ATC Data in Navigational Charts for Avionics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current lack of a standardized format for Air Traffic Control (ATC) databases across avionics manufacturers leads to high maintenance costs and frequent updates, as each OEM must maintain separate software for ATC center information, complicating the upgrade process for aircraft communications in compliance with ATN mandates.
Innovation Solution
Integrating ATC center information into aircraft navigational charts hosted on a computing platform, allowing the avionics processing unit to access and update this information, eliminating the need for additional software and enabling standardized updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each avionics manufacturer maintains separate ATC database software, then each manufacturer can have customized formats, but maintenance costs increase and update complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ATC database information into the existing navigational chart data structure that is already present in avionics systems. Instead of maintaining separate database software, the ATC center information is integrated into the chart display system, allowing all manufacturers to use the same standardized data format while eliminating the need for separate maintenance of duplicate databases.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigational chart system is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it continues to provide navigation information while also displaying ATC center information, airport information, and other aeronautical data. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized software for different data types, reducing overall system complexity and maintenance burden.
2Reliability
If ATC database is updated frequently to support ATN mandates, then communication compliance is improved, but maintenance workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically retrieves and updates ATC center information from external sources via data networks. The avionics system performs self-updates without requiring manual intervention from maintenance personnel, reducing maintenance workload while ensuring current compliance with ATN mandates through automatic data refreshes.
Solution Approach 2:
ATC database information is pre-integrated into the navigational chart structure during system initialization or before updates are needed. This preliminary integration allows for streamlined updates where changes can be applied to the existing chart data structure rather than requiring complex database migration procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate ATC database software is maintained by each manufacturer, then specific manufacturer requirements can be met, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ATC database functionality with the existing navigational chart software that all manufacturers already provide. By merging these functions into a single integrated system, the patent eliminates the need for manufacturers to maintain separate software products, reducing resource requirements while still allowing customization through the chart display interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for aircraft communications comprises an avionics processing unit onboard an aircraft, and a computing platform onboard the aircraft and in operative communication with the avionics processing unit. The computing platform hosts at least one application and one or more aircraft navigational charts with Air Traffic Control (ATC) center identifying information. An aircraft data network is also in operative communication with the computing platform. The avionics processing unit is operative to receive an ATC center facility designator input by a user or from another onboard avionics system, and to transmit the ATC center facility designator to the computing platform. The application is operative to query the aircraft navigational charts based on the ATC center facility designator to obtain corresponding ATC center identifying information, and to send the corresponding ATC center identifying information to the avionics processing unit.