Airport Technology – Innovations in Visual Display Solutions for Airport Traffic Control Operations

SPECIAL REPORT

Visual Display Solutions for Airport Traffic Control Operations In the Eye of the Controller – Considerations for 4K2K Streamlined Image Display in ATC Increasing Air Traffic Control Capacity Installing Next Generation Technology The Latest Improvements to Visual Displays The Future of ATC Visual Displays

Published by Global Business Media

SPECIAL REPORT

Visual Display Solutions for Airport Traffic Control Operations In the Eye of the Controller – Considerations for 4K2K Streamlined Image Display in ATC

INNOVATIONS IN VISUAL DISPLAY SOLUTIONS FOR AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS

Contents

Increasing Air Traffic Control Capacity Installing Next Generation Technology The Latest Improvements to Visual Displays The Future of ATC Visual Displays

Foreword

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Tom Cropper, Editor

In the Eye of the Controller – Considerations 3 for 4K2K Streamlined Image Display in ATC Robert Hawksworth, International Business Development Manager (Air Traffic Control), EIZO Corporation Published by Global Business Media

Stability in Tradition Published by Global Business Media

Opening the Door to New Visual Concepts

Global Business Media Limited 62 The Street Ashtead Surrey KT21 1AT United Kingdom

Position of 4K2K in ATM

Switchboard: +44 (0)1737 850 939 Fax: +44 (0)1737 851 952 Email: info@globalbusinessmedia.org Website: www.globalbusinessmedia.org

Increasing Air Traffic Control Capacity

Publisher Kevin Bell

Considering the Factors

Tom Cropper, Editor

Safety Concerns Time to Change

Business Development Director Marie-Anne Brooks

New Technology

Editor Tom Cropper

Installing Next Generation Technology

Senior Project Manager Steve Banks

Jo Roth, Staff Writer

Advertising Executives Michael McCarthy Abigail Coombes Production Manager Paul Davies For further information visit: www.globalbusinessmedia.org The opinions and views expressed in the editorial content in this publication are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily represent the views of any organisation with which they may be associated.

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Slow Progress The Next Generation of Products

The Latest Improvements to Visual Displays

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James Butler, Staff Writer

A Demanding Landscape Instituting Change A Technological Revolution Higher Definition

The Future of ATC Visual Displays

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Tom Cropper, Editor

Ultra-High Definition 3D Technology Technology Across All Situations

References 15

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INNOVATIONS IN VISUAL DISPLAY SOLUTIONS FOR AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS

Foreword A

IR TRAFFIC control has been keeping our sky

We’ll look at the wider commercial environment

safe in the same way for decades, but times

in which ATC is working and analyze how aircraft

are changing. The next 20 years are likely to bring

numbers are increasing. We’ll look at the different

capacity demands and other challenges which will

options for expanding capacity in our skies and how

push air traffic control systems beyond their current

this affects operations on the ground. Moreover,

capabilities. New tracking and surveillance systems

we’ll look at where the current trend of development

are being brought in which increase the amount

is taking us – from the latest visual display systems

of coverage area and data available to controllers.

currently available, to the next generational products

This heralds an opportunity to revolutionize the

coming in the future.

visual experience for the controller.

There is a real sense of opportunity, with pioneering

In the first article in this Report, Robert Hawksworth,

companies leading the way in development. Within

International Business Development Manager

the ATC market there is a significant demand and

(Air Traffic Control) for EIZO Corporation, illustrates

an opportunity for those developers who can lead

how the market for visual display systems is changing.

the way with new solutions. The big challenge will be

Aside from conventional 2K2K monitors, controllers

identifying the need and coming up with solutions

now have the option of 4k2K resolutions. This is

which offer practical, affordable and viable options.

capable of displaying more information across a wider screen with superior image clarity. While such technologies are yet to achieve full market penetration, they do offer exciting opportunities for the future.

Elsewhere in the Report, we’ll delve in more detail into some of the issues raised in our lead article.

Tom Cropper Editor

Tom Cropper has produced articles and reports on various aspects of global business over the past 15 years. He has also worked as a copywriter for some of the largest corporations in the world, including ING, KPMG and the World Wildlife Fund.

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INNOVATIONS IN VISUAL DISPLAY SOLUTIONS FOR AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS

In the Eye of the Controller – Considerations for 4K2K Streamlined Image Display in ATC Robert Hawksworth, International Business Development Manager (Air Traffic Control), EIZO Corporation With the increasing interest in 4K2K resolution LCD monitors, the ATC market is considering more how this technology can be applied in controller workstations.

This article discusses the evolution of the ATM visual experience and the position of high-resolution monitors in the market, focusing on the primary control monitor, to provide perspective for making an informed decision regarding individual control center requirements.

EIZO is spearheading the promotion of 4K2K technology to markets such as medical and air traffic control

DFS CONTROL CENTER LANGEN

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E ARE currently witnessing the birth, adaptation, and increasing popularity of 4K2K resolution LCD monitors in a global media frenzy. While this popularity originates from commercial markets, such as the LCD TV market, it begs the question: Can these 4K2K monitors be applied to mission-critical environments, such as a modern Enroute or Approach Center? To answer this question with any degree of realistic understanding, we need to take into account a wide range of influences, both technical and commercial.

Stability in Tradition The mission-critical nature of the ATC market dictates the absolute and uncompromising need for reliable products to be used 24/7 for a number of years. ATM systems are typically

deployed for twenty years or more before a major overhaul or renewal is considered. During the life cycle of the ATM system, there will be interim hardware refreshes from time to time but the monitor format itself generally cannot deviate from the original configuration. Careful consideration is vital to the long-term performance of the system.

There is little doubt that the 2K2K monitor format has been, and remains, the most dominant primary control monitor format in the professional ATM arena to date for displaying the key secondary surveillance radar (SSR) feed. The significant majority of hardware refreshes for existing systems and new system deployment to ATC centers still strongly depends on the 2K2K format, performance, reliability, and long term availability.

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INNOVATIONS IN VISUAL DISPLAY SOLUTIONS FOR AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS

DFS CONTROL CENTER LANGEN

ATM systems are typically deployed for twenty years or more before a major overhaul or renewal is considered

From the early implementation of display technology into ATC centers using round CRTs to the success of the SONY DDM CRT, the SSR signal itself directly determined the monitors’ fundamental dimensions and format over the years. Maintaining the screen size of fifty centimeters from edge-to-edge, SONY released the DDM2800 – a 28-inch completely square monitor that succeeded the round CRTs. With the gradual adoption of LCD technology in commercial markets, it was only a matter of time before it surpassed the CRT. Monitor manufacturers such as EIZO worked closely with panel manufacturers to perfect the technology for use in mission-critical environments including medical, financial trading, and air traffic control.

This advancement is now used in virtually every hospital, financial trading floor, and Approach and Enroute Center around the world. 2K2K resolution LCD monitors also achieved an even more advanced technical level whereby they could safely be used as air traffic primary control monitors. They can be used in any control center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and remain fully operational for years. The monitors are in production for several years, with spare parts available for much longer. This means that ANSPs can rest assured that a same form-and-fit monitor will be available to them for the full life of their ATM system – twenty years or more. Even if the monitors are superseded with newer versions equipped with more advanced functions and features, they are completely backwards compatible, as technology specialists in this field understand the importance of reliability and stability in the market.

While there are supporters and critics of 2K2K resolution, it remains the cornerstone of

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any ATM visual experience. It has been a part of the ATM market for years and will continue in that role so long as the industry requires consistent performance and product availability to support current data formats. That being said, the ATM industry itself is in the midst of a significant strategic change. While the traditional processes and technologies still have a place in the market moving forward, the industry is now more open to new concepts that could improve performance and efficiency and offer alternatives to how ATCOs view and manage information.

Opening the Door to New Visual Concepts Without doubt, the single most overwhelming reason that the industry has to consider radical changes to the way air traffic management is handled is the sheer volume of flights that must be managed compared to current available capacities. We are seeing a steadily increasing number of flights, pushing control capacity to the limit, and it is projected only to increase further.

Programs such as the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) program and the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) program (U.S.A.) are driving needed change while ensuring standards in safety and efficiency are maintained or even enhanced. Current systems simply will not be able to handle the future increase in flight numbers, so innovative alternative solutions are imperative.

In an attempt to improve performance and efficiency, one such solution that is being mandated is the Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B). This surveillance system will replace the traditional RADAR-based system and is currently being

INNOVATIONS IN VISUAL DISPLAY SOLUTIONS FOR AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS

adopted in stages. ADS-B will allow greater coverage across varying terrain, atmospheric conditions, enable more efficient routing and separation, and do so with greater distance coverage than RADAR-based systems currently do. The mandated ADS-B concept is a clear movement away from the traditional RADARbased control systems which have a strictly defined and fixed resolution feed. This means a move away from the RADAR feed that dictated the monitors’ fundamental dimensions and format over the years. It provides a realistic opportunity to reconsider the entire air traffic control visual experience, opening the door to newer visual concepts and resolutions.

ANSPs worldwide have been investigating a vast array of ideas and concepts. Some have even issued tender commands defining technology and ideas that are currently not in existence, challenging innovators to push beyond limitations. Many organizations have risen to the challenge, giving ANSPs even more to consider. One such example is advancements in the ATM core systems application interface itself. Systems integrators have developed APIs to display the traditional RADAR feeds on widescreen monitors with resolutions such as 4K2K. These systems allow information displayed over auxiliary monitors to be displayed directly on the primary control monitor with flexible positioning that the ATCO can adjust as needed.

Position of 4K2K in ATM Where does all this leave the 4K2K format?

The 4K2K resolution itself is still quite new to the professional monitor industry despite being quite commonplace now in the commercial LCD TV market. Monitor manufacturers still search for industrial applications where the resolution could be beneficial and therefore warrant sustained product development. However, the professional 4K2K market is still developing and extreme care must be taken in selecting suitable products for mission-critical environments.

The generational move in attitudes towards IT in general, influenced by the media in our personal experiences outside of the control room, exposes us to new commercial technologies every day. We have already witnessed trends such as widescreen format, 3D LCDs, 4K2K resolution, and new technologies such as 8K4K resolution. Before such new technologies can be incorporated into an ATC setting, products must be equipped to handle the mission-critical nature of the environment. Commercial TV-grade monitors are not stable enough to be seriously considered for ATC without significant risk. To be considered for deployment for use in a primary control workstation, a monitor must be capable

of performing consistently for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (24/7). It must also be in production for several years to ensure long-term product and parts availability.

EIZO is spearheading the promotion of 4K2K technology to markets such as medical and air traffic control. For ATC, EIZO uses only high-end industrial-grade LCD panel modules designed for 24/7 usage in mission-critical environments.

EIZO worked closely with a panel manufacturer to develop a 36.4” monitor with an LCD module that meets the stringent requirements of ATC. The monitor is capable of receiving and displaying a full screen 4K2K image or dividing the screen in half to display two separate feeds simultaneously – 2K2K Radar and auxiliary applications. This dedication to providing only the highest grade of product is imperative for any serious manufacturer supplying to the ATC industry. EIZO also promotes an industrial-grade 57.5” monitor for the primary controller workstation, offering two sizes of 4K2K monitors for ATC. The biggest advantage of the 4K2K resolution in an ATC environment is that the ATCOs are able to see all relevant data on a single screen without obtrusive bezels found in multi-monitor environments. In a multi-monitor setup, the user’s eyes need to scan from one monitor to the next – a process which can be disrupted by the bezels and space between monitors. They also need to adjust to the varying pixel size between multiple monitors and this contributes to eye strain on the controller over long periods of operation. A single 4K2K screen addresses these points by allowing the ATCO to display all pertinent information on one screen, making it more efficient and less straining to view.

The 4K2K resolution itself is potentially a very interesting option for any ANSP to consider when investigating options for a future ATM system replacement. It opens the door to completely new visual possibilities to improve performance and efficiency. Unfortunately, the 4K2K LCD panel module market is driven primarily by the commercial grade LCD TV market. These panels cannot be used 24/7 without impacting on performance and reliability. While there are some steps monitor manufacturers can take to enhance panel module reliability, without the development of an appropriate industrialgrade, or even a mid-level Point-of-Information (POI) grade panel capable of 24/7, it will take time for 4K2K to become a widespread alternative to traditional 2K2K configurations.

While production of such a panel is not out of the question, it would require a similar demand from another industry, as the worldwide ATC demand alone is not high enough to sustain the volumes needed to justify production.

The fundamental purpose and goals of the industry will remain unchanged and the challenges of an ever increasing traffic volume means the industry will evolve

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INNOVATIONS IN VISUAL DISPLAY SOLUTIONS FOR AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS

Considering the Factors

The mandated ADS-B concept is a clear movement away from the traditional RADAR-based

The fundamental purpose and goals of the industry will remain unchanged and the challenges of an ever increasing traffic volume means the industry will evolve. The missioncritical nature of air traffic control will continue to dictate the uncompromising need for reliable control solutions with long term availability, regardless of the solution deployed. As an integral part of this evolution, there will be more and more focus on HMI components, such as visual display technology. So long as the industry continues with SSR feeds and requires consistent performance, reliability over 24/7, and long term product availability and parts supply, the 2K2K primary control monitor will remain the cornerstone of many control centers for some time to come.

So, can these 4K2K monitors be applied to mission-critical environments, such as the

control systems which have a strictly defined and fixed resolution feed

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modern Enroute or Approach Center? Provided that the monitors and their components are designed to meet the stringent technical demands of the air traffic control environment, 4K2K resolution monitors could enhance the ATM visual experience and increase performance and efficiency of the ATCO. While some industrial-grade 4K2K monitors are currently being used in a limited number of Enroute and Approach centers, the variation of sizes available are limited. As other industries also adopt the 4K2K resolution, the ATC market will also see more size variations.

However, it may take time for such variations to be available at the level required for ATC.

Contact EIZO Corporation 153 Shimokashiwano Hakusan, Ishikawa 924-8566 JAPAN Tel: +81 76-277-6792 atc@eizo.com http://www.eizoglobal.com/

INNOVATIONS IN VISUAL DISPLAY SOLUTIONS FOR AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS

Increasing Air Traffic Control Capacity Tom Cropper, Editor With air traffic numbers climbing steadily, air traffic controllers are under increasing strain. Could technology hold the answer?

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IR TRAFFIC controllers are coping with similar challenges to other areas of airport operations. Flight numbers are on the up which means capacity will need to be increased to cope. This is placing a strain on existing equipment and technologies, which creates an imperative for innovation. However, fitting out a new generation of technologies will prove to be easier said than done.

Safety Concerns The job of an air traffic controller is one of the most stressful in the world. The need to pilot hundreds of flights through a crowded airspace each and every day is a life and death challenge. Get it wrong and the results can be catastrophic.

In 2012 five people were killed when controllers misunderstood a piece of jargon. They did not realize that an aerial survey company would be conducting high speed training flights into the airport in order to train its pilots how to land in bad weather1.

While accidents are relatively rare, near misses are common, and with skies becoming more crowded the numbers are rising. Aside from the increase in passenger numbers, aircraft are having to cope with a rise in the number of civilian unmanned aircraft – or drones. According to a report in the US, there were 25 near misses in five months between drones and aircraft.

However, pilots were reporting sightings of drones almost every day2.

While technology can be helpful, this remains a very human-reliant job. Controllers receive information supplied by IT systems, but it is they who must make decisions and react in real time. They receive information from multiple air traffic management systems and must turn this into a single schedule for each flight.

Plans are logged before take-off, creating a route from A to B. However, when circumstances change during a flight, it is still the controller who has responsibility of delivering instructions in real-time.

Technology is being brought in to assist controllers. Improved provision of flight data and aircraft tracking tools enable controllers to increase their capacity and reduce delays. In the future, there are plans to bring greater automation into the process, enabling more flights to be tracked and monitored with reduced human intervention. However, such developments are still many years down the line and even then there will need for human supervision.

As a result, the basics of air traffic control have remained relatively unchanged for many years. Visual displays currently use 2K2K screens, which deliver information on the position and direction of the aircraft, together with data on the height and speed. Controllers use this to create a mental map of where aircraft are at any one time, and advise on any adjustments.

While accidents are relatively rare, near misses are common, and with skies becoming more crowded the numbers are rising

Time to Change As long as this system works, there is a temptation to continue as normal. However, air traffic controllers are coming under pressure from various quarters. Airports around the country have been seeing sustained growth in air traffic numbers for some time. NATS, which provides air traffic control services over the skies of the UK, reported that March 2015 had seen a 4.2% increase in flight numbers compared with the same period last year.3 This single statistic reflects wider numbers which are seeing an approximate 4% increase in numbers year on year. IATA’s 20 year forecast predicts this rate to continue for the foreseeable future, which means capacity could be doubling every 15 years.

Meeting this demand is causing airport operators a headache. Expansion in the size and number of airports is one option. London’s main airports of Gatwick, Heathrow and Stanstead all have proposals for growth, while plans for an additional airport also exist. However, the process of building new infrastructure is lengthy, expensive and WWW.AIRPORTTECHNOLOGYREPORTS.COM | 7

INNOVATIONS IN VISUAL DISPLAY SOLUTIONS FOR AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS

Technological and operational improvements are coming into play across airport operations to increase the volume of traffic they can handle

encounters opposition from environmental and community action groups.

Increasing capacity in existing airports is therefore essential. Technological and operational improvements are coming into play across airport operations to increase the volume of traffic they can handle. This means air traffic controllers will be seeing much more congestion in their skies and this future demand will take the operational burden to levels beyond their current capability.

New Technology Technology has an important role to play. Satellitebased navigation and surveillance systems extend the coverage area of ATC controllers, more integrated technologies are providing an enhanced overview of data and traffic load indicators help with planning and predicting staffing levels. With all this information coming in, visual display systems will need to improve.

For an indication of how this technology might appear, we can look to the commercial AV environment. As consumers, we’re already used to features such as high definition, 3D and wide-screens. Today, all the talk is of ultra-high definition, which transitions 4K technology from

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the cinema into the home. All these features have potential use for air traffic control. 4K resolution screens can improve clarity and increase the amount of information available for each controller. 3D visuals, meanwhile, could create a more intuitive display making it easier for controllers to make quick, informed, decisions.

All the ingredients are present, therefore, for a highly lucrative market. The demand exists and so does the technology. Visiongain’s analysis estimated the air traffic control equipment market, to be at just under US$4,000million in 20144.

The market will expand over the next ten years.

However, growth will be constrained by regulatory requirements. The need to meet the highest safety requirements will mean any new technologies will be subject to extensive trial phases.

It is here that the major obstacles exist. Although technology exists in the commercial environment, it is no easy feat to transition this for use for air traffic controllers. Any kind of operation will need to run continuously 24/7 with redundancy built in to ensure continuous operation in the event of component failure. Equipment will need a lifespan of several decades. Commercial monitors and equipment are not yet built to handle such demands.

The challenge, then, is to up-scale technologies from the commercial environment and transition them into ATC operations. Several suppliers are already offering such applications, but this market is still in the very earliest stages. The market remains dominated by conventional systems, which in itself presents an obstacle to full implementation. To gain the trust of buyers, these systems will have to show not only their technical superiority and reliability. For this they will need real-time demonstrations of success over a prolonged period of time. Equally, suppliers and buyers will need to maintain an effective flow of communication, so that one side understands requirements, while the other understands the demands of implementation.

This is a market of clear opportunities, but also numerous challenges. However, development would appear as inevitable as the increase in capacity. The cold hard truth is that existing systems are not up to scratch which means new products are required urgently.

INNOVATIONS IN VISUAL DISPLAY SOLUTIONS FOR AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS

Installing Next Generation Technology Jo Roth, Staff Writer What operators should consider when installing new visual display systems.

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HY 40 year old tech is running America’s Air Traffic Control.”5 This was the “headline for a Wired Magazine article in February this year. It highlights a problem for air traffic management – that while aircraft are being managed with the very latest navigation technology, they are being guided in to land with technology which, as the article puts it, ‘predates speak and spell’. Something needs to happen to close the gap. However, identifying the problem is one thing, coming up with a solution is quite another. This article will examine some of the key factors operators need to consider when implementing a system.

Slow Progress The one thing all parties are currently agreed on is that the present situation needs to change. Current ATC systems are old fashioned and inefficient.

While there is no suggestion that the current approach is unsafe, it is not fit for purpose for what the aviation industry needs – namely greater capacity in our skies.

The purpose of air traffic control is relatively straightforward: to get as many planes in the air safely as they possibly can. That airspace is already crowded. According to NATS, each year UK controlled airspace holds two million flights carrying 220 million passengers. These numbers have been rising steadily and are likely to continue to do so. NATS states that April 2015 saw a 1.2% increase in aircraft over the same period last year.6 Passenger numbers are growing at approximately 4% per year and show no sign of slowing down.

The inevitable conclusion is that air traffic control will have to handle more flights.

To do this they will need to deliver efficiency gains in route planning and to reduce the required gap between aircraft in a safe and controlled manner.

Air Traffic Control makes use of so-called sky highways to direct aircraft safely. In the past, the pathways of these highways have been governed by limitations in tracking software. However, new innovations such as satellite navigation, allow planes to be tracked anywhere, allowing more

direct and efficient routes.

When coming into London, aircraft are required to be separated by at least three nautical miles and 1,000ft above and below.

Once it leaves, the area separation increases to five nautical miles. Over the ocean, they must be separated by at least 10 minutes flying timein front and behind and 60 nautical miles side to side.

Technology can play a role in reducing those numbers and thereby increasing airspace capacity.

Improvements in the accuracy and reliability of technology have already reduced the required gap between aircraft from around 2,000ft to 1,000ft, above and below. Further developments could lead to more efficiency gains.

The Next Generation of Products

The purpose of air traffic control is relatively straightforward: to get as many planes in the air safely as they possibly can

To achieve such improvements, air traffic management needs to evolve – and it is doing so. At the beginning of the article, we referred to the US’s outdated system. It is now due for an overall, with a new technology coming into play which can give operators anywhere in the country a view of where aircraft are at any one time. Theoretically, this will allow an operator in Los Angeles to control a flight coming into New York. For all the improvements this will certainly bring, it also represents an immense technological challenge.

Operators will have access to increased amounts of data, but they need to be able to view this all in one space. For this reason, many operators are looking to overhaul their existing monitor systems. Before they do so, there are several key considerations they need to take into account.

• Longevity: Any system will need to be workable – not just now, but many years into the future.

