WO2018158258A1

WO2018158258A1 - Proximity detection of ground service equipment to stationary aircraft

Info

Publication number: WO2018158258A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/054823
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dorel PICOVICI
Original assignee: Institute of Technology Carlow
Priority date: 2017-03-01
Filing date: 2018-02-27
Publication date: 2018-09-07
Also published as: GB201703275D0

Abstract

Aircraft Ground Proximity Detection The present invention provides a system for detecting proximity of a ground service equipement (GSE) to a stationary aircraft comprising at least one GSE monitoring device adapted to be mounted to a GSE and configured to communicate with a remote GSE management server. The GSE monitoring device comprises an identity module for storing GSE data and a removeable sensor module for monitoring the proximity between the GSE and stationary aircraft.

Description

Title

Aircraft Ground Proximity Detection Field

The present invention is concerned with aircraft safety. More particularly, the invention is concerned with aircraft ground proximity detection. Background

As air passenger numbers have increased worldwide in recent years, the numbers of aircraft on the ground at airports has also increased

commensurately. During the time an aircraft is on the ground, it is serviced by many ground service equipment (GSE). These may include equipment such as a baggage conveyor, mobile passenger stairs, a tow tractor, a toilet truck, a catering truck, a passenger bus, a jet refueler and a portable water truck. Figure 2 illustrates some of these GSEs 205 proximate to an aircraft 200. Occasionally, collisions occur between GSEs and stationary aircraft. It is known that such incidents are currently underreported by 50%, costing the aviation industry between $4bn and $10bn annually worldwide. When the ground service industry move to support fully composite aircraft, there will be a strict no touch policy enforced against such aircrafts. This will require managers such as ramp safety managers and training managers to put systems in place to ensure that all collisions are identified and reported.

US Patent Publication No. US 2016/005443 describes a system for preventing collisions between a GSE and an identified aircraft, where the make and model of the aircraft has been identified via user input or via information received from the aircraft itself. In this system, the GSE is provided with a radar device for the detection of the range and orientation of the GSE from the identified aircraft, an inertial navigation system for continuously tracking the position and orientation of the GSE relative to the identified aircraft, and a processing unit for generating a virtual model of the identified aircraft and an anti-collision envelope around the aircraft. In one embodiment of the system, cloud point sensor nodes are further provided on the GSE for detecting and displaying changes in shape and configuration of the working parts of the GSE. The system then controls the speed of the GSE based on the position and orientation data generated by the radar device and the inertial navigation system in order to prevent the GSE from entering the anti-collision envelope. However, there is no teaching in this patent document regarding how to report near-miss collisions between a GSE and an aircraft.

US Patent Publication No. US 2006/064245 describes a system similar to US 2016/005443 for preventing collisions between a ground service vehicle and an aircraft. The system comprises a digital 3D map of the outer dimensions of a GSE, a proximity sensor, a comparator, and a brake mechanism of the GSE. The comparator receives signals from the proximity sensor and dimensional data from the 3D map, and activates the brake mechanism of the GSE when an aircraft is detected in close proximity to the 3D space envelope of the GSE. Thus, this patent document also does not teach how near-miss collisions between a GSE and an aircraft could be reported.

US Patent Publication No. US2016/200449 describes a system and method for damage tracking and monitoring during ground handling of aircraft. The system provides for all GSE and aircraft to continuously communicate their

configuration and status data to a remote database. A damage detection system incorporated into each aircraft is configured to detect damage inflicted on an aircraft. Upon detection of damage to an aircraft, a damage source among the GSEs can be estimated, by correlating the damage characteristics with the configuration data and status data stored on the database. Thus,

US2016/200449 simply discloses a system which continuously tracks the location of GSEs in order to determine upon occurrence of a collision between a GSE and an aircraft which GSE is likely to have damaged the aircraft. Canadian Patent Publication No. CA2429867 describes a light emitting device which can track the position and movement of mobile entities in the vicinity of the device using RFID technology, and which is described as being suitable for use in many applications including airport runway lighting to track airport ground traffic.

Thus, both US2016/200449 and CA2429867 describe systems which are capable of tracking the location of GSEs. However, neither US2016/200449 nor CA2429867 disclose or suggest the use of proximity sensors to monitor the proximity of a GSE to a stationary aircraft.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an aircraft ground proximity detection system which overcomes at least some of the above mentioned problems.

Summary

According to the invention, there is provided, as set out in the appended claims, a system for detecting proximity of ground service equipment (GSE) to stationary aircraft, the system comprising:

at least one GSE monitoring device mountable to a GSE and configured to communicate with a remote GSE management server, the GSE monitoring device comprising:

an identity module configured to store GSE data; and

a removable sensor module in communication with the identity module, the sensor module comprising:

at least one sensor for monitoring the proximity between a GSE and a stationary aircraft; and

at least one image capture device for capturing video data;

wherein the sensor module is configured to:

commence the collection of proximity data from the sensor and the collection of video data from the image capture device when the monitored proximity between a GSE to which the GSE monitoring device is mounted and a stationary aircraft is determined to be equal to a first predetermined distance; and

to transmit an event log comprising the collected proximity data and the collected video data to a remote GSE management server when the monitored proximity data is determined to be equal to a predetermined minimum allowable distance between the GSE and a stationary aircraft.

The present invention thus enables a near-miss event between a GSE and an aircraft to be reported, where a near-miss corresponds to the situation where the proximity between the GSE and a stationary aircraft is less than a minimum allowable distance, but there is no physical contact between the GSE and the stationary aircraft.

In one embodiment, the identity module is configured to communicate with the sensor module to provide its stored GSE data to the sensor module.

In one embodiment, the identity module comprises a RFID tag, and wherein the RFID tag is configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor module by means of near field communications.

In one embodiment, the GSE data comprises one or more of: the identification records for the GSE, the dimensions of the GSE, the speed limit assigned to the GSE, or a minimum allowable distance between the GSE and a stationary aircraft.

In one embodiment, the sensor module comprises a plurality of sensors; and wherein the sensor module is configured to select one or more of the sensors for monitoring the proximity between the GSE and a stationary aircraft based on the GSE data. In one embodiment, the sensor module further comprises a plurality of image capture devices, and wherein the sensor module is further configured to select one or more of the image capture devices based on the GSE data. In one embodiment, the sensor module further comprises a GPS receiver for obtaining GPS data.

In one embodiment, the sensor module is configured to commence the collection of proximity data from the selected sensors and the collection of video data from the selected image capture devices when the monitored proximity between the GSE and a stationary aircraft is equal to a first predetermined distance.

In one embodiment, the sensor module is further configured to transmit an event log comprising the proximity data and the video data to a remote GSE management server when the monitored proximity between the GSE and a stationary aircraft is equal to the minimum allowable distance.

In one embodiment, the event log further comprises one or more of: GPS data and GSE data.

In one embodiment, the sensor module is further configured to terminate the collection of proximity data from the selected sensors and the collection of video data from the selected image capture devices when the monitored proximity between the GSE and a stationary aircraft is equal to a second predetermined distance.

In one embodiment, the GSE management server is configured to store each event log on a remote database.

In one embodiment, the contents of the remote database are accessible through a web interface. In one embodiment, the GSE management server is further configured to send a notification to one or more predetermined users upon receipt of a new event log. In one embodiment, the notification comprises a message to a mobile device of a user.

In one embodiment, the sensor module is configured to automatically discover and configure any newly added sensor.

In one embodiment, the system further comprises a housing, wherein the sensor module and the identity module are located within the housing.

In one embodiment, the sensor module is configured to transmit GSE data to the remote GSE management server periodically.

In one embodiment, the sensor module is configured to receive GSE data associated with another GSE monitoring device in the system. In one embodiment, the identity module comprises a power source connection for powering the sensor module.

In one embodiment, the GSE comprises one of: a baggage conveyor, mobile passenger stairs, a tow tractor, a toilet truck, a catering truck, a passenger bus, a jet refueler or a portable water truck.

In one embodiment, the video data comprises video footage showing the proximity of the GSE to the stationary aircraft. In another embodiment of the invention there is provided an aircraft ground proximity detection system comprising: at least one ground service equipment (GSE) monitoring device adapted to be mounted to a GSE and configured to communicate with a remote GSE management server, the GSE monitoring device comprising:

an identity module for storing GSE data; and

a removable sensor module for monitoring the proximity between the GSE and a stationary aircraft.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a computer implemented system for aircraft ground proximity detection comprising:

at least one ground service equipment (GSE) monitoring module adapted to be mounted to a GSE and configured to communicate with a remote GSE management server, the GSE monitoring module comprising:

an identity module configured to store GSE data; and

a removable sensor module configured to monitor the proximity between the GSE and a stationary aircraft.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a method for detecting proximity of a ground service equipment (GSE) to stationary aircraft in a GSE monitoring device mounted to a GSE, the GSE monitoring device comprising an identity module configured to store GSE data and a removeable sensor module in communication with the identity module, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring by means of at least one sensor in the sensor module the proximity between the GSE and a stationary aircraft;

determining if the monitored proximity between the GSE and the stationary aircraft is equal to a first predetermined distance;

if it is determined that the monitored proximity between the GSE and the stationary aircraft is equal to the first predetermined distance, collecting proximity data from the at least one sensor and collecting video data from at least one image capture device in the sensor module;

determining if the monitored proximity data is equal to a predetermined minimum allowable distance between the GSE and the stationary aircraft; and if it is determined that the monitored proximity data is equal to the predetermined minimum allowable distance, transmitting an event log comprising the collected proximity data and the collected video data to a remote GSE management server.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

terminating the collection of proximity data and the collection of video data when the collected proximity data is determined to be equal to a second predetermined distance.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

transmitting stored GSE data from the identity module to the sensor module, wherein the GSE data

comprises one or more of: the identification records for the GSE, the dimensions of the GSE, the speed limit assigned to the GSE, a first distance value, a second distance value and a minimum allowable distance between the GSE and a stationary aircraft.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

transmitting GPS data and/or GSE data with the event log to the remote GSE management server.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

sending by the remote GSE management server a notification to one or more predetermined users upon receipt of a new event log. In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

sending GSE data to the remote GSE management server periodically. Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :-

Figure 1 shows the main components of the aircraft ground proximity detection system of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an illustration of some types of GSE to which the aircraft ground proximity detection system of the present invention can be mounted; and

Figure 3 shows a flow chart of the main process steps of the aircraft ground proximity detection system of Figure 1 .

Detailed Description of the Drawings

The aircraft ground proximity detection system of the present invention monitors proximity between a ground service equipment (GSE) and a stationary aircraft.

Figure 1 shows the main components of the aircraft ground proximity detection system. It comprises at least one ground service equipment (GSE) monitoring device 1 10 which is adapted to be mounted to a GSE 105. The GSE monitoring device 1 10 is configured to communicate with a remote GSE management server 125. A database 130 is managed by the remote GSE management server 125 to store the system data.

