Aviation Sensor Fusion for Runway Incursion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aviation safety systems have limitations in monitoring and preventing various operational risks near and at airports, including runway incursions, unstable approaches, and foreign object damage, due to reliance on multiple complex and expensive systems with limited object detection and tracking capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising multiple sensors, including LiDAR and camera sensors, strategically located throughout the aviation environment, which processes sensor information using data fusion and artificial intelligence to detect, identify, and track objects, and generate alerts for unsafe operations, thereby enhancing situation awareness and reducing reliance on human observation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple complex safety net systems are deployed to monitor aviation safety, then detection capability for traditional occurrence types is improved, but system complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaviation safety monitoringVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sensor types (cameras, LiDAR, radar) and multiple occurrence type monitoring into a single integrated system. The processing system combines data from different sensors and monitors both traditional occurrence types and emerging risks (drone strikes, foreign object damage, ground strikes) through unified algorithms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system is designed with universal capability to detect multiple occurrence types using the same sensor infrastructure. The processing system can identify and respond to various safety risks (aircraft conflicts, terrain proximity, runway incursions, drone strikes, foreign objects) through a single multi-functional platform, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems for each risk type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional safety net systems are used, then coverage for conventional occurrence types is provided, but detection capability for emerging risks (drone strikes, foreign object damage) is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsafety monitoring coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the detection parameters and algorithms to recognize emerging risk patterns that were not monitored before. The processing system analyzes sensor data for indicators of drone strikes, foreign object damage, and ground strikes by modifying detection criteria and training machine learning models to identify these previously undetected occurrence types while maintaining coverage for traditional safety risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If comprehensive sensor deployment is implemented to monitor all occurrence types, then monitoring coverage is improved, but installation time and operational disruption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring coverageVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the monitoring function into modular sensor units that can be independently deployed and configured. Each sensor type (camera, LiDAR, radar) operates as an independent module that feeds data to the central processing system, allowing for phased installation and minimal operational disruption. The modular architecture enables selective deployment of sensors based on specific monitoring priorities without requiring complete system replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The system provides real-time, comprehensive surveillance of aviation activities, enabling prompt detection of deviations from safe operation criteria, reducing the risk of aviation safety occurrences, and increasing operational efficiency while minimizing costs and human intervention.

Implementation Method 1

Each monitoring unit includes at least two types of sensors comprising a range sensor and a camera sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLIDAR: LIDAR

Implementation Method 2

Each monitoring unit includes at least two types of sensors comprising a range sensor and a camera sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250131836A1Systems and methods for monitoring activities in an aviation environment

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 DAHE GU

AI summary

The present invention is directed to systems and methods for monitoring activities in an aviation environment. The system includes at least two monitoring units, each including at least two types of sensors, wherein: the sensors are mounted at a plurality of locations in the aviation environment. The system further includes a processing system being configured to receive said information from the sensors, to process said information to monitor and make predictions, and to combine sensor information by applying data fusion. The system is further configured to compare sensor information with predetermined safety operation criteria, and to generate an alert signal. The method of the invention includes obtaining sensor information, receiving said information from the sensors at a processing system, processing said information, comparing the processed information with predetermined safety operation criteria, and generating an alert signal.