Radar Pulse Width Optimization for Runway Centerline Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional enhanced flight vision systems (EFVS) face challenges in low visibility conditions, such as CAT III fog and heavy precipitation, as infrared-based systems struggle to detect and display runways effectively, while RF-based systems deliver lower resolution images, and the use of additional equipment for integrity monitoring increases aircraft cost and weight.
Innovation Solution
A radar system with a radar antenna emitting pulses less than 6 microseconds, processing radar data to identify centroids of runway lights or infrastructure, and using best fit analysis to determine the runway centerline, which is then displayed on an electronic display, leveraging weather radar data to provide a clear representation of the runway centerline in all weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared-based enhanced vision systems are used, then the system can provide enhanced flight visibility, but the system fails to detect and display runways in low visibility conditions (RVR under 300 feet)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the radar system by using pulse widths less than 6 microseconds, which improves range resolution and enables accurate detection of runway features in low visibility conditions where infrared systems fail
2Object-affected harmful factors
If RF signals (millimeter wave radar) are used, then the system can penetrate challenging weather conditions, but the system delivers images of lower resolution compared to infrared cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pulse width parameter to less than 6 microseconds, which significantly improves the range resolution of the radar system while maintaining its ability to penetrate challenging weather conditions like fog and heavy precipitation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces infrared optical detection with radar electromagnetic wave detection, substituting a system that works in clear weather but fails in low visibility with a system that can operate in all weather conditions while achieving sufficient resolution through optimized pulse parameters
3Reliability
If additional equipment (integrity monitor) is added to provide monitored SVS, then the system can allow lower landing minimums, but the aircraft cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the radar system perform multiple functions: it provides both the primary enhanced flight visibility function and serves as its own integrity monitor by detecting runway features and generating the extended centerline, eliminating the need for separate integrity monitoring equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system performs self-integrity monitoring by independently detecting runway lights and infrastructure to generate the extended centerline display, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on additional external monitoring equipment
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 accurate detection and display of runway centerlines in challenging weather, enhancing pilot visibility and allowing for lower landing minimums by providing a reliable and cost-effective means of situational awareness, integrating with existing aircraft systems for improved system integrity.
Implementation Method 1
processing electronics configured to cause the radar antenna to emit radar pulses and configured to receive radar data associated with signals associated with the radar antenna
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is for use with an aircraft radar system having a radar antenna. The apparatus includes processing electronics configured to cause the radar antenna to emit radar pulses having a pulse width less than 6 microseconds and configured to receive radar data associated with signals associated with the radar antenna. The radar data is processed to identify centroids associated with indications of the runway lights for a runway in the radar data. A best fit analysis of the centroids is used to identify a runway centerline associated with the runway.