Abstract: An Airport Control and Management System and Methods for use by an air traffic controller, pilots and vehicle drivers which provides for a GNSS compatible computer processing environment which supports airport control and management functions in the air and on the ground. The computer system provides for automation and a computer human interface supporting air traffic controller functions. The processing environment is based upon GNSS compatible position, velocity, time information and GNSS spatially compatible databases. The computer human interface combines the data entry role of issuing clearances with automated routing, conformance monitoring and lighting control functions. The system and methods utilize precise GNSS compatible zones, the Earth Centered Earth Fixed (ECEF) WGS-84 coordinate reference frame, GNSS compatible local coordinate frames such as local and state plane grids, travel path information management processes which allow for the intelligent control of airport lighting systems.

Abstract: A method and system providing a computer human interface for use by an air traffic controller supported by various GNSS compatible control and management commands. A data entry capability allows the controller to select various GNSS based commands such as arrival and departure clearances to effectively control and manage the flow of traffic using GNSS and its augmentations. GNSS is used as the primary air and surface position and navigation sensor. GNSS compatible travel paths are utilized in clearances, navigation and for conformance and traffic flow monitoring purposes. Two display views enable the controller to observe the traffic situation on one display view, while other display views are predominately utilized for the presentation of control and management system commands, warning alerts, messages and other functions. Controller to Pilot Data Link Capability (CPDLC) for clearances is utilized in conjunction with clearance acknowledgments being generated aboard the cleared aircraft.

Abstract: An Airport Guidance System and Method which provides for GNSS compatible airport guidance capability is disclosed. The computer system provides automated navigation functions based upon GNSS based position and spatially compatible databases. The system and method utilize precise GNSS compatible zones, the Earth Centered Earth Fixed (ECEF) WGS-84 coordinate reference frame, GNSS compatible local coordinate frames such as local and state plane grids, zone-based automated airport control, travel path information management processes which allow for the intelligent control of airport traffic. True airport independent processing is achieved when the ECEF coordinate reference frame is utilized. The navigation methods and processes are applicable to vehicles and aircraft operating in a controlled airport space envelope as well as other remote user sites with or without the assistance of air traffic controller.

Abstract: An Airport Guidance System and Method which provides for GNSS compatible seamless airport guidance capability is disclosed. The computer system provides a automated lighting functions based upon GNSS based position and spatially compatible databases. The system and method utilize precise GNSS compatible zones, the Earth Centered Earth Fixed (ECEF) WGS-84 coordinate reference frame, GNSS compatible local coordinate frames such as local and state plane grids, zone-based automated airport lighting control, travel path information management processes which allow for the intelligent control of airport lighting systems. True airport independent processing is achieved when the ECEF coordinate reference frame is utilized. The lighting methods and processes are applicable to vehicles and aircraft operating in a controlled airport space envelope as well as other remote user sites with or without the assistance of air traffic controller.

Abstract: A GNSS Based Multi-Dimensional Control and Management System for vehicles operating in a multi-dimensional environment is disclosed. GNSS compatible techniques provide for a seamless airport independent four (4) dimensional vehicular management capability. The system utilizes precise 3-dimensional maps, the Earth Centered Earth Fixed (ECEF) WGS-84 coordinate reference frame, local coordinate frames such as local and state plane grids, zone-based management processing, automated airport lighting control, collision prediction and avoidance processing, 4-dimensional waypoint navigation, and air traffic control and vehicle situational awareness through global management processes that allow for the safe and efficient management of an airport in the air and one the ground. The management methods and processes are also applicable to vehicles and aircraft operating in the airport space envelope as well as other remote user sites with or without the assistance of the air traffic controller.