Automated Aircraft Sequencing and Conflict Resolution Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air traffic control relies on manual methods for aircraft sequencing and conflict detection in terminal areas, which are inefficient and lack automation during high-demand periods, leading to increased workload for controllers.
Innovation Solution
An advanced decision support tool is developed to automate aircraft sequencing and conflict detection, incorporating various inputs like surveillance data, weather information, and aircraft capabilities, and can communicate resolutions to aircraft, monitor compliance, and be configured for different operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods are used for aircraft sequencing and conflict detection, then controllers can handle complex decision-making, but controller workload increases and efficiency decreases during high-demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by implementing automated aircraft sequencing and conflict detection that operates independently of human intervention. The automated tool monitors aircraft positions, predicts conflicts, and generates resolution recommendations without requiring continuous controller input, thereby reducing workload while maintaining sequencing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical human-based decision-making process with an automated computational system. The automated tool uses algorithms to perform conflict detection, sequencing calculations, and resolution generation, substituting human cognitive tasks with automated processing to improve efficiency and reduce controller burden.
2Productivity
If no automation exists for aircraft sequencing, then existing ATC systems remain simple, but efficiency considerations cannot be addressed during high-demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The automated tool serves as an intermediary between existing ATC systems and aircraft operations. It integrates with current surveillance and communication infrastructure to provide automated sequencing and conflict detection capabilities, bridging the gap between simple existing systems and the need for enhanced operational efficiency without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively detecting potential conflicts before they occur and pre-calculating resolution strategies. The automated tool continuously monitors aircraft positions and predicts future states, allowing conflicts to be resolved before they impact operations, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If automated sequencing is implemented, then controller workload is reduced, but the system must process multiple inputs and configure different operational modes
Solution Approach 1:
The automated tool implements multi-functionality by incorporating multiple input sources (surveillance data, weather information, aircraft equipage) and supporting different operational modes within a single integrated system. This universal design allows the system to handle various sequencing scenarios and conflict types while presenting a unified interface to controllers, reducing workload without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide an advanced decision support tool to enable automated aircraft sequencing and conflict detection and resolution. The tool can be used to assist an air traffic controller (ATC) in determining merging, sequencing, and spacing resolutions; communicating the resolutions to the aircraft; and monitoring execution and compliance with the provided resolutions. According to embodiments, the tool can incorporate a broad range of inputs (e.g., surveillance data, weather information, aircraft equipage, etc.) and can be configured according to different aircraft sequencing modes of operation (e.g., one mode of operation is to minimize aircraft deviations necessary to resolve a particular conflict). In an embodiment, the tool includes a controller interface, which may be integrated within the controller interface of existing ATC systems or implemented separately. Embodiments can be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination thereof.