Restricted airspace monitoring systems and methods

A restricted airspace monitoring system and method include a restricted airspace monitoring control unit that is configured to determine if a restricted airspace is active through monitored positions of a plurality of aircraft within an airspace that includes the restricted airspace and/or restriction notice information.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods of monitoring restricted airspace, and more particularly to systems and methods of adapting flight plans based on a monitored restricted airspace.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various types of aircraft are used to transport passengers and cargo between various locations. Each aircraft typically flies between different locations according to a defined flight plan or path. For example, a dispatcher may determine a particular flight path for an aircraft between two different locations.

The flight path from a departure location to an arrival location may not be a direct path. For example, a restricted airspace may be located between the departure location and the arrival location. The airspace may be restricted for various reasons, such as military operations or exercises, governmental or political events, sporting events, environmental emergencies (such as forest fires), or the like.

The restricted airspace may be active (i.e., the reason why the airspace is restricted is actually occurring, such as military training exercises) at only certain times during a day. For example, military exercises may occur for an hour in the morning with a three hour break until exercises resume. The restricted airspace may be active for only a few hours during the day, and inactive during the remainder of the day. However, even during periods when the restricted airspace is inactive, flight plans for aircraft typically are detoured around the restricted airspace. The detoured flight path around the restricted airspace increases flight time and fuel costs.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A need exists for a system and method that monitors restricted airspace to determine whether the restricted airspace is active or inactive. Further, a need exists for a system and method that is able to predict periods of inactivity of the restricted airspace. Moreover, a need exists for a system and method that allows flight plans to be adapted in relation to periods of restricted airspace inactivity, so as to provide a more direct flight path between a departure location and an arrival location, thereby decreasing flight times and/or saving fuel.

With those needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a restricted airspace monitoring system that includes a restricted airspace monitoring control unit that is configured to determine if a restricted airspace is active through monitored positions of a plurality of aircraft within an airspace that includes the restricted airspace and/or restriction notice information.

The restricted airspace monitoring control unit is configured to determine the positions of the plurality of aircraft within the airspace through position signals that are output by the plurality of aircraft. A tracking sub-system may be configured to track the plurality of aircraft by monitoring the position signals that are output by the plurality of aircraft. The position signals may include automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) signals.

In at least one embodiment, a restricted airspace database stores restricted airspace data. The restricted airspace monitoring control unit is configured to analyze the restricted airspace data to predict a likelihood that the restricted airspace will be inactive at a particular time.

The restricted airspace monitoring system may also include a flight path determination control unit that is configured to determine an alternate flight path for at least one of the plurality of aircraft. The alternate flight path has at least a portion that passes through the restricted airspace. In at least one embodiment, the flight path determination control unit is configured to generate a first flight path for an aircraft that flies around a restricted airspace, and a second flight path that flies through a restricted airspace with a probability that the restricted airspace will be inactive during the time of flight.

The restriction notice information may include one or more of official governmental notices and messages, aircraft communications, addressing and reporting system (ACARS) messages, notice-to-airmen (NOTAM) messages, and/or the like.

In at least one embodiment, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit is configured to determine that the restricted airspace is inactive (and, as such an air traffic controller may expressly allow a pilot to fly an aircraft therethrough) at a particular time in response to at least one of the plurality of aircraft being within the restricted airspace at the particular time. Conversely, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit may be configured to determine that the restricted airspace is active at a particular time in response to none of the plurality of aircraft being within the restricted airspace at the particular time.

The restricted airspace monitoring control unit may be configured to output a fly-through alert to at least one of the plurality of aircraft or a dispatcher in response to determining that the restricted airspace is inactive.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a restricted airspace monitoring method that includes monitoring positions of a plurality of aircraft within an airspace that includes a restricted airspace, receiving restriction notice information, and determining, by a restricted airspace monitoring control unit, if the restricted airspace is active through the monitoring and the restriction notice information.

The restricted airspace monitoring method may include storing restricted airspace data in a restricted airspace database, analyzing, by the restricted airspace monitoring control unit, the restricted airspace data, and predicting from the analyzing, by the restricted airspace monitoring control unit, a likelihood that the restricted airspace will be inactive at a particular time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a restricted airspace monitoring system and method that are configured to analyze information regarding airspace restrictions. In at least one embodiment, aircraft are tracked through position signals, such as automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) signals. In at least one other embodiment, the aircraft may be tracked through radar (for example, a tracking sub-system may be or include a radar system). Further, the systems and methods receive restriction notice information, such as broadcasted notices and messages from governmental authorities, aircraft, dispatchers, air traffic controllers, and/or the like regarding restricted airspaces. By analyzing (for example, cross-checking) aircraft flight movements as determined through the position signals of the aircraft and the restriction notice information, the restriction airspace monitoring systems and method determine whether restricted airspaces are active (that is, the restrictions are actually in place at a particular time) or inactive (that is, the restrictions are not actually in place at a particular time). In this manner, flight plans may be adapted based on whether or not the restricted airspace is active or inactive. If the restricted airspace is inactive, a flight plan for an aircraft may be adapted so as to provide a more direct route through a restricted airspace (rather than, for example, around it), thereby saving flight time and fuel.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods of monitoring restricted airspace in real time, and may analyze past and present restricted airspace data to predict future periods of inactivity of a restricted airspace. The systems and methods are able to provide a probabilistic approach to flight planning by checking for airspace use via aircraft position signals to help determine if a restricted area is in use (for example, active) or is free (for example, inactive).

FIG. 1illustrates a schematic block diagram of a restricted airspace monitoring system100and aircraft102within an airspace104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each aircraft102flies within the airspace104between departure locations and arrival locations. Portions of the airspace104may be restricted. When the restricted airspaces are active (that is, restrictions are in place), the aircraft102(individually and collectively) are prevented from flying therethrough. When the restricted airspaces are inactive (that is, the restrictions are not in place), pilots of the aircraft102may request a fly-through (or direct-through) regarding the restricted airspace.

Each aircraft102may include a position sensor106, such as an ADS-B signal position sensor that allows the aircraft102to be tracked through output position signals. The position sensor106is configured to detect a current position of the aircraft102and output a position signal indicative of the current position of the aircraft102. The position signal includes one or more position parameters, such as speed, altitude, heading, and the like. The aircraft102also includes a communication device108, such as one or more antennas, radio units, transceivers, receivers, transmitters, and/or the like. Further, the aircraft102also includes a flight control system110, which may include various flight controls, a monitor111, a speaker113, and/or the like.

The restricted airspace monitoring system100includes a restricted airspace monitoring control unit112, which may be in communication with a restricted airspace database114, such as through one or more wired or wireless connections. The restricted airspace monitoring control unit112is connected to a communication device116(such as one or more antennas, radio units, transceivers, receives, transmitters, and/or the like) through one or more wired or wireless connections. A flight path determination control unit118may be in communication with the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112and the communication device116through one or more wired or wireless connections. Optionally, the flight path determination control unit118may be part of the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112. That is, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112and the flight path determination control unit118may be separate and distinct control units, or part of the same control unit.

As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide the restricted airspace monitoring system100that includes the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112that is configured to determine if a restricted airspace is active by analyzing positions (such as real time current positions and/or past positions at previous times) of the aircraft102within the airspace104that includes the restricted airspace and restriction notice information122. The restricted airspace database114stores restricted airspace data (which includes information regarding previous flight paths through the restricted airspace at prior times). The restricted airspace monitoring control unit112analyzes the restricted airspace data to predict a likelihood that the restricted airspace is active. For example, based on analysis of the restricted airspace data, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112may provide a predicted likelihood (for example, a greater than X % chance) that the restricted airspace is inactive at a particular time of the day. In at least one embodiment, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112is configured to determine that the restricted airspace is inactive at a particular time in response to detecting at least one of the aircraft102within the restricted airspace at the particular time. Conversely, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit may be configured to determine that the restricted airspace is active at a particular time in response to detecting none of the aircraft within the restricted airspace at the particular time.

The restricted airspace monitoring system100may also include a tracking sub-system120that is configured to track movement of the aircraft102within the airspace104. For example, the tracking sub-system120may be an ADS-B tracking sub-system that is configured to track movement of the aircraft102through ADS-B signals output by the position sensors106of the aircraft102. The tracking sub-system120may be connected to the communication device116, such as through one or more wired or wireless connections. In at least one other embodiment, the restricted airspace monitoring system100may not include the tracking sub-system120. Instead, the tracking sub-system120may be separate and distinct from the restricted airspace monitoring system100, and in communication with the restricted airspace monitoring system100.

