Aircraft traffic warning system using an ad-hoc radio network
First Claim
1. A traffic warning system (TWS) adapted to be installed on an aircraft, comprising:
- a processor;
memory coupled to the processor;
a transceiver coupled to the processor and the memory, adapted to automatically receive ID and position related information from other TWSs individually mounted on each of a group of other aircraft within communication range;
an annunciator coupled to the processor for presenting information to a user of the aircraft; and
wherein, the processor determines a range to each aircraft of the group, stores the ID and range for each aircraft in the memory, and presents such range information to the user via the annunciator;
wherein the processor maintains in memory a roster of other aircraft whose signals it has received within N signal repetition intervals, where 1<
N.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for a traffic warning system (TWS) for light aircraft. The TWS comprises a processor coupled to a transceiver, adapted to measure signal strength and send/receive messages containing station ID and preferably altitude and position data. Memory, display and various flight data instruments, such as GPS, altimeter, etc., are also coupled to the processor. The transceiver-processor automatically identifies TWS equipped aircraft within range using an ad-hoc network and exchanges ID and position information. The processor determines range from signal strength and/or received position information and, given enough data, determines direction, altitude, speed, etc., of the other aircraft, which it presents to the pilot. These values and their rate of change are compared to stored alarm thresholds, and the pilot is warned when another aircraft triggers the threshold. Evasive action is recommended where possible.
36 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A traffic warning system (TWS) adapted to be installed on an aircraft, comprising:
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a processor; memory coupled to the processor; a transceiver coupled to the processor and the memory, adapted to automatically receive ID and position related information from other TWSs individually mounted on each of a group of other aircraft within communication range; an annunciator coupled to the processor for presenting information to a user of the aircraft; and wherein, the processor determines a range to each aircraft of the group, stores the ID and range for each aircraft in the memory, and presents such range information to the user via the annunciator; wherein the processor maintains in memory a roster of other aircraft whose signals it has received within N signal repetition intervals, where 1<
N. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification