Integrated Conflict Prediction and Multi-Dimensional Prevention/Resolution

To provide a common, multi-dimensional framework for integrated conflict prediction and resolution, the concept of conflict probing is used. The conflict probes perform predictions about the future separation with traffic, terrain and other hazards for a range of variations to the current velocity vector. This results in a single matrix with information about the effect on future separation for each particular combination of track and flight path angle contained in the matrix. The concept of total energy is used to provide an upper constraint to the solution space, expressed in maximum potential flight path angle. A cost function is used to prioritize different options. To inform the operator about the scheduled action and/or maneuver options, a graphical user interface, comprising additions to the primary flight display and navigation display, has been designed. The concept is applicable to a range op system authority levels. I.