Airport Mapping Database Integration for Operational Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airport mapping databases only provide information about visible elements, making it difficult for pilots and aircraft crew to obtain necessary operational data, thereby increasing the time required for airport operations.
Innovation Solution
Integrating operational data into airport mapping databases by storing visible and non-visible elements using geometric features, associating them based on operational relationships, and updating the database with non-visible attribute data to enhance usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If airport mapping databases only store visible elements, then the database structure remains simple, but pilots and crew cannot access comprehensive operational information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the database into two distinct sets: visible elements (from satellite imagery) and non-visible elements (operational data). This segmentation allows comprehensive information storage while maintaining organized database structure through separate identification and association mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where non-visible elements are associated with visible elements through geometric features. The non-visible operational data is effectively nested within the context of visible geographic features, allowing pilots to access operational information by querying visible elements.
2Productivity
If pilots obtain information from multiple external sources, then comprehensive information can be obtained, but the time required for airport operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple information sources (visible geographic data and non-visible operational data) into a single integrated airport mapping database. This consolidation eliminates the need for pilots to query multiple external sources, reducing information retrieval time and improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The database is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: storing geographic visible elements for mapping purposes and operational non-visible elements for flight operations. This multi-functionality allows a single database to replace multiple specialized data sources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-visible operational data is integrated into the database, then comprehensive airport information is available, but the database complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses geometric features as an intermediary mechanism to associate non-visible elements with visible elements. This intermediary approach simplifies data management by providing a standardized method for linking operational data to geographic features without requiring complex many-to-many relationship management.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for providing data about an airport from an airport mapping database. A first set of elements are stored in the airport mapping database, wherein the first set of elements are visible objects and are identified using a set of geometric features. A second set of elements are stored in the airport mapping database, wherein the second set of elements are non-visible objects and are identified using the set of geometric features. A first element from the first set of elements is associated with a second element in the second set of elements based on an operational relationship between the first element and the second element. A responsive set of elements containing one element from the first set of elements and another element from the second set of elements based on associations between elements in the first set of elements and the second set of elements are returned in response to a query.