Aircraft Trajectory Generation from Clearances and Procedural Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomy systems for robots are limited in extensibility and adaptability, as they are typically designed to address only a narrow mission set and lack the ability to rapidly adapt to new platforms or modules, restricting their functionality in supporting diverse robot operations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that generates a three-dimensional trajectory for an aircraft within an airspace system, utilizing a flight plan authorized by an air navigation service provider, by mapping clearances to procedural legs and determining ground tracks and vertical guidance, allowing for flexible and adaptable flight operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If existing autonomy systems are configured to address only one example of robot operation activities, then the system design can be focused and simplified, but the extensibility and adaptability of the system are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal autonomy system architecture that can handle multiple robot operation examples (automatic control, optimization systems, data processing) through a common framework. The system uses parameterized configurations and modular components that can be adapted to different robot platforms and mission types, enabling one system to serve multiple functions rather than requiring separate specialized systems for each operation type.
2Device complexity
If existing autonomy systems are configured to address only one example of robot operation activities, then the system design can be focused and simplified, but rapid adaptation to new platforms is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic configuration capabilities where the autonomy system can be rapidly reconfigured for different platforms and missions through parameter adjustments rather than structural redesign. The system architecture allows runtime reconfiguration of autonomy algorithms and parameters to adapt to new robot platforms, enabling rapid adaptation without requiring complete system redesign.
3Device complexity
If existing autonomy systems lack modular structure, then the system can be simpler to design, but the ability to support addition of new modules is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent structures the autonomy system into modular components including separate modules for automatic control, optimization systems, and data processing. Each module can be independently developed, configured, and added to the system. The modular architecture uses standardized interfaces and parameterized configurations that allow new modules to be integrated without disrupting the existing system structure, maintaining design simplicity while enabling extensibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for supporting flight operations of an aircraft in an airspace system. The method includes accessing a flight plan that indicates clearances that describe a planned route the aircraft is authorized to travel through the airspace system. The clearances are applied to an airborne navigation database to map the clearances to a sequence of procedural legs of procedures to be followed by the aircraft, the sequence of procedural legs including a sequence of position fixes and indicating leg types of the procedural legs. A ground track and vertical guidance for the aircraft are determined from the sequence of procedural legs, subject to rules and constraints of the clearances and the procedures. And a three-dimensional trajectory for the aircraft that follows the planned route, from the ground track and the vertical guidance is generated and output for use in guidance, navigation or control of the aircraft.