The flight crews operate airplanes and other airborne vehicles according to a flight plan that is generated based on a destination, weather, terrain, and other factors. The flight crew and the air traffic controller are responsible for determining if a change in flight plan is warranted based on changes that occur during the flight. For example, a flight crew can determine a clearance deviation request needs to be made due to efficient route availability, altitudes available, weather, and potential conflicts ahead. In some cases, before or during the flight, there are changes that can be made to a flight plan, which the human operators and traffic controllers do not notice or to which they do not respond in a timely fashion.
The present application relates to a method to generate a clearance request to deviate from a flight plan. The method includes receiving at one or more processors in an airborne vehicle input from at least one automatic flight-plan-relevant source, at least one of the one or more processors independently determining a revised flight route based on the received input, at least one of the one or more processors independently generating a preconfigured clearance request message to deviate from the flight plan for a flight crew user based on the determining. The method further includes providing an audible prompt to the flight crew user for one of approval and rejection of the clearance request to deviate from the flight plan. When an approval of the clearance request to deviate from the flight plan is received from the flight crew user, the preconfigured clearance request message is downlinked.
In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize features relevant to the present invention. Reference characters denote like elements throughout figures and text.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific illustrative embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
If the flight crew approves the datalink clearance request, the preconfigured clearance request message (shown as signal 100) it is downlinked from the airplane 20 to the ground control 30. If the air traffic controller in the ground control 30 allows the change in the flight plan, an uplink of a confirmation of the preconfigured clearance request message (shown as signal 100) is sent via an air-to-ground wireless network from the ground control 30 to system 10 in the airplane 20. If the air traffic controller in the ground control 30 rejects the change in the flight plan, an uplink of the rejection of the preconfigured clearance request message (shown as signal 100) is sent from the ground control 30 to system 10 in the airplane 20.
In this manner, system 10 receives input related to conditions of a flight plan, generates a preconfigured clearance request message and receives two approvals to the generated preconfigured clearance request message. During the first approval, the system 10 indicates the preconfigured clearance request message to a user and receives onboard approval input of the preconfigured clearance request message. During the second approval, the system 10 downlinks the preconfigured clearance request message to an air traffic controller in the ground control 30. If the air traffic controller approves the preconfigured clearance request message, an offboard approval input is uplinked to system 10.
If the system receives an onboard rejection input, the preconfigured clearance request is not downlinked to the ground control 30. Likewise, if the controller rejects the preconfigured clearance request message, an offboard rejection input is uplinked to system 10 and the current flight path is maintained by the airplane 10. Implementation of system 10 allows the flight crew to take advantage of the flight path deviation sooner and reduces the flight crew's “heads-down” time/effort in having to create the clearance.
System 10 uses flight management computer (FMC), weather radar, TCAS, etc., to monitor for conditions that would warrant a deviation from the flight plan (e.g., altitude, speed, or heading clearance request). The conditions that can trigger this clearance request review could be things like weather issues, more efficient routes determined, potential conflicts, etc. The term “flight management computer” as used herein refers to a device or unit that performs the flight management function.
In one implementation of this embodiment, the processor is a predictive controller/pilot data link communication (CPDLC) clearance processor. The terms “processor 40” and “predictive CPDLC clearance (PCC) processor 40” are used interchangeably herein. In one implementation of this embodiment, the PCC processor 40 is integrated with one or more other processors within the airplane 20 (
As shown in
In one implementation of this embodiment, the user input interface is a tactile input interface 85 such as one or more push buttons or a joy stick. For example, the tactile input interface 85 may include a push button labeled “YES” and another push button labeled “N).” In this case, when the pilot pushes the “YES” button, the interface unit 80 recognizes an approval input. In another implementation of this embodiment, the user input interface 85 is audio input interface such as a microphone/receiver to receive verbal input. For example, the user states “ACCEPT PROPOSED FLIGHT PLAN,” and the interface unit 80 recognizes that statement as an approval input. In yet another implementation of this embodiment, the user input interface 85 is both tactile and audio. For example, the user pushes a button and within three seconds announces “ACCEPT PROPOSED FLIGHT PLAN.” In yet another implementation of this embodiment, the user input interface is a multi-purpose control and display unit (MCDU) human/machine interface device or a multi-function display (MFD).
The interface unit 80 is communicatively coupled to send information indicative of approval input or rejection input to the CPDLC application 70. The CPDLC application 70 controls the communications between the flight crew (e.g., pilot) and ground control 30 (
The ATN and ACARS are subnetworks, such as an air-to-ground wireless sub-network 32, that provide access for uplinks (going to the aircraft from the ground) and downlinks (going from the aircraft to the ground).
