Blockchain Air Traffic Identification Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air traffic management systems lack an efficient and accurate method for identifying and managing both manned and unmanned aircraft, leading to safety, privacy, and security concerns, as well as limitations in air traffic control coordination and regulatory compliance.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic secure identification network system utilizing a blockchain-based permissioned network, which enables secure sharing and management of aircraft identification information through a processor-connected secure database, allowing for mediated access and real-time updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transponder systems (ADS-B, IFF) are used for aircraft identification, then identification capability is provided, but the system becomes limited in scaling to large numbers of aircraft in dense airspaces and oversaturates users with information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification system into hierarchical layers: primary identification via transponders for immediate recognition, and secondary detailed identification through distributed database queries. This allows the system to handle basic identification locally while scaling to complex scenarios by distributing query processing across multiple nodes in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a network dimension to traditional transponder systems by implementing distributed database access over wide area networks. This transforms the system from purely radio-frequency based identification to a multi-dimensional approach combining RF transponders with networked information retrieval, enabling scalable handling of dense airspace scenarios.
2Reliability
If physical transponders are added to aircraft for detection and coordination, then identification and communication capability is improved, but cost, power requirements, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing aircraft transponders multi-functional by enabling them to serve both traditional air traffic control coordination purposes and new distributed database access functions. This universal approach allows small aircraft to use the same transponder hardware for both identification and information retrieval without adding separate dedicated equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables aircraft to self-serve identification information by querying distributed databases using their transponder codes. Instead of relying solely on ground-based radar identification, aircraft can autonomously retrieve their own identification data and share it with other aircraft and authorities, reducing the need for additional active transmission equipment.
3Ease of operation
If centralized air traffic control systems are used for coordination, then air traffic management is provided, but access to information is restricted and manual requests are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces distributed databases as intermediaries between aircraft and air traffic control authorities. These databases store identification and operational information and can be queried directly by authorized users through the transponder network, eliminating the need for manual information requests while maintaining centralized control through access policies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback loops where aircraft transponders continuously query and update their identification information from distributed databases, and this information is automatically shared with other aircraft and air traffic control systems. This continuous feedback mechanism replaces manual information requests with automated real-time updates.
4Productivity
If widespread unmanned aircraft operation is permitted, then industry benefits and capabilities expand, but safety, privacy, and security concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires preliminary registration and database entry of unmanned aircraft identification information before operation. This preliminary action ensures that all UAS are pre-identified and tracked in the distributed database, enabling authorities to monitor and control UAS operations proactively rather than reactively, thereby mitigating safety and security risks before they materialize.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical surveillance and manual tracking methods with automated electronic identification through transponders and distributed database queries. This substitution enables scalable monitoring of numerous UAS without proportionally increasing enforcement resources, as the system automatically tracks and identifies aircraft through their transponder signals and database records.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide improved systems (200, 400) and methods (500, 600, 700, 800) of identifying and managing unmanned (230) and manned (120a-b) air traffic. The systems and methods of the present disclosure allow for the establishment of communications that both protects and shares identity and other informational data. The exemplary system is a dynamic secure identification network system enabling users of the system, including aircraft and aircraft operators 250, to engage with all users of the system and share identification information through a permission-based network system, for example, a blockchain based system. The system enables varying levels of identity and other information to be communicated about each aircraft system located within the ecosystem and being queried by a user. Aircraft systems may include operated and/or autonomous aircraft systems.