Optical Ground Collision Avoidance for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft collision risks on the ground are significant due to poor visibility and radar interference, leading to high costs from repairs and grounding, as existing anti-collision systems are ineffective when aircraft are on the ground.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using proximity detectors and a warning system, including a centralized module that processes signals from detectors and aircraft parameters to generate visual and acoustic alarms for crew and ground personnel, minimizing false warnings by considering speed and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radar-based anti-collision systems are used, then collision detection capability is improved, but the system becomes ineffective on the ground due to radar wave reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from radar waves (electromagnetic) to optical waves (visible light), allowing the system to function effectively on the ground where radar reflections cause interference. The optical detection system uses cameras and image processing to detect objects, avoiding the ground reflection problem that plagues radar systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the radar-based electromagnetic detection system with an optical detection system using cameras and image processing. This substitution allows the system to operate effectively on the ground by using visible light instead of radio waves, which are subject to harmful reflections from the ground surface.
2Loss of information
If video cameras are used for monitoring, then visual information for pilots is improved, but the system requires good visibility conditions and cannot detect risks automatically
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic object detection and risk assessment without requiring pilot intervention. The image processing algorithms automatically analyze camera feeds, identify potential collision risks, and generate warnings, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on good visibility conditions or manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the environment through cameras and provides real-time feedback to the pilot via warnings and alerts. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to detect risks automatically and inform the pilot, reducing the need for manual monitoring and maintaining effectiveness under various visibility conditions.
3Reliability
If proximity detectors are deployed extensively, then collision detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a multi-functional approach where a single optical detection system serves multiple purposes: detecting objects, determining their position, assessing collision risk, and providing warnings. This universal system replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized sensors and processing systems, reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection, analysis, and warning functions into an integrated system. Rather than deploying separate proximity detectors throughout the aircraft, the system merges these functions into a centralized optical detection and processing unit that achieves the same safety goals with reduced complexity.
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
Effectively warns of potential collisions on the ground, reducing the risk of accidents and associated costs by providing accurate and timely alerts to aircraft operators and ground personnel.
Implementation Method 1
Many aircraft are provided with anti-collision devices based on the use of radars suitable for detecting the presence of other aircraft
Implementation Method 2
receipt of at least one indication from the said proximity detector relating to the presence of an object
Data Source
AI summary
The invention has as its object to determine a risk of collision on the ground between an aircraft and another object. The aircraft comprises at least one proximity detector and a communication system suitable for setting up a communication among several points, at least one of the points being able to be external to the aircraft. After having received at least one indication from the proximity detector relating to the presence of an object, a signal representing an acoustic alarm linked to the detection of the object is generated then transmitted to the warning system. A comparison advantageously is made between the indication received from the proximity detector and certain parameters of the aircraft, the signal representing an acoustic alarm linked to the detection of the object being generated in response to the result of this comparison.