Abstract: A display generation system that is able to generate display signals for an underlay image with at least one embedded safety pattern and display images for an overlay image. The display generation system and method are able to determine whether there are any anomalies or graphical errors when an overlay display generated by the system or generated by some other system is displayed simultaneously with the underlay image with the embedded safety pattern. The display generation system uses the embedded safety pattern to detect the occurrence of anomalies in the simultaneous display and uses information from its own generated overlay image to detect graphical errors in the simultaneous display. Flight display systems for aircraft can use the display generation system and method of the present invention to display an underlay image depicting geographical scenery in the vicinity of the aircraft while on the ground, during takeoff or in flight.

Abstract: A method estimates the vertical airspeed and fuel flow of an aircraft at a point along a flight plan using other aircraft parameters for that point. The process uses a database having entries containing sets of actual values of operating parameters obtained during prior aircraft flights. The database is sorted by data set aggregate values that are is calculated from each set of actual values. When the vertical airspeed and fuel flow estimates are needed, a section thereof is identified based on the aggregate values. That section of the database is analyzed to identify the set of actual operating parameters values that best matches the other aircraft parameters for the flight plan point. The vertical airspeed and fuel flow values from that identified set are used as the estimates. This process reduces the amount of the database that has to be analyzed to locate the data to use.

Abstract: A monitoring system for alerting pilots of aircraft or operators of vehicles when the aircraft or vehicle is approaching a geographical feature of interest, such as a runway, includes a database including at least one geo-referenced chart; a processor; a positioning system configured to identify at least one of the position, heading, track and velocity of the vehicle, and transmit such data to the processor; and a display unit configured to display the present position of the aircraft on the at least one geo-referenced chart. After receiving the position, heading, track and/or velocity data, the processor determines whether the aircraft has entered a containment area associated with a geographical feature of interest, and if so, provides a visible notification to the pilot or operator, which may comprise a change in display of the geographical feature of interest.

Abstract: A data link radio system onboard an aircraft communicates with a plurality of ground stations that employ either an analog communication protocol or a digital communication protocol. A database contains information related to each ground station and its respective communication protocol. A transceiver communicates data bidirectionally with the ground stations. A receiver scans for an alternative ground station to use as an alternative to an active ground station with which the transceiver is communicating. When the active ground station becomes unavailable, the transceiver is automatically reconfigured for the analog or digital communication protocol used by the alternative ground station and then begins communicating with the alternative ground station.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation technique uses a receiver for signals of a global positioning system to produce a first position indication and a first velocity indication. An attitude and heading reference system employs accelerometers and gyroscopes oriented along three axes. The raw signals from the accelerometers and gyroscopes are used to derive a second position indication and a second velocity value. A Kalman filter function is applied to the first and second position indications and to the first and second velocity indications to thereby produce a present position indication and a present velocity indication. The Kalman filter function exploits GPS data to corrects periodic drift in the position and velocity indications derived form the accelerometers and gyroscopes by calculating accelerometer and gyroscope biases, thereby enabling relatively inexpensive devices to be utilized.

Abstract: Charge on a storage capacitor in a backup power supply is managed by discharging the capacitor into an aircraft recorder that is to be powered when a primary power source fails. During the discharging, a first amount of energy discharged from the capacitor is measured along with the length of the discharge time. The first amount of energy and the discharge time are employed to define a target energy level to which the capacitor should be charged to enable the backup power supply to adequately power aircraft recorder. Then charging of the capacitor commences while a second amount of energy stored in the capacitor is measured. The capacitor charging terminates when the second amount of energy reaches the target energy level. Definition of the target energy level also may take into account variation in temperature of the capacitor.

Abstract: A method of accounting for errors in the altitude reporting of a terrain alert and warning system (TAWS) is disclosed wherein errors due to non-standard atmospheric conditions, incorrect altimeter setting and air data computer (ADC) sensor error are detected and corrected for by compensating ADC altitudes for cold temperatures as well as using global positioning system (GPS) altitude data to confirm the accuracy of the ADC altitude information at all times.

Abstract: A flat panel display having a black mask EMI layer isolated from Vcom and tied to zero potential. The flat panel display has an integral metal heater layer and thermal sensor that are in close proximity to the liquid crystals to provide efficient heating and temperature sensing.

Abstract: A graphical display of a nonlinear scale emulating the view of a mechanical drum gauge. The nonlinear scale may be used for the display of aircraft flight data including airspeed, altitude, heading, and other aircraft data suitable for presentation on a nonlinear scale. The nonlinear scale may scroll to display current aircraft data.

Abstract: A graphical display or presentation of lateral ANP/RNP information for RNAV environments. The display may also be adapted to present aircraft data for monitoring the vertical flight performance of an aircraft under RVSM.

Abstract: A display generation system that is able to generate display signals for an underlay image with at least one embedded safety pattern and display images for an overlay image. The display generation system and method are able to determine whether there are any anomalies or graphical errors when an overlay display generated by the system or generated by some other system is displayed simultaneously with the underlay image with the embedded safety pattern. The display generation system uses the embedded safety pattern to detect the occurrence of anomalies in the simultaneous display and uses information from its own generated overlay image to detect graphical errors in the simultaneous display. Flight display systems for aircraft can use the display generation system and method of the present invention to display an underlay image depicting geographical scenery in the vicinity of the aircraft while on the ground, during takeoff or in flight.

Abstract: Flight plan information is provided in the form of a series of waypoints having attributes which preferably include, among others, latitude, longitude, altitude constraint, and waypoint identifier. A flight path, defined by this information is modeled, and the flight plan model is checked against terrain information to locate any instances in which a potentially unsafe flight altitude exists. In flight, the flight path model is updated using aircraft position so that the path from the aircraft position to the next waypoint is reflected in the model. In the event that a potentially unsafe flight altitude is detected, an alert may be issued to the flight crew. The crew may then amend the flight plan or take other appropriate action.

Abstract: A flat panel display having a single back glass substrate and a single color filter passive plate divided into multiple, electrically isolated, separately addressable, functional sections having no visible seam between sections.

Abstract: Flight plan information is provided in the form of a series of waypoints having attributes which preferably include, among others, latitude, longitude, altitude constraint, and waypoint identifier. A flight path, defined by this information is modeled, and the flight plan model is checked against terrain information to locate any instances in which a potentially unsafe flight altitude exists. In flight, the flight path model is updated using aircraft position so that the path from the aircraft position to the next waypoint is reflected in the model. In the event that a potentially unsafe flight altitude is detected, an alert may be issued to the flight crew. The crew may then amend the flight plan or take other appropriate action.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing the speed at which a graphics image is displayed on a raster, such as in a liquid crystal display. The method incorporates off-line created look-up tables which are stored in memory means associated with a graphics processor unit. Thus, real time calculations are reduced resulting in a faster graphics image response time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for adjusting the viewing angle of a liquid crystal display. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of digital-to-analog converters are arranged in pairs which have a fixed relationship. By determining appropriate values for the digital-to-analog converters, a desired viewing angle may be obtained for a liquid crystal display.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for electronically adjusting the viewing angle of a liquid crystal display within a panel fixed in location by the structure within which it is located, such as an electronic flight indicator unit. The adjustment in viewing angle is achieved by changing the bias voltage to alter the pre-tilt angle of the liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus which utilizes a software-based digital signal processing circuit to generate a signal which is representative of the status of a movable component. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention includes a synchro which is connected to a movable component. An analog reference excitation may be applied to the synchro, and the synchro generates analog synchro signals which bear a relationship to the status of the movable component. The analog synchro signals are converted to digital synchro signals by a plurality of analog-to-digital converters. A digital reference signal and the digital synchro signals are provided to a software-based digital signal processing circuit which preferably corrects constant and time-varying errors in the digital synchro signals and generates a status signal which is representative of the status of the movable component.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for capping and grounding an electrical connector to prevent leakage of electromagnetic interference into or out of a chassis for a piece of electronic equipment. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a chassis panel has a conductive area that may serve as chassis ground. The electrical connector is secured to the chassis panel, and it is disposed over a penetration in the chassis panel. The electrical connector has a conductive shell that is electrically tied to chassis ground. An EMI plate caps the electrical connector, and it is also electrically tied to chassis ground. The EMI plate permits the transmission of desired signals into and out of the chassis via the electrical connector and associated conductors while substantially preventing leakage of electromagnetic interference through the electrical connector.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for cooling a lamp backlighting module of a liquid crystal display. A preferred method of the present invention begins by providing a predetermined power input to a lamp. As power is provided to the lamp, the temperature of the lamp is monitored. When the temperature of the lamp rises to a first predetermined temperature, one or more fans are turned on which are adapted to dissipate the heat generated by the lamp. After the fan(s) cool the lamp to a second, lower predetermined temperature, the fan(s) are turned off. By using a fan to dissipate heat generated by a lamp backlighting module, the present invention may maintain the temperature of the lamp within a desired range. As a result, the present invention preferably increases the reliability and performance of the liquid crystal display.