An efficient implementation of conflict prediction in a parallel processor

Abstract

Two widely different parallel processor approaches to the terminal Air Traffic Control (ATC) problem are considered, and an efficient implementation of the Conflict Prediction (CP) function in a parallel processor whose elements are capable of handling multiple tracks is described. An airspace sectorization scheme which facilitates such an implementation and is compatible with other terminal ATC functions is introduced. Also, considerations which determine the optimal sector size are examined. Finally, an example is presented which shows how the conflict prediction function can be implemented on the parallel processor.