System and method for collecting remotely located positional data

摘要

A computer-implemented system and method for the collection, filtering, and transmission of aviation information is disclosed. A plurality of flight information is received over a digital network at various remote locations, and the data is filtered prior to transmission to a central database for presentation and use. The database includes aviation information. The method of filtration is dynamically updated as to information concerning a specific flight based on one characteristic of the flight. As to aircraft being tracked, a determination is made as to which receiver should relay collected data, and that determination is periodically revised, such as to minimize transmission costs and maximize signal quality as aircraft positions change. Once the information is located in the central database, it is suitable for use in responding to user requests for flight tracking information is association with at least one identified flight.

主权项

1. A method for dynamically filtering flight tracking information prior to transmission to a central location comprising the steps of:
receiving a transmission frequency protocol defining a predetermined outgoing data rate for reporting flight tracking information received with respect to a first flight, wherein said predetermined outgoing data rate is determined based upon at least one characteristic of said first flight selected from the group consisting of at gate, taxi, takeoff, cruising, speed, banking, altitude change, holding pattern, and turn; receiving a stream of flight tracking information from a substantially real-time source, wherein said stream includes positional information regarding a first flight which is received at an incoming rate; repetitively transmitting at least a portion of said positional information received in association with said first flight over a network to a remote server at at least said predetermined outgoing rate, wherein said predetermined outgoing rate is less frequent than or equal to said incoming rate; determining that said at least one characteristic of said first flight defined in the transmission frequency protocol has changed based on said flight tracking information; and altering said predetermined outgoing rate by at least 25% based upon said at least one characteristic of said first flight to establish a second predetermined outgoing rate, wherein said second predetermined outgoing rate is less frequent than said first rate; and repetitively transmitting at least a portion of said positional information received in association with said first flight over said network to said remote server at at least said second outgoing rate.