Abstract: An intent managing system and a method for operating the same are provided. The system, for example, may include, but is not limited to a processor communicatively coupled to an input system and a memory. The processor may be configured to receive a voice command, determine how many of a plurality of voice controllable systems utilize the voice command, automatically select one of the plurality of voice controllable systems, generate an indication of the selected one of the plurality of voice controllable systems, receive, from the at least one input system, confirmation of the selected one of the plurality of voice controllable systems, and execute the received voice command at the selected one of the plurality of voice controllable systems when the confirmation is received.

Abstract: An intent managing system and a method for operating the same are provided. The system, for example, may include, but is not limited to a processor communicatively coupled to an input system and a memory. The processor may be configured to receive a voice command, determine how many of a plurality of voice controllable systems utilize the voice command, automatically select one of the plurality of voice controllable systems, generate an indication of the selected one of the plurality of voice controllable systems, receive, from the at least one input system, confirmation of the selected one of the plurality of voice controllable systems, and execute the received voice command at the selected one of the plurality of voice controllable systems when the confirmation is received.

Abstract: A touch screen system and method that (1) renders a critical button in a visually distinguishable manner and (2) provides an intuitive multi-step activation process that effectively guards the button from unintentional activation is provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved systems and methods for providing a virtual terrain display. In one embodiment, a method comprises identifying a location within an enclosure. The location is referenced against an external environment containing the enclosure. The method also comprises identifying a portion of a structure of the enclosure. The portion of the structure exists between the location and the external environment and blocks a view of the external environment. The method also comprises generating a display depicting a view of the external environment from the location; and applying a translucent structure representation to the display. The structure representation is a visual depiction of the portion of the structure and appearing in front of the depicted view without blocking the depicted view of the external environment.

Abstract: A verbal taxi clearance system for an aircraft and a method of controlling the same are provided. The system, for example, may include, but is not limited to a communication system, and a processor communicatively coupled to the communication system, the processor configured to receive, from the communication system, first audio data from air traffic control, convert the first audio data from air traffic control into first taxi route data, receive second audio data from a cockpit of the aircraft, convert the second audio data into second taxi route data, compare the first taxi route data to the second taxi route data, output, when the first taxi route data matches the second taxi route data, a taxi route corresponding to the first and second taxi route data, and generate an alert when the first taxi route data does not match the second taxi route data.

Abstract: A touch screen system and method that (1) renders a critical button in a visually distinguishable manner and (2) provides an intuitive multi-step activation process that effectively guards the button from unintentional activation is provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for producing an auditory alert that comprises sonic properties to an equipment operator wearing an auditory headset prior to the presentation of the auditory alert to the operator. The method comprises measuring an at-ear ambient noise spectrum, determining frequencies within the at-ear ambient noise spectrum that have relative minimum intensities and enhancing the magnitude of the determined relative minimum intensities. The method then generates the auditory alert incorporating the enhanced relative minimum intensities.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving pilot situational awareness in the airport vicinity. An example method determines if at least one of an aircraft or vehicle in a predefined vicinity of the airport is a conflict based on information about an installation aircraft, information received from the at least one aircraft or vehicle, and a predefined conflict envelope, when the installation aircraft is performing one of an approach to landing, a takeoff operation or a taxi operation at an airport. The method generates and outputs a conflict alert if the installation aircraft determines that the at least one aircraft or vehicle is a conflict. The method generates a clear-of-conflict advisory if the at least one aircraft or vehicle previously determined to be conflicting is determined to no longer be conflicting based on updated information received from the at least one aircraft or vehicle.

Abstract: A system and a method alerts the occupant of a vehicle that the vehicle is in, or approaching, a zone of awareness associated with a closed surface at the airport.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for producing an auditory alert that comprises sonic properties to an equipment operator wearing an auditory headset prior to the presentation of the auditory alert to the operator. The method comprises measuring an at-ear ambient noise spectrum, determining frequencies within the at-ear ambient noise spectrum that have relative minimum intensities and enhancing the magnitude of the determined relative minimum intensities. The method then generates the auditory alert incorporating the enhanced relative minimum intensities.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved systems and methods for providing a virtual terrain display. In one embodiment, a method comprises identifying a location within an enclosure. The location is referenced against an external environment containing the enclosure. The method also comprises identifying a portion of a structure of the enclosure. The portion of the structure exists between the location and the external environment and blocks a view of the external environment. The method also comprises generating a display depicting a view of the external environment from the location; and applying a translucent structure representation to the display. The structure representation is a visual depiction of the portion of the structure and appearing in front of the depicted view without blocking the depicted view of the external environment.

Abstract: A system includes an input device having first and second input members configured to be activated by a user. The input device is configured to generate activation signals associated with activation of the first and second input members, and each of the first and second input members are associated with an input function. A processor is coupled to the input device and configured to receive the activation signals. A memory coupled to the processor, and includes a reconfiguration module configured to store the input functions assigned to the first and second input members and, upon execution of the processor, to reconfigure the input functions assigned to the input members when the first input member is inoperable.

Abstract: A system and a method alerts the occupant of a vehicle that the vehicle is in, or approaching, a zone of awareness associated with a closed surface at the airport.

Abstract: A system and a method alerts the occupant of an aircraft that the aircraft is in, or approaching, a zone of awareness associated with a closed surface at the airport.

Abstract: A method is provided for modifying input parameters of a touch panel in response to movement of the panel due to vibrations, turbulence, or a “G” force. The method includes sensing movement of a touch panel, the touch panel having a display region requiring a touch to indicate an input defined by the parameter, a threshold of the sensed movement being above which a user may be prevented from physically providing an accurate touch input due to the movement, and modifying the parameter based on the sensed movement being above the threshold. Feedback may be provided and modified in response to the parameter being satisfied by the touch.

Abstract: A system and a method alerts the occupant of an aircraft that the aircraft is in, or approaching, a zone of awareness associated with a closed surface at the airport.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving pilot situational awareness in the airport vicinity. An example method determines if at least one of an aircraft or vehicle in a predefined vicinity of the airport is a conflict based on information about an installation aircraft, information received from the at least one aircraft or vehicle, and a predefined conflict envelope, when the installation aircraft is performing one of an approach to landing, a takeoff operation or a taxi operation at an airport. The method generates and outputs a conflict alert if the installation aircraft determines that the at least one aircraft or vehicle is a conflict. The method generates a clear-of-conflict advisory if the at least one aircraft or vehicle previously determined to be conflicting is determined to no longer be conflicting based on updated information received from the at least one aircraft or vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes an input device having first and second input members configured to be activated by a user. The input device is configured to generate activation signals associated with activation of the first and second input members, and each of the first and second input members are associated with an input function. A processor is coupled to the input device and configured to receive the activation signals. A memory coupled to the processor, and includes a reconfiguration module configured to store the input functions assigned to the first and second input members and, upon execution of the processor, to reconfigure the input functions assigned to the input members when the first input member is inoperable.

Abstract: A container holding thwart for transferring force between the gunwales of a canoe. The thwart is provided with a frame defining an opening which releasably retains a container. The opening may either be of a closed configuration to retain a beverage container, or the like, or may be of an open configuration to retain a refuse bag. The openings may be of any size, shape, number or configuration.