EXPERT SYSTEM FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL AND CONTROLLER TRAINING

A expert system form of artificial intelligence for control of air traffic which may also be utilized for air traffic controller training. The expert system receives input data representing the altitude and heading of all aircraft in the control area. The aircraft data is compared with the data of the other aircraft. Sequencing and local flow control is optimized and if a potential conflict arises between two aircraft, clearances are transmitted to the aircraft to resolve the conflict. The aircraft data is also compared with a knowledge base of air traffic control rules for the particular airport involved. An inference engine written in LISP (or another AI language) allows real time access to the knowledge base. The position and heading of each aircraft is monitored and controlled until turned over to the tower for final approach. The expert system may also be used for air traffic controller training and be used as a intelligent tutor. The air traffic controller trainee's clearances are input and compared to those generated by the system. If the trainee's clearances are in error, or can be improved, the expert system prompts the trainee and coaches him in a way so that he learns from his past errors.