Abstract: A method and apparatus that generates a 4D flight plan that takes in account weather, metrological data, and safety of flight information for 360 degree horizontal layer at all relevant altitudes and times is disclosed. The method may include receiving a flight plan request from a user, the flight plan including user preferences, receiving meteorological information and safety-of-flight information based on the user's origin, destination and preferences, generating a 4D flight plan based on the meteorological information, safety-of-flight information, and user preferences, and outputting the 4D flight plan for the user.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for facilitating substantially seamless interface between individual component systems for sensor fusion, data exchange, and communication across a broad spectrum of component systems in a vehicle without implicating hardware or software upgrade within individual legacy systems and/or sensors. A universal translator is provided to interface between individual system components that exchange data in a seamless manner between legacy data formats and specific data formats advantageously employed by newly-developed, procured and installed individual component systems.

Abstract: To facilitate crew coordination and interaction using portable electronic data storage and display devices, automated and interactive capabilities allow any of several crew members to forward information regarding a page of data which the crew member has selected using the user interface of his or her portable electronic data storage and display device to the portable electronic data storage and display device of any other crew member or all other crew members particularly those who, due to task loading, may be unable to immediately employ the data manipulation and control functions resident in their own portable electronic data storage and display device. Data thus displayed is available for independent or interactive manipulation as though it had been locally rather than remotely selected.

Abstract: A multi-modal portable communications gateway is disclosed. The multi-modal portable communication gateway may include a communication interface, a controller that controls the operation of the multi-modal portable communication gateway, a power supply unit that enables power to be provided to the multi-modal portable communication gateway, wherein the controller signals the power supply to shut down based on one or more safety-of-flight indication, and a communication router that receives data from systems on-board an aircraft through the communication interface, and transmits the data to one or more predetermined location outside the aircraft upon receiving a signal from the controller, wherein the controller signals the communication router to transmit based on one or more safety-of-flight indication.

Abstract: An electronic paper device is disclosed for use by aircraft passengers. The electronic paper device may include a communication interface that facilitates downloading of media publications, the media publications being available for download prior to each flight, a memory that stores the media publications, a user interface that facilitates access and use of the media publications by a user, and an electronic paper display that displays the media publications to the user in a manner that permits viewing in lighting conditions similar to that required of paper (including bright light).

Abstract: An electronic paper device is disclosed for use by aircraft pilots and crew. The electronic paper device may include a communication interface that facilitates downloading of aviation-related documents, the aviation-related documents being and available for downloaded prior to each flight, a memory that stores the aviation-related documents, a user interface that facilitates access and use of the aviation-related documents by a user, and an electronic paper display that displays the aviation-related documents to the user in a manner that permits viewing in all lighting conditions.

Abstract: This invention provide systems and methods for cockpit flight crew preflight planning and subsequent, systematic recall and execution of procedures, ground/inflight navigation, and communications using portable electronic data storage and display devices. A capability is provided within a portable electronic data storage and display device to replace and replicate the typical preflight planning methodology of the individual flight crew member to facilitate execution of a procedures, navigation and communications plan from preflight to postflight. A user may create a usable subset of the potentially thousands of available pages of data or data reference pages stored in the portable electronic data storage and display device, organizing the perhaps 100 or less individual pages of data, static or interactive, desired for a specific leg of the flight in order that required information is immediately available in an expected order of need.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for generating a restricted area alert. As a vehicle nears geographic location(s) through which traffic is restricted, sensor(s) detect the geographic position of the vehicle, and compare that geographic position with information regarding known restricted areas. Upon actual or anticipated entry of the vehicle into the restricted area, an alert message will be generated, formatted and transmitted to the vehicle, and/or additional recipients.

Abstract: The invention provides a communication and control system and method including a portable control and display unit, such as a portable handheld pocket PC, an aircraft mounted integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite receiver, a VHF radio modem, an Aircraft Communication and Reporting System (ACARS) transceiver, a backup battery for power, and a camera aboard the aircraft which is controlled by the portable control and display unit. The control and display unit transmits and receives data messages, voice communication and video communication, and control the operation and functions of the camera while in flight or on the ground. The control and display unit also communicates as a cell phone.

Abstract: This invention provide systems and methods for cockpit flight crew preflight planning and subsequent, systematic recall and execution of procedures, ground/inflight navigation, and communications using portable electronic data storage and display devices. A capability is provided within a portable electronic data storage and display device to replace and replicate the typical preflight planning methodology of the individual flight crew member to facilitate execution of a procedures, navigation and communications plan from preflight to postflight. A user may create a usable subset of the potentially thousands of available pages of data or data reference pages stored in the portable electronic data storage and display device, organizing the perhaps 100 or less individual pages of data, static or interactive, desired for a specific leg of the flight in order that required information is immediately available in an expected order of need.

Abstract: A method for determining the contents of a host response to a client query by detecting patterns expected in the data displayed in the host response, and outputting the data in the format of the detected pattern to the client. The pattern may be expressed using extensible markup language and regular expressions to form a compact and precise notation for the pattern.

Abstract: A system and method to detect changes in composite structures using RF signal pattern data interpretation. An RF signal is transmitted from a composite material manufactured structure and a plurality of sensors are employed to measure the RF signal. The measured RF signal is compared to a stored baseline RF signal for the particular structure. Deviations in the measured RF pattern for the structure, or for a structurally-similar composite structure, are automatically analyzed to detect non-visually-detectable defects or other changes in the composite structure. A baseline RF signature is developed for a structure by transmitting a reference RF signal from the composite structure. RF signals are detected by a variety of methods, and the detected signals are compiled and translated into reference and/or test RF signal patterns for the structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for communicating data content using different protocols. The systems and methods may include intercepting a transmission from a first transceiver containing a first data content, using a first protocol. The first protocol may be identified and an assessment made whether the first protocol is compatible with a second transceiver. Based on the assessment that the first protocol is not compatible with the second transceiver, data content may be converted to a second protocol. The data content may be transmitted to the second transceiver using the second protocol. The systems and methods may automatically convert the data content to the second protocol based on information associated with the first or second transceivers.

Abstract: A system in a method are provided for sending and receiving messages between a point located on the ground and a point located on an aircraft via an Iridium Short Burst Data Service. The messages may conform to Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee (AEEC) Specification 618. The messages may be ground-to-air messages or air-to-ground messages. The messages may be ACARS messages and at least some of the messages may have a length exceeding a maximum payload of the Iridium Short Burst Data Service. ACARS messages, which exceed the maximum payload of the Iridium Short Burst Data Service may be segmented and each of the segments may be sent in respective Iridium Short Burst Data messages via the Iridium Short Burst Data Service. When the separate Iridium Short Burst Data messages are received, the segments may be combined to reconstruct the ACARS message for delivery to an intended destination.

Abstract: A lightweight autonomous device is provided that can (1) determine its own positional information, (2) detect, via sensors with which it communicates, a position of a moving or stationary target, (3) calculate a relative position of that target to the device's own known position, and (4) transmit data regarding the target to a local or remote receiving station where the data can be interpreted and displayed. The disclosed device may employ global positioning satellites for position-keeping, detect and collect information from individual sensors regarding targets, calculate position information regarding targets by comparing sensor information with the device's known position, and communicate information to a compatible receiving system at a remote location, as well as performing local processing on the information.

Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods are directed to an ability to use a portable data storage and display device to communicate via communication satellites with remote receiving nodes by incorporating, attached to, located within, or locally in data communication with, the device, a satellite communication transceiver. Direct access to virtually any communication technology from a portable data storage and display device to provide voice and data communications with receiving nodes of differing capabilities, which include autonomous direct satellite communication capability, is effected.

Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods are directed to an ability to use a portable data storage and display device to communicate via communication satellites with remote receiving nodes by incorporating, attached to, located within, or locally in data communication with, the device, a satellite communication transceiver. Direct access to virtually any communication technology from a portable data storage and display device to provide voice and data communications with receiving nodes of differing capabilities, which include autonomous direct satellite communication capability, is effected.

Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods may provide a portable data storage and display device such as, for example, an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), usable to query stored or remote databases containing personal identification information regarding individuals so that images presented on a display unit of the device may be visually compared with characteristics of the individual, and/or individual identification documents that the individual presents. Available images may include pictures of individuals, examples of standard identification forms, and/or biometric identifying data for comparison such as, for example, fingerprint scans and retinal scans. Users may be provided an ability to access flight crew or airline personnel rosters, law enforcement personnel rosters, “no-fly/barred” passenger lists and/or other “persons of interest” lists immediately from an aircraft to verify individual identification providing another layer of personnel security verification and defense, particularly.

Abstract: A software application hosted on portable electronic digital data storage and display devices, such as Class 1 or 2 certified EFB computing devices in the cockpits of aircraft, integrates system components to allow users to initiate voice communications with various receiving destinations via a WiFi or other communications network. The portable electronic data storage and display device may be configured with a microphone and speakers to facilitate voice transmission and reception via a communications link established between the device and a destination computer, or alternatively a PSTN device to facilitate voice transmission via an accessible “direct dial” telephone system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and reporting a quick access recorder (QAR) data in real time. The system includes a QAR for recording fault information, a removable portable hardware component that stores, analyzes and displays the fault information, an onboard data communication network that enables the QAR and the portable hardware component to exchange information, and an air-ground data transmitting device for transmitting the fault information from the vehicle. The removable portable hardware component may be an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) that hosts a QAR Manager application and communication technologies to manage and report all applications on the EFB.