Method and system for aircraft flow management by airlines/aviation authorities

• US 6,463,383 B1
• Filed: 05/18/2001
• Issued: 10/08/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/16/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Baiada R. Michael, Lonnie H. Bowlin
• Original Assignee: Baiada R. Michael, Lonnie H. Bowlin
• Inventors: Baiada, R. Michael, Bowlin, Lonnie H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cuchlinski, Jr., William A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Marc-Coleman, Marthe
• Application Number:
  US09/861,262
• Time in Patent Office: 508 Days
• Field of Search: 701/120, 701/121, 701/117, 701/301, 701/122, 701/213, 342/36-38, 342/454, 342/455, 340/903, 340/961, 340/435
• US Class Current: 701/120
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 5/0043 Traffic management of multiple aircrafts from the ground G08G5/003 takes precedence; data processing specially designed for resource management, e.g. scheduling or allocating time, human or machine resources G06Q10/06
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 5/0082 for monitoring traffic from a ground station radar or analogous systems specially adapted for traffic control G01S13/91
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 5/0095 Aspects of air-traffic control not provided for in the other subgroups of this main group
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 5/025 Navigation or guidance aids radar or analogous systems specially adapted for landing purposes G01S13/913

Abstract

A method is presented for managing, in real time, the arrival and departure of a plurality of aircraft to and/or from a specified system resource (e.g., an airport, gate, section of airspace) or set of system resources based upon consideration of the surrounding weather conditions, specified data regarding the system resource and the plurality of aircraft and their operational and safety goals. This method comprises the steps of: (a) collecting and storing the specified data and weather conditions, (b) processing the specified data and weather conditions to predict the aircraft'"'"'s arrival fix times, (c) using these predicted arrival fix times to compute the value of a specified goal function which is a measure of how well the aircraft will meet their safety and operational goals if they achieve the predicted arrival fix times, (d) optimizing the goal function with respect to the predicted arrival fix times by identifying potential temporal changes in the predicted arrival fix times so as to better optimize the value of the goal function, (e) translating these temporal changes into a new set of targeted arrival fix times or enroute speeds as necessary to meet the targeted arrival fix times for the aircraft, (f) communicating the new targeted arrival fix times or enroute speeds as necessary to meet the targeted arrival fix times to the aircraft so that these temporal changes may be implemented, (g) monitoring the system resource capacity, aircraft and weather to identify predicted changes in the targeted arrival fix times or system resource capacity which will result in a specified decrease in the value of the optimized goal function, and (h) if such monitoring identifies that the specified decrease in the value of the optimized goal function is predicted to occur, repeat the above steps.

Claims

1. A method for an aviation system to temporally manage the flow of a plurality of aircraft with respect to a specified system resource, based upon specified data, and operational goals pertaining to said aircraft and system resource, said method comprising the steps of:

collecting and storing said specified data and operational goals,

processing, at any given initial instant, said specified data applicable at that instant to said aircraft so as to predict an initial arrival fix time for each of said aircraft at said system resource,

specifying a goal function whose value is a measure of how well said system resource and plurality of aircraft meet their operational goals if said aircraft achieve given arrival fix times,

computing an initial value of said specified goal function using said predicted initial arrival fix times, and

utilizing said goal function to identify those arrival fix times to which said predicted, initial arrival fix times can be changed and result in the value of said goal function indicating a higher degree of attainment of said operational goals, wherein said identified arrival fix times are set as the targeted arrival fix times.

2. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein said optimization comprising the steps of:

establishing a goal value for said goal function which, when met or exceeded, implies that a desired degree of attainment of said operational goals have been met or exceeded,

comparing said initial and goal values to determine whether said specified goal value has been met or exceeded, and

if said initial value meets or exceeds said goal value, identifying initial arrival fix times as said targeted arrival fix times,

if said initial value does not meet or exceed said goal value, utilizing said goal function to identify those arrival fix times to which said predicted, initial arrival fix times can be changed and result in the value of said goal function meeting or exceeding said goal value.

3. A method as recited in claim 2, further comprising the steps of:

monitoring the ongoing temporal changes in said specified data so as to identify temporally updated specified data,

processing said temporally updated specified data to predict updated arrival fix times,

computing an updated value of said specified goal function using said updated arrival fix times,

comparing said updated and goal values to determine whether said specified goal value continues to be met or exceeded,

if said updated value continues to meet or exceed said goal value, continuing to use same targeted arrival fix times,

if said updated value does not meet or exceed said optimized value, repeat above step utilizing said goal function so as to identify new, updated targeted arrival fix times.

