Dynamic Trajectory Synchronization for Air Traffic Conflict Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In air traffic management, existing systems face challenges in maintaining accurate and synchronized air traffic trajectories across independent systems, leading to uncertainties and inefficiencies due to discrepancies caused by changes in flight intent, controller interventions, and prediction errors, which affect airspace capacity and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic trajectory synchronization method and apparatus that continuously monitor and adjust trajectories by comparing active and synchronized trajectories, updating them as needed, and exchanging data between aircraft and ground systems using communication protocols like CPDLC and ADS-C to ensure consistent and conflict-free flight paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If independent systems (FMS and ground ATC) maintain separate trajectory predictions, then each system can operate autonomously with its own algorithms and data sources, but trajectory discrepancies accumulate leading to uncertainty and reduced airspace capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trajectory synchronization mechanism that acts as an intermediary between independent FMS and ground ATC systems. This synchronization process reconciles trajectory predictions from both systems by identifying and resolving discrepancies, ensuring that both systems operate from a consistent trajectory understanding while maintaining their independence. The synchronization mechanism mediates between autonomous operations and trajectory accuracy.
2Reliability
If trajectory synchronization is performed continuously throughout the flight, then trajectory accuracy is maintained despite disturbances, but computational resources and processing time are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic trajectory synchronization at predetermined intervals during the flight rather than continuous synchronization. This approach maintains trajectory accuracy by regularly updating and reconciling trajectories at scheduled points, while reducing computational resource consumption by avoiding constant processing. The periodic action balances synchronization reliability with energy efficiency.
3Productivity
If trajectory updates are performed frequently to account for disturbances, then operational efficiency is improved, but communication bandwidth and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic trajectory updates that adapt to actual flight conditions and disturbances. Rather than fixed frequent updates, the system monitors for specific disturbance conditions (weather changes, traffic conflicts, aircraft performance variations) and performs synchronization updates only when needed. This dynamic approach improves operational efficiency by responding to actual conditions while avoiding unnecessary updates that would increase complexity and communication overhead.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided an apparatus and method to synchronize trajectories from independent systems such as from a flight management system and the ground Air traffic control during the entire history of a flight. Since a number of trajectory discrepancy factors will intervene during the lifetime of a flight, such as a change in flight intent, controller intervention, or large deviations of the actual flight from the predicted trajectory due to prediction errors, there is need to dynamically monitor these deviations and control a dynamic synchronization cycle. A dynamic trajectory synchronization algorithm attempts to bring each of the systems back into balance whenever a disturbance causes an imbalance. Disturbances include deviation of atmospheric conditions from predicted, change of pilot preference, and unpredicted events requiring controller action, such as need for separation from other aircraft or change in convective weather, special use airspace, or scheduling requirements.