WO1991003025A1 - System and method of providing voice response concerning air traffic situations - Google Patents

System and method of providing voice response concerning air traffic situations Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1991003025A1
WO1991003025A1 PCT/US1990/004834 US9004834W WO9103025A1 WO 1991003025 A1 WO1991003025 A1 WO 1991003025A1 US 9004834 W US9004834 W US 9004834W WO 9103025 A1 WO9103025 A1 WO 9103025A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
air traffic
interface unit
flight
traffic information
data
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1990/004834
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Balraj G. Sokkappa
Original Assignee
The Mitre Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by The Mitre Corporation filed Critical The Mitre Corporation
Publication of WO1991003025A1 publication Critical patent/WO1991003025A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G5/00—Traffic control systems for aircraft, e.g. air-traffic control [ATC]
    • G08G5/0004—Transmission of traffic-related information to or from an aircraft
    • G08G5/0013—Transmission of traffic-related information to or from an aircraft with a ground station
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G5/00—Traffic control systems for aircraft, e.g. air-traffic control [ATC]
    • G08G5/0043—Traffic management of multiple aircrafts from the ground
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G5/00—Traffic control systems for aircraft, e.g. air-traffic control [ATC]
    • G08G5/0073—Surveillance aids
    • G08G5/0082—Surveillance aids for monitoring traffic from a ground station

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to the field of data processing, and more specifically to a data processing system for use in obtaining and disseminating air traffic information.
  • Air traffic information is presently available to the public through two channels: radio broadcasts provided by individual airports and recorded telephone messages provided by individual airlines. Neither of these channels, however, provides accurate or timely information.
  • Radio broadcasts from individual airports are unreliable because the airports do not have complete information on air traffic. Airports may know the status of the equipment, runways, and weather, but they do not have detailed information on the individual inbound flights.
  • the present invention provides several benefits to the public. For instance, the absence of accurate time of arrival information often leads to surface traffic congestion from automobiles approaching the airport to meet flights.
  • the present invention would make it possible for people to call ahead to receive accurate information. This would in turn encourage them to leave their homes at an appropriate time and thus reduce- the chances of automobile traffic congestion due to people waiting for late arriving flights.
  • the present invention provides a system for obtaining and disseminating air traffic information in which an interface unit accesses a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) database which is connected to air traffic computers, calculates air traffic information, e.g., estimated times of arrival (ETAs) , based on current radar data and flight data contained in the database, and provides the air traffic information to the public via caller devices such as touch tone telephones or computer terminals or micro computers equipped with modems.
  • FAA Federal Aviation Administration
  • ETAs estimated times of arrival
  • Radar data and flight data in the FAA database covers all controlled air traffic at a given airport and is updated regularly, e.g. every five minutes.
  • Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the components of an air traffic information system according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a flow chart which summarizes the general operation of the air traffic information system.
  • caller devices lOa-lOn e.g., touch tone telephones or computer modems
  • the interface unit 12 is connected to a FAA database computer 14 which is in turn connected to FAA air traffic control computers 16a-16n.
  • the existing FAA database computer 14 contains a database on all controlled flights. This database 14 is updated regularly by the air traffic control computers 16a-16n and periodically, e.g., every five minutes.
  • the implementation of this invention would require a connection between the FAA database 14 and the interface unit 12 and it should be noted that access to the FAA database 14 is required to practice the present invention.
  • the FAA database 14 would then transmit data on all flights destined to an airport to the interface unit 12 for that airport.
  • a caller device 10 establishes a connection with the interface unit 12 (step 100), e.g., via touch tone telephone or computer modem.
  • the interface unit 12 prompts the caller device 10 for flight specific information (step 102), e.g., by generating a voice response to the touch tone telephone or displaying menus on the computer screen of the caller device.
  • the caller device 10 transmits flight specific information, e.g., airline, flight number, and originating airport (step 104) to the interface unit 12. Based on the information supplied by the caller device 10, the interface unit 12 determines which of all flights destined for the airport have flight information that matches the information supplied by the caller device 10.
  • flight specific information e.g., airline, flight number, and originating airport
  • the interface unit 12 calculates the estimated time of arrival (ETA) for the specific flight (step 108), taking into account, e.g., the flight's actual departure time, current position, and speed.
  • the interface unit 12 also calculates the ETA of the flight based on various airport factors (step 112), e.g., the positions of other flights destined for the airport, runway use, and weather conditions.
  • the interface unit 12 transmits the later of the two ETAs to the caller device (step 112) and the caller device 10 terminates the connection with the interface unit 12 (step 114) when the caller hangs up the touch tone telephone or disconnects the computer modem.
  • the interface unit 12 determines whether there are two or more flights which match the supplied information, i.e., qualifying flights, or whether no flights match the supplied information. If there is no qualifying flight (step 116) , the interface unit returns to step 104 in which the caller device 10 enters flight specific information. Otherwise, in the case of multiple qualifying flights, the interface 12 determines the ETA of each qualifying flight (steps 118- 124) .
  • the interface unit 12 calculates the ETA of the qualifying flight (step 118), taking into account, e.g., the flight's actual departure time, current position, and speed.
  • the interface unit 12 also calculates the ETA of the flight based on various airport factors (step 120), e.g., the positions of other flights destined for the airport, runway use, and weather conditions.
  • the interface unit 12 transmits the later of the two ETAs to the caller device (step 122) .
  • step 124 if there exist other qualifying flights (step 124), the interface unit 12 returns to step 118 to repeat the process of calculating the ETA of another qualifying flight. Otherwise, the caller device 10 terminates the connection with the interface unit 12 (step 126) .