The communications management unit 60 is communicatively coupled to the CPDLC application 40 to receive information indicative of the clearance request after the clearance request to deviate from a flight plan is approved by the user. The communications management unit 60 includes some datalink (air-to-ground data communications) applications, but its primary function is that of router for datalinking between the airplane 20 (
Various flight-plan-relevant sources 76 provide input to the processor 40 via the interfaces 50. For example in one implementation of this embodiment, an altimeter 71 provides ground proximity input to the PCC processor 40 via interface 51. In another implementation of this embodiment, a traffic-alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) 72 provides TCAS input to the PCC processor 40 via interface 52. In yet another implementation of this embodiment, a weather radar system 73 provides weather radar input the PCC processor 40 via interface 53. In yet another implementation of this embodiment, a flight management computer (FMC) 74 provides flight planning data and/or navigation data to the PCC processor 40 via interface 54. In yet another implementation of this embodiment, other flight-plan-relevant sources 75 provide other input to the PCC processor 40 via interface 55.
The flight management computer 74 monitors for more efficient routes, altitudes, etc. The TCAS 72 monitors for potential traffic conflicts or traffic congestion. In one implementation of this embodiment, the FMC 74 has access to the current routes, speeds, altitudes, etc. The weather radar system 73 provides updated weather reports that may indicate an unexpected change in weather conditions in the current flight path. The processor 40 determines if a clearance request to deviate from a flight plan makes sense based on the inputs received via interfaces 50. In one implementation of this embodiment, the processor 40 presents alternative route clearance request options for more than one revised flight path if more than one alternative route is available. In such an implementation, it is desirable for the optional routes to be sufficiently different in order to warrant more than one option. For example, it is not desirable to present two alternate flight routes, which only vary in altitude by about 5% of the maximum altitude for a particular leg of the flight route.
At block 302, the PCC processor 40 receives input from at least one flight-plan-relevant source 76. The PCC processor 40 continuously or periodically receives input during the preparation for take off, during the flight, and while landing. In one implementation of this embodiment, receiving input from at least one flight-plan-relevant source comprises receiving at least one of a weather radar input, a ground proximity input, a traffic collision avoidance input, and flight data from a flight management computer (FMC). For example, the PCC processor 40 receives ground proximity input via interface 51 from an altimeter 71 and weather radar input from a radar system 73 via interface 53.
At block 304, the PCC processor 40 determines a revised flight route based on the received input. At block 306, the PCC processor 40 generates a preconfigured clearance request message to deviate from the flight plan for a user if the PCC processor 40 determines that there is better flight plan than the current flight plan. For example, if the PCC processor 40 determines, based on the ground proximity input and the weather radar input, that a previously unpredicted storm now intersects the flight path, the PCC processor 40 determines that the plane can avoid the storm clouds by flying at a higher altitude. In this case, the PCC processor 40 generates a preconfigured clearance request message to fly at a higher altitude before the airplane 20 reaches the storm clouds. The PCC processor 40 sends the preconfigured clearance request message to deviate from the flight plan to the CPDLC application 70. In one implementation of this embodiment, generating a preconfigured clearance request message for a user comprises generating a controller/pilot data link communication (CPDLC) clearance request.
At block 308, the CPDLC application 70 prompts the user for approval or rejection of the clearance request to deviate from the flight plan. In one implementation of this embodiment, the CPDLC application 70 sends a signal to the interface unit 80 so the clearance request is displayed on the screen 81 to visually indicate the prompt to the user. The user input interface 85 receives approval input or rejection input from the user in response to the visual prompt to the user. The displayed text message may be something generic, such as, “FLIGHT PLAN DEVIATION REQUESTED.” The displayed text message may be something specific, such as, “REQUEST TO CHANGE FLIGHT PLAN BY ASCENDING TO 30000 FEET FROM 25000 FEET IN FIVE MINUTES AT 08:30 GMT FOR TEN MINUTES BEFORE RETURNING TO 25000 FEET.”
If the user, such as the pilot or co-pilot, determines a significantly improved flight route is not available, an approval input is not received at the user input interface 85 of the interface unit 80 at block 310 and the flow proceeds back to block 302. In this case, the PCC processor 40 continues to receive input from at least one flight-plan-relevant source 76. If the user determines a significantly improved flight route is available, an approval input is received at the user input interface 85 of the interface unit 80 at block 310 and the flow proceeds to block 312.
At block 312, when an approval input for the clearance request to deviate from the flight plan is received from the user, the CPDLC application 70 downlinks the preconfigured clearance request message to the ground control 30 via the air-to-ground wireless sub-network 32. In one implementation of this embodiment, the CPDLC application 70 downlinks the preconfigured clearance request message to the ground control 30 via the communications management unit 60, the router 65, and the wireless interface 66. When a rejection input for the clearance request to deviate from the flight plan is received from the user, the CPDLC application 70 does not downlink the preconfigured clearance request message to the ground control 30 and the current flight path is maintained.
At block 314, the CPDLC application 70 uplinks either an approval or a rejection of the preconfigured clearance request message from a traffic controller. The uplink is received from the ground control 30 via the air-to-ground wireless sub-network 32. The communication is sent via the router 65 in the communications management unit 60. The flow then proceeds back to block 302 and the PCC processor 40 continues to receive input from at least one flight-plan-relevant source 76 unit the flight is completed.
