Abstract: A spatial data search method, system and apparatus for identifying particular data of significance around a reference vector through the spatial data. The method involves determining a reference vector within a spatial region for which spatial data exists, loading a portion of the spatial data including the data around the reference vector into a memory buffer, and searching the spatial data in a prioritized order. The method, system and apparatus have particular utility in searching geographic data for a terrain awareness and warning system (“TAWS”) and display in an aircraft. Embodiments of the present invention provide advantages over existing sequential and radial search methods, significantly reducing the processing and calculations required and providing faster alerts to pilots.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for detecting an edge of a received signal associated with air traffic control communications. The system includes an A/D converter to convert a received signal to a series of digital data samples and an edge detector module to determine a change rate between the data samples. The change rate represents a change in amplitude between the data samples per unit of time. The edge detector module validates an edge of the received signal based on the change rate between the data samples. A decoder module may derive timing information from the leading/trailing edge pulses and associates the reply message with the framing pulse based on the timing information.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a deviation of a vehicle from a desired course are described. The method includes receiving bearing signals from a transmitter, accessing a database, on the vehicle, to obtain transmitter position information identifying a position of the transmitter, obtaining vehicle position information using GPS identifying a current position of the vehicle, and determining a deviation of the vehicle from the desired course utilizing the transmitter position information, the vehicle position information, and the bearing signal.

Abstract: An assisted flight computer program and method which assist a non-pilot or partially incapacitated pilot to gain control of an aircraft, summon help, and then land the aircraft under the guidance of a tower controller. The assisted flight computer program is integrated into an avionics system and provides a guided, menu-driven user interface that is simple enough for non-pilots and partially incapacitated pilots to understand and follow in distress situations.

Abstract: A system and method which implement automatic speech recognition (ASR) and text-to-speech (TTS) programs to permit pilots, co-pilots, and other persons to more quickly and easily perform control and monitoring tasks on aircraft. The system may be used to automatically change the frequency of an aircraft radio when a pilot or co-pilot is instructed to do so by ATC.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for updating information resident on an avionics device. One avionics device embodiment includes a processor, a memory, and a receiver. The memory can be in communication with the processor. The receiver can receive radio signals including update information. The device can update information resident on the device based upon the update information received.

Abstract: An improved device and method for mounting an avionic system is shown. The design provides varying locations of key components, which allows a single mounting system to be used with several varieties and configurations of aircraft within the crowded confines of an instrument panel. Ranges of flexibility with this system include the ability to arrange modules horizontally, and the ability to locate the display unit vertically. The multi-dimensional mounting flexibility of the mounting system shown allows electronic modules to be mounted in close proximity to a display unit, which greatly increases accessibility of the modules over prior configurations where modules were housed in the nose of the aircraft, the rear of the aircraft, or other remote locations. Installation, repair, and replacement are all greatly simplified with this configuration.

Abstract: An improved device and method for a transmission line connector is shown. The transmission line connector includes a memory device. In one embodiment, the memory device allows the storage of parameters for use with an electronic module. In one embodiment, the location of the memory device allows a user to replace a broken module with a second module and upload any parameters stored in the memory device without having to manually re-enter the parameters from the new module.

Abstract: A Mode-S transponder is provided for detecting synchronization phase reversal (SPR) signals. The transponder includes a receiver for receiving a Mode-S signal that contains a P6 pulse having a Mode-S data segment and an SPR signal therein. The transponder also includes a phase detector that detects a phase change between first and second states in the received Mode-S signal. The phase detector includes an SPR qualifier that determine whether, following a state change, the Mode-S signal remains at one of the first and second states for at least a predetermined minimum time sufficient to qualify as a detector enable signal.

Abstract: Communication devices, such as a radio and a cockpit communication panel, digitally communicate audio signals as digital data without use of a synchronizing clock signal between the devices. The communication panel and the radio function as both a receiver and as a transmitter of digital audio signals. In one embodiment, an analog audio signal is received by the transmitting device and transformed by a coder/decoder (CODEC) into a plurality of signals. The plurality of signals is received and transformed by a field programmable gate array (FPGA) into a digital signal that includes framing pulse and stop bits. The digital signal is transmitted to a FPGA in a receiving device, which transforms the signal into a second plurality of signals. A CODEC in the receiving device transforms the second plurality of signals into an analog audio signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for integrated control, access, and presentation of flight information within the cockpit. Cockpit instrument systems and methods are provided which include a first cockpit instrument panel which has a first display proximately located to a first bezel. The first display is operable to present navigational data, communication data, and flight information data including airspeed, attitude, and altitude. The systems and methods further include a second cockpit instrument panel located adjacent to the first cockpit instrument panel. The second cockpit instrument panel has a second display proximately located to a second bezel. The second display is operable to present navigational data, communication data, and flight information data including detailed engine parameters.

Abstract: An avionics system and method is employed for alerting pilots of low premature descent during final landing approach. The method involves determining Final Approach Flight Safety Altitudes for a plurality of runways, identifying which runway an aircraft is likely to land on, and alerting the pilot if the aircraft altitude is lower than the final approach flight safety altitude. The method takes into account terrain information, airport and runway information, and aircraft reference data to make its determination. Particular embodiments reference the Final Approach Fix, one or more step down fix values, the Minimum Descent Altitude and the Missed Approach Point in calculating the Final Approach Flight Safety Altitudes. The system and method have particular utility with a Terrain Awareness and Warning System (“TAWS”) and display in an aircraft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cockpit display systems are provided. A cockpit display is segmented into a first and a second region, within the first region flight setting data are presented including communication settings and navigational settings. The second region of the display presents additional settings and graphical data. Moreover, the display is encompassed by a bezel having flight controls and flight sensors integrated in close proximity to the bezel.

Abstract: An electronic equipment module includes a symmetrical casting with two chassis units. Each unit includes a mounting recess to receive a circuit assembly, separated by a cover applied to either unit, or both. The module is normally mounted to a unit rack, and typically has a removably attachable, re-orientable keyed surface which mates with another keyed surface on the rack. A mounting system includes a unit rack coupled to at least one electronic equipment module and a mounting frame. A method of mounting an electronic equipment module includes inserting the module into an open end of a unit rack, electrically coupling connectors attached to the module and the rack, securing the module to the rack, and attaching the rack to a mounting frame. The module can be secured to the rack by engaging a cam lever attached to the module.

Abstract: An improved device and method for grounding shields of transmission lines is shown. A grounding apparatus, a connector device, and methods associated with them are shown having improved efficiency and reliability among other advantages. Devices and methods shown eliminate a dressing and attaching step of grounding numerous grounding lines to a grounding element such as a connector housing. Devices and methods shown further improve quality and reliability of grounding operations using shielded transmission lines and transmission line connectors.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for integrated control, access, and customizable presentation of navigation related, flight information data on a multifunction display (MFD) within a cockpit. The MFD includes a bezel having controls located thereon which are adapted for controlling display formats, communication devices, navigational devices, and equipment sensors. A display is located adjacent to the bezel. The display is adapted to include at least one display region having navigation related data. At least one of the controls is operable to variably select a display format for the at least one display region.

Abstract: Data structures and systems are provided for configuring avionic equipment with profile data. Profile data is defined, stored, and/or retrieved. The profile data is used to configure one or more display fields of the avionic equipment, display units of measure, identify flight plans, define map settings, set navigation fields, define communication transceiver spacing, define data/time setup, to configure one or more timers, alarms, and/or to configure other communication, navigation, or surveillance settings associated with avionic equipment. Furthermore, instances of the profile data are associated with unique identifiers for storage and retrieval purposes.