4. A method as recited in claim 3, wherein:

said specified data is chosen from the group consisting of the temporally varying positions and trajectories of said aircraft, the temporally varying weather conditions surrounding said aircraft and system resource, the flight handling characteristics of said aircraft, the safety regulations pertaining to said aircraft and system resource, the position and capacity of said system resource,

said specified system resource is chosen from the group consisting of an airport, an arrival fix, a runway, a gate, a ramp area, ground equipment or a section of airspace.

5. A method as recited in claim 2, wherein:

said specified data is chosen from the group consisting of the temporally varying positions and trajectories of said aircraft, the temporally varying weather conditions surrounding said aircraft and system resource, the flight handling characteristics of said aircraft, the safety regulations pertaining to said aircraft and system resource, the position and capacity of said system resource,

said specified system resource is chosen from the group consisting of an airport, an arrival fix, a runway, a gate, a ramp area, ground equipment or a section of airspace.

6. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of:

communicating information about said targeted arrival fix times to said aircraft so that said aircraft can change their trajectories so as to meet said targeted arrival fix times.

7. A method as recited in claim 6, wherein:

said specified data is chosen from the group consisting of the temporally varying positions and trajectories of said aircraft, the temporally varying weather conditions surrounding said aircraft and system resource, the flight handling characteristics of said aircraft, the safety regulations pertaining to said aircraft and system resource, the position and capacity of said system resource,

said specified system resource is chosen from the group consisting of an airport, an arrival fix, a runway, a gate, a ramp area, ground equipment or a section of airspace.

8. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

monitoring the ongoing temporal changes in said specified data so as to identify temporally updated specified data,

processing said temporally updated specified data to predict updated arrival fix times,

computing an updated value of said specified goal function using said updated arrival fix times,

comparing said updated and optimized goal function values to determine whether said optimized value continues to be met or exceeded,

if said updated value continues to meet or exceed said optimized value, continuing to use same targeted arrival fix times,

if said updated value does not meet or exceed said optimized value, repeat above step utilizing said goal function so as to identify new, updated targeted arrival fix times.

9. A method as recited in claim 8, wherein:

said specified data is chosen from the group consisting of the temporally varying positions and trajectories of said aircraft, the temporally varying weather conditions surrounding said aircraft and system resource, the flight handling characteristics of said aircraft, the safety regulations pertaining to said aircraft and system resource, the position and capacity of said system resource,

said specified system resource is chosen from the group consisting of an airport, an arrival fix, a runway, a gate, a ramp area, ground equipment or a section of airspace.

10. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein:

said specified data is chosen from the group consisting of the temporally varying positions and trajectories of said aircraft, the temporally varying weather conditions surrounding said aircraft and system resource, the flight handling characteristics of said aircraft, the safety regulations pertaining to said aircraft and system resource, the position and capacity of said system resource,

said specified system resource is chosen from the group consisting of an airport, an arrival fix, a runway, a gate, a ramp area, ground equipment or a section of airspace.

11. A system, including a processor, memory, display and input device, for an aviation system to temporally manage the flow of a plurality of aircraft with respect to a specified system resource, based upon specified data, and operational goals pertaining to said aircraft and system resource, said system comprising:

a means for collecting and storing said specified data and operational goals,

a means for processing, at an initial instant, said specified data applicable at that instant to said aircraft so as to predict an initial arrival fix time for each of said aircraft at said system resource,

a goal function whose value is a measure of how well said system resource and plurality of aircraft meet their operational goals if said aircraft achieve given arrival fix times,

a means for computing an initial value of said specified goal function using said predicted initial arrival fix times,

a means for utilizing said goal function to identify those arrival fix times to which said predicted, initial arrival fix times can be changed and result in the value of said goal function indicating a higher degree of attainment of said operational goals, wherein said identified arrival fix times are set as the targeted arrival fix times.

12. A system as recited in claim 11, further comprising:

a means for communicating information about said targeted arrival fix times to said aircraft so that said aircraft can change their trajectories so as to meet said targeted arrival fix times.

13. A system as recited in claim 12, further comprising:

a means for monitoring the ongoing temporal changes in said specified data so as to identify temporally updated specified data.

14. A system as recited in claim 13, wherein:

said specified data is chosen from the group consisting of the temporally varying positions and trajectories of said aircraft, the temporally varying weather conditions surrounding said aircraft and system resource, the flight handling characteristics of said aircraft, the safety regulations pertaining to said aircraft and system resource, the position and capacity of said system resource,

said specified system resource is chosen from the group consisting of an airport, an arrival fix, a runway, a gate, a ramp area, ground equipment or a section of airspace.

