Dynamic Runway Indicator for Approach Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pilots face challenges in completing a stabilized approach to a runway, especially in low visibility conditions, due to the limitations of existing runway assistance systems which do not provide adequate instrumentation cues for adjusting the aircraft flight path accurately.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic runway indicator system that displays a conformal runway with a polygonal runway indicator, adjusting its position based on the aircraft's location, providing advanced cues for pilots to align the aircraft with the recommended landing path, thereby improving approach accuracy and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional runway assistance systems (ILS) are used to provide lateral and glide slope indicators, then pilots can navigate the aircraft during approach, but the systems do not provide adequate instrumentation cues for adjusting the aircraft flight path accurately, especially in low visibility conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the runway environment by displaying a conformal runway representation with a dynamic polygon indicator that replicates the visual appearance and movement characteristics of the actual runway. This virtual copy provides intuitive visual cues that are easier for pilots to interpret than traditional instrument indicators, thereby improving approach accuracy while reducing pilot workload during instrument flight conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional traditional ILS indicators to a three-dimensional conformal runway display where the polygon indicator moves along the runway centerline. This dimensional enhancement provides depth perception and spatial context that improves measurement precision of aircraft position while maintaining ease of operation through natural visual interpretation
2Measurement precision
If a conformal runway display with dynamic polygon indicator is implemented, then advanced instrumentation cues are provided for adjusting aircraft flight path, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conformal runway display system serves multiple functions: it provides lateral position indication, glide slope information, distance to runway threshold, and visual alignment cues all within a single integrated display. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same visual elements convey multiple pieces of navigation information simultaneously
3Adaptability or versatility
If the polygon indicator continuously adjusts position based on aircraft location, then real-time flight path adjustment cues are provided, but the system requires continuous processing and display updates
Solution Approach 1:
The system updates the polygon indicator position at periodic intervals based on aircraft location changes rather than continuously. This periodic refresh approach provides adaptive visual cues that match the discrete nature of aircraft position reporting, thereby reducing unnecessary processing and energy consumption while maintaining the adaptability needed for safe approach operations
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic runway indicator is displayed overlying a conformal runway for assisting a pilot in completing an approach to landing on a runway. The dynamic runway indicator includes a polygon, that by changing position with respect to the conformal runway, provides advanced instrumentation cues to the pilot for adjusting the aircraft flight path to a normal, or recommended, path to the runway for landing, thereby assisting the pilot to improve the accuracy and safety of the approach and landing.