Traffic alert and collision avoidance system enhanced surveillance system and method
AssigneeRockwell Collins, Inc.
InventorsAndrew M. Vesel, Robert H. Saffell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A traffic alert and collision and avoidance system (TCAS) is disclosed. The TCAS comprises a first transponder and a first interrogator associated with a first aircraft. The first transponder sends an interrogation request. The TCAS also comprises a second transponder associated with a second aircraft. The second transponder responds to the interrogation request. The response comprises enhanced surveillance data that was asked for in the request.
Claims20
Traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS), comprising:
- first interrogator positioned onboard a first aircraft, the first interrogator sending an interrogation;
- second transponder positioned onboard a second aircraft, the second transponder responding to the interrogation request, the response comprising enhanced surveillance data that was asked for in the request.
A method of providing air traffic information from a first aircraft to a second aircraft, comprising:
- receiving an interrogation request from a first aircraft transponder, the request including a request for enhanced surveillance data;
- and
- responding by a second aircraft transponder a message comprising enhanced surveillance data, that was asked for in the request.
A method of integrity checking the position of a second aircraft, comprising:
- interrogating an aircraft transponder onboard the second aircraft including a request for enhanced surveillance data including the position of the second aircraft;
- receiving a reply to the interrogation request by a first aircraft;
- calculating the position of the second aircraft based on the message response time and bearing;
- comparing the calculated position with the received position;
- and
- determining the integrity of the received position.
A method of interrogating a traffic alert and collision avoidance system transponder, comprising:
- interrogating an aircraft transponder including a request for enhanced surveillance data;
- determining based on the enhanced surveillance data received, whether the rate of interrogation should be changed;
- and
- changing the rate of interrogation if it is determined that the rate should be changed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.