Aircraft Turnaround Tracking with Geospatial and ADS-B Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining aircraft turnaround time are either costly due to the need for camera-equipped parking stands or inaccurate due to reliance on aircraft communication systems, and they lack wide access to competitor data.
Innovation Solution
A system using geospatial data and aircraft location data to determine turnaround time by monitoring wireless data streams, establishing on-block and off-block times, and generating real-time indicators for excessive turnaround durations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera-equipped parking stands are used to monitor turnaround time, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ADS-B transponders on aircraft as intermediaries to provide location data, eliminating the need for cameras at parking stands. The transponder acts as a mediator that enables the monitoring system to track aircraft position and determine turnaround times without requiring expensive camera infrastructure at each stand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical camera-based monitoring system with an electronic ADS-B transponder system. Instead of using cameras to visually detect aircraft presence, the system uses electronic signals from the aircraft's own transponder to automatically track position and calculate turnaround times.
2Device complexity
If radio messages from aircraft communication system are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the aircraft's existing ADS-B transponder system, which already provides location data for other purposes. The transponder serves itself by providing location information that can be used for turnaround time monitoring without requiring additional configuration or equipment on the aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the ADS-B transponder system multi-functional by using its location data for both traditional air traffic monitoring and for determining aircraft turnaround times. This universal use of the transponder data eliminates the need for separate communication system configuration while improving measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If camera-based monitoring is deployed at all parking stands, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases due to equipment costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the aircraft's existing transponder as a disposable-like resource that already provides the needed data. Instead of investing in expensive, permanent camera infrastructure at each parking stand, the system utilizes the transient but sufficient location data from the aircraft's own transponder, eliminating large equipment investments.
4Ease of operation
If radio message approach is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to underestimation of turnaround time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors ADS-B transponder location data and automatically updates turnaround time calculations. The system receives feedback from the aircraft's position data and adjusts the on-block and off-block time determinations accordingly, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining a turnaround time for an aircraft at an airport includes one or more processors, one or more geospatial databases storing geospatial data, and a memory coupled to the one or more processors and the one or more geospatial databases. The memory stores data into a database and program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the system to monitor a wireless data stream indicating aircraft location data. In response to determining the aircraft is idle and is located within an area where a unique parking stand is located, the system establishes a current position timestamp as an on-block time. In response to determining the aircraft is moving out of the unique parking stand, the system determines a position timestamp when the aircraft was last idle, and sets the position timestamp collected when the aircraft was last idle as an off-block time.