Over time, screen quality degrades, reducing performance and productivity. Any new system will need to have a long life cycle. Equally, it will need to be reliable. Monitors must run 24/7 and, while sophisticated display systems exist in the commercial environment, monitors are not built WWW.AIRPORTTECHNOLOGYREPORTS.COM | 9

INNOVATIONS IN VISUAL DISPLAY SOLUTIONS FOR AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS

While there is no suggestion that the current approach is unsafe, it is not fit for purpose for what the aviation industry needs – namely greater capacity in our skies

for such heavy-duty operation. Applications must continue functioning reliably, with little requirement for maintenance and replacement.

When they do go down, redundancy systems must be programed in.

•C ost: Almost everything comes back – sooner or later – to money. Budgets are tight and any new system will be expensive. Against this, though, savings through efficiency gains must be factored in. Before installation, a calculation is required showing the return on initial investment through superior performance.

•S afety: The safety of aircraft is a primary concern. Any new system represents a risk. Customers will need to see evidence of rigorous testing and real-world performance before making a buying decision.

•C ompatibility: Just as the amount of data stored for the air traffic controller is increasing, so too is the range of environments in which they function.

Manufacturers of visual display devices will need to factor in multiple locations and functionalities including towers, training facilities, control centers and much more.

•T he environment: Advances in air traffic control can help airlines meet emissions guidelines.

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Shorter and more effective routes cut back flying time and delays, all of which saves fuel and reduces the carbon footprint of airlines.

There is a range of products available which can cater to the advanced industrial requirements of Air Traffic Controllers, but these are relatively new and have comparatively little market penetration. Those early adopters who have installed advanced display technology report favorably on their impact. However, to become used more widely, there needs to be an effective discussion, between developers and end-users.

This is happening and, in a sector which has historically been highly conservative and cautious in its approach, there is renewed focus on technologies which could revolutionize the way air traffic control works. Although there is some focus on automation, none of these innovations will ever replace the controllers themselves. Instead, they will simply change the way in which they work giving them a greater range of tools to support their day to day operations. The big challenge is identifying this technology and how, practically, it can be introduced into the market.

INNOVATIONS IN VISUAL DISPLAY SOLUTIONS FOR AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS

The Latest Improvements to Visual Displays James Butler, Staff Writer

The time has come to close the technological gap between air traffic control and other areas of the aviation industry.

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OR OVER 80 years, air traffic control systems have kept the increasingly crowded skies of UK air space safe. In that time they have gradually evolved to meet new demands, but it is increasingly clear that evolution on a revolutionary scale will be necessary. Increased traffic numbers, budgetary constraints and regulatory oversight are combining to place a number of pressures on operators. New procedures and technologies must develop to ensure a modern and efficient ATC system with the capability to cope with these increased demands. This article will look at some of the ways in which the ATC industry is changing to adapt.

A Demanding Landscape Pressure comes from a variety of quarters.

A projected doubling of air passengers over the next 15 years means ATC controllers will need to find space for many more aircraft.

Regulatory oversight requires fewer emissions and less impact on the environment. Moreover, an increasingly competitive commercial playing field means aviators are counting the cost of operations. Improved efficiencies can reduce emissions, produce less noise pollution for residents and save fuel for airlines.

The difficulty exists, though, in putting changes into action. By nature, the aviation industry is highly cautious. Any changes must be brought in carefully. The overriding consideration is – and must remain – safety. As such, any innovations must undergo extensive trialing, and compliance testing to ensure they fit in with existing safety requirements. Equally, any overhaul of existing infrastructure will have to be operational for the next 20 years. Air Traffic Controllers want to be certain that technology they bring in will remain effective over that lifespan.

This means equipment which is durable and reliable, but it also means pre-empting industry changes which may occur.

Instituting Change The industry is working hard to meet these challenges. One of the key areas of progression is the transfer from radio navigation systems to satellite based navigation systems. Radio navigation systems hold back efficiency by requiring aircraft to fly over indirect landbased routes, to take them over radio towers.

However, the introduction of satellite technology is allowing aircraft to use more direct paths.

These paths can be used by any airport and enable aircraft to flight precise and predictable paths with an accuracy of less than a wingspan.

Technology is being introduced which increases the amount of support information at the fingertips of controllers. Details which were once written on strips of paper can now be held electronically, stored and viewed instantly. Data about the direction and course of an aircraft can be inputted to create predictions about future events, and warn of potential issues. NATS recently introduced a system called IFACTS (Interim Future Area Control Tools Support.)

This monitors the trajectory of aircraft and alerts operators if there is a possibility of a collision. It allows them to open a door into the future, essentially, and make more informed and timely decisions.

Individual countries are able to make significant leaps forward on their own. However, this is not always enough if it happens in isolation from other airports. Sharing information across multiple territories is important in preventing disruption across the network. For example, if an aircraft is delayed by several hours in New York and lands late at Heathrow there will be repercussions across the network. Sharing information in a more timely manner allows operators to react more effectively.

