Flight navigation holding pattern entry algorithms
First Claim
1. A hold entry algorithm for a teardrop holding pattern entry, the hold entry algorithm comprising:
- a) a teardrop turn 1 segment;
b) a teardrop outbound segment following the teardrop turn 1 segment, the teardrop outbound segment having a length equal to the smaller of a hold racetrack outbound distance and a default leg distance, and wherein if the outbound segment length is less than a defined minimum distance the outbound segment length is extended to the greater of the hold racetrack outbound distance or the default leg length distance;
c) a teardrop turn 2 segment following the teardrop outbound segment; and
d) a teardrop inbound segment following the teardrop turn 2 segment.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a set of holding pattern entry algorithms used to define flight segments for entry into holding patterns. These geometries preferably describe the specific location and distance of various segments used in the holding pattern and holding pattern racetrack, with each segment defined as a curved or straight segment between endpoints. The algorithms also preferably include criteria used to determine entry extension, maximum initial turn angle, and minimum distance between a hold fix and an entry turn point. The geometry also preferably extends entry distance to avoid excessive iterative calculations. The algorithms are preferably utilized by a flight management system and method that determines segment sequencing during entry into holding patterns and the holding patterns themselves. The flight management system and method monitors the aircraft'"'"'s progress along the active segment of the flight plan to determine what is the appropriate next segment in the algorithm and when to switch control from the active segment to the next segment.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A hold entry algorithm for a teardrop holding pattern entry, the hold entry algorithm comprising:
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a) a teardrop turn 1 segment;
b) a teardrop outbound segment following the teardrop turn 1 segment, the teardrop outbound segment having a length equal to the smaller of a hold racetrack outbound distance and a default leg distance, and wherein if the outbound segment length is less than a defined minimum distance the outbound segment length is extended to the greater of the hold racetrack outbound distance or the default leg length distance;
c) a teardrop turn 2 segment following the teardrop outbound segment; and
d) a teardrop inbound segment following the teardrop turn 2 segment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A hold entry algorithm for a parallel holding pattern entry, the hold entry algorithm comprising,
e) a parallel turn 1 segment; -
f) a parallel outbound segment following the parallel turn 1 segment;
g) a parallel turn 2 segment following the parallel outbound segment;
h) a parallel inbound segment following the parallel turn 2 segment, the parallel inbound segment having an initial length set to the smaller of a default leg distance or a racetrack holding pattern leg length, and wherein the parallel outbound segment is extended to ensure that the parallel inbound segment has a length at least as long as the -red roll anticipation distance; and
i) a parallel turn 3 segment following the parallel inbound segment. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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11. A navigation system, the navigation system comprising:
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j) hold entry algorithm for a teardrop holding pattern entry, the hold entry algorithm including;
i) a teardrop turn 1 segment;
ii) a teardrop outbound segment following the teardrop turn 1 segment, the teardrop outbound segment having a length equal to the smaller of a hold racetrack outbound distance and a default leg distance, and wherein if the outbound segment length is less than a defined minimum distance the outbound segment length is extended to the greater of the hold racetrack outbound distance or the default leg length distance;
iii) a teardrop turn 2 segment following the teardrop outbound segment; and
iv) a teardrop inbound segment following the teardrop turn 2 segment; and
k) a sequencing system, the sequencing system monitoring aircraft progress along an active segment in the hold entry algorithm, the sequencing system evaluating the teardrop turn 1 segment, the teardrop outbound segment, the teardrop turn 2 segment and the teardrop inbound segment to determine which segment meets a control criterion, the sequencing system controlling to selected segments from the plurality of segments as the selected segments meet the control criterion. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A navigation system, the navigation system comprising:
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l) hold entry algorithm for a teardrop holding pattern entry, the hold entry algorithm including;
i) a parallel turn 1 segment;
ii) a parallel outbound segment following the parallel turn 1 segment;
iii) a parallel turn 2 segment following the parallel outbound segment;
iv) a parallel inbound segment following the parallel turn 2 segment, the parallel inbound segment having an initial length set to the smaller of a default leg distance or a racetrack holding pattern leg length, and wherein the parallel outbound segment is extended to ensure that the parallel inbound segment has a length at least as long as the required roll anticipation distance; and
v) a parallel turn 3 segment following the parallel inbound segment; and
m) a sequencing system, the sequencing system monitoring aircraft progress along an active segment in the hold entry algorithm, the sequencing system evaluating the parallel turn 1 segment, the parallel outbound segment, the parallel turn 2 segment, the parallel inbound segment and the parallel turn 3 segment to determine which segment meets a control criterion, the sequencing system controlling to selected segments from the plurality of segments as the selected segments meet the control criterion. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification