Patents Assigned to Rockwell Collin, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11995228
    Abstract: A system and method for head tracking for a head worn display (HWD) includes head-frame and platform-frame IMUs providing high-rate pose data of the wearer's head and a mobile platform. An optical tracker estimates an optical pose of a camera oriented at fiducials based on a comparison of 2D image data captured by the camera (and portraying the fiducials within the image) and the known location of each fiducial in a 3D marker frame. The pIMU also provides low-rate, high-integrity georeferenced pose data of the mobile platform (e.g., in an earth frame). The head tracker provides low-rate, high-integrity absolute head pose solutions (e.g., user head pose in the earth frame) based on the georeferenced pose data and current high-rate head/platform pose data, updating the absolute pose solutions with high-rate updates based on combined extended Kalman filter propagation of the high-rate head and platform pose data with refined optical pose data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Kirchner, Gavin P. Haentjens, Christopher M. Boggs, Brandon E. Wilson, Troy D. Driscoll
  • Patent number: 11993394
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to the use of mixed reality to provide safety information as well as infotainment during flight. Demonstrations of the safety information for the aircraft are augmented in a 3-D way with a virtual representation of the aircraft. The virtual representation provides the safety instructions to the passengers. The mixed reality concept provides the safety information with the help of video-see through mixed reality by way of a head-mounted display worn by the passengers. The safety instructions are provided with a complete working view of locations and operations for the safety jackets, emergency exits, and oxygen passenger service units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Poornima Kathiresan, Aditya Kumar, Santhosh Ramamurthy
  • Publication number: 20240158089
    Abstract: A method is disclosed herein. The method includes receiving, by a processor, an ejection command for ejecting an ejection seat from an aircraft; determining, by the processor, an equivalent airspeed and an equivalent altitude of the ejection seat; and, responsive to the airspeed and the altitude indicating a second mode of operation: sending, by the processor, a command to deploy a drogue parachute; determining, by the processor, a variable drogue severance delay; and responsive to the variable drogue severance delay expiring, sending, by the processor, a command to sever the drogue parachute and deploy a main parachute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Applicant: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Kassidy L Carson, Bradley Mastrolia
  • Patent number: 11982922
    Abstract: A system is described. The system includes HNLF for generating an optical frequency comb and a single mode fiber for reducing a pulse duration of comb. The system includes a FRM to reflect the light in back propagation through the HNLF and the single mode fiber. Perturbations in a state of polarization caused by the HNLF and the single mode fiber are cancelled between the forward propagation and the backward propagation. The optical frequency comb may then be polarization maintaining without an active component such as a polarization controller and a feedback circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Esman, Ronald D. Esman, Mark A. Laliberte
  • Patent number: 11981438
    Abstract: A system and method for retention of flight deck preferences operates to control a comprehensive combination of aircraft systems and system configurations enabling a pilot to seamlessly retain and recall the desired preferences based on a plurality of mission related factors. With system control of flight deck physical settings including seat position and shape, display illumination and color and internal and external lighting configurations, the system allows a pilot to save time, effort, and minimize errors of system set up and configuration. With a short entry, or short-range sensing, of the pilot ID, the pilot commands the system and method for retention of flight deck preferences to configure each of the plurality of aircraft systems according to the recalled pilot preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford R. Klein, Jason J. Valestin
  • Patent number: 11983809
    Abstract: A method for order independent transparency is described. The method includes rendering objects into an A-buffer by a GPU. A CPU performs dynamic memory allocation to allocate the A-Buffer based on a size of the previous frames A-Buffer. By allocating the A-Buffer based on a previous frame, a GPU-to-CPU synch point may be removed. Depending upon a size of the A-Buffer, not all objects may fit into the A-Buffer. The method may additionally include creating an R-Buffer with the identification of partially stored objects and removing the partially stored objects from the A-Buffer prior to blending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Michal
  • Publication number: 20240151800
    Abstract: A system may include a receiver node. The receiver node may include a communications interface and a controller. The receiver node is time synchronized with a transmitter node to apply Doppler corrections to the receiver node's own motions relative to a common reference frame. The receiver node may be configured to: The receiver node may be configured to: based at least on the receiver node being time synchronized with the transmitter node to apply Doppler corrections and the common reference frame, use Doppler null scanning (DNS) to determine DNS derived information, the DNS derived information including a bearing and the receiver node's relative position relative to the transmitter node; and output a position, navigation, and timing (PNT) solution based at least on the DNS derived information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Applicant: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Stevens, Matthew D. Bousselot, Douglas P. Burch, Tj T. Kwon, William B. Sorsby, Eric J. Loren, Joseph T. Graf
  • Patent number: 11977173
    Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system may include a receiver or transmitter node. The receiver or transmitter node may include a communications interface with an antenna element and a controller. The controller may include one or more processors and have information of own node velocity and own node orientation relative to a common reference frame. The receiver or transmitter node may be time synchronized to apply Doppler corrections to signals, the Doppler corrections associated with the receiver or transmitter node's own motions relative to the common reference frame, the Doppler corrections applied using Doppler null steering along Null directions. The receiver node is configured to determine a parameter of the signals and an authenticity of the signals based on the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Loren, Tj T. Kwon, James A. Stevens, William B. Sorsby
  • Patent number: 11978334
    Abstract: A system may include a vehicle. The vehicle may include an array of haptic devices. The system may further include at least one processor configured to: determine a location of an object or occurrence relative to the user; based at least on the location of the object or occurrence relative to the user, select at least one haptic device of the array of haptic devices to be driven and function as a directional haptic alert to the user, wherein the directional haptic alert is indicative of a direction from the user toward the object or occurrence; and output at least one command to cause a driving of the selected at least one haptic device, wherein the driving of the selected at least one haptic device is perceivable by the user as the directional haptic alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Arjun Harsha Rao, Timothy J. Wittkop, Christopher L George, Michael P. Matessa, Peggy Wu, Wade T. Johnson, Sarah Barber, Felix B. Turcios, Bryan C. Schultz
  • Patent number: 11979679
    Abstract: A system for merging a plurality of image sources into a single image stream defines a predistortion image mask for each source. Each mask defines a distorted image space to account for distortion in the display optics, and indicates a region or regions in the desired output image where one merge method should be used versus another (e.g., overlay vs. replace). Each source mask may have a separate level of granularity according to the requirements of the included image and corresponding distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Hansen, Michael A. Ropers
  • Patent number: 11975841
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a biomedically actuated occupant restraint system includes an occupant restraint system for a vehicle, the occupant restraint system having a locked position and an unlocked position. The biomedically actuated occupant restraint system further includes an occupant monitoring system operably connected to the occupant restraint system, the occupant monitoring system configured for monitoring a plurality of physiological conditions of an occupant of the vehicle. The occupant monitoring system includes a biometric sensor module including a plurality of physiological sensors configured for measuring a plurality of physiological conditions of the occupant and asserting a plurality of sensor signals, and a controller configured to receive the plurality of sensor signals and determine whether the occupant is incapacitated. The controller being configured to send a command to lock the occupant restraint system in response to determining the occupant is incapacitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.
    Inventors: Steve A. Holstine, Ken Mitchell
  • Patent number: 11979203
    Abstract: A set of stators of a linear induction motor are mounted on a track. A three-phase current is provided to each of the stators, such that a traveling magnetic field (TMF) is created by the stators along the length of the track. The traveling magnetic field includes a magnetic flux corresponding to a stator excitation modulated with a message signal. A rotor includes a series of conductor plates. As the traveling magnetic field passes through the conductor plates, a current is induced in the plates by induction. Such current then generates an opposing magnetic field causing the plates and the vehicle to be propelled. Each phase may first be modulated with a message signal, before being provided to the stator. The current at the rotor is then demodulated to realize the message signal. A doppler shift due to the speed of the rotor relative to the stator is corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Laveen Vikram Sundararaj, Sheetal Kumar
  • Patent number: 11978346
    Abstract: A system includes a radio configured to transmit and receive voice transmissions to and from air traffic control (ATC), the radio installed onboard an aircraft. The system includes a processor communicatively coupled to the radio and installed onboard the aircraft. The processor is configured to: receive an ATC voice command via the radio; transcribe the ATC voice command into an ATC command; and when the ATC command includes an aircraft identification associated with the aircraft, categorize the ATC command into components, each of the components being categorized based on a criticality level associated with said component, wherein the criticality level is or is associated with a required accuracy confidence level of transcribed speech for a given component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey A. Shapiro, Katarina Vuckovic
  • Patent number: 11971728