Abstract

A data processing system used for obtaining and disseminating air traffic information comprising a plurality of caller devices (10a-10n), e.g. touch tone telephones or computer terminals or microcomputers equipped with modems, connected to an interface unit (12). The interface unit (12) is connected to an existing Federal Aviation Administration database (14) which is connected to air traffic control computers (16a-16n) that store radar data and flight data for all controlled air traffic. The interface unit (12) is programmed to calculate the air traffic information based on the radar data and flight data and transmits the air traffic information to the caller devices (10a-10n).

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING VOICE RESPONSE CONCERNING AIR TRAFFIC SITUATIONS
Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to the field of data processing, and more specifically to a data processing system for use in obtaining and disseminating air traffic information.
Background of the Invention
Air traffic information is presently available to the public through two channels: radio broadcasts provided by individual airports and recorded telephone messages provided by individual airlines. Neither of these channels, however, provides accurate or timely information.
Radio broadcasts from individual airports are unreliable because the airports do not have complete information on air traffic. Airports may know the status of the equipment, runways, and weather, but they do not have detailed information on the individual inbound flights.
Individual airlines are aware of only their own flights and do not necessarily update their recorded messages in a timely fashion. Airlines generally do not advertise departure delays until the last moment, and, further, base the estimated time of arrival of a flight on its departure time without taking into consideration the flights of other airlines. For example, if a flight departed half an hour late, it is assumed to arrive half an hour late.
The present invention provides several benefits to the public. For instance, the absence of accurate time of arrival information often leads to surface traffic congestion from automobiles approaching the airport to meet flights. The present invention would make it possible for people to call ahead to receive accurate information. This would in turn encourage them to leave their homes at an appropriate time and thus reduce- the chances of automobile traffic congestion due to people waiting for late arriving flights.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides a system for obtaining and disseminating air traffic information in which an interface unit accesses a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) database which is connected to air traffic computers, calculates air traffic information, e.g., estimated times of arrival (ETAs) , based on current radar data and flight data contained in the database, and provides the air traffic information to the public via caller devices such as touch tone telephones or computer terminals or micro computers equipped with modems. Radar data and flight data in the FAA database covers all controlled air traffic at a given airport and is updated regularly, e.g. every five minutes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the components of an air traffic information system according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a flow chart which summarizes the general operation of the air traffic information system.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Fig. 1, caller devices lOa-lOn, e.g., touch tone telephones or computer modems, are connected to an interface unit 12 consisting of a computer and a voice response system. The interface unit 12 is connected to a FAA database computer 14 which is in turn connected to FAA air traffic control computers 16a-16n. The existing FAA database computer 14 contains a database on all controlled flights. This database 14 is updated regularly by the air traffic control computers 16a-16n and periodically, e.g., every five minutes. The implementation of this invention would require a connection between the FAA database 14 and the interface unit 12 and it should be noted that access to the FAA database 14 is required to practice the present invention. The FAA database 14 would then transmit data on all flights destined to an airport to the interface unit 12 for that airport.
