Systems and methods for transmitting and receiving data using light fidelity (LIFI) for improved aerodrome operations

A method for using an airfield Light Fidelity (LiFi) system in an airfield to exchange optical wireless data communications with an aircraft. The method (i) detects aircraft exterior lights including aircraft LED lamps, via a plurality of airfield photo detectors, wherein the airfield LiFi system comprises the plurality of airfield photo detectors positioned at intervals along a runway of the airfield; (ii) in response to detecting the aircraft exterior lights, establishes a communication connection to an aircraft LiFi system comprising the aircraft LED lamps and aircraft photo detectors, by the airfield LiFi system; and (iii) exchanges the optical wireless data communications via the communication connection, by the airfield LiFi system, by: receiving communications from aircraft LED lamps, via airfield photo detectors; transmitting communications to aircraft photo detectors, via airfield LED lamps; and presenting ground station notifications.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate generally to applying Light Fidelity (LiFi) technology to the exchange of data communications in an aerodrome environment. More particularly, embodiments of the subject matter relate to transmitting and receiving optical wireless data communications via light and photo detection during performance of aerodrome operations.

BACKGROUND

Computer systems are significantly involved in various aspects of everyday life, and provide convenient access to information when needed. Location-independent information access increasingly depends on wireless data exchange, which is typically performed using standardized wireless communications protocols that include specified communication ranges of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum. The everyday use of personal computing devices is extensive, and continues to increase as technology advances. However, capacity limitations of the crowded RF spectrum can potentially constrain wireless data exchange requirements for advancements in computing technology.

Accordingly, it is desirable to expand wireless communications capabilities for computing applications. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for using an airfield Light Fidelity (LiFi) system in an airfield to exchange optical wireless data communications with an aircraft, the airfield LiFi system comprising at least a plurality of airfield light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, and at least one airfield processor. The method (i) detects aircraft exterior lights including at least one aircraft LED lamp, via a plurality of airfield photo detectors communicatively coupled to the at least one airfield processor, wherein the airfield LiFi system comprises the plurality of airfield photo detectors positioned at intervals along a runway of the airfield; (ii) in response to detecting the aircraft exterior lights, establishes a communication connection to an aircraft LiFi system comprising the at least one aircraft LED lamp and at least one aircraft photo detector, by the airfield LiFi system; and (iii) exchanges the optical wireless data communications via the communication connection, by the airfield LiFi system, by: receiving aircraft data communications from the at least one aircraft LED lamp onboard the aircraft, via the plurality of airfield photo detectors; transmitting airfield data communications to at least one aircraft photo detector onboard the aircraft, via the plurality of airfield LED lamps, wherein the optical wireless data communications comprise the aircraft data communications and the airfield data communications; and presenting ground station notifications associated with at least one of the aircraft data communications and the airfield data communications, via a display device communicatively coupled to the at least one airfield processor.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an airfield Light Fidelity (LiFi) system positioned in an airfield and used to exchange optical wireless data communications with an aircraft. The airfield LiFi system includes: a plurality of airfield LED lamps configured to transmit the optical wireless data communications to an aircraft LiFi system onboard the aircraft, the plurality of airfield LED lamps being positioned at intervals along a runway of the airfield; a plurality of airfield photo detectors configured to receive the optical wireless data communications from the aircraft LiFi system, the plurality of airfield photo detectors being positioned at intervals along a runway of the airfield; a display device configured to present graphical elements and text for the airfield LiFi system; and at least one airfield processor communicatively coupled to the plurality of airfield LED lamps, the plurality of airfield photo detectors, and the display device, the at least one airfield processor configured to: detect aircraft exterior lights including at least one aircraft LED lamp, via the plurality of airfield photo detectors; in response to detecting the aircraft exterior lights, establish a communication connection to the aircraft LiFi system comprising the at least one aircraft LED lamp and at least one aircraft photo detector; and exchange the optical wireless data communications via the communication connection, by: receiving aircraft data communications from the at least one aircraft LED lamp onboard the aircraft, via the plurality of airfield photo detectors; transmitting airfield data communications to at least one aircraft photo detector onboard the aircraft, via the plurality of airfield LED lamps, wherein the optical wireless data communications comprise the aircraft data communications and the airfield data communications; and presenting ground station notifications associated with at least one of the aircraft data communications and the airfield data communications, via the display device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter presented herein relates to systems and methods for transmitting and receiving data communications using Light Fidelity (LiFi) technology to enhance the safety and efficiency of aerodrome operations by: (i) enabling communications outside of the typical radio frequency (RF) spectrum; (ii) facilitating automatic data communication exchange between an aircraft in an airfield; and (iii) automatically predicting potential runway incursions and excursions prior to potential occurrence.

LiFi is wireless communications technology that uses light for data transmission. LiFi devices perform optical wireless communications, and typically use light from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a medium to deliver networked, mobile, high-speed communication. Advantages of using LiFi may include, but are not limited to: (1) the data transfer rate for internet applications is higher than typical data transmissions and provides an increased amount of security for data communication; (2) the Li-Fi devices consume a low amount of power for operation and are thus beneficial for use in Internet of Things (IoT) applications; (3) Li-Fi technology uses the optical spectrum and thus avoids using the already-crowded radio frequency (RF) spectrum; (4) Li-Fi systems operate using optical bands which are not known to be harmful to humans, and thus there are no known health concerns in a Li-Fi based system; (5) Li-Fi based devices and systems reduce the amount of energy required for a lighting applications; and (6) Li-Fi based devices and systems generally do not require complicated installation procedures, and thus are generally easy to install. Contemplated herein are techniques to exchange data communications between an aircraft onboard LiFi system and a LiFi system that has been deployed in an airfield and positioned at intervals along a runway, to facilitate communications and alerting between the aircraft and ground control station during landing and surface movement on the runway.

