Abstract: A system and method are provided for implementing improved access to inter-company resources among related companies in a same industry, including a mechanism where airline aircrew members and other employees, including pilots, cabin flight crew and others can be validated as to eligibility to participate in cabin access programs, using automation and applying various rules and features. The disclosed schemes expand upon the currently-fielded CASS service to cover two additional groups of currently-unserved customer populations within the airline industry thereby availing those additional groups of benefits equivalent to those provided to pilots and cockpit aircrew by the CASS service.

Abstract: A method of obtaining coarse synchronization in a frequency hopped/direct sequence spread spectrum (FH/DSS) time division multiple access (TDMA) data link network includes tuning the receiver to a first frequency used in the data link network. Then, signal strength of signals received on the first frequency during a sample time period is observed to obtain a sample energy pattern. An expected energy pattern during a time uncertainty window is determined based upon a known hopping pattern. Then, the sample energy pattern is compared to a first portion of the expected energy pattern, with the first portion of the expected energy pattern corresponding to a first time period within the time uncertainty window. A determination is then made as to whether the first time period is a coarse synchronization candidate based upon the comparison. If it is determined that the time period is a coarse synchronization candidate, one or more additional comparisons on different frequencies can be used to verify the hypothesis.

Abstract: A system and method using a multi-element digital beamformer for detection and mitigation of spoofer and repeater threats to GPS that would not be addressed by baseline signal-to-noise (SNR) maximization algorithms is disclosed. GPS correlators and processing are applied to multiple beam outputs to detect and locate spoofer and repeater threats. In the beamformer processing, detected threats can be spatially nulled, even in the presence of traditional high power jamming, by modifying the normal sample covariance matrix to introduce synthetic nulls. A digital complex weighting system multiples each input channel by a complex (gain/phase) weight and adds the weighted channels together to form beams that the GPS receiver can use to reacquire the satellites in use without knowledge of platform attitude or the antenna manifold.

Abstract: A method of adapting weather radar thresholds is disclosed. The method comprises generating a location from a location sensor, retrieving information representative of a weather type from a database, based on the location, and adjusting, automatically, the threshold for a radar display based on the information.

Abstract: A system server is used to manage communication over a network between the system server and a plurality of physical devices of a passenger entertainment system. The system is configured and operated using software to provide passenger entertainment. The system server comprises software for instantiating a dispatch object to open a framework network addressable unit objects, for instantiating one or more virtual line replaceable unit objects to manage communication between a network address unit and physical devices, and for communicating network messages through the dispatch object to the physical devices. The dispatch object tracks messages to the physical devices utilizing a queue and tracks messages from the physical devices utilizing a queue. The dispatch object maintains the status of related devices. The dispatch object also adds and removes one or more of the virtual line replaceable units. The network addressable unit objects move data from one storage location to another.

Abstract: A method of transmitting data over a single-channel wireless network having a plurality of nodes is disclosed. According to the method, a first link is established between two of the nodes and data is transmitted therebetween. A break in transmission between the two nodes is listened for, and a first predetermined time interval is waited if a break in transmission between two nodes occurs. A second predetermined time interval is established if the first predetermined time interval lapses with no detected transmission over the channel. The second predetermined time interval is divided into a plurality of slots, and each node randomly selects one of the slots. One of the nodes establishes a second link if that node has selected a slot earlier in time than slots selected by the remainder of the nodes.

Abstract: A method of distributing audio channels to passengers of an aircraft includes digitally encoding a multiplicity of audio channels into a corresponding multiplicity of digital audio channels. Different groups of the digital audio channels are combined into sub-channels having a data rate higher than a data rate of the digital audio channels. The sub-channels are combined into a composite data stream having a data rate higher than the data rate of the sub-channels. A first radio frequency (RF) carrier signal is modulated with the composite data stream to generate a modulated RF signal audio output. The modulated RF signal output containing a large number of audio channels is transmitted over a data network, such as a coaxial cable network, along with a multiplicity of video channel modulated RF carrier signals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method of estimating phase error in a waveform sent from an analog transmitter. In a first technique, the ratio of the minimum to maximum envelope may be fit into a curve to determine the phase error of the waveform. In a second technique utilizing the maximum abscissa, the phase error estimate may be obtained utilizing an arctangent of an angle formed by a line from an origin through a point on the waveform at the index where the angle is equal to the phase error. A third technique for estimating phase error may involve determining an angle subtended by a line from an origin to an intersection and the closest axis, where the phase error estimate is twice the angle formed.

Abstract: A surveillance system for an aircraft includes a first antenna comprising a four radiating element antenna. The first antenna is configured for electrical coupling to a first air traffic control transponder and a first traffic alert and collision avoidance system, and a second antenna comprises a single element antenna configured for electrical coupling to a second air traffic control transponder. The surveillance system also comprises a second antenna comprising a single radiating element antenna configured for electrical coupling to a second air traffic control transponder. The surveillance system also comprises a first mounting interface configured for coupling the first antenna to the aircraft. The surveillance system also comprises a second mounting interface configured for coupling a second antenna to the aircraft. The mounting interface of the first antenna has a size and a shape corresponding to a size and shape of the mounting interface of the second antenna.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a clutch assembly having a housing, rotational arm and torque spring, in combination with a position sensor, such that excessive movement or obstruction within the path of the display assembly during deployment, as predefined by the system designer, results in stowage of a deployed on-board entertainment system display assembly.

Abstract: Delays associated with anti-jamming systems utilized in GPS systems can be determined to reduce pseudo range errors. The pseudo range errors are corrected so that proper ionospheric corrections can be made. An extrapolation method can be utilized to improve ionospheric corrections.

Abstract: A phased array antenna is made up of linear arrays. Each of the linear arrays has a printed circuit board spine. Split waveguides are formed from two symmetrical portions conductively joined to ground on opposite sides of the printed circuit board spine. Planar transmission line-to-waveguide transitions are mounted on the printed circuit board spine within the split waveguides. Phase shifter/TTD devices are mounted on the circuit board spine within the split waveguides for steering the phased array antenna beam. Bias and control circuitry is etched on the circuit board spine for biasing and controlling the phase shifter/TTD devices. The phased array antenna may be made up of the linear arrays combined into a two-dimensional array and fed with a waveguide feed or a printed feed manifold attached to the printed wiring board spine.

Abstract: The LED brightness control system for a wide range of luminance control includes a brightness control module that provides a pulse width modulation (PWM) control signal and a peak current control signal. A pulse width modulation (PWM) converter circuit receives the PWM control signal and converts it to a PWM signal. A multiplier receives the PWM signal and the peak current control signal from the brightness control module and multiplies the same to provide a light emitting diode (LED) current control signal with a variable “on” time as well as variable “on” level. A voltage-controlled current source utilizes the LED current control signal and an LED current feedback signal for providing an LED current. An LED illuminator array receives the LED current. A current sensing element connected to the LED illuminator array for providing an LED current feedback signal representing LED peak current. The voltage-controlled current source controls a drive voltage to the LED illuminator array at a commanded level.

Abstract: A passive matrix organic light emitting display system includes a plurality of pixels configured for emitting light when energized by one of a plurality of row electrodes and one of a plurality of column electrodes. The display system also comprises a plurality of column drivers configured for energizing the plurality of column electrodes. The display system also comprises a plurality of row drivers configured for energizing the plurality of row electrodes. At least two of the plurality of row drivers are configured to simultaneously energize at least two of the plurality of row of electrodes. A method of displaying information on a passive matrix organic light emitting display system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An airborne network system (ANS) on a member aircraft receives incoming geo-referenced atmospheric data regarding atmospheric conditions from other member aircraft and can re-transmit the data to other members. An air data system senses local pressure and temperature conditions. A navigation system calculates geo-referenced aircraft position. An inertial data system senses member aircraft attitude, angular rates and accelerations. A data processing system (DPS) generates the member aircraft's perspective of the atmospheric conditions, based on input data from the above-mentioned systems. Network directed DPS output atmospheric data is provided to the ANS to be transmitted to other airborne network systems positioned on other member aircraft. An airborne display system is adapted to receive crew directed DPS output atmospheric data and in response thereto display desired atmospheric forecast conditions.

Abstract: A ruggedized electronics sub-system module is disclosed. The ruggedized electronics sub-system module includes a ruggedized housing and an electronic device supported by the housing. The ruggedized electronics sub-system module also includes an electrical connector coupled to the electronic device and supported by the housing. The ruggedized electronics sub-system module further includes a plurality of ruggedized cooling pins extending from the housing. The plurality of pins are spaced so as to allow for natural convective currents or forced air to be used for cooling the electronic device.

Abstract: A projection display is provided according to one embodiment of the invention. The projection display includes a hollow case including a window opening, a screen formed on one portion of the case, and at least one mirror internally mounted to the case at a position to reflect light from the window opening to the screen. The projection display further includes a window mounted in the window opening. The projection display further includes an optical engine mounted to the case. The optical engine is positioned over the window and oriented so that emitted light from the optical engine is directed onto the at least one mirror. The projection display further includes a diaphragm internally attached to the case and dividing an internal volume of the case into a first portion and a second portion. The projection display further includes a gas filling the second portion of the case at an overpressure and a vent communicating with the first portion of the case and communicating with an external environment.

Abstract: A cycle slip detector and detection method for a phase comparison circuit are provided. The cycle slip detector includes a cycle slip detection filter possessing a predetermined filter bandwidth and a predetermined high frequency cut-off. The cycle slip detection filter receives a phase difference generated by the phase comparison circuit and transforms the phase difference into a filtered phase difference. The cycle slip detector further includes a compensator communicating with the cycle slip detection filter. The compensator compensates the magnitude based on a predetermined compensation response. The cycle slip detector further includes a cycle slip occurrence detector communicating with the compensator. The cycle slip occurrence detector compares a compensated magnitude of the filtered phase difference to a predetermined cycle slip threshold and generates a cycle slip output if the compensated magnitude exceeds the predetermined cycle slip threshold.

Abstract: An electronically scanned slotted waveguide antenna radiates an RF signal as a scannable beam. The antenna has radiation waveguides positioned in an array. Radiation slots in the radiation waveguides radiate the scannable beam. A feed waveguide is coupled to the radiation waveguides. The feed waveguide feeds the RF signal to the radiation waveguides through coupling slots. The feed waveguide has sidewalls with tunable electromagnetic crystal (EMXT) structures thereon. The EMXT structures vary the phase of the RF signal in the feed waveguide to scan the radiated beam in one dimension. The radiation waveguides may also have tunable EMXT structures on the sidewalls to vary the phase of the RF signal to scan the radiated beam in a second dimension. The EMXT structures may be discrete EMXT devices or a EMXT material layer covering the feed and radiation waveguide sidewalls.

Abstract: A satellite television system that provides live television programming to passengers by integrating direct broadcast satellite services into an in-flight aircraft entertainment system. The system has an antenna disposed on the aircraft that is pointed at a plurality of satellites that are part of a direct broadcast satellite system. The antenna is controlled by an antenna controller and antenna interface unit that send control signals and process status signals to steer the antenna. The antenna is steered to lock it onto RF signals transmitted by the satellites. The antenna interface unit downconverts the received encoded RF signals to provide encoded left hand circularly polarized RF signals and right hand circularly polarized RF signals that contain different sets of television channels. The downconverted encoded RF signals are processed by a receiver to provide encoded video and audio signals of different television channels. The receiver does not decode or D/A convert the downconverted signals.