The restricted airspace monitoring system100may be a land-based monitoring system at a particular location. For example, the restricted airspace monitoring system100may be located at an airport, such as at an air operation center or air traffic control center. The restricted airspace monitoring system100may be configured to monitor the airspace104and restricted areas therein. The airspace104may cover a particular area in relation to the restricted airspace monitoring system100. For example, the airspace104may be over a defined region, such as within a 500 miles radius from the restricted airspace monitoring system100. Optionally, the airspace104may be over a smaller or larger area than within a 500 miles radius from the restricted airspace monitoring system100. As an example, the airspace104may be over an entire state, region, country, hemisphere or even over an entire surface of the Earth. In at least one other embodiment, the restricted airspace monitoring system100may be onboard watercraft, aircraft, spacecraft, a geosynchronous or non-geosynchronous satellite, or the like.

The communication device116of the restricted airspace monitoring system100is configured to receive the position signals output by the position sensors106of the aircraft102, as well as restriction notice information122. The restriction notice information122may be audio, video, text, or other such signals that are broadcast or output by entities (such as government authorities) regarding restricted airspace. The restriction notice information122may include official governmental notices and messages, aircraft communications, addressing and reporting system (ACARS) messages, notice-to-airmen (NOTAM) messages, and/or the like. The restriction notice information122may also include signals output by other aircraft102.

In operation, the restricted airspace monitoring system100receives restriction notice information122via the communication device116. The restriction notice information122indicates restricted airspace(s) within the airspace104. The restricted airspace monitoring control unit112determines the restricted airspace via the restriction notice information122and/or other data already received and stored within the restricted airspace database114.

The tracking sub-system120tracks the aircraft102within the airspace104via the position signals (for example, ADS-B signals) output by the position sensors106of the aircraft102. The restricted airspace monitoring control unit112monitors the actual positions of the aircraft102within the airspace104via the position signals output by the position sensors106, as tracked via the tracking sub-system120. The restricted airspace monitoring control unit112compares the tracked positions of the aircraft102within the airspace104with the locations of restricted airspace, as stored in the restricted airspace database114and/or received via the restriction notice information122. If no aircraft102are detected within the restricted airspace(s), the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112refrains from outputting potential fly-through alerts to the aircraft102. If, however, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112determines that certain aircraft102are flying through the restricted airspace (such as after a pilot has requested a fly-through of the restricted airspace and been granted the fly-through), the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112outputs a potential fly-through alert to the aircraft102via the communication device116. The aircraft102receives the potential fly-through alert via the communication device108, and the potential fly-through alert may be shown on the monitor111or broadcast through the speaker113. After receiving the potential fly-through alert, the pilot may then contact a dispatcher, air traffic controller, and/or the like to request a fly-through of the restricted airspace.

The restricted airspace monitoring control unit112analyzes restricted airspace data that is stored on the restricted airspace database114. For example, restricted airspace data regarding restricted airspace may be stored for a day, a week, a month, a year, or even longer. The restricted airspace monitoring control unit112analyzes the restricted airspace data to determine times when the restricted airspace is active or inactive over a particular time period. For example, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112may analyze the restricted airspace data stored in the restricted airspace database114and determine that the restricted airspace is generally active for only a certain period of time during a day, and inactive other periods of time during the day, based on an analysis of the restricted airspace data over a period of time (such as a week, month, or year prior to a current time). As such, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112may predict likely periods of inactivity of the restricted airspace at the current time and future time, and provide dispatchers and flight schedulers with potential restricted airspace fly-through opportunities. In this manner, authorities may be contacted and fly-through requests may be made before a flight path or plan is determined. If the fly-through request is granted, the aircraft may not need as much fuel, and may therefore be loaded with less fuel, thereby saving fuel costs and flight time between a departure location and an arrival location.

