Computer human methods for the control and management of an airport

Abstract

An Airport Control and Management Method for use by an air traffic controller which provides for a GNSS compatible computer processing environment which supports airport control and management functions in the air and on the ground. The computer system provides for automation and a computer human interface supporting air traffic controller functions. The processing environment is based upon GNSS compatible position, velocity, time information and GNSS spatially compatible databases. The computer human interface combines the data entry role of issuing clearances with automated routing, conformance monitoring and lighting control functions. The system and methods utilize precise GNSS compatible zones, the Earth Centered Earth Fixed (ECEF) WGS-84 coordinate reference frame, GNSS compatible local coordinate frames such as local and state plane grids, travel path information management processes which allow for the intelligent control of airport lighting systems. True airport independent processing is achieved when the ECEF coordinate reference frame is utilized. The system utilizes broadcast Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS) information from participating aircraft and vehicles Although the processing methods may be employed using other surveillance information derived from radar ot multi-lateration sources with some degradation in performance due to radar inaccuracies and inability to produce accurate 3-dimensional GNSS compatible velocity. Radio receiving equipment receives the broadcast ADS information which is then supplied to the computer system. The computer system utilizes GNSS compatible position and velocity data to control the operation of airport lights using zone incursion processing methods. The methods and processes employed provide a fundamental framework for increased airport safety, operational efficiency, energy savings and improved automation resulting in reduced controller workload.

1 . A GNSS compatible airport control and management method providing a computer human interface for use by a controller in the monitoring, control and management of at least one vehicle selected from the group comprising aircraft and ground vehicles the system comprising the steps of: 
 (a) displaying on at least one display device interfaced to an airport control and management processor with data entry capability means at least one airport control and management command of a plurality of commands selected from the group consisting of Display View, Arrival Waypoints, Departure Waypoints, Vehicle Data and Airport Lights;    (b) determining in said airport control and management processor the ascertained position of said at least one vehicle, said position being GNSS referenced;    (c) using said data entry capability means to allow a controller to select said at least one airport control and management command and    (d) using said display means to present on said at least one display device said at least one vehicle's ascertained position to the controller, thus allowing the controller to monitor the position of said at least one vehicle.    
     
     
         2 . A GNSS compatible airport control and management method according to  claim 1 , wherein said ascertained position is derived from a surveillance system selected from the group comprising automatic dependent surveillance, radar surveillance and Mode S surveillance.  
     
     
         3 . A GNSS compatible airport control and management method as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said ascertained position is derived from Mode S multi-lateration.  
     
     
         4 . A GNSS compatible airport control and management method as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising: 
 (a) using said display means to present said display view command on said at least one display device;    (b) using said data entry capability means to allow a controller to select said display view command, resulting in the presentation of a list of graphic views on said at least one display device;    (c) using said data entry capability means to allow a controller to select a particular graphic view from said list of graphic views resulting in said display means presenting said selected graphic view on said at least one display device.