Each GSE monitoring device 1 10 comprises an identity module 1 15 and a portable or removable sensor module 120. The identity module 1 15 is permanently fixed to the GSE 105 and configured to communicate with the sensor module 120. The sensor module is GSE independent and thus can be mounted to any GSE monitoring device. In the described embodiment of the invention, the identity module 1 15 is located within a housing 145 into which the sensor module 120 is placed when the GSE monitoring device 1 10 is to be operational. It will be appreciated that the sensor module 120 must be located at a position on a GSE 105 which facilitates the sensor module 120 obtaining proximity measurements in respect of its associated GSE relative to a stationary aircraft 200. In one embodiment of the invention, this is achieved by mounting the housing 145 to an appropriate location on the exterior surface of a GSE 105. This mounting may be provided by any suitable mounting means, such as for example by bolts. However, it will be appreciated that the sensor module could equally well be located on the exterior surface of the GSE, and configured to communicate with an identity module 1 15 which is integrated into or located proximate to existing GSE circuitry. The identity module 1 15 stores data related to the GSE. This GSE data may include for example the identification records for the GSE, the dimensions of the GSE, the speed limit assigned to the GSE, and a first distance value, a second distance value and a minimum allowable distance between the GSE and a stationary aircraft. The identity module 1 15 also provides a power connection to the sensor module 120 from a power source located on the GSE 105. This power source may comprise a power source integral to the GSE. Alternatively, the power source may have been retrofitted onto the GSE in order to provide the necessary power to the sensor module 120. The sensor module 120 is configured to monitor the proximity between a GSE 105 to which it is mounted and a stationary aircraft 200. Once the sensor module is placed in the housing 145, the sensor module 120 is configured to detect the identity module 1 15 in the housing 145, and thus the identity of the GSE 105 with which it has been associated. This is achieved by the sensor module 120 communicating with the identity module 1 15 to obtain its stored GSE data. The communication between the identity module 1 15 and the sensor module 120 may be either a wireless communication or a wired communication. In one embodiment of the invention, the identity module 1 15 comprises a RFID tag, and the wireless communication comprises Near Field Communication technology.

The sensor module includes a microcontroller, a plurality of proximity sensors, a plurality of image capture devices for video recording and a GPS receiver. The microcontroller is configured to communicate with the identity module 1 15 for obtaining the GSE data. The microcontroller is further configured to send control signals to the proximity sensors and the image capture devices and receive data collected from these devices. A memory on the microcontroller stores proximity and video data collected from the sensors and the image capture devices. This data can be uploaded by the microcontroller to a remote GSE management server as is described in further detail below.

Prior to the sensor module commencing its monitoring function, one or more of the proximity sensors and one or more of the image capture device are selected for the collection of proximity and video data. The selection is based on the GSE data the sensor module obtained from the GSE identity module. The selection of particular sensors and image capture devices for a GSE may be based for example on the number of sensors and image capture devices required to accurately perform proximity detection and video monitoring in respect of a particular GSE, and/or the capabilities of each of the proximity sensors. Thus it enables the number of sensors and the number of image capture devices in operation on the sensor module to be tailored to the GSE to which the sensor module has been mounted.

The GPS receiver reports GPS coordinates and timing data. These coordinates are used to accurately calculate and display a GSE's geographical location.

The sensor module is also provided with a plug-and-play functionality. This enables new sensors to be added to the module at any time and automatically discovered and configured by the microcontroller. Figure 3 shows a flow chart of the main process steps of the aircraft ground proximity detection system of the invention.

In step 300, the sensor module commences monitoring the proximity between the GSE and a stationary aircraft using the selected proximity sensors. In step 305, the sensor module determines whether the monitored proximity between the GSE and any stationary aircraft is equal to a first predetermined distance, as set in the GSE identity module (distance trigger 1 ). If it is determined that the monitored proximity is equal to this first predetermined distance, the sensor module commences the collection of proximity data from the selected sensors and the collection of video data from the selected image capture devices (310). The video data comprises footage which shows the proximity of the GSE to the stationary aircraft. Else, the sensor module simply continues to monitor the proximity between its associated GSE and a stationary aircraft.

