Aircraft Position Error Determination via Angular Alignment Bias Computation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft position determination methods during landing approaches are prone to errors due to angular alignment biases between reference guidance signals and actual approach axes, especially when ILS stations are not perfectly aligned with the runway, and GPS position measurements can be erroneous.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that iteratively collect and compute position errors by calculating angular alignment biases and observable position biases using signals from ILS and GPS systems, allowing for precise determination of position errors even with angular misalignments, and optionally filtering these biases for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ILS transmitting stations are installed in the vicinity of runways to provide guidance signals, then landing assistance and guidance capability are improved, but angular alignment bias between guidance axis and approach axis is introduced due to installation constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment approach (physically aligning ILS stations with runway axes) with a computational correction approach. The system uses computation modules to calculate angular alignment biases and position errors, then applies mathematical corrections to the guidance signals, substituting physical alignment requirements with software-based precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the guidance system by introducing correction parameters (angular alignment bias and position error) that are calculated and applied dynamically. This allows the system to maintain guidance functionality while compensating for installation misalignments through parameter adjustments rather than physical repositioning.
2Ease of operation
If GPS position measurement module is used to determine aircraft position, then position determination capability is improved, but position measurement errors occur due to signal inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the computed position error is fed back to correct the GPS position measurements. The system continuously monitors the difference between GPS-reported position and actual position (derived from ILS offset measurements), then applies corrections to compensate for GPS inaccuracies, creating a closed-loop error correction system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer between the GPS position measurement module and the aircraft guidance system. This intermediary (the computation module) processes raw GPS data, calculates position errors based on ILS reference, and provides corrected position information, thereby mediating between the imperfect GPS system and the guidance requirements.
3Device complexity
If angular alignment bias is not corrected to maintain simple system operation, then system complexity is reduced, but position determination accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service approach where the system automatically detects and corrects its own errors without requiring manual intervention or complex external calibration equipment. The computation modules autonomously calculate angular alignment biases and position errors using measurements from existing ILS and GPS systems, then apply corrections automatically, making the system self-correcting and reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining a position error of an aircraft. The system comprises a set of collection modules implemented in an iterative manner, including an offset collection module, a position vector collection module, a set of sequentially implemented computation modules, including an angular alignment bias computation module, an observable position bias computation module and a position error computation module. The system thus allows a position error to be determined that is used to perform a landing in good conditions.