Linear Traffic Map Display for Tight Aircraft Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft fleets lack efficient display capabilities for managing tight spacing relative to other aircraft, and current systems provide insufficient data to flight crews for effective traffic management.
Innovation Solution
A compact display system that integrates a linear map on existing avionics displays, utilizing ADS-B In data to show range and closure rate with graphical symbols and thresholds, enabling intuitive traffic management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional traffic management systems are used, then existing avionics systems can be utilized, but the display capabilities are insufficient for efficient spacing of aircraft in crowded airspace
Solution Approach 1:
The traffic information is segmented into discrete graphical elements including ownship indicator, traffic indicator, closure rate indicator, and range indicator. Each element represents a specific aspect of the traffic situation, allowing the flight crew to quickly comprehend multiple parameters without being overwhelmed by a complex unified display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms three-dimensional spatial relationships and multiple traffic parameters into a two-dimensional graphical representation on the display. By projecting range, closure rate, and bearing information onto a planar display with standardized symbols and indicators, the system preserves essential spatial relationships while adapting to the constraints of traditional avionics display surfaces.
2Productivity
If advanced traffic applications are implemented, then more efficient management and spacing of aircraft traffic is achieved, but the flight crew must manage tight spacing with minimum data presentation
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual calculation and interpretation of raw traffic data with automated graphical generation. The processor automatically computes range, closure rate, and bearing from surveillance data and renders appropriate graphical indicators, eliminating the need for flight crew to perform manual calculations while maintaining awareness of tight spacing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color-coded graphical indicators to convey different traffic conditions and urgency levels. By using color variations to represent different closure rates, ranges, and traffic categories, the system provides intuitive visual cues that enable efficient traffic management without requiring the flight crew to interpret complex numerical data.
3Loss of information
If a comprehensive display of traffic data is provided, then complete information is available, but the display area requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and displays only the most critical traffic information elements: ownship position, traffic aircraft position, range, closure rate, and bearing. By selectively presenting these essential parameters through standardized graphical indicators rather than displaying all available surveillance data, the system maintains information completeness for safety-critical parameters while minimizing display area requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical display employs different visual properties for different information elements based on their importance and the stage of approach. Critical parameters such as closure rate and range use prominent indicators with distinct visual characteristics, while less critical information uses subtler representations. This allows comprehensive information presentation with optimized use of limited display space.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system may include a display and a processor. The processor is configured to: receive aircraft traffic data and ownship data; generate and update a linear map based on the aircraft traffic data and the ownship data; and output the linear map as graphical data to the display. The display is configured to display the linear map to a user. The linear map depicts a one-dimensional relationship between an ownship and designated traffic. The linear map conveys a range between the ownship and the designated traffic and conveys a closure rate between the ownship and the designated traffic. The linear map includes: a graphical threshold indicator; a graphical ownship indicator; a graphical scale; and a graphical designated traffic indicator.