Weather Radar Runway Confirmation via Image Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing runway confirmation systems, particularly in low-visibility conditions, face challenges in distinguishing runways from surrounding features using infrared sensors, and weather radar systems struggle to provide high-integrity and high-availability runway detection, especially in urban and rural environments with low radar return contrast.
Innovation Solution
A method that compares weather radar returns with previously obtained images of runways using X-band electromagnetic radiation, allowing for correlation between radar data and stored images, thereby enhancing runway recognition without additional hardware, utilizing the existing weather radar system on aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared sensors are used for runway confirmation in low-visibility conditions, then additional information can be provided, but the system cannot reliably confirm runway presence below alert height when visibility is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces weather radar returns as an intermediary means to confirm runway presence. Instead of relying solely on visual sensors (camera/infrared) that fail in low-visibility conditions, the system uses radar reflections as a mediator to detect runway features and provide confirmation below alert height when visual sensors are ineffective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces optical sensing mechanisms (camera/infrared sensors) with electromagnetic radar sensing. This substitution allows the system to operate in conditions where optical sensors fail, using radar waves to detect runway features through atmospheric conditions rather than relying on visible or infrared light.
2Device complexity
If weather radar is used for runway detection, then additional sensor hardware is avoided, but radar return contrast between runway and surrounding terrain is low in rural environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by storing radar returns and visible light images of runways during initial approach or training phases. These stored data serve as reference templates that are later compared with current radar returns during landing, enabling the system to identify runways with higher precision even when contrast is low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of runway appearances from multiple sources (radar returns and visible light images) and stores them for comparison. By comparing current radar returns against stored copies of known runway appearances, the system can reliably identify runways without requiring high instantaneous contrast during detection.
3Measurement precision
If correlation points are added between radar return and expected runway, then detection capability is improved, but radar design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the weather radar system multi-functional by using it for both weather detection and runway confirmation. Instead of adding a dedicated runway detection radar with complex correlation capabilities, the system uses the existing weather radar for runway detection, leveraging its universal electromagnetic sensing capability across different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visible light images as an intermediary reference for correlating radar returns. Rather than complex internal radar processing, the system compares radar returns against stored visible light images of runways, using this intermediary comparison method to improve detection precision without increasing radar hardware complexity.
4Reliability
If visible light images are used to correlate with radar returns, then runway confirmation integrity is improved, but correlation between radar returns and stored images is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of electromagnetic spectrum usage by storing radar returns in X-band (8-12 GHz) rather than visible light wavelengths. This parameter change ensures that the stored reference data matches the detection data type, improving correlation accuracy because radar returns and stored radar returns are taken from the same spectral range and subject to similar atmospheric conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables high-integrity runway confirmation with high availability, reducing the need for additional sensors and improving detection in adverse weather conditions, providing a reliable method for pilots to confirm runway presence during landing operations.
Implementation Method 1
A first scan of an area of ground known to include a runway is performed. The first scan is accomplished using a weather radar system at a predetermined position.
Implementation Method 2
The radar system transmits and receives electromagnetic radiation in a range of approximately 8-12 gigahertz
Data Source
AI summary
A method of identifying a runway is disclosed. A first scan of an area of ground known to include a runway is performed. The first scan is accomplished using a weather radar system at a predetermined position. A first image is obtained from the first scan. The first image is stored in a memory. A second scan of an area of ground proposed to include the runway is performed. The second scan is accomplished using a weather radar system at what is believed to be the predetermined position. A second image is obtained from the second scan. The first image is retrieved from the memory. It is determined whether features in the first image correlate to features in the second image. A runway confirmation signal is sent to a pilot of the aircraft when there is a substantial certainty of correlation between the first and second images.