초록 ▼

The present invention provides several apparatus, methods, and computer program products for predicting which one of at least two candidate runways on which an aircraft is most likely to land, such that data concerning the predicted runway may be used by ground proximity warning systems. The present

The present invention provides several apparatus, methods, and computer program products for predicting which one of at least two candidate runways on which an aircraft is most likely to land, such that data concerning the predicted runway may be used by ground proximity warning systems. The present invention includes a processor that receives data pertaining to an aircraft and at least two candidate runways in close proximity to the aircraft. Based on this data, the processor of the present invention determines a reference deviation angle between the aircraft and each candidate runway. This reference deviation angle may represent a bearing, track, or glideslope deviation angle between the aircraft and each candidate runway. The processor further evaluates each of the reference deviation angles and predicts which of the candidate runways the aircraft is most likely to land. For instance, in one embodiment, the processor compares the reference deviation angle value associated with each candidate runway to the reference deviation angle associated with the other candidate runways. In another embodiment, the processor may compare the reference angle deviation value associated with each candidate runway to an empirical likelihood model representing the likelihood that the aircraft is landing on the candidate runway based on the reference deviation angle. In this embodiment, the processor evaluates the likelihood value generated for each candidate runway and predicts which runway the aircraft is most likely to land. In another embodiment of the present invention, the processor may predict the runway based on a combination of likelihood values for each candidate runway (i.e., bearing, track, and glideslope likelihood).

대표청구항 ▼

[ That which is claimed:] [1.]1. An apparatus for predicting which one of at least two candidate runways on which an aircraft is most likely to land, wherein said apparatus comprises a processor that determines a reference angle deviation between the aircraft and each candidate runway, and wherein s

[ That which is claimed:] [1.]1. An apparatus for predicting which one of at least two candidate runways on which an aircraft is most likely to land, wherein said apparatus comprises a processor that determines a reference angle deviation between the aircraft and each candidate runway, and wherein said processor automatically predicts the candidate runway on which the aircraft is most likely to land based on the reference angle deviation.