Evaluation of advanced conflict modelling in the Highly Interactive Problem Solver

The aim of this paper is to describe small scale experiments on advanced conflict modelling support to the planning controller, using the Highly Interactive Problem Solver (HIPS), developed at the Eurocontrol Experimental Centre (Meckiff, 1998; Price and Meckiff, 1997). The HIPS tool was extended through the integration of the probabilistic conflict detection approach of Bakker et al. (2000, 2001). The resulting probabilistic HIPS prototype tool supports conflict detection and resolution and provides a graphic insight into the implications of using collision risk probabilities in air traffic control. Small scale controller supported real-time experiments with the new tool were undertaken using various conflict geometries and collision risk thresholds. For the purposes of comparison, the results of the integration exercise were superimposed on the original HIPS displays that were based on simple geometric conflict detection with fixed separation standards. The results show a clear potential for a probabilistic approach that is based on a collision risk formulation.