Runway Incursion Alerting System Using Multi-Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional runway incursion alerting systems are inadequate in detecting obstacles without transponders and are limited in accuracy and integrity, particularly in underdeveloped regions or scenarios where infrastructure is lacking, and they struggle to handle various airport layouts and taxiway operations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A runway incursion alerting system and algorithm that processes ownship, traffic, and obstacle data to generate alerts, utilizing a combination of sensors and data link information from multiple aircraft subsystems, including real-time sensors and ground-based infrastructure, to provide accurate and robust incursion detection and advisories, capable of handling various airport layouts and scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional runway incursion alerting systems use transponder-based detection, then detection capability is improved for equipped obstacles, but detection reliability deteriorates for obstacles without transponders
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection task into multiple independent sensor modalities: transponder-based detection for equipped obstacles and passive sensor-based detection (radar, LIDAR, optical) for unequipped obstacles. Each sensor type operates independently to detect different classes of obstacles, ensuring comprehensive coverage regardless of transponder presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges data from multiple sensor sources including transponders, radar, LIDAR, optical sensors, and ground-based infrastructure into a unified detection framework. This multi-sensor fusion approach combines the strengths of active and passive detection methods to achieve reliable obstacle detection across all scenarios.
2Device complexity
If stand-alone sensor systems are used to detect obstacles, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates compared to cooperative signal systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal detection architecture that performs both cooperative transponder-based detection and passive sensor-based detection through the same processing platform. The system automatically selects and combines appropriate detection methods based on obstacle characteristics, achieving high precision without requiring separate dedicated systems for each detection mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intelligent data fusion intermediary that processes and correlates data from multiple sensor types. This intermediary layer reconciles information from transponders, radar, LIDAR, and optical sensors, resolving ambiguities and enhancing detection accuracy while maintaining system simplicity through centralized processing.
3Reliability
If ground-based infrastructure is deployed to enhance detection, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its use of ground-based infrastructure based on operational needs and environmental conditions. The system can flexibly activate or deactivate specific sensor types and processing modes, optimizing the balance between detection reliability and system complexity for different airport layouts and operational scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local quality enhancement by deploying detection resources selectively based on airport-specific risk profiles and operational characteristics. Different airport zones receive tailored detection coverage appropriate to their hazard levels, optimizing infrastructure investment and complexity management while maintaining necessary reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for detecting incursions for an aircraft and surface vehicles includes an incursion processor receiving ownship position from an ownship navigation processor, traffic information from a traffic surveillance processor, and obstacle information from an obstacle detector and generating alert information. The apparatus also includes a display processor receiving airport chart information and providing display information for displaying the alert information and airport chart information.