Abstract: A piloting assistance system for an aircraft includes a measuring module for measuring a vertical manoeuvre of the aircraft, a computational module for computing a first load factor from the measured vertical manoeuvre and from a setpoint vertical manoeuvre, a measuring module for measuring an inclination angle, a pitch rate and a pitch acceleration, a protection module including a computational submodule configured to compute a second load factor and a comparison submodule in order to compare the first and the second load factor in order to determine an applicable load factor equal to the minimum between the first and the second load factor, a computational module configured to compute elevator control from the applicable load factor and a sending module configured to send the elevator control to the automatic pilot.

Abstract: A method for controlling a movable object includes obtaining an expected height of the movable object, obtaining a measured height of the movable object relative to a ground, and controlling a height of the movable object according to the expected height and the measured height.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, computer program product and computing system for receiving a current operating value concerning an operating condition of an aircraft; rendering the current operating value within a magnified operating window of a glass cockpit of the aircraft; and locating the magnified operating window along a fixed range of operating values for the aircraft based, at least in part, upon the current operating value.

Abstract: According to one implementation of the present disclosure, a method for determining airspeed for an unpowered vehicle is disclosed. The method includes: during flight, determining, by an accelerometer disposed on the unpowered vehicle, first and second accelerometer outputs, where the first and second accelerometer outputs correspond to respective first and second body-fixed load factor measurements; determining an angle-of-attack parameter; determining a body Z-force coefficient based on the angle-of-attack parameter; and determining an airspeed value based on the second body-fixed load factor measurement and the second body-fixed coefficient.

Abstract: Adaptive wind estimation, trajectory generation, and flight control for aerial systems using motion data is provided. The adaptive wind estimation approach may be implemented using onboard computing power, may rapidly converge to true values, may be computationally inexpensive, and may not require any specific hardware or specific vehicle maneuvers for the convergence. There may be no prior knowledge of the wind field, using the motion of the aircraft itself rather than wind sensors. The algorithm may include three blocks. An identification/estimation block may identify aerodynamic drag coefficients in still-air flight and estimate the wind components in moving and variable air flight. A navigation block may generate feasible trajectories, taking into account the estimated wind field. A control block may generate motor/engine thrust commands necessary to track the generated trajectories while compensating for the wind disturbance.

Abstract: A method that includes monitoring a motor characteristic; and determining an actuator of a brake system has reached a retracted position after the motor characteristic has reached or exceeded a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to systems, methods, and devices for high precision inertial measurement sensing of functional movement and range of motion analysis with close to zero drifts in sensor orientation readings. The system calibrates IMU raw data samples after warm up, and uses a fast convergent fusion algorithm to calculate high accuracy and almost drift free orientation information. In some examples, the systems, methods, and devices are used in computer-guided or robotic surgery, to aid in evaluation before, during, and after a surgical operation.

Abstract: A primary flight display (PFD) system for displaying flight information of an aircraft to a user includes a user interface configured to receive input from the user and display the flight information to the user and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to cause the user interface to display one or more gauges indicating the flight information at a first translucency value over background information, receive, via the user interface, a second translucency value, and cause the user interface to display the one or more gauges indicating the flight information at the second translucency value over the background information.

