TDMA Position Reporting for Low Latency Aircraft Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft traffic collision avoidance systems, such as TCAS and ADS-B, face high latency rates and complexity in formation flying scenarios, making it difficult to maintain situational awareness in close formation flights, especially in zero-visibility conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a time-division multiple access (TDMA) network with an interface protocol to generate low latency position information by dividing a radio frequency signal into time slots, allowing existing communication radios to be upgraded or new ones manufactured to implement this protocol, enabling efficient position reporting within a narrow bandwidth channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional TCAS and ADS-B systems are used for position reporting, then position information can be transmitted, but the latency rate is high and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the position reporting system into multiple time slots within a frame structure, allowing different aircraft to transmit position information in sequential intervals. This TDMA approach reduces latency by ensuring each aircraft gets a dedicated transmission window, eliminating the need for complex continuous communication protocols while maintaining efficient position reporting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic time slot allocation where each aircraft is assigned specific time intervals for position reporting. This periodic transmission schedule simplifies the system by using fixed, repeating patterns rather than complex adaptive protocols, reducing both latency and system complexity through predictable, rhythmic communication cycles.
2Loss of information
If position information is transmitted continuously to maintain situational awareness, then situational awareness is improved, but the bandwidth requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments continuous position reporting into discrete time slots, allowing situational awareness to be maintained through periodic updates rather than continuous transmission. This segmentation reduces bandwidth requirements by transmitting position information only at scheduled intervals, while the TDMA structure ensures all aircraft receive necessary information to maintain formation awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic time slot allocation that can adapt to different formation configurations and communication needs. The system dynamically adjusts which aircraft transmit and when, optimizing bandwidth usage while maintaining situational awareness. This dynamic scheduling allows the system to reduce bandwidth requirements during stable formation phases while ensuring continuous awareness when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Present novel and non-trivial apparatus and method for generating low latency position information from position signals transmitted in a narrow bandwidth channel of a radio frequency are disclosed. An aircraft (i.e., ownship) and each target (e.g., aircraft) of a time-division multiple access (“TDMA”) network receives its respective position derived from its individual source such as a satellite navigation system. A processing module of a communication device installed in ownship and each target generate position signals, and during the allocated time slots of an interface protocol, exchange position information with the others in the network over a narrow bandwidth channel (e.g., bandwidths of 25 KHz or less) of a radio frequency in the VHF range or lower UHF range. The interface protocol may also be comprised of a voice contention time slot for the transmission of messages and an order wire for the administration of the network.