Autonomous Aircraft Dialogue Control for ATC Command Interpretation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating autonomous aircraft into controlled airspaces and scenarios requiring communication with air traffic control (ATC) is challenging due to the lack of on-board pilots to interpret ATC communications and execute appropriate actions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling autonomous aircraft using speech recognition and a decoder module to identify linguistic aircraft control components in ATC communications, validate these components using a knowledge base, and determine commands for controlling the aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If autonomous aircraft are deployed without on-board pilots, then operational efficiency and productivity are improved, but the ability to understand and execute ATC communications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ATC communication interpretation system as an intermediary between the autonomous aircraft and air traffic control. This system includes speech recognition modules, natural language processing components, and a rule-based interpretation engine that translates ATC communications into actionable commands for the autonomous aircraft, resolving the contradiction by providing the understanding capability that would otherwise require a human pilot
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the human pilot's cognitive and decision-making functions with an automated system comprising speech recognition, natural language processing, and command generation modules. This substitution enables the autonomous aircraft to receive, interpret, and respond to ATC communications without human intervention, maintaining productivity while eliminating the need for on-board pilots
2Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous aircraft integrate into controlled airspaces, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into distinct functional modules: speech recognition module, natural language processing module, command interpretation module, and execution module. Each module handles a specific aspect of ATC communication processing, making the overall complex system more manageable and maintainable while enabling integration into controlled airspaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal ATC communication interpretation system that can handle various types of ATC communications (clearances, instructions, advisories) across different phases of flight. This multi-functional system enables the autonomous aircraft to operate in controlled airspaces without requiring separate specialized systems for each communication type or flight phase
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling autonomous vehicles is described. The method comprises receiving a text string regarding operation of an autonomous aircraft, analyzing the text string via a decoder module to identify one or more linguistic aircraft control components in the text string, and accessing an aircraft-related knowledge base associated with the decoder module to validate one or more identified linguistic aircraft control components. The method further comprises, based at least on the identified linguistic aircraft control components, determining a command for controlling the autonomous aircraft, and outputting the command for execution by the autonomous aircraft.