In step 315, the sensor module determines whether the monitored proximity between the GSE and the stationary aircraft is equal to the minimum allowable distance set in the GSE identity module (distance trigger 2). This distance threshold corresponds to the safety distance required by managers. In one embodiment of the invention, this distance is set to 5.08cm, which is commonly known in the industry as "the 2 inch gap". If it is determined that the monitored proximity gap is equal to this predetermined minimum allowable distance, the sensor module uploads an event log of the incident (the "parent" incident event log) to the remote GSE management server 125 (step 320). This event log may include for example the proximity and video data the sensor module has collected since distance trigger 1 , as well as GPS data and GSE data. It will be appreciated that this event log therefore comprises a near-miss event. A near- miss corresponds to the situation where proximity between the GSE and a stationary aircraft is less than the minimum allowable distance, but there is no physical contact between the GSE and the stationary aircraft. Else, the sensor module simply continues to collect proximity and video data. In step 325, the sensor module determines whether the monitored proximity between the GSE and the stationary aircraft is equal to a second predetermined distance set in the GSE identity module (distance trigger 3). If it is determined that the monitored proximity is equal to this distance trigger 3, the sensor module terminates the collection of proximity data from the selected sensors and the collection of video data from the selected image capture devices and the distance triggers are reset (step 330). Else, the sensor module simply continues to collect proximity and video data, and each time the monitored proximity is determined to equal distance trigger 2, the sensor module uploads a "child" incident event log. Thus, in the case where a GSE operator operates a GSE such that the GSE crosses the predetermined distance trigger 2 a number of times in quick succession, for example when lining up the GSE with a stationary aircraft, the sensor module will upload a "child" incident event log each time the monitored proximity is determined to be equal to distance trigger 2.

The sensor module may further be configured to upload to the GSE management server a maximum number of consecutive "child" incident event logs that occur between the initial detection of the monitored proximity between the GSE and the stationary aircraft being equal to distance trigger 2 (the "parent" incident event log) and the further detection of the monitored proximity between the GSE and the stationary aircraft being equal to distance trigger 3. In one embodiment of the invention, the maximum number of "child" incident event logs for the same incident uploaded is set to ten.

The GSE management server is configured to store each event log it receives from a GSE monitoring device on the remote database 130. The contents of the remote database are accessible through a web interface. The access to this website is restricted to authorised users only. In addition to web interaction, a user such as a line manager can be notified about new events. This notification may include for example a short message service (SMS) to a mobile device associated with the user. In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor modules may further be configured to communicate with each other as a mesh network, and independently of the GSE management server, in order to increase the robustness of the system.

It should be appreciated that communication between the GSE management server and each GSE monitoring device may also take place periodically. For example the GSE management server may be configured to periodically obtain GSE data from a sensor module, in order to ensure correct operation of each GSE monitoring device in the system, or to track the location of a particular GSE.

It will be appreciated that the system of the present invention provides numerous advantages. Firstly, by monitoring the proximity between GSEs and stationary aircraft, it can reduce collisions and provide accurate reporting of collisions, and thus provide improved safety by monitoring GSE proximity and alignment to the aircraft. Furthermore, as the sensor module is independent of the GSEs until it is placed in the housing, it provides a proximity detection system of great flexibility. The fact that the sensor module is also provided with a plug-and-play functionality enables new sensors to be added to the module at any time, depending on the requirements of a particular GSE. In addition, the use of video evidence as well as proximity data with regard to a collision provides a very robust detection system.

The fact that the system enables multiple sensor modules to communicate and exchange information through the cloud database has many benefits, such as for example for a line manager to track a "lost" GSE. As each operational GSE will have knowledge about the others, a "last location" of a particular GSE can be easily found out.

It will also be appreciated that the event log of the collisions is very beneficial to ground service managers. For example, the event log enables not only the culprit of a collision to be found, but also the video to be shown to the operator (handler) and used to educate them, and change their "bad habits" through appropriate training. The video is very powerful for the handler to see the result of their action. It can also be used as a backup material if required, when there are concerns whether correct handling procedures are being followed. It can also be used to analyse patterns for the mandatory break test on approaching stationary aircraft.

In addition, the post processing of video data can allow ground handlers to build a dent/mark history of aircraft each time they are observed. When coupled with the flight history of the aircraft, this data can be used to identify airport handling practice that needs to be remediated, and thus result in cost savings to the aviation industry. In the specification the terms "comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising" or any variation thereof and the terms include, includes, included and including" or any variation thereof are considered to be totally interchangeable and they should all be afforded the widest possible interpretation and vice versa. The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail.