Abstract: A processing method includes acquiring a real-time video captured by a camera disposed on an physical object; acquiring one or more of a moving direction of the physical object, a speed of the physical object, and an acceleration of the physical object; and controlling a display device to display the real-time video corresponding to a first event in response to the first event be triggered according to the one or more of the moving direction of the physical object, the speed of the physical object, and the acceleration of the physical object.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating a plurality of airspeed parameters of an aircraft is disclosed. The system comprises one or more processors and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory storing data comprising a database and program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the system to receive a plurality of operating parameters that each represent an operating condition of the aircraft. The system is further caused to determine a model based dynamic pressure based on the operating parameters. The model based dynamic pressure is estimated based on steady flight conditions of the aircraft. The system is further caused to determine a bridge based dynamic pressure based on at least a temperature deviation and an inertial speed vector. The bridge based dynamic pressure is estimated for extreme flight conditions of the aircraft.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a speed of a vehicle based on a GPS speed captured from a Global Positioning System (GPS). A capturing module captures GPS speed Vx and a horizontal accuracy value corresponding to a time stamp Tx. A speed modification module modifies the GPS speed Vx corresponding to the time stamp Tx. A speed correcting module corrects the GPS speed Vx corresponding to the time stamp Tx. The GPS speed may be corrected by filtering an error in the GPS speed by using a Slope dependent averaging (SDA) filter in order to obtain a first corrected speed Vx?. Further, the first corrected speed is corrected by selecting one of a center weight (CW) filter and an edge weight (EW) filter, based upon a pre-defined condition, in order to obtain a second corrected speed Vx? indicating the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rotorcraft including a flight control computer (FCC) providing a vertical speed hold for the rotorcraft, a collective control, and a collective trim motor connected to the collective control. The collective trim motor moves the collective control according to a collective set command generated by the FCC according to a target vertical speed and when the FCC determines the collective control is in-detent. A collective position sensor is connected to the collective control. The collective position sensor generates, and sends to the FCC, a collective position signal indicating the position of the collective control. A flight control device controls a flight parameter of the rotorcraft in response to a flight control device control signal received from the FCC. The FCC generates the flight control device control signal according to the collective position signal, and sends the flight control device control signal to a flight control device.

Abstract: A first air data value is generated based on a first set of parameters. A second set of parameters that does not include any of the first set of parameters is processed through an artificial intelligence network to generate a second air data value. The second set of parameters is processed through a plurality of diagnostic artificial intelligence networks to generate a plurality of diagnostic air data values. Each of the plurality of diagnostic artificial intelligence networks excludes a different one of the second set of parameters. One of the second set of parameters is identified, based on the first air data value and the plurality of diagnostic air data values, as a fault source parameter that is associated with a fault condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus includes strategies for improving required time of arrival reliability by an aircraft comprising determining a speed correction for one of AT speed constraints or an AT or ABOVE speed constraints, wherein the determining is selected from one or more of the mechanisms from the group consisting of continuous RTA speed management between constraints, padding of the AT speed constraints and the AT or ABOVE speed constraints; decelerating proactively; and using a variable guidance margin, wherein the guidance margin is a speed change not reflected in a flight plan prediction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for attitude fault detection based on integrated GNSS/inertial hybrid filter residuals are provided. In one embodiment, a fault detection system for aircraft attitude measurement system comprises: a sensor monitor coupled to a first inertial measurement unit, the sensor monitor comprising: a navigation error model for the first inertial measurement unit, the model configured to model a plurality of error states including at least an attitude error state vector, an velocity error state vector, and a position error state vector determined from data generated by the first inertial measurement unit; and a propagator-estimator configured to propagate and update error states based on GNSS data; and a residual evaluator configured to input measurement error residual values generated by the propagator-estimator, wherein the residual evaluator outputs an alert signal when the measurement error residual values exceed a threshold.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling speed of a vehicle. The method includes determining an arrival time error (ATE) for a required time of arrival (RTA) and a projected trajectory according to a travel plan with a current speed profile having a plurality of regions, each with a respective speed adjustment parameter (SAP) and a respective SAP value relative to a nominal speed profile. The method further includes selecting, when the ATE is greater than a threshold, one of the regions as a selected region for modification based on a priority order of the regions. The method further includes modifying the current speed profile by adjusting the respective SAP value for the selected region according to the respective SAP in order to decrease the ATE; and implementing the modified speed profile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the operation of an autonomous vehicle. According to one aspect, the autonomous vehicle may track the trajectories of other vehicles on a road. Based on the other vehicle's trajectories, the autonomous vehicle may generate a representative trajectory. Afterwards, the autonomous vehicle may change at least one of its speed or direction based on the representative trajectory.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a deceleration profile of an aircraft, includes a processor and memory that receives a signal indicative of a deceleration command; receives signals indicative of a sensed velocity and a commanded heading rate; determines a commanded velocity in response to the receiving of the deceleration command and the commanded heading rate; determines an estimated deceleration command as a function of the commanded velocity; and determines an actual deceleration command in response to the determining of the estimated deceleration command.

Abstract: A method for detecting erroneous air data on an aircraft includes determining a current air parameter and a current altitude pressure parameter which collectively define a current point of control for the aircraft. The method also includes verifying whether the current point of control is situated in a characteristic envelope indicating operating limits for the aircraft. When the current point of control is outside the characteristic envelope, then a detection piece of information identifying at least one of the parameters as an erroneous parameter is emitted, which causes that erroneous parameter to be invalidated and an alarm signal to be sent to the crew. Therefore, an erroneous air data parameter is readily addressed and discarded using the method and associated device.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a system and method for controlling an electrical component, e.g. a power bridge, of a wind turbine using contingency communications. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving, by the electrical component, a standard set of commands for a first time frame. A next step includes receiving, by the electrical component, one or more contingency sets of commands for time frames beyond the first time frame. The method also includes determining if the standard set of commands is received within a start window of the first time frame. A further step includes implementing, by the electrical component, the standard set of commands during the first time frame if the standard set of commands is received within the start window. The method also includes implementing, by the electrical component, one of the contingency sets of commands received during a previous time frame if the standard set of commands is not received within the start window.

Abstract: A radio controlled (RC) vehicle includes a receiver that is coupled to receive an RF signal from a remote control device, the RF signal containing command data in accordance with a first coordinate system, wherein the first coordinate system is from a perspective of the remote control device. A motion sensing module generates motion data based on the motion of the RC vehicle. A processing module transforms the command data into control data in accordance with a second coordinate system, wherein the second coordinate system is from a perspective of the RC vehicle. A plurality of control devices control the motion of the RC vehicle based on the control data.

Abstract: The drone comprises: a vertical-view camera (132) pointing downward to pick up images of a scene of the ground overflown by the drone; gyrometer, magnetometer and accelerometer sensors (176); and an altimeter (174). Navigation means determine position coordinates (X, Y, Z) of the drone in an absolute coordinate system linked to the ground. These means are autonomous, operating without reception of external signals. They include image analysis means, adapted to derive a position signal from an analysis of known predetermined patterns (210), present in the scene picked up by the camera, and they implement a predictive-filter estimator (172) incorporating a representation of a dynamic model of the drone, with as an input the position signal, a horizontal speed signal, linear and rotational acceleration signals, and an altitude signal.

Abstract: A system and method are described for receiving a NOTAM and storing information relating to the distance of a temporarily displaced threshold for a runway. When that runway is selected for approach and landing, the temporarily displaced threshold and new aiming point are automatically displayed. The change made to the display using NOTAM data can be indicated to the pilot by distinct symbology or particular color, or by using an icon or an annunciation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing aircraft heading information are provided. In one embodiment, an attitude heading reference device comprises: at least one interface for receiving heading information from one or more IRUs; at least one set of gyroscopes and accelerometers; a memory device for storing data representing heading information received via the at least one interface; and a heading calculator coupled to the at least one interface, the at least one set of gyroscopes and accelerometers, and the memory device. The heading calculator generating a heading output signal based on heading information when reliable heading information is received over the at least one interface; the heading calculator generating the heading output signal based on data from the memory device regarding previously reliable heading information and an output of the at least one set of gyroscopes and accelerometers when reliable heading information is not received over the at least one interface.

Abstract: A method for early detection of the vortex ring state in a helicopter includes steps of establishing flight control signals for flight control with regard to the vertical movement axis of the helicopter, detecting resultant movements in the vertical movement axis of the helicopter, and detecting an impending vortex ring state of the helicopter in accordance with a correlation between the flight control signals and the vertical movements in the vertical movement axis.

Abstract: Local wind fields can be predicted if both the airspeed and the ground speed of the helicopter are known. An aircraft that uses an inertial navigation unit, autopilot and estimator allows a measure of ground speed to be known with good certainty. The embodiments herein extends this system to allow an estimate of the local wind field to be found without actively using an airspeed sensor, but instead combining the measurements of an accelerometer and a drag force model and a model of controlled aerodynamics of the aircraft to estimate the airspeed, which again can be used to estimate the local wind speed.

Abstract: A vehicle control system and method combining control allocation and phase compensation for forming a phase compensated actuator command signal based on a control demand signal. A feedback unit includes a matrix multiplication unit for forming an estimated behavior signal, from a control efficiency matrix and the actuator command signal. The estimated behavior signal is fed to a second summation unit for forming a difference signal. The difference signal is processed by a filter unit for forming a feedback signal which is connected to a first summation unit for forming a modified control demand signal, such that the modified control demand signal is adjusted to always represent a control demand realizable by the vehicle. The modified control demand signal is further connected to the second summation unit and to a control allocator which output is then connected to the matrix multiplier to form a feedback loop.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for calculating Mach number and true airspeed without reference to data from a pitot static sensor. The true airspeed and Mach number are calculated using the altitude information from GPS, IRS, Radio Altimeter and other onboard sensors other than the air data computer (ADC). The computed true airspeed or Mach number could be used to confirm the ADC information or in lieu of the ADC information when the ADC information is unreliable or unavailable.

Abstract: In one aspect, a digital engine control system for an aircraft engine is provided. The control system includes a selection unit, the selection unit including a monitoring module configured to determine a measurement of the speed of rotation of the engine from the output signal from one or more protection sensors and to compare the or each speed measurement determined by the selection unit with speed measurements supplied by electronic control units to determine an operating state of each electronic control unit.

Abstract: A method for detecting piloting conflicts between the crew and the autopilot of an aircraft. According to the method, an automatic trajectory is programmed by checking whether the actual values of navigation parameters converge on said corresponding desired values within a predetermined convergence period; in the case where at least one of the actual values does not converge, within the convergence period, on the corresponding desired value, a predictive calculation is carried out, at consecutive future moments, of the value of at least one particular parameter selected amongst the navigation parameters; and in the case where the predicted value of the particular parameter is higher than a corresponding predefined threshold, an alarm is emitted for the crew of the aircraft to notify them about a piloting conflict being able to jeopardize the flight safety of the aircraft. A device for implementing the method. An aircraft including the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting target approach speed for use in a “Too Fast” approach to landing condition. An exemplary system stores predefined maximum wind setting and a predefined reference speed and a pilot set bug speed value. A processing device sets a target speed equal to the bug speed, if the bug speed is less than the reference speed plus a value associated with a predefined maximum wind setting, and sets the target speed equal to the reference speed plus the max wind added value, if the manual bug speed is not less than the reference speed plus the max wind added value. An output device outputs an alert if the received aircraft speed is greater than the set target speed plus a predefined error value when the received aircraft location is within a threshold value of a touchdown point.

Abstract: Method for dynamically limiting the inclinations of monoblock flight control surfaces (FCS) in an aircraft. Dynamic limitation of the FCS is activated if a stall susceptibility condition is detected in the current aircraft environment. The real-time calibrated airspeed of the aircraft, real-time angle of attack (AOA) of the aircraft, and real-time sideslip angle (AOS) of the aircraft are obtained. The aircraft parameters may be obtained via estimation if the measured values are deemed unsuitable. The real-time local AOA and AOS of the FCS are calculated based on the obtained aircraft parameters. The inclination of each of the FCS relative to the critical values is dynamically limited according to the calculated real-time local AOA and AOS of the FCS. The aircraft may be an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and/or a V-tail aircraft. The stall susceptibility condition may include icy conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods to mitigate instrument landing system (ILS) overflight interference are disclosed. An example method performing a first measurement of a position of an aircraft relative to a first location based on an instrument landing system, performing a second measurement of the position of the aircraft based on inertial measurements performed over a first time period occurring prior to the first measurement, performing a third measurement of the position of the aircraft based on inertial measurements performed over a second time period greater than the first time period and occurring prior to the first measurement, and generating guidance information based on a selected one of the first, second, or third measurements of the position of the aircraft.

