Aircraft Trajectory Representation with Segmented Georeferenced and Predicted Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current synthetic vision systems in aircraft struggle to accurately represent the three-dimensional trajectory of an aircraft when it deviates from a perfectly georeferenced flight plan, leading to discontinuities and imprecise predictions due to factors like wind and changes in flight modes.
Innovation Solution
A method for displaying the aircraft's future trajectory as a succession of segments, combining predicted and imposed trajectories, using an iterative process that computes and smooths trajectories, corrects for deviations, and displays them with boundary markers that differentiate between georeferenced and non-georeferenced segments, enhancing visibility and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the trajectory is represented using a georeferenced frame of reference, then the representation is clear and continuous for perfectly defined trajectories, but discontinuities and imprecision occur when the trajectory deviates from the planned path due to wind or flight mode changes
Solution Approach 1:
The trajectory representation is segmented into multiple portions: a first portion representing the planned georeferenced trajectory, and one or more second portions representing actual trajectory segments computed from sensor data. This segmentation allows the system to maintain clear georeferenced representation where applicable while adapting to actual flight deviations through separate trajectory segments that account for wind and flight mode changes, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the trajectory prediction includes wind compensation and flight mode adjustments, then the representation adapts to actual flight conditions, but the complexity of computing and representing the trajectory increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trajectory is divided into computationally distinct segments: a planned trajectory segment that can be pre-computed and displayed, and actual trajectory segments that are computed incrementally based on sensor data and flight mode. This segmentation reduces computational complexity by avoiding the need to recompute the entire trajectory while maintaining adaptability through incremental updates of relevant segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-computes and displays the planned georeferenced trajectory portion before flight execution. This preliminary action provides a stable reference framework that reduces the computational burden during flight, as only deviations from this pre-computed path need to be calculated and integrated in real-time based on sensor data and flight mode changes.
3Ease of operation
If the trajectory tunnel is displayed with fixed boundaries, then the representation is simple and clear for georeferenced paths, but it produces discontinuities and loses clarity when the aircraft deviates from the planned trajectory
Solution Approach 1:
The trajectory tunnel is segmented into a first tunnel portion aligned with the planned georeferenced trajectory and one or more second tunnel portions aligned with the actual trajectory segments. This segmentation allows each tunnel portion to maintain its own boundaries and clarity characteristics, ensuring that the representation remains clear and reliable whether the aircraft is following the planned path or has deviated due to wind or flight mode changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The trajectory tunnel boundaries are made dynamic by allowing the second tunnel portions to adjust their orientation and position based on the actual trajectory segments. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the tunnel representation remains reliable and clear during deviations, as the boundaries automatically adjust to encompass the actual flight path while maintaining visual clarity through segment-specific boundary definitions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the three-dimensional representation of the trajectory of an aircraft in flight implemented in a navigation system of an aircraft is provided. The flight plan of the aircraft comprises imposed georeferenced trajectories and predicted non-georeferenced trajectories. When the trajectory of the aircraft is dependent on a non-georeferenced flight setpoint, the three-dimensional representation method is an iterative process comprising the following steps: computing a predicted trajectory arising from at least one computed trajectory extending over a determined distance or duration; computing a smoothed trajectory from the predicted trajectory in order to obtain a resulting trajectory; computing a displayed trajectory, the trajectory being equal to the resulting trajectory corrected for constant deviations or deviations depending on the application of setpoints from the flight director; and displaying the displayed trajectory.