Intent-Based Trajectory Prediction (IBTP)

  • In trajectory prediction, uncertainty about the future behavior of an aircraft can be reduced by using intent information which determines the goal a pilot is pursuing.

Architecture for intent-based trajectory prediction

TCP: Trajectory Change Point

SUA: Special Use Airspace

NAVAID: Navigational Aid

ADS-B: Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast

FIS-B: Flight Information Services-Broadcast

  • Intent Inference: maximum likelihood problem
  • Trajectory Prediction
    • State and Mode Estimates: current motion of the aircraft (short-term)
    • Inferred Intent: goal the aircraft is pursuing (long-term)
    • IBTP combines two sets of information

Illustrative Example

Horizontal Aircraft Avoidance Scenario

  • Intent Inference

Inferred Intents: reduced inference delay due to the use of estimated flight modes

  • Trajectory Prediction
    • Using the estimated states only (RMIMM): Good for short look-ahead times, but degraded afterwards
    • Using the intent information only (IIA): Poor for short look-ahead times, but improved afterwards
    • Using both sets of information (proposed IBTP): Outperforms for all times

Trajectory Prediction Error

Related Publication

  • J.L. Yepes, I. Hwang, and M. Rotea, “New Algorithms for Aircraft Intent Inference and Trajectory Prediction,” AIAA Journal of Guidance, Control and Dynamics, Vol. 30 (2): 370-382, March-April 2007