Patent US 5,111,400

An integrated real-time information dissemination system for aircraft within a predetermined range of an air traffic control facility (ATC), includes airborne components for receiving ground-disseminated data concerning dynamic conditions, such as air traffic and meteorological conditions, and for storing data concerning static features, such as terrain and moving map features, within the range of the ATC. An airborne computer and display is provided in a subject aircraft for generating a continuously updated integrated graphic display of representations of the dynamic and static conditions. The graphic display is egocentric with respect to the ATC until the subject aircraft has been identified to the ATC, after which the graphic display is egocentric with respect to the subject aircraft. The airborne computer includes a computer program for detecting potential collisions with the dynamic or static features and for issuing a warning based upon the level of collision threat. When a potential collision is detected, the aircraft display isolates the threatening target and provides critical information to facilitate collision avoidance actions. The system provides real-time information to the flight crew of air traffic that has been previously restricted to ground-based air traffic controllers, to provide an added level of security against mid-air collisions and crashes caused by inadequate or erroneous information provided to the ATC or flight crew.