Abstract: Provided is an automated process for producing accurate statistical models from sample data tables. The process solves for optimal parameters of each statistical model considered, computes test statistics and degrees of freedom in the model, and uses these test statistics and degrees of freedom to establish a complete ordering of the statistical models. In cases where the sample data table is sufficiently small, the process constructs and analyzes all reasonable statistical models that might fit the data table provided. In cases where the number of possible models is prohibitively high, the process begins by constructing and solving more general models and then constructs and solves those more detailed models that are similar to those general models that achieved the highest ordering. In either of these two cases, the process arrives at a statistical model that is highest in the ordering and is thus deemed most suitable to model the sample data table.

Abstract: A process for anti-sway control of a rotating boom or other three-degree-of-freedom crane wherein the load is hoisted, at variable hoist lengths, by a cable suspended from a point that can be moved in space in three dimensions, either freely, or under known constraints. Initial acceleration of the load induces an initial sway to the load. A second lateral acceleration, equal to the first lateral acceleration, is scheduled to be applied one-half a sway period later to remove the sway induced by the first acceleration. A third acceleration is applied to correct for half the excess sway induced by hoisting, by non-linearities in the pendulum, and by crane platform motion; and a forth acceleration, of equal magnitude as the third but in the opposite direction, is scheduled for one-half a sway period later, to correct the remaining half of the excess sway energy. The first and third accelerations are constrained by the ability of the crane to execute them and to execute the delayed second and fourth accelerations.

Abstract: A process employing a computer controlled crane system for controlling the motion of a movable trolley from which a load is suspended at a variable hoist length therefrom to meet a selected arbitrary horizontal velocity reference while preventing sway of the load involves the steps of first, determining a lateral acceleration to reduce by a factor of one-half the sway energy contributed by (1) hoisting a load while the load is swaying; (2) non-linearities in the pendulum motion; (3) external forces such as wind, crane motion; and (4) non-vertical lifting of the load. Second, an additional acceleration of the same magnitude, but of opposite sign, is applied one-half a pendulum period latter to correct the remaining of the excess sway energy.

Abstract: A process for reducing the likelihood of runway incursions wherein the major components of an aircraft are individually tracked by radar instead of tracking only the overall image of the aircraft to more accurately predict possible runway incursions due to the rapid and accurate indication of any change in aircraft orientation during each sweep of the radar.

Abstract: A computer controlled signalling system to assist a driver in accurately positioning a truck chassis at a preprogrammed specific stop point in a loading/unloading lane adjacent to a dockside container crane to facilitate loading/unloading of containerized cargo by the crane and employing a light signal panel visible to the truck driver and having a series of vertically disposed lights thereon sequentially actuated by a computer. The vertical lights indicate to the driver the exact distance he is from, and when he reaches, the desired stop point. The computer is responsive to a video image received from a video camera disposed over the traffic lane and matches the image(s) received with a programmed image for locating, identifying and signalling the position of the truck.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for accurately measuring the position of a moored container ship relative to a fixed pier after loading or unloading each container on the ship and including a processor mechanism employed to combine the measured relative position with previously acquired data indicating the ship position prior to the loading or unloading of the previous container, and utilizing the combined data to facilitate automatic control of placing or removing a subsequent container on the ship by a crane structure. The system is applicable for measuring six degrees of freedom of movement of any large object.