A projected doubling of air passengers over the next 15 years means ATC controllers will need to find space for many more aircraft

A Technological Revolution With technology developing elsewhere in the process, visual display systems will need to

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INNOVATIONS IN VISUAL DISPLAY SOLUTIONS FOR AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS

Such is the increase in expected aircraft numbers over the next 10 to 20 years that equipment needs to take a dramatic step forward

adapt. An increasing amount of data means operators will need more from their monitors.

Larger screens will need to display higher volumes of information, all of which must be easily digestible for operatives. Image quality needs to improve. Brighter screens exhibiting a clearer display can reduce fatigue and improve concentration levels. The technology is already available. The commercial AV environment points the way forward with developments in ultra-high definition, 3D displays and LED technology. It’s just a question of transitioning this for applicability on an industrial scale.

One of the main areas for development lies in the use of LED screens. This technology is already being used elsewhere around the airport in areas like runway lights, obstruction lighting and terminal display screens. The advantages are brighter screens, lower energy consumption and longer service life. In areas such as the towers, where different lighting conditions can affect screen visibility, LEDs are easier to see and read.

An example of the benefits these provide can be seen with Skyguide, which overseas air traffic management for Swiss airspace. Their existing monitors were aging and outdated. Image quality had declined and screen flicker issues presented difficulties in concentration. They decided to invest in new high quality monitors with LED backlit screens to provide higher brightness and contrast and a flicker-free display. With operatives having to work seven hour shifts at a time, the improved display resulted in less fatigue and better productivity7.

Higher Definition

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Elsewhere, the trend for ATC monitors is following a similar pattern to the commercial field, albeit in a slightly delayed fashion. The talk is all about high definition, image clarity, light-weight design and contrast ratios. Developers are producing monitors with superior display qualities, longer life-cycles and lower costs – all of which plug into the demands of aviators.

Flexibility is a key consideration. Products are being designed to be compatible with existing consoles and equipment, and to cope in different situations. Ambient light compensation technology enables the console to operate at optimum brightness levels at all times.

Brightness increases to ensure visibility in daylight and dims in darker conditions. Flexibility also plays a role in delivering the data to operators. Data is increasing in volume and diversity and monitors need to display this in the most efficient way possible.

However, the developments witnessed so far only represent part of the story. Such is the increase in expected aircraft numbers over the next 10 to 20 years that equipment needs to take a dramatic step forward. The drive is on to incorporate the ultra-high definition image quality and 3D technology available in home entertainment systems into ATC operations. To do so, though, developers will need to deliver products which are tough and durable enough for the rigors of day to day operation within an ATC environment. That will constitute the next major challenge as the industry moves into the future.

INNOVATIONS IN VISUAL DISPLAY SOLUTIONS FOR AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS

The Future of ATC Visual Displays Tom Cropper, Editor

How technology from the world of home entertainment will revolutionize the job of air traffic controllers.

T

ECHNOLOGY ISN’T replacing the need for air traffic controllers, but it’s changing “ the nature of their job.” So says Michael Rolfe, Managing Director of operations at NATS8. For decades, air traffic control has relied on the individual skill and experience of the people sitting at the desks. Recently, though, that skill has become augmented with technology in a variety of forms. This increases the accuracy of tracking, the efficiency of route planning and the amount of data available to controllers.

Even so, such improvements are still at a relatively early stage. In technological terms, air traffic management still lags far behind other areas of aviation, which means there is significant room for improvement.

In the realm of visual displays, the make-up of future technologies is already with us in our everyday life. High definition home entertainment systems featuring 3D visuals, crisp image quality and surround sound are commonplace in our homes. All these technologies have a potential role to play in air traffic control, but until now they have achieved relatively little in terms of market penetration. The challenge over the next few years is to find ways to fit out home entertainment for everyday use in air traffic control stations.

Ultra-High Definition Of these technologies, the most immediately applicable is 4K ultra-high definition. This offers an image clarity four times higher than conventional HD. It means the image is clearer, has finer detail and greater clarity. It derives its technology from the 4K cinema standard resolution of 4096 X 2160 4K. As things stand, monitor resolution is dominated by the 2K2K format, which shows every sign of continuing for the immediate future. This provides reliable long term performance for many years and most new refits rely on the 2K2K technology.

However, some pioneering firms are pushing into the realm of 4K2K resolution. This has the potential for information that would otherwise be

displayed on auxiliary monitors to be displayed on a single widescreen 4K2K monitor. Operatives will have more information immediately on hand without having to switch between monitors.

The potential for such technology is significant.

The biggest obstacles to implementation are practical. Monitors will need to operate continuously for 24 hours a day over a prolonged period. During that time they will have to maintain error-free functionality, with redundancy contingencies in place to maintain smooth operations.

