Radar Data Processing for Low Visibility Runway Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) face challenges in detecting and displaying runways in low visibility conditions, particularly under 300 feet runway visual range (RVR), and lack the capability to provide real-time, high-resolution images of runways in challenging weather, which restricts pilots' ability to operate below certain altitudes during instrument approaches.
Innovation Solution
The system utilizes radar data from a weather radar system to detect and display runway features, including periodic patterns of runway lights, using processing electronics and algorithms like Fourier transforms to identify spatial patterns, thereby providing real-time images and orientation of runways, even in adverse weather conditions, without requiring additional equipment for integrity monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared-based enhanced vision systems are used to view the runway, then the system can provide visual information in normal conditions, but the system fails to detect and display runways in low visibility conditions (under 300 feet RVR)
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operating parameter from infrared/optical wavelengths to millimeter wave radar frequencies, which have the ability to penetrate fog, rain, and other low visibility conditions that block infrared and visible light sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical/mechanical infrared camera system with an electronic radar system using electromagnetic waves at millimeter wavelengths, which are less affected by atmospheric conditions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If millimeter wave radar signals are used to penetrate challenging weather conditions, then the system can detect runways in low visibility, but the image resolution is lower compared to infrared-based cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the radar signal processing into multiple stages including signal reception, Fourier transformation to identify periodic patterns of runway lights, and image reconstruction, allowing optimization at each stage to improve resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses advanced signal processing techniques including Fourier transforms to analyze periodic patterns in the radar data, applying more processing than basic radar systems to extract higher resolution information from the millimeter wave signals
3Reliability
If additional equipment is added to provide an integrity monitor for SVS system, then the design assurance level increases allowing lower landing minimums, but the cost and weight of the aircraft increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system performs multiple functions: it provides the primary enhanced vision imagery and simultaneously serves as the integrity monitor for the SVS system, eliminating the need for separate monitoring equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the integrity monitoring function with the primary radar imaging function, combining what would traditionally be separate systems into a single integrated radar unit that provides both visualization and verification
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
This solution enables reliable detection and display of runway features in challenging weather, enhancing pilots' visibility and decision-making capabilities, allowing for lower landing minimums and reducing the cost and weight of additional systems, while ensuring the integrity of Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS).
Implementation Method 1
The present disclosure more specifically relates to an apparatus and method for the detection and/or display of runways and/or runway features using radar
Implementation Method 2
use radio frequency (RF) signals such as millimeter wave (mmW) radar and/or weather radar signals
Implementation Method 3
using processing electronics and algorithms like Fourier transforms to identify spatial patterns
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is for use with an aircraft radar system having a radar antenna. The apparatus comprises processing electronics are configured to receive radar data associated with the radar antenna of the system. The processing electronics are also configured to detect periodic data associated with runway lights in the radar data.