Abstract: A computer implemented method and system of instructing one or more weather drones. The method includes analysing a first data set comprising flight path data indicative of the flight paths of one or more aircrafts over a predefined time period. The method includes identifying, based on said analysis, at least one geographical region which is not intercepted by or adjacent to, any of the flight paths of the one or more aircrafts. The method includes instructing one or more weather drones to fly to the at least one geographical region.

Abstract: A flight departure control system comprises a central departure control system and a plurality of local departure control systems arranged at or in proximity of individual airports. Passengers check-in for flights via the central DCS and for each passenger a passenger data message is created and sent to the local DCS to which the flight relates. On detection of a fault condition at the central DCS or in communications with the central DCS, the local DCS assume responsibility for flights departing from the airport at which they are located based on the received passenger data messages and unchecked-in passengers check-in directly with the local DCS.

Abstract: There is provided an article handling system, method and computer program product for uniquely identifying an article. The system comprises a mobile device having scanning means that obtains a first article identifier and a second article identifier from one or more article tags associated with an article. A mobile application on the mobile device generates a message comprising a first message line including the first article identifier and a second message line including the second article identifier, and sends the message to a destination location. In this way, the article may be subsequently identified at the destination location using either or both of the first article identifier or the second article identifier.

Abstract: An item classification system for use in an item handling system is disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided systems, methods and computer program products for dynamically allocating bandwidth of a network in a transportation network. The system comprises a module (103) that receives schedule data including data defining a plurality of different journeys and data defining an equipment type. The module (103) identifies an event type for each journey based on the schedule data and generates a request to change the bandwidth allocation of the network based on a first event type and the equipment type. This advantageously enables the system to efficiently allocate bandwidth to a plurality of customers without exceeding a network bandwidth capacity.

Abstract: An image processing system for categorising the colour of an item is disclosed. The system comprises processing means configured to: process an image of an item to extract a portion of the image where the item is located; determine a first average colour value of a plurality of colour values associated with the portion of the image where the item is located; map the average colour value to one of a plurality of predetermined colour definitions based on a plurality of colour ranges associated with each colour definition; and categorise the colour of the item according to the mapping.

Abstract: A computerised method is provided for monitoring the status of an aircraft. The method comprises sending, from an output module of an aircraft monitoring system, a reporting more report data signal response and monitoring, at an input module of the aircraft monitoring system, for received data signal to the aircraft monitoring system. This sets a contract with the aircraft that may be used to monitor for unexpected behaviour or non-compliance with the contract terms. The method further comprises determining, at a processor of the aircraft monitoring system, if one or more alert criteria have been satisfied by the received data signal responses and generating, at an alerting module of the aircraft monitoring system, an alert based on the determination.

Abstract: An apparatus and computerized method are provided for monitoring the positions of one or more aircraft. The apparatus comprises a first receiver configured to receive first aircraft position information, over a digital data link, from a first radio frequency source located onboard the aircraft at a first period, via one or more ground stations and a second receiver configured to receive second aircraft position information broadcasted from a second radio frequency source located onboard the aircraft at a second period, via one or more ground stations. The apparatus additionally comprises a third receiver configured to receive electronic geographical mapping data and a processor configured to receive the first and second aircraft position information, to filter the quantity of first and second aircraft position information to smooth the filtered information and then output the smoothed information such that it can be overlaid onto the electronic geographical mapping data.

Abstract: An inventory control method and system is disclosed. The system comprises: a processor, a receiver for receiving an availability request for a leg of a journey between an origin and destination, wherein the availability request comprises one or more attributes defining the leg; and a comparator for comparing the attribute or attributes of the received availability request with data defining a plurality of products. Each product defined by one or more attributes comprising a further attribute which allows a local or non-stop passenger to be distinguished from a connecting passenger. The processor is configured to determine the availability of one of the products in dependence upon the result of the comparison.

Abstract: An inventory control system is disclosed. The system comprises: an inventory server for storing inventory parameters defining one or more products; an availability server arranged to receive an availability request for a product; broadcasting means for broadcasting updated inventory parameters from the inventory server to the availability server; wherein the availability server determines the availability of the requested product by comparing one or more product parameters to one or more inventory parameters in response to the availability server receiving an availability request.