In at least one embodiment, the flight path determination control unit118may automatically generate one or more flight paths for the aircraft102. The flight path determination control unit118may generate a first flight path for an aircraft that flies around a restricted airspace, and a second flight path that flies through a restricted airspace with a probability (such as provided to a dispatcher and/or pilot) that the restricted airspace will be inactive during the time of flight. The probability may be calculated based on analysis of activity/inactivity over a predetermined time frame (such as one or more days, weeks, months, and/or years prior to the current time). The probably may be displayed, such as on the monitor111. In this manner, a dispatcher or pilot may review both generated flight paths, and request a fly-through of the restricted airspace based on the second flight path. If the fly-through is granted, the dispatcher or pilot may then opt for the second flight path, which reduces flight time and/or saves fuel costs. Alternatively, the restricted airspace monitoring system100may not include the flight path determination control unit118.

As used herein, the term “control unit,” “central processing unit,” “unit,” “CPU,” “computer,” or the like may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor including hardware, software, or a combination thereof capable of executing the functions described herein. Such are exemplary only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of such terms. For example, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112and the flight path determination control unit118may be or include one or more processors that are configured to control operation thereof, as described herein.

The restricted airspace monitoring control unit112and the flight path determination control unit118are configured to execute a set of instructions that are stored in one or more data storage units or elements (such as one or more memories), in order to process data. For example, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112and the flight path determination control unit118may include or be coupled to one or more memories. The data storage units may also store data or other information as desired or needed. The data storage units may be in the form of an information source or a physical memory element within a processing machine.

The diagrams of embodiments herein may illustrate one or more control or processing units, such as the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112and the flight path determination control unit118. It is to be understood that the processing or control units may represent circuits, circuitry, or portions thereof that may be implemented as hardware with associated instructions (e.g., software stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, or the like) that perform the operations described herein. The hardware may include state machine circuitry hardwired to perform the functions described herein. Optionally, the hardware may include electronic circuits that include and/or are connected to one or more logic-based devices, such as microprocessors, processors, controllers, or the like. Optionally, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112and the flight path determination control unit118may represent processing circuitry such as one or more of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microprocessor(s), and/or the like. The circuits in various embodiments may be configured to execute one or more algorithms to perform functions described herein. The one or more algorithms may include aspects of embodiments disclosed herein, whether or not expressly identified in a flowchart or a method.

As used herein, the terms “software” and “firmware” are interchangeable, and include any computer program stored in a data storage unit (for example, one or more memories) for execution by a computer, including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The above data storage unit types are exemplary only, and are thus not limiting as to the types of memory usable for storage of a computer program.

FIG. 2illustrates a simplified schematic diagram of an aircraft102flying according to a first flight path200around a restricted airspace202, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the first flight path200shown is a simplified representation, is not drawn to scale, and is not necessarily indicative of operational capabilities. The restricted airspace202is within the airspace104. The aircraft102departs from a departure location204. The first flight path200connects the departure location204with an arrival location206. As shown, a direct second flight path208connects the departure location204to the arrival location206. However, the second flight path208passes through the restricted airspace202.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, based on the tracked position data of other aircraft102and the restriction notice information122, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112determines that the restricted airspace202is active. As such, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112may output a message to the aircraft102that there is not a restricted airspace fly-through possibility at the current time. Accordingly, the aircraft102maintains a current course according to the flight path200around the restricted airspace202.

FIG. 3illustrates a simplified schematic diagram of the aircraft102flying according to the second flight path208through the restricted airspace202, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, based on the tracked position data of other aircraft102and the restriction notice information122, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112determines that the restricted airspace202is inactive (or is likely inactive). As such, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112may output a potential fly-over message to the aircraft102indicating that there may be restricted airspace fly-through possibility at the current time (or at the time at which the aircraft is scheduled to arrive at, or near, the restricted airspace202). Accordingly, the pilot of the aircraft102may then contact the relevant authority to request a fly-through through the restricted airspace202. The relevant authority may then grant the fly-through request, thereby allowing the aircraft102to fly according to the second flight path208through the restricted airspace202. Conversely, if permission to fly through the restricted airspace202is not granted, the original flight path that avoids the restricted airspace202is followed.

FIG. 4illustrates a flow chart of a restricted airspace monitoring method, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 4, position signals (such as ADS-B signals) of aircraft102within the airspace104are monitored at220, such as by the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112analyzing tracking data output by the tracking sub-system120. At222, it is determined whether any aircraft102are within a restricted airspace. For example, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112may determine the restricted airspace from restricted airspace data stored in the restricted airspace database114, and/or through the restriction notice information122.

