Avionics Server Overlaying ADS-B Traffic on Aeronautical Charts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The slow adoption of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) In technology in small business jets is hindered by high implementation costs and the need for modifying existing avionics systems, making retrofitting older systems architectures cost-prohibitive without regulatory mandates.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft system comprising a display, an avionics server, and an ADS-B receiver, where the server hosts applications to generate and overlay geo-referenced aeronautical chart graphics with ADS-B traffic information, allowing for cost-effective integration of ADS-B In data into existing cockpit displays without requiring FAA certification of the software, using uncertified ADS-B receivers and hosted applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If ADS-B In applications are integrated into existing avionics systems, then pilot situational awareness is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary software layer that runs on existing avionics processors, acting as a bridge between the ADS-B receiver and the display system. This intermediary application processes ADS-B data and renders it on existing displays without requiring modification of the core avionics architecture, thereby avoiding high retrofitting costs while improving situational awareness
Solution Approach 2:
The solution makes existing avionics displays multi-functional by enabling them to display both traditional flight information and ADS-B traffic data through a software application. This allows the existing display hardware to serve multiple purposes without requiring additional dedicated displays for ADS-B functionality
2Loss of information
If ADS-B In applications are integrated into existing avionics systems, then pilot situational awareness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the avionics system into distinct functional modules: the existing certified core system, the new ADS-B receiver, and the intermediary software application. This segmentation allows the ADS-B functionality to be added as a separate, modular component that interfaces with but does not complicate the certified core system
3Productivity
If ADS-B In applications are integrated into existing avionics systems, then implementation speed is improved, but regulatory compliance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a software-based virtual representation of ADS-B functionality that operates within the existing avionics environment. This software copy of traffic display functionality can be rapidly deployed without hardware modifications, while the underlying certified avionics system maintains its regulatory compliance status
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a display, an avionics server, and an automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) receiver implemented in an aircraft. The avionics server may include a processor configured to host applications. The ADS-B receiver may be configured to receive ADS-B In data associated with traffic information from other aircraft in a vicinity of the aircraft. Execution of the applications may be configured to cause the processor to: generate geo-referenced aeronautical chart graphics data; output the geo-referenced aeronautical chart graphics data to the display; receive the ADS-B In data from the ADS-B receiver; generate geo-referenced traffic graphics data based on the received ADS-B In data; and output the geo-referenced traffic graphics data to the display. The display may be configured to receive the geo-referenced aeronautical chart graphics data and the geo-referenced traffic graphics data and display an image of a selected aeronautical chart overlaid with the traffic information.