Abstract: A method for autonomous landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising: obtaining sensor data corresponding to one or more objects outside of the aircraft using at least one onboard sensor; using the sensor data to create a three dimensional evidence grid, wherein a three dimensional evidence grid is a three dimensional world model based on the sensor data; combining a priori data with the three dimensional evidence grid; locating a landing zone based on the combined three dimensional evidence grid and a priori data; validating an open spots in the landing zone, wherein validating includes performing surface condition assessment of a surface of the open spots; generating landing zone motion characterization, wherein landing zone motion characterization includes characterizing real time landing zone pitching, heaving, rolling or forward motion; processing the three dimensional evidence grid data to generate flight controls to land the aircraft in one of the open spots; and controlling the aircraft acco

Abstract: A method for fine positioning of a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle comprises: receiving a command to execute a bump, wherein a bump is a movement of the vehicle by a bump distance in a singular direction, wherein the bump distance is a pre-determined distance moved by the vehicle in a bump; generating a control signal based on the command to execute a bump, wherein the control signal causes a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle to move a bump distance.

Abstract: A method for autonomous landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising: obtaining sensor data corresponding to one or more objects outside of the aircraft using at least one onboard sensor; using the sensor data to create a three dimensional evidence grid, wherein a three dimensional evidence grid is a three dimensional world model based on the sensor data; combining a priori data with the three dimensional evidence grid; locating a landing zone based on the combined three dimensional evidence grid and a priori data; validating an open spots in the landing zone, wherein validating includes performing surface condition assessment of a surface of the open spots; generating landing zone motion characterization, wherein landing zone motion characterization includes characterizing real time landing zone pitching, heaving, rolling or forward motion; processing the three dimensional evidence grid data to generate flight controls to land the aircraft in one of the open spots; and controlling the aircraft acco

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and distributing information to and from a computing element that is quickly scalable at the installation to varying types and numbers of signals. Standard sized modules containing a generalized set of; computation, discrete I/O, analog I/O, serial I/O, adaptable I/O, etc. or any combination thereof, provide the building blocks that can be attached to each other to provide the desired combination of functions. These modular components are mated to each other through a simple serial interface providing the inter-module communication interface and local power requirements. The modules are quickly stacked together and snapped in place in a manner supporting severe environmental conditions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fail-safe process execution, monitoring and output control for critical systems operating on an open bus architecture with multiple, independent partitions on a single processor is presented. The control system state variables and their status of critical systems, within the control laws and mode logic, are monitored for process completion and health, and shut down if necessary. The embodiments provide for a dual path for shut down of, for example, flight critical systems so that the failure of one partitioned module does not affect the operation of the remaining partitioned modules. One path involves the CPM and IOM determination of command/response health. If persistent faults are detected, then either the DSP monitoring or the CPM performance monitoring results in a discrete signal being sent to the H-bridge disable to shutdown the current output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and distributing information to and from a computing element that is quickly scalable at the installation to varying types and numbers of signals. Standard sized modules containing a generalized set of; computation, discrete I/O, analog I/O, serial I/O, adaptable I/O, etc. or any combination thereof, provide the building blocks that can be attached to each other to provide the desired combination of functions. These modular components are mated to each other through a simple serial interface providing the inter-module communication interface and local power requirements. The modules are quickly stacked together and snapped in place in a manner supporting severe environmental conditions.