Several providers have been looking at ways of making this technology industry-ready. In 2011, EIZO produced a 4K2K monitor capable of running 24/7 for use in environments such as air traffic control. They’ve been working in close collaboration with panel manufacturers to come up with a product which is capable of meeting the strict demands of ATC customers.

The Duravision FDH3601 monitor can display one 4K2K image across its 36.4 inch screen or both 2K2K images and auxiliary information.

It produces better image quality and more information in one single place.

In the realm of visual displays, the make-up of future technologies is already with us in our everyday life

3D Technology Another piece of commercial entertainment technology that has clear benefits for air traffic controllers comes in the form of 3D. This has become a familiar experience for cinemagoers, and the ability to view that third dimension will help controllers make quicker and better decisions. Research projects such as one being undertaken by Deutsche Flugsicherung9 are testing the usability of 3D solutions at controllers’ work desks.

The challenge from a technological standpoint is significant. Images need to be projected with the highest resolution and clarity, with no lag and no blurring at the edges. Every aircraft needs to be displayed alongside relevant data in the same way as controllers are used to at their current stations. The only difference, WWW.AIRPORTTECHNOLOGYREPORTS.COM | 13

INNOVATIONS IN VISUAL DISPLAY SOLUTIONS FOR AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS

Another piece of commercial entertainment technology that has clear benefits for air traffic controllers comes in the form of 3D

in this instance, is that they are viewable in three dimensions, making the whole process simpler and more intuitive. Operatives are no longer reliant on using the various pieces of information from multiple sources to build a picture in their mind of where aircraft are and where they are going – they can see the landscape for themselves with their own eyes.

Technology Across All Situations The industry is at an extremely interesting stage where both the need and opportunity to develop exists. Passenger demand and an increase in air traffic means the pressure is on air traffic control to improve efficiency throughout their operations.

The transition is to the Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast system (ADS-B) away from the traditional RADAR based system, which defined monitors’ dimensions for years. ADS-B enables a greater surveillance area and more efficient routing. It creates an opportunity for a much richer and wider range of visual options for air traffic controllers.

As such, research and development work is being implemented into a range of new technological solution across all areas of air traffic control. Each of these will have their own specific requirements. Primary Control

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monitors need to be reliable and efficient over a prolonged period with an ability to display large volumes of information on the same screen. Air traffic control towers will require highbright monitors able to deliver clear readability in all light conditions. Training simulations will have to become more realistic. New products with the ability to offer 360 degree visibility and more accurately recreate the experience while capturing and storing data, enable trainers to create data from simulations and use it to build training manuals.

The possibilities are endless. The biggest stumbling block, though, remains market forces. There is significant demand in the ATC market, but development is still being driven by the requirements of the commercial market.

Work needs to be done to develop monitors with the reliability to work in industrial environments such as air traffic control. However, for this to be done, there needs to be greater demand from other industries. Controllers also need to be clear about what they want this new technology to achieve. This means identifying requirements and working in close collaboration with developers to ensure the next generation of products is fit for purpose. It won’t be easy, but few things worth doing ever are.

INNOVATIONS IN VISUAL DISPLAY SOLUTIONS FOR AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS

References: 1

Five killed after air traffic controllers misunderstood aircraft jargon:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/aviation/9594174/Five-killed-after-air-traffic-controllers-misunderstood-aircraft-jargon.html 2

Pilots warn of potential air catastrophe:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2852874/Pilots-warn-potential-air-catastrophe-figures-rise-near-misses-drones-skies.html 3

UK sees air traffic rise: http://www.nats.aero/news/uk-sees-march-air-traffic-rise/

4

Visiongain air traffic control equipment market forecast:

https://www.visiongain.com/Report/1323/Air-Traffic-Control-Equipment-Market-Forecast-2014-2024 5

Why 40 year old tech is still running America’s air traffic control: http://www.wired.com/2015/02/air-traffic-control/

6

UK Air traffic continues to rise: http://www.nats.aero/news/uk-air-traffic-continues-to-rise/

7

EIZO Case Studies: http://www.eizoglobal.com/solutions/casestudies/skyguide.pdf

8

How technology is transforming air traffic management. http://nats.aero/blog/2013/07/how-technology-is-transforming-air-traffic-management/

9

DFS tests 3d projectors:

http://www.christiedigital.com/en-us//3d/3d-and-advanced%20visualization-case-studies/3d-and-advanced-visualization-projector-installations/Pages/3d-air-traffic-control-workstation.aspx

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INNOVATIONS IN VISUAL DISPLAY SOLUTIONS FOR AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS

Notes:

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