Method and apparatus for augmented pilot operations of fly-by-wire vehicles

Abstract

A system for augmented pilot operations is provided to perform checks and balances between navigable systems and a plurality of controlling parties of a Fly-By-Wire vehicle. A ground based control system having at least one of manual controls and an autonomous piloting system, an electronic communication system including at least one of an onboard communication system, a ground based communication system, and a programmable interface for inter party communication. An on board flight control system including at least one of a primary power unit, manual flight controls, and a programmable flight management system may be provided. An onboard auxiliary navigation system including at least one of an auxiliary power control unit, a ground operated control/navigation unit, a physical barrier may prevent manual override from within the plane or cockpit, and an assignment device. A disagreement detection system may be configured to detect unauthorized use of the Fly-By-Wire vehicle.

1 . An apparatus for augmented control of a fly-by-wire vehicle, comprising:
 a ground based control system including at least one of manual controls and an autonomous piloting system;   an electronic communication system in communication with the ground based control system and including at least one of onboard communication system, a programmable interface for inter party communication, and a ground based communication;   an on board flight control system in communication with the electronic communication system and including at least one of a primary power unit, manual flight controls, and a programmable flight management system;   an on board auxiliary navigation system in communication with the on board flight control system and including at least one of an auxiliary power control unit, a ground operated control/navigation unit, a physical barrier to prevent manual override from within the plane or cockpit, and an assignment device; and   a disagreement detection system configured to detect unauthorized use of the fly-by-wire vehicle, wherein the ground based control system, the electronic communication system, the on board flight control system, the on board auxiliary navigation system, and the disagreement detection system are in communication with one another.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the ground based control system, the electronic communication system, the on board flight control system, the on board auxiliary navigation system, and the disagreement detection system work in coordination to navigate the fly by wire vehicle. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the ground based control system, the on board flight control system, and the on board auxiliary navigation system, exclusively navigate the fly by wire vehicle. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a security verification is required to operate at least one of the ground based control system, the electronic communication system, the on board flight control system, the on board auxiliary navigation system, and the disagreement detection system. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the ground based control system removes power from manual flight controls of the fly-by-wire vehicle. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the ground based control system removes power from electric systems of a fly-by-wire vehicle with the exception of critical life support systems. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the disagreement detection system communicates deviations between pre-determined flight paths and, actual flight paths to at least one of the ground based control system, and on board flight control system. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one entity or system onboard the fly-by-wire vehicle can request an intervention via an intervention distress radio switch. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the onboard electronic communication system, on board flight control system, on board auxiliary navigation system, and disagreement detection system are isolated from all other onboard electronic systems. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the ground based control system, onboard electronic communication system, on board flight control system on board auxiliary navigation system, and disagreement detection system are protected by a firewall. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the onboard electronic communication system, on board flight control system, on board auxiliary navigation system, and disagreement detection system are exclusively programmable by a ground based control system. 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . (canceled)