from the complete four-dimensional trajectory information. The trajectory manager identifies and selects a subset of trajectory change points that describe the shape of the trajectory, removing redundant data points while maintaining the essential geometric characteristics of the flight path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous four-dimensional trajectory into discrete trajectory change points. By dividing the trajectory into key change points rather than transmitting continuous data, the system reduces data volume while preserving the essential shape and characteristics of the trajectory through ACARS messaging.
2Productivity
If trajectory data is reduced to fit bandwidth limitations, then transmission is feasible, but the completeness and accuracy of trajectory information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively including trajectory change points based on their local significance. Not all points along the trajectory are transmitted with equal detail - only those points where the trajectory shape changes meaningfully are included, ensuring that locally important features are preserved while reducing overall data volume.
3Reliability
If detailed trajectory information is transmitted, then the flight management computer has complete data for navigation, but the communication bandwidth is exceeded and transmission fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trajectory manager as an intermediary component that processes and transforms the complete four-dimensional trajectory information into a reduced set of trajectory change points suitable for ACARS transmission. This intermediary handles the complexity of data reduction while maintaining the essential navigation information needed by the flight management computer.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, an apparatus, and a system for transmitting four-dimensional trajectories to an aircraft. Four-dimensional trajectory information for a four-dimensional trajectory for a flight of an aircraft is received. The four-dimensional trajectory information includes trajectory change points describing the four-dimensional trajectory. A subset of the trajectory change points that describe a shape of the four-dimensional trajectory is selected. A message containing the subset of the trajectory change points is created in a format used by an aircraft computer system in the aircraft. The message is transmitted to the aircraft computer system.