Aircraft Database Position Validation via Cross-Check

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current guidance systems for aircraft autoland approaches rely on multiple technologies but lack the integrity to validate the accuracy of position data items in a single database, which is crucial for precise Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS) and Synthetic Vision Guidance Systems (SVGS) without resorting to two independent databases.

Innovation Solution

An electronic validation device on board the aircraft performs consistency checks between signals from radionavigation beacons and satellite positioning system data, validating positions such as runway alignment radio beacons, glide path alignment beacons, and Distance Measuring Equipment, ensuring the accuracy of data stored in the database.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single database is used for position data, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of position data validation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedatabase structureVSAvoidposition data validation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The validation process is segmented into multiple independent consistency checks: cross-validation between satellite positioning system data and radionavigation beacon signals, validation of runway threshold positions, validation of displaced runway threshold positions, and validation of beacon positions. Each segment validates specific aspects of the database independently, collectively ensuring comprehensive reliability without requiring multiple databases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback validation where the electronic validation device constantly compares position data from the single database against independent sources (satellite positioning system, radionavigation beacon signals). This feedback mechanism detects and flags inconsistencies, ensuring data reliability while maintaining the simplicity of a single database structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If multiple independent databases are used, then reliability of position data is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition data validationVSAvoiddatabase structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic validation device acts as an intermediary that mediates between the single database and multiple independent validation sources (satellite positioning system, radionavigation beacons). It cross-validates database contents against these external references without requiring duplicate storage of position data, thus achieving reliability enhancement through validation rather than through database replication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If consistency validation is performed between satellite positioning system and radionavigation beacon signals, then measurement precision of position data is improved, but loss of time for validation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition data accuracyVSAvoidvalidation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary validation of position data by pre-establishing geometric relationships and expected signal characteristics for radionavigation beacons. During actual approach operations, the electronic validation device quickly checks whether measured positions and signals conform to these pre-validates parameters, significantly reducing real-time validation time while maintaining high measurement precision through the preliminary filtering of obviously incorrect data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances the integrity of the aircraft's database, ensuring accurate display and supervision of approach paths without the need for two independent databases, thereby improving the reliability of SVS and SVGS systems.

Implementation Method 1

the aircraft comprising a satellite positioning system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSatellite positioning:

Implementation Method 2

a signal received by the aircraft from a radionavigation beacon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio signal transmission:

Data Source

PatentUS11789927B2Method for validating at least one predetermined position data stored in an aircraft database, associated computer program and device

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 THALES SA

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for validating at least one position stored in a database of an aircraft comprising a satellite positioning system, the database containing at least one radionavigation beacon position, a runway threshold position, and a displaced runway threshold position on a runway, on which the aircraft is intended to land, the validation of said at least one position comprising a consistency check between at least:a signal received by the aircraft from a radionavigation beacon associated with said at least one position, andthe position of the aircraft provided by the satellite positioning system, andthe value of the position stored in the database.