If, at222, it is determined that the aircraft102are not within the restricted airspace, the method proceeds to224, at which the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112refrains from outputting a potential fly-through message to the aircraft. The method then returns to220.

If, however, it is determined that there is at least one aircraft102within (or recently within) the restricted airspace at222, the method proceeds to226, at which the restricted airspace database cross-checks the restriction notice information122, so as to determine whether the restricted airspace is active, and if so, for how long. In at least one embodiment, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112may predict whether or not a restricted airspace is currently active based on pattern recognition. For example, if a pattern of military operations in the restricted airspace indicate that the restricted airspace is only active for two hours from a starting time, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112may indicate that there is a likelihood that the restricted airspace will be inactive three or more hours from the starting time on a given day.

At228, if the restricted airspace is active, the method proceeds to224, at which the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112refrains from outputting a potential fly-through message. If, however, at228, it is determined that the restricted airspace is inactive, the method proceeds to230, at which the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112outputs a potential fly-through message to the aircraft102. The potential fly-through message may include an alternate flight path that passes through a portion of the restricted airspace.

After receiving the potential fly-through message from the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112, a pilot and/or a dispatcher requests a fly-through (of the restricted airspace) at232. At234, if the fly-through request is not granted (such as by an air traffic controller or other relevant authority), the method proceeds to236, at which the aircraft102maintains course on the flight path around the restricted airspace. If, however, the fly-through request is granted at234, the method proceeds to238, at which the flight path is adapted to pass through the restricted airspace.

As described herein, a restricted airspace monitoring method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes monitoring positions of a plurality of aircraft within an airspace that includes a restricted airspace, receiving restriction notice information, and determining, by the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112, if the restricted airspace is active through the position of at least one of the plurality of aircraft and the restriction notice information.

FIG. 5illustrates a front perspective view of an aircraft102, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The aircraft102includes a propulsion system312that may include two turbofan engines314, for example. Optionally, the propulsion system312may include more engines314than shown. The engines314are carried by wings316of the aircraft102. In other embodiments, the engines314may be carried by a fuselage318and/or an empennage320. The empennage320may also support horizontal stabilizers322and a vertical stabilizer324. The fuselage318of the aircraft102defines an internal cabin, which may include a cockpit330, one or more work sections (for example, galleys, personnel carry-on baggage areas, and the like), one or more passenger sections (for example, first class, business class, and coach sections), and an aft section in which an aft rest area assembly may be positioned.

The aircraft102may be sized, shaped, and configured other than shown inFIG. 5. For example, the aircraft102may be a non-fixed wing aircraft, such as a helicopter. As another example, the aircraft102may be an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Referring toFIGS. 1-5, embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods that allow large amounts of data to be quickly and efficiently analyzed by a computing device. For example, numerous aircraft102may be scheduled to fly within the airspace104. As such, large amounts of data are being tracked and analyzed. The vast amounts of data are efficiently organized and/or analyzed by the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112, as described herein. The restricted airspace monitoring control unit112analyzes the data in a relatively short time in order to quickly and efficiently output and/or display information regarding restricted airspaces within the overall airspace104. For example, the restricted airspace monitoring control unit112analyzes current locations of the aircraft102received therefrom in real or near real time to determine locations of the aircraft102within the airspace104, as well as compare the locations of the aircraft102to restricted airspace(s), as stored in the restricted airspace database114, and/or received via the restriction notice information122. A human being would be incapable of efficiently analyzing such vast amounts of data in such a short time. As such, embodiments of the present disclosure provide increased and efficient functionality with respect to prior computing systems, and vastly superior performance in relation to a human analyzing the vast amounts of data. In short, embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods that analyze thousands, if not millions, of calculations and computations that a human is incapable of efficiently, effectively and accurately managing.

As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods that monitor restricted airspace(s) to determine whether the restricted airspace(s) is currently active or inactive. Further, the systems and methods are able to predict periods of inactivity of the restricted airspace(s) (such as based on historical data of the restricted airspace(s), as stored in the restricted airspace database114). Moreover, the systems and methods allow flight plans to be adapted in relation to periods of restricted airspace inactivity so as to provide a more direct flight path between a departure location and arrival location, thereby leading to shorter flight times and/or fuel savings.