Referring to the figures,FIG. 1is a diagram of a system100for transmitting and receiving data using Light Fidelity (LiFi) technology during aerodrome operations, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. More specifically, the system100is used to facilitate the exchange of LiFi data communications between: (1) an aircraft102landing in an airfield, and (2) a ground station associated with the airfield. The system100operates to enable the exchange of data between the aircraft102and the ground station using visible light communications (e.g., LiFi), for purposes of improving the safety and efficiency of aerodrome operations. The system100includes an aircraft102traveling on, or approaching, a runway104in an airfield associated with an air traffic control (ATC) tower or other ground station. The aircraft102is equipped with an aircraft LiFi system108, and the ground station uses an airfield LiFi system106that includes LiFi device hardware positioned at intervals along the runway104. In practice, certain embodiments of the system100may include additional or alternative elements and components, as desired for the particular application.

The aircraft102may be any aviation vehicle equipped with an aircraft LiFi system108. The aircraft102may be implemented as an airplane, helicopter, spacecraft, hovercraft, or the like. The aircraft LiFi system108and the airfield LiFi system106are configured to exchange data communication messages as the aircraft102travels within a light detection range of the airfield LiFi system106. As described herein with regard toFIGS. 2-3, the aircraft LiFi system108and the airfield LiFi system106include the same components, and each of the aircraft LiFi system108and the airfield LiFi system106include the capability to operate as a transmitter and a receiver. Using the aircraft LiFi system108and the airfield LiFi system106, sets of data are transmitted using visible light communication techniques. Visible light communications operates by switching the current to the aircraft LED lamp off and on at a high rate, creating rapid changes in the LED beam that are typically not visible. Signal processing is used to convert the set of data into an LED-compatible format, and the set of data is provided to an LED lamp. The set of data is embedded in the LED beam generated by the LED lamp, and is transmitted at rapid speeds to a photo detector. The LED beam that includes rapid changes is received by the photo detector and then converted into an electrical signal, and then a binary data stream representative of the transmitted set of data, by a communicatively coupled computing device. In this way, the sets of data area transmitted via light emitting diode (LED) beams produced by a first LiFi system, and received via photo detectors of a second LiFi system. Thus, using visible light communication techniques, data messages are transmitted and received between the aircraft102and the ground station associated with the airfield and the runway104.

During typical operation, the aircraft102approaches and lands on the runway104, and the airfield LiFi system106detects exterior lights of the aircraft102when the aircraft102travels into a light detection range of the airfield LiFi system106. Once the aircraft102is detected by the airfield LiFi system106, communications are enabled between the aircraft102and the ground station via the airfield LiFi system106. The airfield LiFi system106obtains real-time aircraft parameter data from the aircraft LiFi system108that is communicatively coupled to avionics systems onboard the aircraft102. The airfield LiFi system106is further configured to use the obtained aircraft parameter data to identify situations in which performance of the aircraft102exceeds one or more thresholds, thus rendering aircraft operations outside of acceptable limits. In response to exceeding a performance threshold, the system100provides alerts and notifications to ground control and to the aircraft102, to inform personnel of a situation requiring intervention.

FIGS. 2 and 3are functional block diagrams of LiFi devices implemented in a ground-based airfield and implemented onboard an aircraft, as shown inFIG. 1, references106,108.FIG. 2is a functional block diagram of an airfield LiFi device200operating as a receiver that receives data communications transmitted by an aircraft LiFi device operating as a transmitter. The airfield LiFi device200is configured to exchange data communications with an aircraft LiFi device (see reference300,FIG. 3).

The airfield LiFi device200includes ground airfield lights202, an airfield LiFi computing device208, and an airfield photo detector210. The ground airfield lights202are implemented as airfield light emitting diode (LED) lamps configured to generate LED beams that include embedded data communications, for purposes of data transmission when the airfield LiFi device200operates as a transmitter, as described with regard toFIG. 3. However, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, the airfield LiFi device200operates as a receiver and the ground airfield lights202are not shown to operate as a transmitter inFIG. 2. The airfield photo detector210is implemented as a light sensor that detects and absorbs light, and that also converts the optical energy to measurable electric current. The airfield LiFi computing device208is implemented as any computing device that includes at least one processor, some form of memory hardware, and communication connections to the airfield photo detector210and the ground airfield lights202.

During typical operation, the airfield LiFi device200operates as a receiver and, in this capacity, receives input data transmissions from an aircraft light emitting diode (LED) lamp transmitter204. The airfield photo detector210detects an LED beam of light produced by the aircraft LED lamp transmitter204. The airfield photo detector210converts the optical energy of the LED beam into an output electric current signal. Using the output data from the airfield photo detector210, the airfield LiFi computing device208performs amplification and processing to convert the output data into a binary data stream representative of the input data transmission received from the aircraft LED lamp transmitter204. Thus, the airfield LiFi device200receives a transmitted data communication via a beam of light.

FIG. 3is a functional block diagram of an aircraft LiFi device300operating as a receiver that receives data communications transmitted by an airfield LiFi device operating as a transmitter. The aircraft LiFi device300is configured to exchange data communications with an airfield LiFi device (see reference200,FIG. 2).

The aircraft LiFi device300includes aircraft lights304, an aircraft LiFi computing device308, and an aircraft photo detector310. The airfield light emitting diode (LED) lamp transmitter302is implemented as airfield LED lamps configured to generate LED beams that include embedded data communications, for purposes of data transmission when the aircraft LiFi device300operates as a transmitter (as described with regard toFIG. 2). However, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, the aircraft LiFi device300operates as a receiver and the aircraft lights304are not shown to operate as a transmitter inFIG. 3. The aircraft photo detector310is implemented as a light sensor that detects and absorbs light, and that also converts the optical energy to measurable electric current. The aircraft LiFi computing device308is implemented as any computing device that includes at least one processor, some form of memory hardware, and communication connections to the aircraft photo detector310and the aircraft lights304.

During typical operation, the aircraft LiFi device300operates as a receiver and, in this capacity, receives input data transmissions from the airfield LED lamp transmitter302. The aircraft photo detector310detects an LED beam of light produced by the airfield LED lamp transmitter302. The aircraft photo detector310converts the optical energy of the LED beam into an output electric current signal. Using the output data from the aircraft photo detector310, the aircraft LiFi computing device308performs amplification and processing to convert the output data into a binary data stream representative of the input data transmission received from the airfield LED lamp transmitter302. Thus, the aircraft LiFi device300receives a transmitted data communication via a beam of light.

FIG. 4is a functional block diagram of an airfield Light Fidelity (LiFi) computing device400, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. It should be noted that the airfield LiFi computing device400can be implemented as a component part of airfield LiFi system106depicted inFIG. 1and the airfield LiFi computing device208ofFIG. 2. In this regard, the airfield LiFi computing device400shows certain elements and components of the airfield LiFi system106and the airfield LiFi computing device208in more detail.

The airfield LiFi computing device400generally includes, without limitation: at least one processor402; system memory404; a light emitting diode (LED) lamps driver module406; an airfield light emitting diode (LED) lamps communications module408; an airfield photo detectors communications module410; an airfield Light Fidelity (LiFi) data module412; a Light Fidelity (LiFi) communications initiation module414; a Light Fidelity (LiFi) data exchange module416; a current aircraft status and compliance module418; an alerting module420; an external communications device422; and a display device424.

These elements and features of the airfield LiFi computing device400may be operatively associated with one another, coupled to one another, or otherwise configured to cooperate with one another as needed to support the desired functionality, as described herein. For ease of illustration and clarity, the various physical, electrical, and logical couplings and interconnections for these elements and features are not depicted inFIG. 4. Moreover, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the airfield LiFi computing device400will include other elements, modules, and features that cooperate to support the desired functionality. For simplicity,FIG. 4only depicts certain elements that relate to the LiFi data transmission techniques described in more detail below.

The at least one processor402may be implemented or performed with one or more general purpose processors, a content addressable memory, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination designed to perform the functions described here. In particular, the at least one processor402may be realized as one or more microprocessors, controllers, microcontrollers, or state machines. Moreover, the at least one processor402may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of digital signal processors and microprocessors, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.

The at least one processor402is communicatively coupled to the system memory404. The system memory404is configured to store any obtained or generated data and graphical elements associated with Light Fidelity (LiFi) signal transmission and/or conversion, identifying aircraft parameters exceeding normal limits, alerting and notifications for ground control and the aircraft. The system memory404may be realized using any number of devices, components, or modules, as appropriate to the embodiment. Moreover, the airfield LiFi computing device400could include system memory404integrated therein and/or a system memory404operatively coupled thereto, as appropriate to the particular embodiment. In practice, the system memory404could be realized as RAM memory, flash memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In certain embodiments, the system memory404includes a hard disk, which may also be used to support functions of the airfield LiFi computing device400. The system memory404can be coupled to the at least one processor402such that the at least one processor402can read information from, and write information to, the system memory404. In the alternative, the system memory404may be integral to the at least one processor402. As an example, the at least one processor402and the system memory404may reside in a suitably designed application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

The light emitting diode (LED) lamps driver module406is configured to initiate, enable, and configure operation of the airfield LED lamps and the airfield LiFi computing device400. The LED lamps driver module406initiates or “triggers” typical light-generating operations of the LED lamps. The LED lamps driver module406also facilitates the signal processing, embedding data messages in light beams of the LED lamps, security of the data, and transmits the data message using the light beams. Thus, the LED lamps driver module406initiates normal LED lamp operations and LiFi data transmitting and receiving capabilities.

The airfield light emitting diode (LED) lamps communications module408is configured to provide data messages to the airfield LED lamps for transmission from the airfield LiFi computing device400to the aircraft LiFi system. The airfield LED lamps communications module408is further configured to obtain data messages from the airfield LED lamps that have been received by the airfield LiFi computing device400from the aircraft LiFi system via the airfield LED lamps. Thus, the airfield LED lamps communications module408exchanges data between the airfield LiFi computing device400and the communicatively coupled airfield LED lamps that are positioned at intervals along a runway of an airfield.

The airfield photo detectors communications module410is configured to obtain an output data signal from a plurality of airfield photo detectors used as component parts of an airfield LiFi system. Typically, the airfield photo detectors communications module410obtains and converts the output data signal into a binary data stream that represents the set of data received by the airfield LiFi system and transmitted by the aircraft LiFi system.

The airfield Light Fidelity (LiFi) data module412is configured to interpret the received LiFi data included in the binary data stream, and to identify appropriate actions for initiation and/or performance by the airfield LiFi computing device400. In some embodiments, the received LiFi data includes aircraft position data, an aircraft identification number (e.g., an aircraft tail number), runway data, time data, aircraft speed data, flight plan data, aircraft compliance data, aircraft maintenance recorder data, or the like. In this scenario, the airfield LiFi computing device400obtains the uploaded aircraft parameter data, determines whether operation of the aircraft exceeds normal limits, whether the aircraft is operating in compliance with a published and approved flight plan, and whether current conditions indicate likelihood of a potential runway excursion and/or potential runway incursion.

The Light Fidelity (LiFi) communications initiation module414is configured to trigger or initiate the establishment of a communication connection between the airfield LiFi system and the aircraft LiFi system, for purposes of exchanging data using visible light communications by embedding a data communication message in a beam of light. Typically, the LiFi communications initiation module414initiates the establishment of the communication connection, and initiates all subsequent LiFi data exchanges using the communication connection, in response to detecting the presence of the exterior lights of the aircraft within a light detection range of the airfield photo detectors. Thus, the LiFi communications initiation module414initiates communication exchange between the airfield LiFi system and the aircraft LiFi system when the aircraft LiFi system is located within light-sensing range of the airfield LiFi system.

The Light Fidelity (LiFi) data exchange module416is configured to use the communication connection to transmit data via the plurality of airfield LED lamps and to receive data via the plurality of airfield photo detectors, after initiation of airfield LiFi system operations via the LiFi communications initiation module414.

The current aircraft status and compliance module418is configured to perform analysis using received or uploaded aircraft parameter data to obtain the uploaded aircraft parameter data, determines whether operation of the aircraft exceeds normal limits, whether the aircraft is operating in compliance with a published and approved flight plan, and whether current conditions indicate likelihood of a potential runway excursion and/or potential runway incursion. The current aircraft status and compliance module418is further configured to use the obtained aircraft parameter data to identify situations in which performance of the aircraft exceeds one or more thresholds, thus rendering aircraft operations outside of acceptable limits.

In response to exceeding a performance threshold, the alerting module420provides alerts and notifications to ground control and to the aircraft102, to inform personnel of a situation requiring intervention. The alerting module420is thus configured to transmit alerts and notifications to the aircraft LiFi system using the visible light communications techniques of the airfield LiFi system.

The external communications device422is suitably configured to communicate data between the airfield LiFi computing device400and one or more remote storage locations (e.g., a server, system memory404, or other memory hardware location). The external communications device422may transmit and receive communications over a wireless local area network (WLAN), the Internet, a satellite uplink/downlink, a cellular network, a broadband network, a wide area network, or the like. As described herein, the airfield LiFi computing device400uses airfield LED lamps, airfield photo detectors, and visible light communications techniques to transmit and receive data communications embedded in LED beams. However, the airfield LiFi computing device400uses the external communications device422to transmit and receive data that is outside of the LiFi communication connection between the LiFi systems. In this way, the external communications device422uses typical wireless and/or wired communication protocols to transmit data uploads for storage, record-keeping, and future use.

The display device424is configured to display various icons, text, and/or graphical elements associated with LiFi data messages, LiFi data conversion, LiFi data transmission techniques, or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the display device424is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor402. The at least one processor402and the display device424are cooperatively configured to display, render, or otherwise convey one or more graphical representations or images associated with LiFi data transmission, LiFi data conversion, and/or notifications and alerts related to aircraft performance parameters exceeding normal limits. In an exemplary embodiment, the display device424is realized as an electronic display configured to graphically display LiFi data transmission and conversion data and alerting and notification data, as described herein. In some embodiments, the display device424is external to the airfield LiFi computing device400such that the display device424is capable of presenting notifications and alerts in a ground station, and is thus implemented as a ground station display. It will be appreciated that although the display device424may be implemented using a single display, certain embodiments may use additional displays (i.e., a plurality of displays) to accomplish the functionality of the display device424described herein.

FIG. 5is a functional block diagram of an aircraft Light Fidelity (LiFi) computing device500, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. Many of the features, components, and functionality of the aircraft LiFi computing device500are similar (if not identical) to those described above with reference toFIG. 4. For the sake of brevity and clarity, shared or common features, components, and functionality will not be redundantly described here in the context of the aircraft LiFi computing device500.

More specifically, the at least one processor502, the system memory504, the external communications device506, the light emitting diode (LED) lamp driver module508, the aircraft light emitting diode (LED) lamp communications module510, the aircraft photo detector communications module512, the Light Fidelity (LiFi) data exchange module514, and the display device516correspond to similar components that are described with regard toFIG. 4. However, exemplary embodiments of the display device516are realized as an electronic display configured to graphically display LiFi data transmissions, LiFi conversion data, alerting and notification data associated with aircraft performance, as described herein. In some embodiments, the aircraft LiFi computing device500is an integrated computer system onboard the aircraft, and the display device516is located within a cockpit of the aircraft, and is thus implemented as an aircraft display. In other embodiments, the display device516is implemented as a display screen of a standalone, personal computing device (e.g., laptop computer, tablet computer) that is communicatively coupled to the aircraft LiFi computing device500. It will be appreciated that although the display device516may be implemented using a single display, certain embodiments may use additional displays (i.e., a plurality of displays) to accomplish the functionality of the display device516described herein.

It should be appreciated that the aircraft LiFi computing device500is configured to operate cooperatively with an aircraft LiFi system (seeFIGS. 2-3) to exchange data communications with the plurality of aircraft onboard LED lamps via the aircraft LED lamp communications module510; to exchange data communications with the plurality of aircraft onboard photo detectors via the aircraft photo detector communications module512; to transmit and receive data communications with an airfield LiFi system via the LiFi data exchange module514, and to present notifications and alerts generated or obtained using the aircraft LiFi system via the display device516.

FIG. 6is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of a process600for using an airfield Light Fidelity (LiFi) system in an airfield to exchange optical wireless communications with an aircraft, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. As described previously with regard to reference106ofFIG. 1, the airfield LiFi system includes a plurality of airfield light emitting diode (LED) lamps, a plurality of airfield photo detectors, and at least one airfield processor.

For ease of description and clarity, it is assumed that the process600begins by detecting aircraft exterior lights including at least one aircraft LED lamp, via the plurality of airfield photo detectors of the airfield LiFi system (step602). Generally, the airfield photo detectors are used to receive light-based data transmissions from aircraft LED lamps. Here, the airfield LiFi system includes the plurality of airfield photo detectors positioned at intervals along the runway of the airfield, and the airfield photo detectors function to detect that the aircraft includes activated exterior lights and that the aircraft has traveled within a light detection proximity of the airfield photo detectors. Thus, the aircraft is traveling within the aerodrome during landing or during performance of surface operations on the ground.

In response to detecting the aircraft exterior lights, the process600establishes a communication connection to an aircraft LiFi system comprising the at least one aircraft LED lamp and at least one aircraft photo detector, by the airfield LiFi system (step604). The communication connection permits the airfield LiFi system to communicate with the aircraft LiFi system using light. As described previously with regard toFIGS. 1-3, the airfield LiFi system and the aircraft LiFi system use transmitters in the form of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and receivers in the form of photo detectors to perform the data exchange. The process600then exchanges the optical wireless data communications via the communication connection, by the airfield LiFi system (step606). One suitable methodology for exchanging the optical wireless data communications is described below with reference toFIG. 7. Here, the process600enables the exchange of light-based data communications when the aircraft, and therefore the aircraft LiFi system, are positioned within a light detection range of the plurality of airfield photo detectors.

FIG. 7is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of a process700for exchanging optical wireless data communications via a communication connection between an airfield LiFi system and an aircraft LiFi system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. It should be appreciated that the process700described inFIG. 7represents one embodiment of step606described above in the discussion ofFIG. 6, including additional detail.

First, the process700receives aircraft data communications from the at least one aircraft LED lamp onboard the aircraft, via the plurality of airfield photo detectors (step702). One suitable methodology for receiving aircraft data communications from the at least one aircraft LED lamp onboard the aircraft is described below with reference toFIG. 12. The process700receives any type of data transmission in the form of light from an LED lamp onboard the aircraft, when the aircraft is positioned within light detection range of at least one photodetector in the airfield. Here, the aircraft LED lamp operates as a transmitter and the airfield photo detector operates as a receiver. The aircraft LiFi system uses visible light communications to transmit a set of data to the airfield LiFi system. Visible light communications operates by switching the current to the aircraft LED lamp off and on at a very high rate, creating rapid changes in the LED beam. The aircraft LiFi system provides the set of data intended for transmission to ground control to an aircraft LED lamp using signal processing technology, and transmits the set of data embedded in the LED beam at rapid speeds to the airfield photo detector. The LED beam and included rapid changes are received and then converted by the airfield LiFi system into an electrical signal. The airfield LiFi system converts the electrical signal into a binary data stream representative of the set of data. Embodiments of data transmissions may include aircraft identification data, aircraft parameter data (e.g., aircraft type and other aircraft specifications), real-time avionics system data obtained during flight, or the like.

Exemplary embodiments of data transmissions received from the aircraft LiFi system may include at least one of an aircraft tail number, real-time aircraft position data, aircraft maintenance data, runway data, time data, and a current aircraft speed, and wherein the aircraft data communications comprise at least the aircraft data. The process700is capable of using aircraft data received from the aircraft LED lamps to determine whether the aircraft currently complies with a published approved flight plan based on the aircraft data, by the at least one airfield processor, wherein flight plan compliance indicates that the aircraft currently complies with the published approved flight plan. In this scenario, when the aircraft does not currently comply with the published approved flight plan, the process700transmits an alert to the aircraft via the plurality of airfield LED lamps, wherein the alert includes a notification that the aircraft does not currently comply with the published approved flight plan, and wherein the airfield data communications comprise the alert; and presents the alert via the display device, wherein the ground station notifications include the alert.

Next, the process700transmits airfield data communications to at least one aircraft photo detector onboard the aircraft, via the plurality of airfield LED lamps, wherein the optical wireless data communications comprise the aircraft data communications and the airfield data communications (step704). One suitable methodology for transmitting airfield data communications to at least one aircraft photo detector onboard the aircraft is described below with reference toFIG. 11. Here, the transmitter operations are switched from the aircraft LED lamp to the airfield LED lamp, and the receiver operations are switched from the airfield photo detector to the aircraft photo detector. Thus, the airfield LED lamp operates as a transmitter and the aircraft photo detector operates as a receiver. The airfield LiFi system uses visible light communications to transmit a set of data to the aircraft LiFi system, in a manner described previously with regard to step702. The aircraft LiFi system then converts the electrical signal into a binary data stream representative of the set of data. Exemplary embodiments of data transmissions may include alerts and notifications applicable to current aircraft operations, data applicable to various aircraft onboard systems, data instructions that include flight crew procedures, or the like.

The process700then presents ground station notifications associated with at least one of the aircraft data communications and the airfield data communications, via a display device communicatively coupled to the at least one airfield processor (step706). Here, the process700alerts personnel at a ground station that one or more parameters associated with the aircraft and received from the aircraft, the flight plan, the phase of flight, and/or any other data parameter for the aircraft, has been violated, has not been violated, has changed, or has not changed. Ground station notifications may include any type of visual indication presented by a display (e.g., a banner, graphical elements, text, flashing lights, distinguishing visual characteristics), or an audio indication presented by a speaker or headset (e.g., a spoken notification, an alarm, a tone).

FIG. 8is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of a process800for identifying potential aircraft runway excursions and/or potential runway incursions using a LiFi system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. First, the process800computes a current position of the aircraft based on aircraft data received via the plurality of airfield photo detectors, by the at least one airfield processor, wherein the aircraft data communications comprise at least the aircraft data (step802). One suitable methodology for computing a current position of the aircraft using aircraft data received via the plurality of airfield photo detectors is described below with reference toFIG. 9.

The process800then determines whether the current position indicates a potential runway excursion and/or a potential runway incursion (decision804). One suitable methodology for determining whether the current position indicates a potential runway excursion is described below with reference toFIG. 10. One suitable methodology for determining whether the current position indicates a potential runway incursion is described below with reference toFIG. 13. A runway excursion is an improper aircraft exit from a current runway, such as a runway overrun. A runway incursion is any occurrence at an aerodrome involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and take-off of aircraft. Here, the process800uses a position of the aircraft that has been determined using an airfield LiFi system in communication with an aircraft LiFi system to compute whether a potential runway excursion and/or a potential runway incursion may occur, based on the current position.

When the current position does not indicate that a potential runway excursion and/or potential runway incursion can potentially occur, the process800presents an alert that the current position does not indicate the potential runway excursion, via the display device, wherein the ground station notifications comprise the alert (step806) and transmits the alert to the aircraft, via the plurality of airfield LED lamps (step808). However, when the current position does indicate that the potential runway excursion can potentially occur, the process800presents an alert that the current position indicates the potential runway excursion, via the display device (step810), and transmits the alert to the aircraft, via the plurality of airfield LED lamps, wherein the alert includes a notification of the potential runway excursion (step812).

FIG. 9is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of a process900for computing a current aircraft position based on aircraft LiFi data transmissions, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. It should be appreciated that the process900described inFIG. 9represents one embodiment of step802described above in the discussion ofFIG. 8, including additional detail. First, after establishing the communication connection, the process900receives an aircraft data transmission comprising the aircraft data, via the plurality of airfield photo detectors, the aircraft data including at least an aircraft speed (step902). In certain embodiments of the process900, the aircraft data also includes an aircraft identification number or tail number, landed runway information, a current time value for performing computations, and other necessary aircraft parameters.

The process900then obtains time data (if not already received via the airfield photo detectors) and location data associated with the plurality of airfield photo detectors of the airfield LiFi system (step904). Each of the plurality of airfield photo detectors and the airfield LED lamps are positioned at regular intervals along the runway of the airfield, and thus, each airfield photo detector and ach airfield LED is associated with a physical location. The process900triangulates the current position of the aircraft, based on detecting the aircraft exterior lights, the aircraft speed, the time data, and the location data associated with the plurality of airfield photo detectors. Here, the process900detects aircraft exterior lights at a particular time and at a particular location of the detecting photo detector. The process900also obtains the aircraft speed, via the photo detectors. Using the time, location, and speed of the aircraft when detected, the process900is capable of determining a current location of the moving aircraft, wherein the current location is used to identify conditions for potential runway excursions and/or potential runway incursions, as described previously with regard toFIG. 8.

FIG. 10is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of a process1000for determining whether a current aircraft position indicates a runway excursion, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. It should be appreciated that the process1000described inFIG. 10represents one embodiment of decision804described above in the discussion ofFIG. 8, including additional detail. The process1000calculates a distance of usable runway remaining during operation of the aircraft, based on the current position and runway data, by the at least one airfield processor (step1002). The process1000may receive runway parameters and specifications via LiFi system transmission from the aircraft, or the process1000may access the runway parameters and specifications from a memory storage location. Based on the current position of the aircraft and the parameters specific to one particular runway, the process1000is capable of calculating the remaining distance of the runway that is ahead of the aircraft during traveling.

The process1000then determines whether the distance of usable runway indicates the potential runway excursion, by the at least one airfield processor, based on the current position, an aircraft speed, time data, and location data associated with the plurality of airfield photo detectors of the airfield LiFi system (step1004). Here, the process1000is capable of determining whether the aircraft requires a greater distance than the available distance in order to stop, when the aircraft is traveling at a particular speed, at a particular time, and at a particular location.

When the process1000determines that the distance does not indicate the potential runway excursion, the process1000generates the alert to include the distance of usable runway remaining and a notification that the distance does not indicate a potential runway excursion (step1008). However, when the process1000determines that the distance does indicate the potential runway excursion, the process1000generates the alert to include the distance of usable runway remaining and a notification that the distance does indicate a potential runway excursion (step1008). As described previously with regard toFIGS. 7-8, the alert is a notification presented to ground personnel at air traffic control (ATC) or other ground station and transmitted to the aircraft via the LiFi system for presentation to the flight crew onboard the aircraft. In this scenario, the alert is generated to notify ground personnel and the flight crew of the aircraft of a length of usable runway that is still available for use and whether a potential runway excursion is likely to occur based on current conditions.

FIG. 11is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of a process1100for transmitting airfield data communications using an airfield LiFi system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. In this embodiment, the airfield LiFi system is used as the transmitter and an aircraft LiFi system is used as a receiver, such that a ground station transmits data to the aircraft. It should be appreciated that the process1100described inFIG. 11represents one embodiment of step704described above in the discussion ofFIG. 7, including additional detail.

The process1100obtains a data download for an aircraft onboard system communicatively coupled to the aircraft LiFi system onboard the aircraft, by the at least one airfield processor (step1102). The aircraft onboard system is any system communicatively coupled to the aircraft LiFi system, and the data download is any set of data that can be downloaded and used by the aircraft onboard system. Here, the process1100accesses a local or remote data storage location and obtains the data download for the aircraft onboard system.

The process1100then transmits the data download to the aircraft onboard system, via the plurality of airfield LED lamps, wherein the airfield data communications comprise at least the data download (step1104). Here, the process1100uses the airfield LED lamps to transmit the data download, as changes/variations of an LED beam of light, to the aircraft photo detectors, and the aircraft LiFi system processes the changed/varied LED beam of light to convert the changes/variations into a binary stream of data representative of the data download.

In certain embodiments, the data download includes a software update for the aircraft onboard system, wherein the process1100obtains a software update for an avionics system, by the at least one airfield processor, wherein the data download comprises at least the software update, and wherein the aircraft onboard system comprises the avionics system. The process1100then initiates updating of the avionics system by transmitting the data download via the airfield LED lamps. In other embodiments, the data download includes media content for an aircraft onboard entertainment system, wherein the process1100obtains media content for an aircraft onboard entertainment system, by the at least one airfield processor, wherein the data download comprises at least the media content, and wherein the aircraft onboard system comprises the aircraft onboard entertainment system. The process1100thus provides the media content to the aircraft onboard entertainment system by transmitting the data download via the airfield LED lamps.

FIG. 12is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of a process1200for receiving aircraft data communications using an airfield LiFi system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. In this embodiment, the airfield LiFi system is used as the receiver and an aircraft LiFi system is used as a transmitter, such that the aircraft transmits data to the ground station using the LiFi system. It should be appreciated that the process1200described inFIG. 12represents one embodiment of step702described above in the discussion ofFIG. 7, including additional detail.

The process1200receives a data upload from the at least one aircraft LED lamp of the aircraft LiFi system onboard the aircraft, via the at least one airfield photo detector (step1202). Here, the aircraft has transmitted a set of data to the ground station in the form of a data upload, using an LED beam of light generated by the aircraft LED lamps of the aircraft LiFi system. The set of data transmitted by the aircraft and received by the ground station may be used to perform analysis and/or stored for record-keeping purposes and potential later use.

In response to receiving the data upload, the process1200transmits the data upload to a storage location, via a communication device communicatively coupled to the at least one airfield processor, wherein the aircraft data communications comprise at least the data upload (step1204). Here, the data upload is transmitted to a memory storage location and stored for later retrieval and use or for record-keeping purposes. Also in response to receiving the data upload, the process1200presents an alert for the data upload, via the display device, wherein the ground station notifications comprise at least the alert (step1206). The process1200presents the alert for the data upload, to inform ground station personnel that a set of data has been received from the aircraft, via the airfield LiFi system. In some embodiments, the data upload includes maintenance data from the aircraft, as described below with reference toFIG. 14.

FIG. 13is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of a process1300for determining whether a current aircraft position indicates a runway incursion, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. It should be appreciated that the process1300described inFIG. 13represents one embodiment of decision804described above in the discussion ofFIG. 8, including additional detail. First, the process1300determines existence of an unauthorized presence on the runway (step1302). The unauthorized presence on the runway may include any unauthorized aircraft, vehicle, or person present on the current runway in use by the aircraft for take-off or landing purposes.

The process1300then calculates a distance of usable runway remaining between the aircraft and the unauthorized presence, during operation of the aircraft, based on the current position, a position of the unauthorized presence, and runway data, by the at least one airfield processor (step1304). The process1300may receive runway parameters and specifications via LiFi system transmission from the aircraft, or the process1300may access the runway parameters and specifications from a memory storage location. Based on the current position of the aircraft, the current position of the unauthorized presence, and the parameters specific to one particular runway, the process1300is capable of calculating the remaining distance of the runway that is ahead of the aircraft, prior to a potential collision between the aircraft and the unauthorized presence, during traveling.

The process1300then determines whether the distance of usable runway indicates the potential runway incursion, by the at least one airfield processor, based on the current position, the position of the unauthorized presence, an aircraft speed, time data, and location data associated with the plurality of airfield photo detectors of the airfield LiFi system (step1306). Here, the process1300is capable of determining whether the aircraft requires a greater distance than the available distance in order to stop prior to the position of the unauthorized presence (and therefore, prior to any potential collision), when the aircraft is traveling at a particular speed, at a particular time, and at a particular location.

When the process1300determines that the distance does not indicate the potential runway incursion, the process1300generates the alert to include the distance of usable runway remaining and a notification that the distance does not indicate a potential runway incursion (step1310). However, when the process1300determines that the distance does indicate the potential runway incursion, the process1300generates the alert to include the distance of usable runway remaining and a notification that the distance does indicate a potential runway excursion (step1312). As described previously with regard toFIGS. 7-8, the alert is a notification presented to ground personnel at air traffic control (ATC) or other ground station and transmitted to the aircraft via the LiFi system for presentation to the flight crew onboard the aircraft. In this scenario, the alert is generated to notify ground personnel and the flight crew of the aircraft of a length of usable runway that is still available for use and whether a potential runway excursion is likely to occur based on current conditions.

FIG. 14is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of a process1400for receiving aircraft data communications, including aircraft maintenance data, using an airfield LiFi system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. In this embodiment, the airfield LiFi system is used as the receiver and an aircraft LiFi system is used as a transmitter, such that the aircraft transmits data to the ground station using the LiFi system. It should be appreciated that the process1400described inFIG. 14represents one embodiment of step702described above in the discussion ofFIG. 7, including additional detail. More specifically, the process1400described inFIG. 14represents one particular implementation of the process1200described previously with regard toFIG. 12.

The process1400receives a data upload from the at least one aircraft LED lamp of the aircraft LiFi system onboard the aircraft, including at least maintenance data comprising a remaining usable time for the aircraft exterior lights, via the at least one airfield photo detector (step1402). Here, the aircraft has transmitted a set of maintenance data to the ground station in the form of a data upload, using an LED beam of light generated by the aircraft LED lamps of the aircraft LiFi system. In this particular embodiment, the set of data transmitted by the aircraft and received by the ground station includes a remaining usable life of the aircraft exterior lights that are used by the aircraft to perform LiFi operations (e.g., to communicate with the airfield LiFi system), and the transmitted set of data informs the ground station personnel of a time duration for continued operation of the aircraft exterior lights. Such maintenance data may be transmitted by the aircraft LiFi system, and received by the airfield LiFi system, to facilitate timely performance of maintenance operations that include replacement of aircraft exterior lights at an appropriate time.

In response to receiving the data upload, the process1400transmits the data upload to a storage location, via a communication device communicatively coupled to the at least one airfield processor, wherein the aircraft data communications comprise at least the data upload (step1404). Here, the data upload is transmitted to a memory storage location and stored for later retrieval and use during maintenance applications, or for aircraft maintenance record-keeping purposes. Also in response to receiving the data upload, the process1400presents an alert for the data upload, via the display device, wherein the ground station notifications comprise at least the alert (step1406). The process1400presents the alert for the data upload, to inform ground station personnel that the set of maintenance data has been received from the aircraft, via the airfield LiFi system.

Thus, in the described embodiment, the data upload includes maintenance data from the aircraft, and the process1400receives the maintenance data associated with the aircraft exterior lights, via the plurality of airfield photo detectors, wherein the maintenance data comprises at least a remaining usable time for the aircraft exterior lights. In response to receiving the maintenance data, the process1400presents a maintenance alert via the display device, wherein the alert includes at least the maintenance alert; and transmits the maintenance alert to the aircraft via the airfield LED lamps. Thus, in this particular embodiment, the process1400operates to inform ground station personnel and flight crew personnel of maintenance data including at least a remaining usable time for the aircraft exterior lights.

The various tasks performed in connection with processes600-1400may be performed by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. For illustrative purposes, the preceding descriptions of processes600-1400may refer to elements mentioned above in connection withFIGS. 1-5. In practice, portions of processes600-1400may be performed by different elements of the described system. It should be appreciated that processes600-1400may include any number of additional or alternative tasks, the tasks shown inFIGS. 6-14need not be performed in the illustrated order, and processes600-1400may be incorporated into a more comprehensive procedure or process having additional functionality not described in detail herein. Moreover, one or more of the tasks shown inFIGS. 6-14could be omitted from embodiments of the processes600-1400as long as the intended overall functionality remains intact.

Some of the functional units described in this specification have been referred to as “modules” in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, functionality referred to herein as a module may be implemented wholly, or partially, as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, or the like. Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical modules of computer instructions that may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations that, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module. Indeed, a module of executable code may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.