Abstract: An emergency evacuation device of a vehicle that executes an automatic vehicle stop control based on a command of a driver is disclosed. The emergency evacuation device comprises a driver's physiological condition estimation portion that estimates a driver's physiological condition; a driver's command input portion, operated by the driver, that receives a driver's command input and outputs a command of an execution of an automatic vehicle stop control in accordance with the command input; and an automatic vehicle stop control portion that executes the automatic vehicle stop control in response to the command from the driver's command input portion, wherein based on the driver's physiological condition estimated in the driver's physiological condition estimation portion, the structure of the driver's command input portion, for example, the arrangement of receptor(s) of the driver's command input portion receiving the command from the driver is changed.

Abstract: A combined stand-by instrument intended to be fitted to the instrument panel of an aircraft, and a method for calibrating the combined stand-by instrument, comprises anemobarometric sensors, inertial sensors, a magnetic field sensor, a screen and a computer making it possible to determine and to display on the screen an altitude, a speed, an attitude and a current heading of the aircraft on the basis of the sensors and to calibrate the magnetic field sensor. The computer is configured to allow the simultaneous display on the screen of the altitude, of the speed and of the attitude of the aircraft as well as a guide for the calibration of the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for calculating Mach number and true airspeed without reference to data from a pitot static sensor. The true airspeed and Mach number are calculated using the altitude information from GPS, IRS, Radio Altimeter and other onboard sensors other than the air data computer (ADC). The computed true airspeed or Mach number could be used to confirm the ADC information or in lieu of the ADC information when the ADC information is unreliable or unavailable.

Abstract: A system and method automatically control an emergency descent of an aircraft to a target altitude. Factors including weather, traffic, terrain, special use airspace, distance to an alternate, time above 10,000 feet, and time airborne are considered in deciding on descent airspeed, aircraft heading, and selection of an alternate. The target altitude may be redefined after activation of a Terrain Advisory and Awareness System. A vertical speed, or rate of descent, may be adjusted after receiving a resolution advisory from a traffic clearance and avoidance system if the maneuver with maximum operating speed generates excessive normal acceleration. Initiation of the emergency descent will be transmitted via radio and data link communication and automatic selection of a mode declaring a state of emergency on the traffic clearance and avoidance system.

Abstract: A method and device optimize the vertical trajectory of an aircraft in flight along a predetermined approach trajectory. The method and device include the use of a calculator, which is structured to predict a predicted stabilization altitude at which the aircraft will reach a setpoint approach speed as a function of the current aircraft parameter values, a theoretical vertical trajectory, and predetermined models of aerodynamic efficiency of the aircraft. A comparator is structured to determine absolute value differences between the predicted stabilization altitude and the setpoint stabilization altitude and to compare the differences against a predetermined altitude threshold.

Abstract: A flight control system includes an Acceleration and Attitude Command/Velocity Hold mode (AACVH) algorithm which blends attitude commands with acceleration commands. This blending determines a trim attitude for a given rotorcraft flight condition.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for providing a translation service. The method comprises providing a translation interface accessible via a network. The translation interface receives specialized data associated with a domain from a member. A text string written in a source language is received from the member via the translation interface. A domain-based translation engine is selected. The domain-based translation engine may be associated with a source language, a target language, and a domain. The text string is translated into the target language using, at least in part, the selected domain-based translation engine. The translated text string is transmitted to the member via the Internet. In some embodiments, a translation memory is generated based on the specialized data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a touch screen system. Data generated by an acceleration detector about acceleration of the touch screen system is received. The acceleration detector is located within the touch screen system. An action is initiated by an input manager when the acceleration of the touch screen system reduces usability of the touch screen system.

Abstract: A method for estimating airspeed of an aircraft includes receiving values indicative of operating conditions of the aircraft along an axis; estimating a tip path plane (TPP) angle along the axis from at least one of the operating conditions to create an estimated TPP angle; and determining an estimated airspeed as a function of the estimated TPP angle, the determining including referencing a look-up table that indexes the estimated TPP angle with the airspeed.

Abstract: A device includes means for generating and applying to an aircraft protecting orders avoiding a flight with an excessive descent rate. More specifically, the device includes components configured to perform a series of operations including measuring the current vertical speed and the current height of the aircraft and comparing these flight parameters with a safety envelope defining couples of vertical speed and height that are indicative of an excessive descent rate. If the current vertical speed and height are located in the safety envelope, a protection is triggered by generating protecting orders to remove the aircraft from the safety envelope and applying those protecting orders to control surfaces of the aircraft.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a system for generating trajectory predictions for a flight comprising a flight object manager and a trajectory predictor. The flight object manager is configured to generate flight information using a number of flight plans, a number of flight schedules, and flight status information. The trajectory predictor is configured to receive flight information from the flight object manager and use the flight information to generate the trajectory predictions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a flight of a rotorcraft. Parameters for the flight of the rotorcraft are identified. A number of regions, above a terrain, to be avoided by the rotorcraft during the flight of the rotorcraft over the terrain are identified using the parameters for the flight of the rotorcraft. Information about the number of regions is displayed on a display device during the flight of the rotorcraft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the calculation of the approach speed during air to air refueling maneuvers. The systems comprise: a) capturing means of a sequence of digital photograms of the approach operation scenario calibrated in order to determine the real distance corresponding to a pixel of a photogram; b) computational means configured for obtaining the coordinates of the relative trajectory of the receiver aircraft with respect of the tanker aircraft, by means of a sequence of photograms of the approach operation obtained by said capturing means and calculating the speed difference between receiver aircraft and tanker aircraft based on the trajectory defined by the coordinates recorded in said process b1). The invention also refers to the methods for calculating the approach speed.

Abstract: A flight display for an aircraft includes a virtual ice accretion meter having a liquid water content portion and an ice thickness portion. A method for determining ice accretion includes integrating over a time period a constant K multiplied by a liquid water content (LWC) and true airspeed (TAS).

Abstract: There is provided an avionics system that provides several avionics functions within a single LRU. In one embodiment, the system comprises a software-configurable RF assembly, one or more processor assemblies that are configured to provide multiple TAWS/TCAS/Mode S/ADS-B/ATC functions, interfaces to allow connections to aircraft electronics and data loaders, and multipurpose antennas. In one embodiment, a common processor architecture allows generic avionics processors to be configured to operate a number of TAWS/TCAS/Mode S/ADS-B/ATC functions without the need for multiple LRUs, and software-defined RF functions allow RF circuitry that interfaces to the processors to handle current and future communication needs.

Abstract: An apparatus defines a protection envelope in an aircraft, including a processor and at least one sensor, each sensor being coupled with the processor, the processor executing at least one neural network based algorithm. The at least one sensor monitors flight parameters of the aircraft thereby generating monitored flight parameters. The processor divides the performance envelope of the aircraft into predefined flight regimes, wherein for each predefined flight regime, the processor defines and stores a suitable protection envelope. The processor determines an estimated flight regime of the aircraft using the neural network based algorithm based on the monitored flight parameters. The processor selects a respective suitable protection envelope for the aircraft based on the estimated flight regime.

Abstract: A method for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using an electronic device obtains movement data of the electronic device detected by an accelerometer of the electronic device, and converts the movement data of the electronic device to control signals. The method further sends the control signals to the UAV, and changes a flight status of the UAV according to the control signals.