Overlay-Modulated ATC Signal for Airborne Interval Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current data links for airborne applications are bandwidth-limited and expensive, posing challenges for global coordination and communication, especially in complex systems that require large data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The method involves encoding an overlay message onto a modulated air traffic control (ATC) signal using a selected modulation protocol, allowing for interval management of a target aircraft's flight path, and transmitting this information through existing 1090 MHz airborne surveillance systems and ADS-B ground stations, enabling efficient data communication without requiring new units on aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If existing data links are used for airborne applications, then communication can be established, but bandwidth is limited and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines interval management data with existing ATC communications by overlaying the data onto the ATC signal. This merging approach allows both ATC communications and interval management data to be transmitted through the same communication channel, thereby increasing data transmission capacity without requiring separate communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ATC communication system is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both traditional ATC communications and interval management data simultaneously. This universal approach allows the existing data link to serve multiple purposes, improving communication efficiency and reducing the need for dedicated interval management communication channels.
2Reliability
If new units are installed on aircraft for data link use, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing ATC communication system is enhanced to perform dual functions: traditional ATC communications and interval management data transmission. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated units on aircraft, maintaining communication reliability while avoiding increased device complexity and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing ATC communication infrastructure is utilized to provide interval management capabilities without requiring additional specialized equipment on aircraft. The system leverages already-deployed communication resources, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides additional bandwidth for airborne applications, supporting interval management, runway safety, and trajectory-based operations while being cost-effective and compatible with legacy ATC equipment, facilitating efficient communication and control of aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
modulating the provided modulated ATC signal with the overlay message using the selected overlay modulation protocol
Implementation Method 2
The provided modulated ATC signal can be modulated with a pulse position modulation protocol
Data Source
AI summary
Computer assistance in interval management may be beneficial in a number of ways. For example, digital communication of interval management instructions or information related to interval management may beneficially be communicated to aircraft with respect to other aircraft. This information may be communicated overlaid on air traffic control (ATC) communications, or otherwise. A method can include, for example, obtaining a spacing goal for an aircraft relative to a target aircraft. The method can also include determining clearance instructions for the aircraft, wherein the speed guidance is based on the spacing goal. The method can further include transmitting the clearance instructions in a computer-readable format to the aircraft. The instructions can be provided by an overlay-modulated signal of a provided modulated ATC signal. The instructions can be configured to enable control of the aircraft to achieve the spacing goal.