UAS Traffic Display via ADS-B In and Remote ID
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack the ability to effectively display unmanned aircraft (UAS) traffic data to pilots of manned aircraft without requiring additional equipment, posing a safety hazard due to potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
Modifying existing FAA ground stations to receive and process UAS remote ID data, formatting it into ADS-B traffic messages for broadcast to manned aircraft, allowing existing aircraft equipment to display UAS traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UAS traffic data is displayed to manned aircraft pilots, then situational awareness and safety are improved, but additional equipment is required which increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing ADS-B In equipment perform a dual function: its original function of displaying manned aircraft traffic data, and a new function of displaying UAS traffic data. By receiving and processing Remote ID data from UAS through the existing ADS-B In infrastructure, the system enables pilots to see both types of traffic on the same display without adding new hardware, thus improving safety while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the existing ADS-B In infrastructure and Remote ID data broadcasts to automatically provide UAS traffic information to pilots. The ground-based Remote ID data link and existing aircraft receivers work together to deliver the information without requiring pilots to install or operate additional specialized equipment, making the safety enhancement self-service through available resources
2Reliability
If UAS traffic information is provided to pilots, then collision risk is reduced, but new infrastructure is needed which increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ground-based Remote ID data link as an intermediary that bridges UAS and manned aircraft. Instead of requiring direct communication equipment in UAS or complex integration systems in aircraft, the ground infrastructure receives Remote ID data from UAS and rebroadcasts it through existing ADS-B ground stations, which then reaches pilots via their existing receivers. This intermediary approach reduces collision risk while minimizing infrastructure complexity by reusing existing components
3Ease of manufacture
If existing equipment is used to display UAS traffic, then equipment cost is reduced, but the ability to receive UAS data is limited without modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the versatility of existing ADS-B In equipment by enabling it to process multiple data types: traditional ADS-B traffic data from manned aircraft and Remote ID data from UAS. The existing receiver hardware is made adaptable through software or processing updates that allow it to interpret and display both types of data sources, maintaining cost effectiveness while improving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the data format or processing parameters of existing equipment to accommodate Remote ID data. By adjusting how the existing ADS-B In system processes and displays data, it can incorporate UAS traffic information without physical modification, thus maintaining low equipment cost while achieving the needed adaptability to receive and display diverse traffic data
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a system and method of displaying UAS traffic in the cockpits of manned aircraft and also for use with other unmanned aircraft. The invention utilizes the FAA concept of remote identification for supplying the UAS data necessary to generate traffic reports. The invention discloses several different methods of communicating the UAS remote ID data to re-broadcast stations which would then re-broadcast the UAS traffic reports to receiving aircraft. The invention suggests leveraging the existing ASD-B and TIS-B FAA traffic reporting system to communicate the UAS traffic reports to the receiving aircraft.