Abstract: A monitoring system for alerting operators of aircraft or other vehicles when they are approaching a geographical feature of interest, such as a runway, taxiway or other aircraft. The system includes a database having at least one geo-referenced chart, a processor, a positioning system configured to identify a number of aircraft or other vehicle operational parameters and transmit that data to the processor, and a display unit configured to display the present position of the aircraft on the geo-referenced chart. After receiving the operational parameters, the processor identifies a virtual containment zone centered about the aircraft or vehicle. The processor further monitors the position of the aircraft or other vehicle relative to any geographical features of interest and determines whether at least a portion of a geographical feature is located within the containment area. If such a condition is detected, a notification is generated and presented to the operator who may respond accordingly.

Abstract: A monitoring system for alerting pilots of aircraft or operators of vehicles when the aircraft or vehicle is approaching a geographical feature of interest, such as a runway, includes a database including at least one geo-referenced chart; a processor; a positioning system configured to identify at least one of the position, heading, track and velocity of the vehicle, and transmit such data to the processor; and a display unit configured to display the present position of the aircraft on the at least one geo-referenced chart. After receiving the position, heading, track and/or velocity data, the processor determines whether the aircraft has entered a containment area associated with a geographical feature of interest, and if so, provides a visible notification to the pilot or operator, which may comprise a change in display of the geographical feature of interest.

Abstract: A display image for use in an aircraft is produced in response to receiving aircraft location, heading, altitude, and pitch data. The location and heading data are employed to access a topographical database and obtain terrain information for a region on the earth's surface ahead of the aircraft. A terrain image is produced from the terrain information and a non-linear pitch scale is superimposed over the terrain image. The non-linear pitch scale corresponds to the relationship of the aircraft pitch and the terrain image. Additional data designating other aircraft operational parameters, such as speed and altitude, are depicted by graphical objects. The terrain image, the non-linear pitch scale, and the graphical objects are combined into the display image. The terrain image and the non-linear pitch scale move in the display image in response to changes in the pitch of the aircraft.

Abstract: A display image for use in an aircraft is produced in response to receiving aircraft location, heading, altitude, and pitch data. The location and heading data are employed to access a topographical database and obtain terrain information for a region on the earth's surface ahead of the aircraft. A terrain image is produced from the terrain information and a non-linear pitch scale is superimposed over the terrain image. The non-linear pitch scale corresponds to the relationship of the aircraft pitch and the terrain image. Additional data designating other aircraft operational parameters, such as speed and altitude, are depicted by graphical objects. The terrain image, the non-linear pitch scale, and the graphical objects are combined into the display image. The terrain image and the non-linear pitch scale move in the display image in response to changes in the pitch of the aircraft.

Abstract: A monitoring system for alerting operators of aircraft or other vehicles when they are approaching a geographical feature of interest, such as a runway, taxiway or other aircraft. The system includes a database having at least one geo-referenced chart, a processor, a positioning system configured to identify a number of aircraft or other vehicle operational parameters and transmit that data to the processor, and a display unit configured to display the present position of the aircraft on the geo-referenced chart. After receiving the operational parameters, the processor identifies a virtual containment zone centered about the aircraft or vehicle. The processor further monitors the position of the aircraft or other vehicle relative to any geographical features of interest and determines whether at least a portion of a geographical feature is located within the containment area. If such a condition is detected, a notification is generated and presented to the operator who may respond accordingly.

Abstract: A monitoring system for alerting pilots of aircraft or operators of vehicles when the aircraft or vehicle is approaching a geographical feature of interest, such as a runway, includes a database including at least one geo-referenced chart; a processor; a positioning system configured to identify at least one of the position, heading, track and velocity of the vehicle, and transmit such data to the processor; and a display unit configured to display the present position of the aircraft on the at least one geo-referenced chart. After receiving the position, heading, track and/or velocity data, the processor determines whether the aircraft has entered a containment area associated with a geographical feature of interest, and if so, provides a visible notification to the pilot or operator, which may comprise a change in display of the geographical feature of interest.

Abstract: A method of accounting for errors in the altitude reporting of a terrain alert and warning system (TAWS) is disclosed wherein errors due to non-standard atmospheric conditions, incorrect altimeter setting and air data computer (ADC) sensor error are detected and corrected for by compensating ADC altitudes for cold temperatures as well as using global positioning system (GPS) altitude data to confirm the accuracy of the ADC altitude information at all times.

Abstract: A display generation system that is able to generate display signals for an underlay image with at least one embedded safety pattern and display images for an overlay image. The display generation system and method are able to determine whether there are any anomalies or graphical errors when an overlay display generated by the system or generated by some other system is displayed simultaneously with the underlay image with the embedded safety pattern. The display generation system uses the embedded safety pattern to detect the occurrence of anomalies in the simultaneous display and uses information from its own generated overlay image to detect graphical errors in the simultaneous display. Flight display systems for aircraft can use the display generation system and method of the present invention to display an underlay image depicting geographical scenery in the vicinity of the aircraft while on the ground, during takeoff or in flight.