SBAS to GBAS Data Conversion for Satellite Automatic Landing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems face challenges in enabling satellite navigation-based automatic landings of aircraft at airports without significant effort, particularly due to the complexity and cost of installing Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS) infrastructure and the inability to continue automated precision approaches using Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS)-supported position calculations.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that convert Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) correction data into Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS) correction data, combining it with Final Approach Segment (FAS) data to form GLS data packets, which are then transmitted to aircraft via a radio link, allowing for standard GLS landings without the need for conventional GBAS infrastructure or precise reference receiver setups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GBAS correction data is used for satellite navigation-based automatic landing, then positioning precision is improved (order of one meter), but device complexity and installation effort increase significantly due to the need for reference receivers at known positions and linking them to a central unit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses SBAS correction data as a substitute or copy alternative to GBAS correction data. Instead of implementing the complex GBAS infrastructure with reference receivers, the system receives SBAS correction data from satellites and processes it to generate equivalent positioning corrections, thereby achieving similar positioning precision without the ground-based infrastructure complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives SBAS correction data and converts it into a format usable for automatic landing. This intermediary layer (the conversion device and method) bridges the gap between SBAS data and GLS requirements, enabling the use of simpler satellite-based data in place of complex ground-based GBAS infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If SBAS correction data is used for position determination, then coverage area is improved, but automation of precision approaches is lost at 250 feet altitude due to insufficient on-board database and connection requirements for formal approval

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidautomation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary conversion of SBAS correction data into GBAS-compatible format before the automatic landing sequence begins. By pre-processing the correction data and preparing it in the required format, the system ensures that when the aircraft reaches decision height (250 feet), all necessary data is already prepared and formatted correctly, enabling seamless continuation of automation through to landing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the format and parameters of SBAS correction data to match GBAS requirements. By transforming the data structure, coordinate systems, and presentation format of SBAS corrections, the system makes them compatible with existing GLS/GBAS processing equipment, thereby enabling automation continuation without requiring separate SBAS-specific approval pathways

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If GLS data packets are transmitted via VHF radio link, then direct routing to autopilot is achieved, but the system requires complex ground infrastructure with transmitters and approved data transmission routes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect autopilot routingVSAvoidground infrastructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical GBAS ground infrastructure (transmitters, reference receivers, cable connections) with a satellite-based data transmission system. Instead of using VHF radio links from ground transmitters, the system uses satellite downlink for correction data and other available data routes for ADAS data, substituting physical ground infrastructure with space-based infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3374797B1Method and device for providing an aircraft with data for a satellite navigation-based automatic landing
Publication Date: 2023.05.17 DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FÜR LUFT UND RAUMFAHRT E V
  • EP3374797B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

In order to provide an aircraft (18) with GLS (GBAS Landing System) data packets (12) for a satellite navigation-based automatic landing, the GLS data packets (12) comprising GBAS (Ground-based Augmentation System) correction data (8, 10) for a satellite navigation and FAS data that describes a set approach path (13) of the aircraft (18), SBAS (Satellite-based Augmentation System) correction data (4) for the satellite navigation are received from an SBAS satellite (5). The received SBAS correction data (4) are converted into GBAS correction data (8). The GBAS correction data (8) obtained by the conversion are combined with the FAS data (13) in the GLS data packets (12). The GLS data packets (12) are transmitted over a radio link (21) to the aircraft (18).