Aircraft Position Mapping on Non-Linear Flight Charts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods are inaccurate and difficult for mapping an aircraft's position on non-linear or non-scale navigational charts, such as Departure Procedure (DP), Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR), and Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP) charts, which are commonly used in low visibility conditions or instrument flight rules.
Innovation Solution
A system that receives navigational charts, identifies georeferenceable points, converts geographic coordinates to image coordinates using the segment's scale, and maps the aircraft's position through interpolation or extrapolation along the nearest segment, allowing accurate representation on non-linear charts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mapping methods are used on non-linear navigational charts, then the mapping process is simple, but the mapping accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the non-linear navigational chart into multiple linear segments connecting georeferenceable points. Each segment is processed independently with its own coordinate transformation, allowing accurate mapping on complex non-linear charts by breaking them down into manageable linear portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces georeferenceable points as intermediary elements that serve as reference markers between the real-world geographic coordinate system and the chart coordinate system. These points enable accurate coordinate transformation by providing known correspondence relationships between the two systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-linear navigational charts are used for flight procedures, then the charts can represent complex flight paths, but mapping the aircraft position becomes difficult and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the non-linear chart into multiple linear portions, each defined by consecutive georeferenceable points. This allows the system to maintain the versatility of non-linear charts for representing complex flight paths while achieving accurate position mapping through piecewise linear transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the coordinate system parameters dynamically based on which segment the aircraft is in. By identifying the relevant segment and applying the appropriate coordinate transformation for that segment, the system achieves accurate mapping across the entire non-linear chart.
3Measurement precision
If georeferenceable points are identified and coordinate transformation is performed, then mapping accuracy improves, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coordinate transformation process into multiple simple linear transformations, one for each segment. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual transformation while achieving overall high accuracy across the entire non-linear chart.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically identifies georeferenceable points and performs coordinate transformations without requiring manual intervention. The automated detection and processing reduce the operational complexity despite the increased computational requirements for accurate mapping.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for mapping an aircraft position on segments that lie between waypoints on a non-linear map by converting real world geographic coordinates of an aircraft to image X, Y coordinates using an image X, Y length or scale of a respective segment as a basis for the conversion. The aircraft position may be mapped in real time and presented to a user via an aircraft device.