Air-Ground Integrated Concept for Surface Conflict Detection and Resolution

Abstract

The paper deals with an integrated automation system concept for conflict detection and resolution during airport surface operations. The integration exercise features ground-side and flight-deck-side automation systems. In addition to the conflict detection and resolution subsystems , the integration also considers the planner automation subsystem on the ground side. Integration is facilitated through information exchange over a datalink between the tower and the flight deck. The paper presents three different options of integration: (i) Option A representing an "Alerts Exchanged" mode in which only conflict-related information is exchanged, (ii) Option B representing an "Intent Exchanged" mode in which intent information is exchanged, and (iii) Option C representing a "Tightly Integrated" mode which is a blend of Option A and Option B integration concepts. The paper also lists out the datalink communication requirements and the automation functional requirements for each of these concepts. The benefits of integration are illustrated using some examples.

Information flow diagram analysis of a model cyber-physical system: Conflict detection and resolution for airport surface traffic

“…The architectures investigated will be referred to as "Baseline," "Option A," "Option B," and "Option C." A detailed description of these four architectures has been reported previously [13], [14]; as such, this summary provides only a brief overview of each architecture.…”

“…In this study, IFD-based analysis was conducted by two domain experts, a faculty member and a Ph.D. student at Tufts University. A full description of the IFD analysis, on a branch-by-branch basis, can be found in [13].…”

A Conflict Resolution Strategy at a Taxiway Intersection by Combining a Monte Carlo Tree Search with Prior Knowledge

“…Simultaneously, major airports actively consider expansion that involves the construction of additional runways and taxiways to accommodate the escalating demand for airport capacity. It also means more complex taxiway configuration for the airport, subsequently increasing the potential for taxiing conflicts among aircraft [2]. Furthermore, this change can intensify the workload for both pilots and airport traffic controllers (ATCOs), potentially impacting the safety and efficiency of airport surface operations [3].…”