Weather Data Selection Along Aircraft Trajectory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flight management systems (FMS) are limited by the number of data points they can receive for weather data, leading to inaccurate trajectory predictions and high costs associated with transmitting extensive meteorological data, which restricts the accuracy of fuel usage and arrival time estimates.
Innovation Solution
A method to select a reduced set of weather data points that retain key attributes, using a reference trajectory generated from all available data to identify points of greatest difference and include those in the reduced set, allowing for improved flight predictions within the FMS's data limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large amount of meteorological data is transmitted to the FMS, then the accuracy of trajectory forecasts is improved, but the data transmission cost increases and the FMS data input capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the most critical meteorological data points from the complete dataset. It identifies key parameters such as significant weather phenomena, critical wind and temperature gradients, and essential visibility conditions, transmitting only these extracted elements to the FMS rather than the entire dataset, thereby resolving the contradiction between data completeness and transmission volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating data importance across different spatial and temporal locations. It prioritizes transmission of meteorological data from regions and time periods with highest impact on flight trajectory, such as areas with jet streams, thunderstorms, or significant temperature inversions, while reducing or omitting data from less critical regions, thus optimizing the balance between accuracy and data volume.
2Measurement precision
If more weather data points are entered into the FMS, then the accuracy of fuel usage and arrival time estimates is improved, but the FMS reaches its data point limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts a minimized subset of weather data points that contain the essential information needed for accurate fuel and time calculations. It identifies and transmits only those data points that directly influence performance predictions, such as data points along the actual flight path with significant weather conditions, excluding redundant points that would exceed FMS capacity while maintaining calculation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the complete meteorological dataset into multiple categories based on their relevance to flight performance. It separates data into essential segments (those affecting fuel burn and time estimates) and non-essential segments, transmitting only the essential segments to the FMS. This segmentation allows the system to work within FMS data point limitations while preserving the accuracy needed for performance predictions.
3Measurement precision
If extensive meteorological data is processed in real-time, then the trajectory prediction accuracy is improved, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing and filtering of meteorological data before transmission to the FMS. Ground-based systems pre-analyze the complete dataset, identify and prioritize critical data points, and prepare optimized data packages in advance. This preliminary action reduces the computational burden on the aircraft's FMS during real-time operations, enabling accurate trajectory predictions without excessive processing time constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts pre-identified critical meteorological parameters and pre-calculated trajectory impact factors from the complete dataset before transmission. By pre-extracting only the data elements that will be used in real-time calculations, the system eliminates the need for the FMS to process and filter large volumes of data during flight, significantly reducing real-time processing time while maintaining prediction accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (100) of selecting weather data for use in at least one of a flight management system (FMS) of an aircraft and a ground station includes selecting a reduced set of weather data points (110) and sending the reduced set to at least one of the FMS and the ground station (112) and taking into account a trajectory of the aircraft (106) when determining what data points to include in the reduced set.