Aircraft Traffic Auto-Transition From Assigned Spacing to Visual Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition between assigned spacing operations and visual separation operations during high workload phases of flight, such as landing, is challenging due to the need for manual intervention by aircrew, which can lead to distraction and potential safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatic transition from assigned spacing to visual separation, utilizing a controller, memory, communication, and navigation systems to seamlessly hand off between traffic applications, reducing pilot workload through intuitive pre-configuration and execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual transition between assigned spacing and visual separation operations is implemented, then operational flexibility and pilot control are maintained, but pilot workload increases and safety risks arise due to distraction during high workload phases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the transition operation automatically without requiring pilot intervention. The auto transition system monitors flight conditions and executes the switch between assigned spacing and visual separation modes autonomously, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous pilot input during critical phases of flight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures the transition parameters and conditions before the actual transition is needed. By establishing the auto transition framework in advance and pre-setting the criteria for mode switching, the system eliminates the need for last-minute manual configuration during high workload periods, thereby reducing distraction and maintaining safety.
2Extent of automation
If manual transition procedures are used, then operational control remains with the aircrew, but task saturation occurs due to multiple mandatory checklists and procedures during high workload environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the transition management function with the existing traffic application framework. By integrating the auto transition capability into the existing assigned spacing and visual separation applications rather than creating a separate standalone system, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving automated transition operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The auto transition system is designed to work within the existing multi-functional traffic application architecture, utilizing the same display and control resources. This universal approach allows the transition automation to leverage existing system capabilities rather than requiring dedicated new hardware or software resources, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Loss of time
If the crew manually exits FIM Application and activates CAVS Application, then application-specific functions are properly executed, but transition time increases and distraction from safety tasks occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The auto transition system maintains continuous monitoring and control throughout the transition process without interruption. The system continuously manages the transition from assigned spacing to visual separation mode in an uninterrupted manner, eliminating the pauses and manual intervention steps that would otherwise break the operational flow and increase transition time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual mechanical interaction with applications (clicking, navigating menus, activating) with an automated electronic control process. By substituting the manual operational sequence with an automated system that electronically manages the transition between modes, the patent dramatically reduces transition time while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for an ownship aircraft auto transition from an assigned spacing application to a visual separation application provides the ability to intuitively pre-configure for and execute an automatic transition from an assigned spacing traffic application managing an assigned interval spacing to a traffic application managing visual separation from an assigned target aircraft. This feature enables integration between separate traffic applications, creating new capabilities while reducing the workload on the pilot during a particularly busy phase of flight.