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Patent Awarded for Tactical Check Algorithm
December 1, 2008
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recently awarded CAASD information systems engineers Bill Arthur and Dan Kirk in F042 a patent for developing the “Tactical Aircraft Check Algorithm, System, and Method.” This invention was developed as a future performance enhancement to the User Request Evaluation Tool (URET). Strategic-planning capability URET is an Air Traffic Control (ATC) conflict probe decision support tool used by en route controllers to manage flights through their airspace. Following prototype development by CAASD and extensive operational evaluation at the Indianapolis and Memphis Air Route Traffic Control Centers, a production version of URET was developed and deployed across all 20 U.S. ARTCCs. URET provides air traffic controllers with a strategic planning capability that notifies them of possible aircraft conflicts up to 20 minutes in advance. Key to ERAM The URET capability is key to the FAA’s En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) program, which is scheduled to begin next year. The new CAASD invention is for Tactical Check Algorithm that is intended to enhance URET. Although this invention for URET is not yet operational in the field, the FAA is developing plans to incorporate the enhanced functionality into ERAM. As part of a future ERAM enhancement, conflict probe information is considered for use at the radar controller display position, which handles strategic planning of all flights through airspace. This would make it possible for conflict information to be easily accessible by the entire sector team and consistently integrated across displays. Since the radar controller’s role is often more tactical than the radar associate’s role, corresponding alerts of interest must be tailored for this new role. This is where the Tactical Aircraft Check Algorithm invention comes into play. ‘Without sacrificing strategic accuracy’ With the incorporation of the Tactical Check algorithm into the FAA’s ATC toolset, en route ATC automation will provide more accurate conflict detection methods to assist controllers in safely calculating higher traffic loads and more efficient (user-preferred) flight profiles.
| “This algorithm improves the tactical performance of the trajectory modeling function without sacrificing its strategic accuracy. With it, the ERAM conflict probe information will be more timely and accurate than in the current system, without creating a lot of computer computation issues.” –Dan Kirk | Inventors Bill and Dan spent about a year developing the patent, although the underlying concepts were conceived over a number of years. According to Dan, “This algorithm improves the tactical performance of the trajectory modeling function without sacrificing its strategic accuracy. With it, the ERAM conflict probe information will be more timely and accurate than in the current system, without creating a lot of computer computation issues.”
 | | Radar Position | Radar Associate Position | Increased service to airspace users The addition of the conflict probe tools to the Radar Controller Display position is key to the FAA’s NextGen Implementation Plan Trajectory-Based Operations, which will allow the controller to provide increased service to airspace users while accommodating increased traffic levels and complexity. The NextGen Implementation Plan is the FAA’s plan for achieving the next generation ATC system. The improved conflict information and supporting conformance monitoring will help to fully realize the benefits of the more precise satellite-based surveillance information of the future NAS (National Airspace System). This patent represents the importance and value of CAASD’s work within the aviation community. The innovative thinking demonstrated in this invention, not to mention the dedication to helping the FAA solve key capacity and performance challenges, is the core of CAASD’s work.
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