Claims

Claims 1 . A system for detecting proximity of ground service equipment (GSE) to stationary aircraft, the system comprising:

an identity module configured to store GSE data; and

at least one image capture device for capturing video data;

wherein the sensor module is configured to:

2. The detection system of Claim 1 , wherein the identity module is configured to communicate with the sensor module to provide its stored GSE data to the sensor module.

3. The detection system of Claim 2, wherein the identity module comprises a RFID tag, and wherein the RFID tag is configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor module by means of near field communications.

4. The detection system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the GSE data comprises one or more of: the identification records for the GSE, the dimensions of the GSE, the speed limit assigned to the GSE, a first distance value, a second distance value and a minimum allowable distance between the GSE and a stationary aircraft.

5. The detection system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor module comprises a plurality of sensors; and wherein the sensor module is configured to select one or more of the sensors for monitoring the proximity between the GSE and a stationary aircraft based on the GSE data.

6. The detection system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor module comprises a plurality of image capture devices, and wherein the sensor module is configured to select one or more of the image capture devices based on the GSE data.

7. The detection system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor module further comprises a GPS receiver for obtaining GPS data.

8. The detection system of Claim 7, wherein the event log further comprises one or more of: GPS data and GSE data.

9. The detection system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor module is further configured to terminate the collection of proximity data and the collection of video data when the collected proximity data is determined to be equal to a second predetermined distance.

10. The detection system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a GSE management server, wherein the GSE management server is configured to store each event log on a remote database.

1 1 . The detection system of Claim 10, wherein the contents of the remote database are accessible through a web interface.

12. The detection system of Claim 10 or Claim 1 1 , wherein the GSE management server is further configured to send a notification to one or more predetermined users upon receipt of a new event log.

13. The detection system of Claim 12, wherein the notification comprises a message to a mobile device of a user.

14. The detection system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor module is configured to automatically discover and configure any newly added sensor.

15. The detection system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the GSE monitoring device further comprises a housing, wherein the sensor module and the identity module are located within the housing.

16. The detection system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor module is configured to transmit GSE data to a remote GSE management server periodically.

17. The detection system of any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of GSE monitoring devices, wherein each sensor module of a GSE monitoring device is configured to receive GSE data associated with another GSE monitoring device.

18. The detection system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the identity module comprises a power source connection for powering the sensor module.

19. The detection system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the GSE comprises one of: a baggage conveyor, mobile passenger stairs, a tow tractor, a toilet truck, a catering truck, a passenger bus, a jet refueler or a portable water truck.

20. The detection system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the video data comprises video footage showing the proximity of the GSE to the stationary aircraft.

21 . A method for detecting proximity of a ground service equipment (GSE) to stationary aircraft in a GSE monitoring device mounted to a GSE, the GSE monitoring device comprising an identity module configured to store GSE data and a removeable sensor module in communication with the identity module, the method comprising the steps of:

monitoring by means of at least one sensor in the sensor module the proximity between the GSE and a stationary aircraft;

22. The method of Claim 21 , further comprising:

23. The method of Claim 21 or Claim 22, further comprising transmitting stored GSE data from the identity module to the sensor module, wherein the GSE data comprises one or more of: the identification records for the GSE, the dimensions of the GSE, the speed limit assigned to the GSE, a first distance value, a second distance value and a minimum allowable distance between the GSE and a stationary aircraft.

24. The method of any of Claims 21 to 23, further comprising transmitting GPS data and/or GSE data with the event log to the remote GSE management server.

25. The method of any of Claims 21 to 24, further comprising sending by the remote GSE management server a notification to one or more predetermined users upon receipt of a new event log.

26. The method of any of Claims 21 to 25, further comprising sending GSE data to the remote GSE management server periodically.