Infrared Stop Bar Detection for Aircraft Taxiing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for providing taxiway stop bar information to aircrew are inadequate in low visibility conditions and require periodic database updates and communication with air traffic control, leading to safety risks due to potential oversight of stop bars.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an infrared camera and image processing unit on the aircraft that detects light signatures from stop bars, generates signals for a processor to display graphic depictions of detected stop bars on a display screen, and provides alerts based on aircraft position and motion, eliminating the need for external updates and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aircrew reduce taxiing speed below normal speeds, then stop bar detection reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual observation system with an automated optical detection system using infrared sensors and image processing. The system captures infrared images of the taxiway environment, processes these images to detect stop bar light signatures, and provides automated alerts to the aircrew. This substitution eliminates the need for aircrew to manually slow down for visual inspection, thereby maintaining high taxiing speeds while ensuring reliable stop bar detection.
2Measurement precision
If ground-based detection solutions are implemented, then stop bar detection precision is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional ground-based detection approach by placing the detection system on the aircraft rather than on the ground. Instead of installing complex ground infrastructure such as induction loops, microwave sensors, or light gates, the system uses onboard infrared cameras and image processing units to detect stop bars. This inversion simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for extensive ground infrastructure while maintaining detection precision through advanced image processing algorithms.
3Reliability
If onboard solutions with navigation databases are used, then stop bar detection reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service detection system that does not rely on external navigation databases or datalinks from air traffic control. The onboard infrared detection system independently identifies stop bars by detecting their characteristic light signatures in the infrared spectrum. The image processing unit automatically processes captured images to locate and identify stop bars without requiring database updates or external communication, thereby maintaining reliability while eliminating the complexity associated with database management and datalink infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances stop bar detection accuracy in low visibility conditions, reduces the risk of oversight, and provides timely alerts to aircrew, improving safety without requiring additional airport or aircraft surface equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a light detection subsystem that is configured to detect a light signature emitted from a stop bar
Data Source
AI summary
A method for displaying stop bar information to an aircrew member of an aircraft includes the steps of capturing a light signature emitted from an area surrounding the aircraft, processing the captured light signature to detect a lighted stop bar, and providing information to the aircrew member regarding the detection of the lighted stop bar.