Integrity and continuity for automated surface conflict-detection monitoring

This paper discusses how surface surveillance technologies impact the design of an automated conflict-detection capability for NextGen. In NextGen, automated Conflict Detection and Resolution (CD&R) algorithms will be necessary to assist air traffic controllers in identifying and mitigating potential hazards posed by non-conforming aircraft. Given this high reliance on automation, rigorous specifications for Conflict Detection (CD) algorithm continuity and integrity risk will be required. Continuity risk refers to the probability that a CD alert interrupts an ongoing operation; integrity risk refers to the probability that the CD algorithm fails to provide an alert rapidly enough to resolve the conflict. The continuity and integrity of CD algorithms depend strongly on the quality of surface surveillance sensor measurements; as such, we propose mechanisms for modifying CD&R algorithm design in order to account rigorously for the capabilities and limitations of surveillance sensors.