Spatio-Temporal Collision Avoidance Display for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems in aircraft require pilots to analyze the evolution of interference situations over time, which is complicated when dealing with moving objects at similar or higher speeds, as they only provide a spatial representation at a given instant, making it difficult to anticipate temporal changes and plan trajectory alterations effectively.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft collision avoidance system that includes a display and processors configured to receive interference information, determine the position, geometry, speed, and displacement of objects, and compute their predicted positions at a future time corresponding to the aircraft's flight path, allowing for a spatio-temporal overview of risk zones and facilitating decision-making.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional navigation screens display instantaneous spatial representation of objects, then the display is simple and provides current position information, but the crew cannot effectively anticipate temporal evolution of situations involving fast-moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary computation of predicted positions for multiple objects at a future time point corresponding to the aircraft's future position. This allows the crew to see in advance where objects will be when the aircraft arrives, enabling proactive trajectory planning rather than reactive responses to instantaneous situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from displaying only spatial information at a single instant to displaying temporal-spatial information by showing predicted positions at a future time point. This adds the time dimension to the display, transforming it from a static spatial representation to a dynamic spatio-temporal prediction that helps crew anticipate object movements.
2Reliability
If the system computes predicted positions for multiple fast-moving objects, then the crew can anticipate temporal evolution and plan trajectory alterations, but the computational complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system computes predicted positions of multiple objects at a future time point in advance, before the aircraft reaches that point in space-time. This preliminary computation allows the crew to evaluate potential collision risks and plan trajectory alterations proactively, improving reliability by providing sufficient decision-making time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system handles multiple types of objects (other aircraft, weather systems, terrain) with a unified prediction approach, computing their future positions relative to the aircraft's future position. This multi-functional capability improves reliability across different interference scenarios without requiring separate specialized systems for each object type.
3Ease of operation
If the system displays predicted positions of objects, then the crew can make informed trajectory decisions, but the display information becomes more complex requiring interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enhances the traditional spatial display by incorporating the time dimension, showing where objects will be positioned when the aircraft reaches a future point on its trajectory. This spatio-temporal representation maintains spatial relationships while adding temporal context, making it easier for the crew to understand future collision risks and make informed trajectory decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
In operating an aircraft, a situation is displayed at each instant representing a spatio-temporal overview of risk zones around the aircraft. Each direction in space around the aircraft is scanned, and a simulated displacement of the aircraft in each direction is analyzed so as to identify potential zones of interference with the aircraft's path. Anticipated movement of risk zones over a planned time duration of a flight is determined. Such anticipated movement is correlated with an anticipation position of the aircraft over the planned time duration. Accordingly, risk zones initially appearing as a potential hazard may be determined to be safe by the time the aircraft reaches them, and vice versa. Such information is presented to pilots at an outset of the flight and continuously updated throughout the flight, enabling accurate and safe evaluation and strategy decisions.