Cockpit Display Runway Record Selection via ILS Aiming Point
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cockpit display systems face challenges in determining accurate runway threshold locations from multiple databases, leading to potential discrepancies between rendered Synthetic Vision System (SVS) runway images and actual runways, which can distract pilots and erode their confidence in the SVS.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an ILS signal to identify an aiming point on the target runway and select the most accurate runway record by determining which runway threshold deviates least from this aiming point, ensuring accurate rendering of the runway image in the cockpit display system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple databases are referenced to provide runway records, then the availability and completeness of runway information is improved, but the accuracy and consistency of runway threshold locations deteriorate due to variations between different databases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the ILS localizer signal as feedback to verify and select the most accurate runway threshold location. The computer system continuously monitors the ILS signal during approach and uses the point of zero deviation as the reference standard to evaluate and select among multiple runway records from different databases.
Solution Approach 2:
The ILS localizer signal serves as an intermediary reference standard that mediates between multiple conflicting runway records. Instead of directly comparing database records, the system uses the ILS signal as an external authoritative reference to determine which runway record most accurately represents the actual runway threshold location.
2Ease of operation
If an inaccurate runway record is used in the Synthetic Vision System, then the system can still provide visual guidance, but the discrepancy between rendered and actual runway causes pilot distraction and loss of confidence
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary selection and validation of runway records before they are used in the Synthetic Vision System. By evaluating multiple runway records against the ILS signal reference in advance and selecting the most accurate one, the system ensures that the SVS rendering is based on verified accurate data, preventing discrepancies that would cause pilot distraction.
3Reliability
If the system evaluates multiple runway records to determine accuracy, then the reliability of runway information is improved, but the complexity of the system increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing ILS localizer signal that is already being received and processed for navigation purposes. Rather than introducing entirely new measurement equipment or complex external reference systems, the system leverages the self-existing ILS infrastructure to automatically evaluate and select runway records, reducing the need for additional complex hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for selecting a runway record for a target runway are provided. The system includes: a first database having a first runway record with a first runway threshold; a second database having a second runway record with a second runway threshold; a transceiver for receiving an ILS signal; and a computer system. The computer system is configured to determine when the ILS signal is substantially zero. When the ILS signal is substantially zero, the computer system is configured to receive, from one or more databases, a plurality of runway records including corresponding runway thresholds; and select a most accurate runway record from the plurality of runway records based, at least in part, on which of the corresponding runway thresholds deviates least from the aiming point. In various embodiments, the most accurate runway record is then utilized for rendering images in a cockpit display system.