Siemens' researchers developing system that will help planes avoid ground accidents and automatically dock at airport terminals.

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 11, 1995--Scientists in Princeton at Siemens Corporate Research Inc. (SCR) are developing a prototype Airport Surface Traffic Detection and Tracking System that will help control towers more effectively monitor planes on the ground, and enable planes to automatically dock at airport terminals without human intervention.

Because of the sheer volume of airplane traffic transiting today's airports, getting planes to and from the terminal and the runway without incident is critical. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there have been more than 850 collisions between airplanes on the ground, and almost 1200 accidents between planes and other ground vehicles since 1972 in the U.S.

"To help solve the problem," noted Indranil Chakravarty of the Imaging Department, "the Siemens system will use image-based video output, in conjunction with strategically located TV cameras around the airport, to supplement ground radar."

The system can function well in all types of weather and poor visibility, and will provide controllers with pictures of ground traffic from the runways to the parking position as well as the automatic docking process. "The image processed video output," Dr. Chakravarty explained, "does not require TV footage to be monitored since a computer algorithm will automatically alert controllers to potential conflicts or unsafe situations."

While airport ground radar can track aircraft and vehicles on taxiways and runways, tower and ramp control personnel need to "see" planes when they are located behind buildings or close to the terminal where ground radar is not effective.

Currently, Cardion Inc., another Siemens company, has developed a Cooperative Area Precision Tracking System (CAPTS). This system offers a multiple receiver/transmitter architecture that provides automatic identification and three-dimensional position reports for aircraft and ground vehicles equipped with Mode S and conventional Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS) transponders. The CAPTS flexible architecture provides seamless coverage from final approach to the terminal with built in redundancy and, to this end, may be used as a complementary system in conjunction with the SCR system.

The other unique aspect of the SCR system is its automatic docking capability. The docking process is a precise maneuver carried out by the pilot at the last phase of taxiing. Usually, ramp agents from the Airport Authority guide the plane into the right parking position as a safety precaution and -- because different planes vary widely in size (jumbo jets, widebody or smaller aircraft) -- to ensure that the correct position is used.

"Using both imaging and learning system techniques, the system we've developed will let the cockpit crew see on a display, mounted on the terminal, information allowing them to dock the plane without directions from a ramp agent on the ground," said Dr. Chakravarty.

Because the size and type of incoming plane must be known to determine docking station availability, the same strategically located TV cameras used to track ground traffic will monitor the planes. With key parameters to determine plane size and length, plus the shape of the aircraft's windshield, which differentiates jumbos from widebodies and other planes, the data will then be converted into digitized information. Using a computer algorithm, it can then be determined whether the designated dock is ready to receive the plane. This information will also be sent back to the control tower upon the plane's docking.

While the majority of work on the system is being performed at SCR, researchers at Princeton University are also working on portions of the project as part of an academic liaison program.

The Imaging Department conducts research in the areas of image database management, image analysis, and imaging hardware and architecture. Image process and analysis algorithms are being developed for applications in medical diagnosis and treatment, plus industrial automation and safety systems.

Siemens Corporate Research (SCR) is the American laboratory of Siemens AG's Corporate Research and Development organization. The facility, first established in 1978, and now based in the Princeton Forrestal Center, is staffed by approximately 140 research and support professionals.

SCR has responsibility on behalf of Siemens Corporate R&D for research in key areas of software engineering, imaging/optical data processing, and learning systems. In this capacity, it works closely with Siemens Companies in the U.S. and worldwide to develop advanced technologies for incorporation into their product development programs.

CONTACT: Siemens Corp.

             Guy Pierce, 908/906-3805
              or
             Cardion
             Lothar Belger, 516/921-7300, Ext. 492