In-Air Traffic Tracking Using Machine Learning Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D in-air traffic systems experience latency issues due to signal delays, leading to mismatches between displayed and actual positions of target aircraft, which reduces pilot confidence in the displayed information.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a sensor system, communication system, and a controller with a trained machine learning algorithm to determine a predicted 3D position of a target aircraft by adjusting tracked positions with compensation parameters, ensuring a more accurate real-time representation on a display device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the 3D in-air traffic system uses ADS-B data to determine and render target aircraft positions, then the system provides traffic situation awareness to pilots, but signal latencies cause the displayed icon positions to mismatch with real aircraft positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by receiving and processing ADS-B position data before the actual display rendering occurs. The controller continuously updates the tracked position of target aircraft in advance, so that when the display is rendered, the most current position information is already available, reducing the effective latency perceived by the pilot.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing the tracked ADS-B position data with the actual sensed position of target aircraft. This feedback loop allows the system to detect and compensate for latency-induced position mismatches, improving the accuracy of the displayed traffic information.
2Productivity
If the system processes ADS-B traffic data in real-time to render in-air traffic icons, then traffic information is displayed to pilots, but processing delays result in up to 3.5 second latency
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous processing of ADS-B traffic data rather than batch processing. The controller continuously receives, processes, and updates target aircraft positions, ensuring that the display is always working with the most recent information available. This continuous action minimizes gaps in information freshness and reduces overall latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing of ADS-B data as it arrives, preparing position information in advance for display rendering. By pre-processing the data stream continuously, the system avoids last-minute processing delays and ensures that position information is ready for immediate display when needed.
3Reliability
If the 3D in-air traffic system renders icons based on tracked position data, then pilot situation awareness is enhanced, but latency reduces crew confidence in the displayed information
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to continuously monitor and adjust for latency effects. By comparing tracked positions with actual sensed positions and applying corrections, the system maintains high reliability of displayed information, thereby preserving crew confidence despite the inherent latency in ADS-B data transmission and processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for in-air traffic tracking onboard an ownship. The system includes a display device, a sensor system configured to sense a sensed three-dimensional (3D) position of a target aircraft, a communication system configured to receive in-air traffic position data from an external source that includes a tracked 3D position of the target aircraft, and an in-air traffic tracking system that includes a controller configured to, by a processor: determine a predicted 3D position of the target aircraft by adjusting the tracked 3D position with compensation parameters, wherein the compensation parameters are determined based on a trained machine learning, determine a real-time 3D position of the target aircraft based on the sensed 3D position and/or the predicted 3D position, and render a tracking icon on the display device that indicates the real-time 3D position of the target aircraft.