Referring to the components of Fig. 1 and the flow chart of Fig. 2, a caller device 10 establishes a connection with the interface unit 12 (step 100), e.g., via touch tone telephone or computer modem. In response to the connection of step 100, the interface unit 12 prompts the caller device 10 for flight specific information (step 102), e.g., by generating a voice response to the touch tone telephone or displaying menus on the computer screen of the caller device.
In response to the prompts of step 102, the caller device 10 transmits flight specific information, e.g., airline, flight number, and originating airport (step 104) to the interface unit 12. Based on the information supplied by the caller device 10, the interface unit 12 determines which of all flights destined for the airport have flight information that matches the information supplied by the caller device 10.
If the caller device 10 supplied enough flight specific information to enable the interface unit 12 to match a single specific flight (step 106) , the interface unit calculates the estimated time of arrival (ETA) for the specific flight (step 108), taking into account, e.g., the flight's actual departure time, current position, and speed. The interface unit 12 also calculates the ETA of the flight based on various airport factors (step 112), e.g., the positions of other flights destined for the airport, runway use, and weather conditions. The interface unit 12 then transmits the later of the two ETAs to the caller device (step 112) and the caller device 10 terminates the connection with the interface unit 12 (step 114) when the caller hangs up the touch tone telephone or disconnects the computer modem.
On the other hand, if the caller device 10 does not supply enough flight specific information (step 106) the interface unit 12 determines whether there are two or more flights which match the supplied information, i.e., qualifying flights, or whether no flights match the supplied information. If there is no qualifying flight (step 116) , the interface unit returns to step 104 in which the caller device 10 enters flight specific information. Otherwise, in the case of multiple qualifying flights, the interface 12 determines the ETA of each qualifying flight (steps 118- 124) .
To determine the ETA for a qualifying flight, the interface unit 12 calculates the ETA of the qualifying flight (step 118), taking into account, e.g., the flight's actual departure time, current position, and speed. The interface unit 12 also calculates the ETA of the flight based on various airport factors (step 120), e.g., the positions of other flights destined for the airport, runway use, and weather conditions. The interface unit 12 then transmits the later of the two ETAs to the caller device (step 122) .
At this point, if there exist other qualifying flights (step 124), the interface unit 12 returns to step 118 to repeat the process of calculating the ETA of another qualifying flight. Otherwise, the caller device 10 terminates the connection with the interface unit 12 (step 126) .
While the above description is limited to a specific embodiment of the present invention, it will be apparent that variations and modifications may be made to the invention with the attainment of some or all of the advantages of the invention. For example, the invention could be used to provide departure times as well as arrival times. Therefore, it is the object of the following claims to cover all such variations and modifications as come within the true spirit and scope of the intervention.

Claims

1. A data processing system used for obtaining and disseminating air traffic information comprising a plurality of caller devices connected to an interface unit, said interface unit being connected to a database, said database being connected to air traffic control computers which store radar data and flight data for all controlled air traffic, wherein said interface unit is programmed to calculate said air traffic information based on said radar data and flight data and transmits said air traffic information to said caller devices.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said caller devices are touch tone telephones.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein said caller devices are computer terminals equipped with modems.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein said caller devices are microcomputers equipped with modems.
PCT/US1990/004834 1989-08-24 1990-08-24 System and method of providing voice response concerning air traffic situations WO1991003025A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US39800889A 1989-08-24 1989-08-24
US398,008 1989-08-24