    Abstract: A hierarchical modular arbitration architecture for a mobile platform guidance system is disclosed. In embodiments, the architecture comprises a hierarchy of arbitration layers, each arbitration layer narrower in scope than the layer above (e.g., mission objective arbitrators, route arbitrators, path arbitrators). Each arbitration layer includes one or more objective-based arbitrators in communication with one or more applications or modes. Each arbitrator receives control input (e.g., from the pilot, from aircraft sensors) and control signals from the level above, selecting a mode to make active based on decision agents within the arbitrator layer which control mode priorities and sequencing (e.g., some flight objectives may involve multiple arbitrators and their subject applications coordinating in sequence).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: David L Lempia, Jack Jordan, Bryan M. Krawiec, John D. Anderson, Amy Lindaman, Christopher M. Boggs
  • Patent number: 11973524
    Abstract: A radio receiver system and a radio transmitter system are disclosed. The radio receiver system comprises a plurality of intermediate frequency (IF) shifting channels configured to shift incoming signals having a first frequency to an intermediate frequency in a first mixing stage, and to a second frequency in a second mixing stage. The radio transmitter system comprises a plurality of IF shifting channels configured to shift outgoing signals having a first frequency to an intermediate frequency in a first mixing stage, and to a second frequency in a second mixing stage. Since each intermediate frequency is different, the signals shifted to the second frequency combine by coherent addition, and any spurious signals combine by incoherent addition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Meholensky, Robert D. Pond
  • Patent number: 11960644
    Abstract: A system and method for inferring operator intent by detecting operator focus incorporates cameras positioned within a cockpit or control space of a vehicle and oriented at an operator of the vehicle. The cameras capture images of the operator in a control seat; the images are analyzed (either individually or sequentially) to determine a gaze and/or body pose of the operator (including, e.g., a position and orientation of the torso and limbs). By comparing the determined gaze and/or body pose to the positions and orientations of potential focus targets within the control space (e.g., windows, display units, and/or control panels that the operator may engage with visually and/or physically), the system predicts the most likely future focus target or targets: what the operator is most likely to visually and/or physically engage with next. Operator intent may be further analyzed to identify potentially abnormal or anomalous behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Peggy Wu, Ahmad F. Osman
  • Patent number: 11960693
    Abstract: A resistive touch sensor includes a base layer, a sensor top sheet positioned in spaced apart relation to a base layer, and a peripheral edge seal formed between the sensor top sheet and the base layer. The sensor further includes a first adhesive layer bonded on a peripheral edge portion to the sensor top sheet, and a second adhesive layer, inset relative to the peripheral edge seal, positioned between the first adhesive layer and the sensor top sheet. The second adhesive layer is bonded on one side to the first adhesive layer and an opposing side to the sensor top sheet corresponding to a portion of a touch active area. The second adhesive layer causes a planarity change in the sensor top sheet proximate the peripheral edge seal thereby increasing the usable area and improving uniformity of touch force across the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron T McCalley, Alyssa A. Groth
  • Patent number: 11953617
    Abstract: A system and method for a multi-panel multi-function active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar operation receives radar commands from individual aircraft systems and segments a plurality of AESA panels fixed (at variable azimuth/elevation about the aircraft) into a plurality of subarrays to carry out each individual function commanded by the individual aircraft system. Dependent on aircraft status and phase of flight, the and individual AESA are designated for use and the subarrays are sized based on desired radar function at the specific phase of flight and specific threat associated with the phase. The system dynamically shifts the designated AESA, subarray size, beam characteristics, power settings, and function to enable multiple simultaneous function of the suite of AESA panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob G. Teague, Venkata A. Sishtla, Jiwon L Moran, James B. West
  • Patent number: 11954770
    Abstract: A system may include a computer readable medium and a processor communicatively coupled to the computer readable medium. The processor may be configured to: obtain a graphical image file, the graphical image file including an image, wherein the image includes a portion including textual characters, wherein each textual character of the textual characters is formed of line segments; and convert the graphical image file to at least one file including hardware directives that when executed cause a recreation of the image of the graphical image file to be drawn, wherein a size of the at least one file is smaller than the graphical image file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff M. Henry, Reed A. Kovach, Todd E. Miller, Jason L. Wong
  • Patent number: 11953581
    Abstract: A radar system receives threat relevant data with pulses sufficiently separated to provide sufficient long-range imaging, analyzes the return data to identify features of the threat, and generate a second set of pulses to acquire more detailed, higher granularity data specific to the threat. The system may include an ESA that is configured for pulses in a higher frequency to acquire higher resolution data specific to the threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob G. Teague, Venkata A. Sishtla