For example, the audio alert generator 96 may translate signals received from the CPDLC application 70 into a string of phonemes that announce the request to deviate from a flight plan using a voice readback device or system as known in the art. The announcement may be something generic, such as, “FLIGHT PLAN DEVIATION REQUESTED.” The announcement may be something specific, such as, “REQUEST TO CHANGE FLIGHT PLAN BY ASCENDING TO 30000 FEET FROM 25000 FEET IN FIVE MINUTES AT 08:30 GMT FOR TEN MINUTES BEFORE RETURNING TO 25000 FEET.”
The user input interface 95 receives approval input or rejection input from the user in response to the audio or aural prompt to the user. In one implementation of this embodiment, the user input interface 95 is a tactile input interface, an audio input interface or a tactile-audio interface as described above with reference to
In one implementation of this embodiment, the user input interface 95 is implemented to input a request to repeat the announcement of the request to deviate from the flight plan.
The CPDLC application 70 is communicatively coupled to the router 65 and the PCC processor 40. The PCC processor 40 is communicatively coupled to the memory 45, which stores a current flight plan, and the storage medium 44, which stores software 88 that is executed by the PCC processor 40. At least one interface 50 provides input from the flight-plan-relevant sources 76 to the PCC processor 40, as described above with reference to
The PCC processor 40 is coupled to the memory 45, the storage medium 44, the interfaces 50, and the CPDLC application 70 via a wireless communication link (for example, a radio-frequency (RF) communication link) and/or a wired communication link (for example, an optical fiber or conductive wire communication link). The CPDLC application 70 is communicatively coupled to the interface unit 80 and the router 65 via a wireless communication link and/or a wired communication link.
The clearance request is wirelessly transmitted from the ATN/ACARS air-to-ground router 65 via the interface 66. The clearance request is in the signal 100 (
The communications management unit 61, the flight management computer 74, and the interface unit 80 are in the airplane 20 (
Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and DVD disks. Any of the foregoing may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, specially-designed application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).
The PCC processor 40 executes software 88 and/or firmware that causes the PCC processor 40 to perform at least some of the processing described here as being performed during method 300 as described above with reference to
The CPDLC application 70 is communicatively coupled to the router 65. The CPDLC application 70 is communicatively coupled to the PCC processor 40 via interfaces 48 and 49. The PCC processor 40 is communicatively coupled to the memory 45 and the storage medium 44, which stores software 88 that is executed by the PCC processor 40. The at least one interface 50 provides input from the flight-plan-relevant sources 76 to the PCC processor 40, as described above with reference to
The PCC processor 40 is coupled to the memory 45, the storage medium 44, the interfaces 50 and 48, and the CPDLC application 70 via a wireless communication link and/or a wired communication link. The CPDLC application 70 is communicatively coupled to the interface unit 80 and the router 65 via a wireless communication link and/or a wired communication link.
The clearance request is wirelessly transmitted from the ATN/ACARS air-to-ground router 65 via the interface 66. The clearance request is in the signal 100 (
The communications management unit 62, the flight management computer 74, and the interface unit 80 are in the airplane 20 (
The CPDLC application 70 is communicatively coupled to the router 65 via interfaces 48 and 49. The PCC processor 40 is communicatively coupled to the CPDLC application 70, the memory 45 and the storage medium 44, which stores software 88 that is executed by the PCC processor 40. The at least one interface 50 provides input from the flight-plan-relevant sources 76 to the PCC processor 40, as described above with reference to
The PCC processor 40 is coupled to the memory 45, the storage medium 44, and the CPDLC application 70 via a wireless communication link and/or a wired communication link. The CPDLC application 70 is communicatively coupled to the interfaces 48 and 47 via a wireless communication link and/or a wired communication link.
The clearance request is wirelessly transmitted from the ATN/ACARS air-to-ground router 65 via the interface 66. The clearance request is in the signal 100 (
The communications management unit 60, the flight management computer 92, and the interface unit 80 are in the airplane 20 (
In one implementation of this embodiment, the input from the CPDLC application 70 is sent to the PCC processor 40 and the PCC processor 4 outputs the clearance request to deviate from a flight plan to the interface unit 80 via interface 47.
The methods and techniques described here may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or with a programmable processor (for example, a special-purpose processor or a general-purpose processor such as a computer) firmware, software, or in combinations of them. Apparatus embodying these techniques may include appropriate input and output devices, a programmable processor, and a storage medium tangibly embodying program instructions for execution by the programmable processor. A process embodying these techniques may be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform desired functions by operating on input data and generating appropriate output. The techniques may advantageously be implemented in one or more programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory and/or a random access memory.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
The present application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/621,653 (the '653 Application), filed Jan. 10, 2007 (pending). The '653 Application is incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 11621653 | Jan 2007 | US |
Child | 13151852 | US |