Aircraft Flight Parameter Fusion Using Validity Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for merging flight parameter measurements in aircraft systems only process data from the same parameter, lacking a comprehensive approach to ensure integrity and availability for all user systems.
Innovation Solution
A generic data fusion method that verifies the validity of all flight parameter measurements by calculating absolute values, comparing them to predetermined thresholds, and assigning validity scores using Boolean or fuzzy logic, allowing for the consolidation of measurements across multiple sensors and scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If data fusion is performed only for the same flight parameter, then the measurement precision for that parameter is improved, but the versatility and applicability to all user systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data fusion method that processes measurements from multiple sensors for all flight parameters (pitch, roll, yaw, thrust, etc.) rather than being limited to single parameters. The system calculates validity scores for each sensor's measurements across different parameter types and provides consolidated data to all user systems including flight controls and autopilot, thereby achieving multi-functionality and broad applicability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data fusion process into distinct modules: acquisition modules for different sensors, a validity score calculation module that evaluates each sensor independently, and a consolidation module that aggregates results. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple parameters and user systems simultaneously while maintaining precision for each specific measurement type.
2Reliability
If redundant sensors are installed to ensure integrity and availability, then the reliability of user systems is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple redundant sensors into a unified data fusion system. Instead of having separate processing paths for each sensor, the system combines all sensor measurements into a single validity score calculation process, then consolidates the results into one output stream that serves all user systems. This merging reduces operational complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The validity score calculation module acts as an intermediary between the redundant sensors and the user systems. It receives measurements from multiple sensors, evaluates their validity independently, and provides a consolidated assessment that determines which sensor data to trust. This intermediary layer simplifies the complexity by providing a single decision-making point rather than requiring each user system to independently evaluate multiple sensors.
3Measurement precision
If validity scores are calculated using multiple equations and statistical methods, then the measurement precision and reliability are improved, but the calculation time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining multiple validity equations and statistical thresholds before the actual measurement process. These equations (including absolute value comparisons, statistical tests, and classification methods) are prepared in advance, allowing the system to quickly evaluate sensor measurements without performing complex real-time calculations. This pre-preparation reduces processing time while maintaining high validity assessment accuracy.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
- Method and system for merging flight parameter measurements of an aircraft. - The system (1) for merging flight parameter measurements of an aircraft, linked together by at least one equation. The system (1) comprises at least one acquisition module (2) for at least one flight parameter measurement, a module for assigning a first validity score to the equation(s) by verifying whether the flight parameter measurement(s) are solutions to the equation(s), a module for assigning a second validity score to failure scenarios involving one or more acquisition modules (2) from the first validity scores, a module for determining the validity of the flight parameter measurements from the second validity scores, a module for consolidating the flight parameter measurements (6), and a module for transmitting the consolidated flight parameter measurements (7) to a user device (8).