Ground-Based Obstacle Alert System for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft obstacle alert systems require significant onboard storage and routine database upgrades, which can be impractical for smaller aircraft, necessitating a system to transmit obstacle alerts from a ground-based database.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where an in-flight aircraft transmits its parameters to a ground-based processor, which calculates safety envelopes for the aircraft and obstacles, generating alerts if a conflict is detected, using a ground-based terrain database and communication methods like VHF or satellite signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an onboard terrain database is used in the aircraft, then obstacle alert functionality is provided, but significant onboard storage space is required and routine database upgrades are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The terrain database is extracted from the aircraft and relocated to a ground-based server. The onboard system retains only the minimal functionality to transmit aircraft parameters and receive alert decisions, while the bulk of the database and complex processing operations are performed remotely on the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
A ground-based server acts as an intermediary between the aircraft and the terrain database. The server receives aircraft parameters, performs the obstacle alert determination using the terrain database, and transmits alerts back to the aircraft, eliminating the need for the aircraft to store the entire database.
2Reliability
If an onboard terrain database is used in the aircraft, then obstacle alert functionality is provided, but the database requires routine upgrades and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The ground-based server system can automatically update the terrain database without requiring aircraft downtime or manual intervention. The centralized database can be maintained and upgraded independently, and these updates are automatically available to all connected aircraft, eliminating the need for each aircraft to undergo separate maintenance cycles.
3Quantity of substance
If sufficient onboard storage space is available, then a large terrain database can be stored, but this is not feasible for smaller aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The ground-based server system provides a universal platform that serves all aircraft regardless of size. Whether a large commercial aircraft or a small general aviation plane, all can access the same comprehensive terrain database and obstacle alert functionality through the ground-based system, making the capability universally available without being constrained by individual aircraft storage limitations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing obstacle alerts to an in-flight aircraft has been developed. First, parameters of an in-flight aircraft are transmitted to a ground based processor station. The station calculates an aircraft safety envelope based on these parameters. The station accesses the characteristics of obstacles stored in a terrain database and calculates an obstacle safety envelope. Finally, the station determines if the aircraft safety envelope conflicts with the obstacle safety envelope and generates an alert for the aircraft if a conflict exists.