Predicted path selection system and method for hazard coding in selectively constrained aircraft control systems
First Claim
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1. A method for selecting a predicted path of an aircraft comprising:
- imposing a constraint on an aircraft flight controller;
detecting the imposition of the constraint;
detecting hazard locations;
calculating a planned path;
detecting an aircraft current location;
comparing the aircraft current location to the constraint to determine a variation of aircraft current location from the constraint;
providing alerts of hazards located along a current predicted flight path;
selecting a constrained path corresponding to the constraint as the current predicted flight path if the aircraft current location is within a constraint tolerance distance from the constraint and outside a flight plan tolerance distance from the planned path;
selecting the planned path as the current predicted flight path if the aircraft current location is not within the constraint tolerance from the constrained path and is within the flight plan tolerance from the planned path; and
selecting a tactical path corresponding to a trajectory of the aircraft if the aircraft current location is not within the constraint tolerance from the constrained path and is not within the flight plan tolerance from the planned path.
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Abstract
A surveillance system detects potential hazards and alerts the pilot to them. The alerts can be modified to indicate proximity to the predicted path of the aircraft. An autopilot receives instructions from a flight management system (FMS) regarding a planned path and is subject to constraints preempting the planned path. The surveillance system selects which of the planned and a constrained path will be followed for alerting and hazard coding purposes. Means are disclosed to determine when the constrained path will be followed by evaluating the current position of an aircraft, the planned path, and the constraint data.
23 Citations
6 Claims
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1. A method for selecting a predicted path of an aircraft comprising:
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imposing a constraint on an aircraft flight controller; detecting the imposition of the constraint; detecting hazard locations; calculating a planned path; detecting an aircraft current location; comparing the aircraft current location to the constraint to determine a variation of aircraft current location from the constraint; providing alerts of hazards located along a current predicted flight path; selecting a constrained path corresponding to the constraint as the current predicted flight path if the aircraft current location is within a constraint tolerance distance from the constraint and outside a flight plan tolerance distance from the planned path; selecting the planned path as the current predicted flight path if the aircraft current location is not within the constraint tolerance from the constrained path and is within the flight plan tolerance from the planned path; and
selecting a tactical path corresponding to a trajectory of the aircraft if the aircraft current location is not within the constraint tolerance from the constrained path and is not within the flight plan tolerance from the planned path. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification