Identifying restricted movement areas on electronic airport charts

A method, apparatus, and computer program product for graphically identifying operational restrictions for an airport area. The aircraft type is identified to form an identified aircraft type. A number of restrictions are identified for the airport area using the identified aircraft type to form a number of associated restrictions. The number of associated restrictions is presented as a number of graphical indicators on a display of the airport area in locations for the number of associated restrictions.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The present disclosure relates generally to an improved data processing system and, in particular, to a method and apparatus for identifying areas of restricted movement at an airport.

Many types of aircraft may operate in an airport. The different types of aircraft have different sizes, weights, and shapes. Airport environments may have restrictions for the movement of certain types of aircraft. For example, very large and/or heavy aircraft such as, for example, an Airbus A380 or a Boeing 747, may have their movement restricted because of their wingspan, turn radius, and/or other characteristics. Restrictions on movement also may be present based on the direction in which engine startups may be allowed in an airport. Further, an airport runway, a taxiway, or some other area may have debris present and/or repairs being performed requiring temporary restrictions.

This type of information is currently presented to a pilot in a text form in Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) or on charts of an airport. In some cases, a pointer may be used to highlight the location of a restriction. The pilot then refers to the textual description of the restriction for the particular location. These charts may be in paper and/or electronic form. In all cases, a pilot has to memorize the data and use the data appropriately when operating in these areas.

For example, a restriction may be “taxiway U between A3 and A4 restricted to 118 foot (36 meter) maximum wingspan”. Another example may be “taxiway C between F and TYW B5 speed restriction maximum 20 knots applies to all aircraft above 171 foot wingspan”. Yet another example may be “powered arrival by aircraft larger than B767 to gate A1 not permitted due to jet blast”. This type of information is an example of information that may be presented to a pilot on a chart of an airport.

With this type of system, the pilot is required to divert time and attention to the text and remember the restrictions for particular areas. The pilot may identify the relevant text based on a pointer. This type of process slows down the speed of retrieving information. As a result, the time needed to perform other duties for landing and/or takeoff may be increased. Further, the pilot has to remember all of the relevant restrictions and move the aircraft based on the restrictions while taxiing.

As a result, the workload of pilots is increased in addition to the amount of time needed to perform certain operations at an airport possibly being increased.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a method and apparatus that overcomes at least some of the issues described above.

SUMMARY

In one advantageous embodiment, a method is presented for graphically identifying operational restrictions for an airport area. An aircraft type is identified to form an identified aircraft type. A number of restrictions are identified for the airport area using the identified aircraft type to form a number of associated restrictions. The number of associated restrictions is presented as a number of graphical indicators on a display of the airport area in locations for the number of associated restrictions.

In another advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprises a display and a processor. The processor is configured for identifying an aircraft type to form an identified aircraft type. The processor is also configured for identifying a number of restrictions for the airport area using the identified aircraft type to form a number of associated restrictions. Further, the processor is configured for presenting the number of associated restrictions as a number of graphical indicators on the display for the airport area in locations for the number of associated restrictions.

In yet another advantageous embodiment, a computer program product for graphically identifying operational restrictions for an airport area comprises a computer recordable storage medium and program code, stored on the computer recordable storage medium. Program code is present for identifying an aircraft type to form an identified aircraft type. Program code is also present for identifying a number of restrictions for the airport area using the identified aircraft type to form a number of associated restrictions. Further, program code is present for presenting the number of associated restrictions as a number of graphical indicators on a display of the airport area in locations for the number of associated restrictions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the depicted example, server104and server106connect to network102along with storage unit108. In addition, clients110,112, and114connect to network102. These clients110,112, and114may be, for example, personal computers or network computers. In the depicted example, server104provides data, such as boot files, operating system images, and applications to clients110,112, and114. Clients110,112, and114are clients to server104in this example. Aircraft116also is a client that may exchange information with clients110,112, and114. Aircraft116also may exchange information with servers104and106.

Aircraft116may exchange data with different computers through a wireless communications link while in-flight or any other type of communications link while on the ground. In these examples, server104, server106, client110, client112, and client114may be computers at various locations. For example, client110may be located at an airport. In particular, client110may be located in a control tower or an airline office at the airport. Network data processing system100may include additional servers, clients, and other devices not shown.

In the depicted example, network data processing system100is the Internet with network102representing a worldwide collection of networks and gateways that use the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite of protocols to communicate with one another. Of course, network data processing system100also may be implemented as a number of different types of networks such as, for example, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), or a wide area network (WAN).FIG. 1is intended as an example and not as an architectural limitation for different embodiments.

Turning now toFIG. 2, a diagram of a data processing system is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Data processing system200is an example of a data processing system that may be used to implement servers and clients, such as server104and client110. Further, data processing system200is an example of a data processing system that may be found in aircraft116inFIG. 1.

In this illustrative example, data processing system200includes communications fabric202, which provides communications between processor unit204, memory206, persistent storage208, communications unit210, input/output (I/O) unit212, and display214.

Memory206, in these examples, may be, for example, a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage208may take various forms depending on the particular implementation. For example, persistent storage208may contain one or more components or devices. For example, persistent storage208may be a hard drive, a flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or some combination of the above. The media used by persistent storage208also may be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage208.

Program code216is in a functional form on computer readable media218and may be loaded onto or transferred to data processing system200for execution by processor unit204. Program code216and computer readable media218form computer program product220in these examples.

In one example, computer readable media218may be in a tangible form such as, for example, an optical or magnetic disc that is inserted or placed into a drive or other device that is part of persistent storage208for transfer onto a storage device, such as a hard drive that is part of persistent storage208. In a tangible form, computer readable media218also may take the form of a persistent storage, such as a hard drive or a flash memory that is connected to data processing system200. The tangible form of computer readable media218is also referred to as computer recordable storage media.

The different embodiments may be implemented using any hardware device or system capable of executing program code. As one example, the data processing system may include organic components integrated with inorganic components and/or may be comprised entirely of organic components excluding a human being. For example, a storage device may be comprised of an organic semiconductor.

As another example, a storage device in data processing system200is any hardware apparatus that may store data. Memory206, persistent storage208, and computer readable media218are examples of storage devices in a tangible form. In yet another example, a bus system may be used to implement communications fabric202and may be comprised of one or more buses, such as a system bus or an input/output bus.

Of course, the bus system may be implemented using any suitable type of architecture that provides for a transfer of data between different components or devices attached to the bus system. Additionally, a communications unit may include one or more devices used to transmit and receive data, such as a modem or a network adapter. Further, a memory may be, for example, memory206or a cache such as found in an interface and memory controller hub that may be present in communications fabric202.

The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account that the pilot has to read the complete chart to identify which notes affect the pilot. The different advantageous embodiments also recognize and take into account that the information on charts of airports are not tailored or presented for the type of aircraft being operated by a pilot. As a result, the different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account that a pilot has to sort through all of the different restrictions on an airport chart to identify restrictions that are relevant for the particular aircraft being operated by the pilot.

The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account that these and other issues with current charts containing restrictions may increase the workload and/or time of a pilot needed to perform operations at an airport.

Thus, the different advantageous embodiments provide a capability to graphically depict restrictions in different areas of an airport using electronic and/or printed charts. The different advantageous embodiments provide a capability to use graphical indicators to highlight and identify different areas. Further, the different advantageous embodiments provide a capability to more easily identify restrictions for the aircraft being operated by the pilot using the chart of the airport.

The different advantageous embodiments provide a method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for identifying operational restrictions for an airport area. An aircraft type is identified to form an identified aircraft type. A number of restrictions for the airport area are identified using the identified aircraft type to form a number of associated restrictions. A number, as used herein, when referring to items refers to one or more items. For example, a number of restrictions is one or more restrictions. The number of associated restrictions is presented as a number of graphical indicators on a display of the airport area in locations for the number of associated restrictions.

In this manner, the different advantageous embodiments may inform a pilot and/or other users about operational restrictions for an airport area for a particular type of aircraft using electronic and/or paper charts.

With reference now toFIG. 3, a block diagram of an apparatus for identifying operational restrictions for an airport area is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment.

In this example, data processing system300may be implemented using data processing system200inFIG. 2. Data processing system300may be implemented in various forms. For example, data processing system300may be located in an aircraft such as, for example, aircraft116inFIG. 1. Data processing system300may be a single data processing system or a network of data processing systems containing multiple computers and/or line replaceable units.

In these advantageous embodiments, data processing system300may be, in another example, an electronic flight bag. An electronic flight bag is an electronic information management device used by flight crews to perform management tasks. An electronic flight bag may, for example, provide navigation charts for air and ground operations. An electronic flight bag also may provide a display of various aviation data as well as perform basic calculations.

In other advantageous embodiments, data processing system300may be located in an airport. For example, data processing system300may be located in a control tower, an airline, or some other suitable location. Data processing system300also may be located in a location remote to the airport such as, for example, a chart provider.

In this example, data processing system300includes electronic map application302, navigation database304, operational restriction database306, and output device310. Output device310may be display device312and/or printer314. Display device312provides a user interface for an operator to see information in charts presented by electronic map application302. Electronic map application302presents navigation data316from navigation database304in the form of navigation chart318.

Navigation data316may include information about a geographic area, such as airport area320. Airport area320may be a portion of an airport or an entire airport.

Electronic map application302may present navigation chart318in a number of different ways. In some advantageous embodiments, electronic map application302may provide a moving map function. When navigation chart318is presented using a moving map function by electronic map application302, electronic map application302may display the location of the aircraft as an icon on navigation chart318in display device312. Additionally, the icon may move and/or change orientation as the aircraft moves to show the position of the aircraft on navigation chart318. In other advantageous embodiments, navigation chart318may be an electronic chart without a moving map function.

In the different advantageous embodiments, restriction process322in electronic map application302uses operational restriction database306to identify restrictions324for aircraft type326. In this manner, the different advantageous embodiments provide a capability to present restrictions324for aircraft type326without restrictions for other aircraft types. Aircraft type326is the type of an aircraft of interest in these examples.

Some examples of aircraft type326include, without limitation, a Cessna 172, a Boeing 737, a Boeing B747-400, an Airbus A380, or some other suitable aircraft type. These different types of aircraft have different wingspans in which a wingspan restriction may apply to some types, but not other types, of aircraft. For example, a Cessna 172 typically will not have wingspan restrictions. An Airbus 380 may have wingspan restrictions on various taxiways.

Aircraft type326is the type of aircraft operated by the pilot. In this manner, only restrictions324are presented from operational restriction database306on navigation chart318. In these examples, restrictions324are presented using graphical indicators328in locations330for restrictions324.

Further, electronic map application302may present text332for restrictions324in navigation chart318. Text332may be presented for a particular restriction in response to a user selection of a graphical indicator in graphical indicators328. In this manner, a pilot or other user may see more detailed information about a restriction within restrictions324when needed.

Thus, navigation chart318only presents information relevant to the aircraft being operated by a pilot. This type of presentation of restrictions324may reduce the workload of a pilot. Further, the time needed to process information may reduce the amount of time needed to take off or taxi towards a gate.

The illustration of data processing system300is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. For example, other components, in addition to, or in place of, the ones illustrated may be employed depending on the particular implementation.

For example, operational restriction database306and/or navigation database304may be located on a different data processing system or in another location from data processing system300. Electronic map application302also may have an update function to obtain new or current restriction information for operational restriction database306.

Further, the different advantageous embodiments may present navigation chart318in paper format using printer314. Navigation chart318may include information only for a particular type of aircraft or for a limited number of aircraft. In this manner, pilots also may reduce workload and/or time by having a paper chart for the particular type of aircraft being operated by the pilot.

Further, the different advantageous embodiments may be used by users other than pilots. For example, data processing system300may be located in a control tower at an airport. A user such as, for example, an air traffic controller, may use electronic map application302to identify restrictions for particular aircraft for which the air traffic controller is providing information or controlling.

When used by ground controllers, additional information such as stop bars, taxi routes, and other suitable information also may be presented. Also, in this type of use, restrictions applicable to all aircraft may be shown. If a particular aircraft is selected, then the restrictions applicable to this aircraft may be highlighted or other restrictions may be removed from the presentation. This type of mode may be used by air traffic controllers to plan a taxi route of an aircraft.

With reference now toFIG. 4, a diagram of an entry in an operational restriction database is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, entry400is an example of an entry that may be found in operational restriction database306in FIG.3. Entry400includes object402, location404, operational restriction406, and aircraft408.

Object402identifies an object to which a restriction may be applied. For example, object402may be a unique identifier, a textual description, or some other identifier. For example, object402may be a runway, a building, a taxiway, a barrier, or some other suitable object. Object402may be a permanent or a moveable object depending on a particular implementation.

Location404identifies the location of object402. Operational restriction406is the restriction on object402. For example, operational restriction406may provide some restriction on movement with respect to object402. For example, operational restriction406may prohibit movement or entry onto object402, limit speed on object402, limit turns performed on object402, or provide some other suitable restriction. Aircraft408identifies a number of aircraft to which operational restriction406applies.

Entry400is an example of only one implementation of how information may be organized in operational restriction database306. In other advantageous embodiments, other information may be included, in addition to, or in place of, the information illustrated for entry400inFIG. 4. For example, entry400also may include an identification of times or dates when operational restriction406is valid.

With reference now toFIG. 5, a diagram illustrating graphical indicators is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Graphical indicators500are an example of graphical indicators that may be used to present operational restrictions on a navigation chart. Graphical indicators500are an example of one manner in which graphical indicators328inFIG. 3may be implemented.

Graphical indicators500include icons502, brackets504, and shading506. Icons502may be used to provide visualization of complex conditional restrictions. Icons502may be associated with a particular point. For example, icons502may be associated with an intersection in which turn information may be presented. Icons502may be similar to road signs. For example, icons502may include an icon to identify a speed limit, a turn restriction, or some other operational restriction. Icons502also may be rotated or oriented for facilitating identification of operational restrictions.

Brackets504may provide an intuitive manner to depict short restrictions for objects. For example, brackets504may be used to identify restrictions for taxiways. Brackets504may indicate that an aircraft may not enter a particular taxiway, runway, or some other suitable area. Brackets504also may be used to identify objects causing the restriction such as, for example, a blast fence, a building, or some other suitable object near the prohibited area. Brackets504may be scaled such that the distance between the brackets and a centerline provides a visualization of a restriction. For example, in a moving map application, brackets504may be used to indicate a value of a wingspan restriction.

Brackets504may be used to visualize a narrow segment of an area directly as a bottleneck. The intuitiveness of using brackets504may be increased by displaying a shape of the aircraft that also may be to scale with respect to the location and position of brackets504. For example, if the aircraft icon is larger than the width of the bottleneck generated by brackets504, the pilot will not enter that particular area.

Shading506may be used to indicate status information. Shading506may be used to identify elements, such as taxiways or runways. For example, shading may be used to indicate whether a particular area is open or closed. Shading506may take various forms. For example, shading506may use colors, cross hatching, and/or other suitable indicators in the area in which the operational restriction is present.

Different combinations of icons502, brackets504, and/or shading506may be used to present operational restrictions on a navigation chart. Further, other types of graphical indicators may be used that provide a capability to convey information in a graphical manner.

The illustration of icons502, brackets504, and shading506for graphical indicators500inFIG. 5are not meant to imply limitations to the manner in which graphical indicators500may be implemented. Graphical indicators500also may include, for example, without limitation, bolding, animation, highlighting, and/or other suitable types of graphical indicators.

With reference now toFIG. 6, a diagram of a currently used paper chart is depicted. In this example, paper chart600is an example of the manner in which operational restrictions may be presented for airport area602.

In this example, restrictions may be identified through indicators such as ball notes604,606, and608. Ball notes604,606, and608indicate that a restriction may be present. Ball notes604,606, and608, however, do not indicate whether the restriction applies to the particular aircraft being operated by the pilot or what restriction is present.

The pilot must still refer to the text to identify the restriction and to determine whether the restriction applies to the aircraft operated by the pilot. In this example, ball notes604,606, and608may be “taxiway B and taxiway C between runway 07/25 and taxiway B10 not available to A380 aircraft due to weight limitations”. If the pilot is operating a small aircraft, ball notes604,606, and608do not apply.

Turning toFIG. 7, a diagram of an aircraft moving map chart is depicted. In this example, aircraft moving map chart700depicts airport area602. No operational restrictions are illustrated in aircraft moving map chart700.

As a result, a pilot refers to both aircraft moving map chart700and paper chart600to perform maneuvers and operations in airport area602. Further, the pilot also refers to text identified by ball notes604,606, and608to identify restrictions. The pilot also is required to determine whether those restrictions apply to the aircraft being operated by the pilot. This type of process using currently available charts increases the complexity and/or time needed to perform various maneuvers and operations at an airport.

With reference now toFIG. 8, a diagram of a navigation chart is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this illustrative example, navigation chart800is an example of one implementation for navigation chart318inFIG. 3. Navigation chart800depicts airport area802.

Aircraft icon804is displayed in airport area802. The location and position of aircraft icon804may correspond to the actual position of the aircraft in the airport area. In this example, bracket806and bracket808are used to create bottleneck810around taxiway812. Bracket806and bracket808may be sized and spaced to scale in airport area802.

Further, aircraft icon804also may be to scale in this example. As a result, the pilot can see that wingspan814is greater than width816of bottleneck810. As a result, the pilot will stop and not enter bottleneck810for taxiway812.

Although the scale of aircraft icon804and brackets806and808for bottleneck area810may aid the pilot, other advantageous embodiments may not use the scale of the features. Instead, the presence of brackets806and808in navigation chart800may indicate that the aircraft cannot enter those areas because bracket806and bracket808are selected for the particular type of aircraft being operated.

Next,FIG. 9is a diagram of a navigation chart in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, navigation chart900is an example of one implementation of navigation chart318inFIG. 3. Navigation chart900illustrates airport area902. In this advantageous embodiment, icons904and906illustrate a bridge restriction for airport area902. In this view, taxiway910and taxiway912are identified as being closed through icons904and906being displayed on bridges914and916in taxiways910and912. Icons904and906indicate that an aircraft may not enter or move onto the area on taxiways910and912covered by icons904and906.

With reference now toFIG. 10, a diagram of a navigation chart is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, navigation chart900also includes icons1000,1002,1004, and1006. These icons mark all of taxiways910and912as being closed.

With reference now toFIG. 11, a diagram of a navigation chart is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Navigation chart900, in this example, presents brackets1100,1102,1104, and1106to indicate a restriction for bridges914and916.

With reference now toFIG. 12, a diagram illustrating a navigation chart is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Navigation chart900, in this example, presents shading1200and shading1202on bridges914and916to indicate that these bridges are closed.

InFIG. 13, a diagram of a navigation chart is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, shading1300and shading1302indicate that all of taxiways910and912are closed in addition to bridges914and916in airport area902.

InFIG. 14, a diagram of a navigation chart is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Navigation chart1400is an example of one implementation of navigation chart318inFIG. 3. Navigation chart1400presents airport area1402. In this illustrative example, aircraft icon1404is depicted in airport area1402.

Aircraft icon1404may be oriented and scaled to indicate the position and size of the aircraft relative to objects depicted for airport area1402. In addition, brackets1406,1408,1410,1412,1414, and1416are present to identify restrictions for various segments of taxiway1418in these examples. Brackets1406and1408identify restrictions for segment1420; brackets1410and1412identify restrictions for segment1422; and brackets1414and1416identify restrictions for segment1424of taxiway1418.

In this example, brackets1406,1408,1410,1412,1414, and1416also may be color coded. For example, the color red may be used to indicate that movement into these areas defined by the brackets is prohibited.

With reference now toFIG. 15, a diagram of a navigation chart with shading is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this illustrative example, shading1500indicates areas prohibited for an aircraft in a fashion similar to those identified by brackets1406,1408,1410,1412,1414, and1416inFIG. 14. In this example, the restrictions may be for aircraft having a wingspan greater than 60.4 meters.

With reference toFIG. 16, a diagram of a navigation chart with shading is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. As depicted, shading1600only covers segment1424in taxiway1418. Shading is only present in this area because the type of aircraft selected has a wingspan between 52 meters and 60.4 meters.

As a result, the aircraft may enter segments1420and1422but not segment1424as compared to the restrictions illustrated inFIG. 15. As a result, different restrictions may be presented for a particular type of aircraft providing a pilot a faster and more intuitive way to identify operational restrictions in an airport area as compared to currently available charts and systems.

InFIG. 17, a navigation chart is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Navigation chart1700is an example of an implementation for navigation chart318inFIG. 3. In this example, navigation chart1700depicts airport area1702. In this example, brackets1704,1706,1708,1710,1712,1714,1716, and1718indicate a warning rather than a prohibition. In this example, colors for brackets1704,1706,1708,1710,1712,1714,1716, and1718may be, for example, yellow, to indicate a warning rather than a prohibition.

Again, a user may identify more information about the operational restrictions indicated by these brackets by selecting a bracket to obtain textual or other information.

With reference now toFIG. 18, a diagram of a navigation chart using shading is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, shading1800may be used to identify the restrictions in airport area1702. Although the different graphical indicators do not provide detailed information about the restrictions, additional information may be identified by selecting a graphical indicator.

With reference next toFIG. 19, a diagram of a navigation chart with text is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, a user has selected bracket1714using pointer1900. In response to this selection, popup display1902is presented in navigation chart1700. Popup display1902includes additional information about the operational restriction.

For example, popup display1902may indicate that for a 747-400 series aircraft, taxiing should be performed at speeds of less than five knots when passing or overtaking other 747-400 aircraft on taxiways A and B. The selection using pointer1900may be made by moving pointer1900over bracket1714or moving pointer1900over bracket1714and selecting bracket1714with a command.

InFIG. 20, a diagram of a navigation chart with icons is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this illustrative example, icons2000and2002are displayed in conjunction with shading1800in airport area1702for navigation chart1700. This combination of shading and icons may be used to present more information to allow a pilot to visualize complex conditions. Symbols2000and2002indicate that oncoming traffic is present. Of course, the orientations of these symbols may be changed for different orientations of navigation chart1700.

With reference now toFIG. 21, a diagram of a navigation chart is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Navigation chart2100is an example of an implementation of navigation chart318inFIG. 3. Navigation chart2100depicts airport area2102. In this illustrative example, icon2104indicates that no right turn may be made from runway2106. In other words, an aircraft may not turn right at exit2108. In this example, navigation chart2100is shown in a briefing mode or north up orientation as indicated by arrow2110.

InFIG. 22, a diagram of a navigation chart is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. As illustrated, navigation chart2100is shown in a head up orientation with the aircraft moving in the direction of arrow2200. As can be seen, icon2104also may be rotated or positioned to identify the prohibition of a right turn at exit2108.

With reference now toFIG. 23, a diagram of a navigation chart is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, brackets2300and2302are positioned around exit2108to indicate that a prohibition is present. Further, these brackets may be color coded to indicate that the operational restriction is a prohibition of a particular maneuver rather than a caution.

With reference now toFIG. 24, a flowchart of a process for identifying operational restrictions for an airport area is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated inFIG. 24may be implemented in a software component such as, for example, electronic map application302. In this example, the process may be implemented in restriction process322for electronic map application302inFIG. 3.

The process begins by identifying an aircraft type to form an identified aircraft type (operation2400). The process then identifies a number of restrictions for the airport area using the identified aircraft type to form a number of associated restrictions (operation2402). The process then presents the number of associated restrictions as a number of graphical indicators on a display of the airport area in locations for the number of associated restrictions (operation2404), with the process terminating thereafter. The presenting step may be performed using a display device in which a moving map or other electronic chart is presented on the display device.

In other advantageous embodiments, the presenting step may be formed by sending the information to an output device, such as a printer, to generate a paper chart. Although paper charts may be static, a tailored paper chart for a particular type of aircraft may be generated. A chart for each aircraft type and other factors influencing restrictions may reduce the complexity of charts when used by an operator of a particular type of aircraft.

For example, different types of aircraft, which may have the same restrictions, may be grouped together. As a result, the paper charts may include a presentation for a number of different types of aircraft that have the same restrictions. For example, if a chart is for wingspan restrictions, then the paper chart may show all of the aircraft that fall within a particular wingspan restriction that may be used by a particular airline.

With reference now toFIG. 25, a flowchart of a process for identifying operational restrictions for an airport area using a moving map is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated inFIG. 25may be implemented in a software component such as, for example, electronic map application302. In particular, some operations may be implemented using restriction process322inFIG. 3.

The process begins by identifying a location of the aircraft (operation2500). The process then identifies an airport area (operation2502). The airport area may be identified based on the location of the aircraft. The airport area may be, for example, a portion of the airport or the entire airport. When the airport area is a portion of the airport, the airport area may be an area based on a distance around the aircraft.

The process generates a navigation chart for the airport area (operation2504). This chart may be generated using navigation data such as, for example, navigation data316inFIG. 3. The process identifies an aircraft type (operation2506).

The process identifies restrictions applicable to the aircraft type (operation2508). These restrictions may be identified using a database or other data structure such as, for example, operational restriction database306inFIG. 3. The process then displays the aircraft icon on the navigation chart (operation2510). The aircraft icon is displayed in a location and orientation relative to the actual position of the aircraft in the airport area. Further, the aircraft icon may also be scaled relative to other elements being presented in the navigation chart.

The process then presents graphical indicators for the identified restrictions (operation2512). A determination may then be made as to whether a graphical indicator has been selected from the graphical indicators (operation2514). If a graphical indicator has been selected, text of the operational restriction is presented on the display (operation2516).

The process then returns to operation2514. In operation2516, the text remains until the user moves the pointer off of the indicator or deflects it. In some advantageous embodiments, operation2516may present the text only for a limited period of time. With reference again to operation2514, if a graphical indicator has not been selected, a determination is made as to whether aircraft movement has occurred (operation2518). If the aircraft has moved, the process returns to operation2500. Otherwise, the process returns to operation2514.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted embodiments illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of some possible implementations of apparatus, methods, and computer program products. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of computer usable or readable program code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified function or functions.

In some alternative implementations, the function or functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.

Thus, the different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus for graphically identifying operational restrictions for an airport area. In the different advantageous embodiments, an aircraft type is identified. A number of restrictions for the airport area is identified using the identified aircraft type. The number of restrictions is presented on a display of the airport area in locations for the number of associated restrictions.

In this manner, the different advantageous embodiments provide a capability to more intuitively present operational restriction information to users as compared to currently available charts and systems. Further, the different advantageous embodiments may reduce the amount of time and/or workload of various users. These users include pilots, air traffic controllers, and other suitable users.

The description of the different advantageous embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and it is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different advantageous embodiments may provide different advantages as compared to other advantageous embodiments.

The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.