15. A system as recited in claim 12, wherein:

said specified data is chosen from the group consisting of the temporally varying positions and trajectories of said aircraft, the temporally varying weather conditions surrounding said aircraft and system resource, the flight handling characteristics of said aircraft, the safety regulations pertaining to said aircraft and system resource, the position and capacity of said system resource,

said specified system resource is chosen from the group consisting of an airport, an arrival fix, a runway, a gate, a ramp area, ground equipment or a section of airspace.

16. A system as recited in claim 11, further comprising:

a means for monitoring the ongoing temporal changes in said specified data so as to identify temporally updated specified data.

17. A system as recited in claim 16, wherein:

said specified data is chosen from the group consisting of the temporally varying positions and trajectories of said aircraft, the temporally varying weather conditions surrounding said aircraft and system resource, the flight handling characteristics of said aircraft, the safety regulations pertaining to said aircraft and system resource, the position and capacity of said system resource,

said specified system resource is chosen from the group consisting of an airport, an arrival fix, a runway, a gate, a ramp area, ground equipment or a section of airspace.

18. A system as recited in claim 11, wherein:

said specified data is chosen from the group consisting of the temporally varying positions and trajectories of said aircraft, the temporally varying weather conditions surrounding said aircraft and system resource, the flight handling characteristics of said aircraft, the safety regulations pertaining to said aircraft and system resource, the position and capacity of said system resource,

said specified system resource is chosen from the group consisting of an airport, an arrival fix, a runway, a gate, a ramp area, ground equipment or a section of airspace.

19. A computer program product in a computer readable memory for controlling a processor to allow an aviation system to temporally manage the flow of a plurality of aircraft with respect to a specified system resource, based upon specified data, and operational goals pertaining to said aircraft and system resource, said computer program comprising:

a means for collecting and storing said specified data and operational goals,

a means for processing, at an initial instant, said specified data applicable at that instant to said aircraft so as to predict an initial arrival fix time for each of said aircraft at said system resource,

a means for specifying a goal function whose value is a measure of how well said system resource and plurality of aircraft meet their operational goals if said aircraft achieve given arrival fix times, wherein said goal function having a specified goal value which, when met or exceeded, implies that a desired degree of attainment of said operational goals have been met or exceeded,

a means for computing an initial value of said specified goal function using said predicted initial arrival fix times,

a means for utilizing said goal function to identify those arrival fix times to which said predicted, initial arrival fix times can be changed and result in the value of said goal function indicating a higher degree of attainment of said operational goals, wherein said identified arrival fix times are set as the targeted arrival fix times.

20. A computer program as recited in claim 19, further comprising:

a means for communicating information about said targeted arrival fix times to said aircraft so that said aircraft can change their trajectories so as to meet said targeted arrival fix times.

21. A computer program as recited in claim 20, further comprising:

a means for monitoring the ongoing temporal changes in said specified data so as to identify temporally updated specified data.

23. A computer program as recited in claim 20, wherein:

said specified data is chosen from the group consisting of the temporally varying positions and trajectories of said aircraft, the temporally varying weather conditions surrounding said aircraft and system resource, the flight handling characteristics of said aircraft, the safety regulations pertaining to said aircraft and system resource, the position and capacity of said system resource,

said specified system resource is chosen from the group consisting of an airport, an arrival fix, a runway, a gate, a ramp area, ground equipment or a section of airspace.

24. A computer program as recited in claim 19, further comprising:

a means for monitoring the ongoing temporal changes in said specified data so as to identify temporally updated specified data.

25. A computer program as recited in claim 24, wherein:

said specified data is chosen from the group consisting of the temporally varying positions and trajectories of said aircraft, the temporally varying weather conditions surrounding said aircraft and system resource, the flight handling characteristics of said aircraft, the safety regulations pertaining to said aircraft and system resource, the position and capacity of said system resource,

said specified system resource is chosen from the group consisting of an airport, an arrival fix, a runway, a gate, a ramp area, ground equipment or a section of airspace.

26. A computer program system as recited in claim 19, wherein:

said specified data is chosen from the group consisting of the temporally varying positions and trajectories of said aircraft, the temporally varying weather conditions surrounding said aircraft and system resource, the flight handling characteristics of said aircraft, the safety regulations pertaining to said aircraft and system resource, the position and capacity of said system resource,

said specified system resource is chosen from the group consisting of an airport, an arrival fix, a runway, a gate, a ramp area, ground equipment or a section of airspace.

22. A computer program as recited in claim 22, wherein:

said specified data is chosen from the group consisting of the temporally varying positions and trajectories of said aircraft, the temporally varying weather conditions surrounding said aircraft and system resource, the flight handling characteristics of said aircraft, the safety regulations pertaining to said aircraft and system resource, the position and capacity of said system resource,

said specified system resource is chosen from the group consisting of an airport, an arrival fix, a runway, a gate, a ramp area, ground equipment or a section of airspace.