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1991003025A1 true WO1991003025A1 (en) 1991-03-07

Family

ID=23573616

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1990/004834 WO1991003025A1 (en) 1989-08-24 1990-08-24 System and method of providing voice response concerning air traffic situations

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO1991003025A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10403161B1 (en) * 2014-01-10 2019-09-03 Wing Aviation Llc Interface for accessing airspace data

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3434140A (en) * 1966-10-26 1969-03-18 John P Chisholm Matrix navigation system
US3668403A (en) * 1969-05-05 1972-06-06 Goodyear Aerospace Corp Method and apparatus for vehicle traffic control
US4521857A (en) * 1982-05-17 1985-06-04 Avimage, Inc. Aviation weather information dissemination system
US4642775A (en) * 1984-05-25 1987-02-10 Sundstrand Data Control, Inc. Airborne flight planning and information system
US4706198A (en) * 1985-03-04 1987-11-10 Thurman Daniel M Computerized airspace control system
US4827419A (en) * 1986-09-22 1989-05-02 Lasertrak Corporation Portable navigational planning device
US4827418A (en) * 1986-11-18 1989-05-02 UFA Incorporation Expert system for air traffic control and controller training

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3434140A (en) * 1966-10-26 1969-03-18 John P Chisholm Matrix navigation system
US3668403A (en) * 1969-05-05 1972-06-06 Goodyear Aerospace Corp Method and apparatus for vehicle traffic control
US4521857A (en) * 1982-05-17 1985-06-04 Avimage, Inc. Aviation weather information dissemination system
US4642775A (en) * 1984-05-25 1987-02-10 Sundstrand Data Control, Inc. Airborne flight planning and information system
US4706198A (en) * 1985-03-04 1987-11-10 Thurman Daniel M Computerized airspace control system
US4827419A (en) * 1986-09-22 1989-05-02 Lasertrak Corporation Portable navigational planning device
US4827418A (en) * 1986-11-18 1989-05-02 UFA Incorporation Expert system for air traffic control and controller training

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10403161B1 (en) * 2014-01-10 2019-09-03 Wing Aviation Llc Interface for accessing airspace data

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
Erzberger et al. Design of center-TRACON automation system
US6950037B1 (en) Smart airport automation system
US6393359B1 (en) System and method for estimating aircraft flight delay
KR100462526B1 (en) The technique of real time tracking and management of land based vehicles of the air port
US8755992B2 (en) System and method for sending air traffic data to users for display
US6992626B2 (en) Method and apparatus to correlate aircraft flight tracks and events with relevant airport operations information
CN111311966B (en) Method and system for prompting aircraft mission reminder
US10678265B2 (en) Revised speed advisory for an aircraft during flight based on holding time
EP3382636A1 (en) Computer-implemented method and system for managing passenger information
EP3457385A1 (en) System and method for real-time classification of notams messages
CN111177528A (en) Display method and system of flight information
EP1632892A2 (en) System and method for estimating aircraft flight delay
CN103227823A (en) System and method for dispatching large-occasion service vehicles
JP3030329B2 (en) Air traffic control information integrated display device
US8140199B2 (en) System and method for predicting aircraft gate arrival times
EP3816884A1 (en) Aircraft parking stand assignment prediction
EP3460730A1 (en) System and method for airport terminal area trajectory data clustering for selecting efficient terminal area procedures
WO1991003025A1 (en) System and method of providing voice response concerning air traffic situations
JP2007127553A (en) Aircraft information display system
CN116861103A (en) Travel inquiry method capable of checking queuing conditions of entering and exiting ports
US10356548B2 (en) System and method for improved passenger boarding
Atkins et al. Functionalities, displays, and concept of use for the surface management system [ATC]
AU3544600A (en) Air traffic management system
EP4290447A1 (en) Airport taxi time information
JP2003178395A (en) Boarding time reporting method and system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): CA JP

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB IT LU NL SE

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: CA