Abstract: Methods are presented. A rechargeable battery of an unmanned aerial vehicle is charged using an electromagnetic field of a high voltage power line and a recharging system of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle is flown a specified distance from the high voltage power line during the charging.

Abstract: Methods are presented. A rechargeable battery of an unmanned aerial vehicle is charged using an electromagnetic field of a high voltage power line and a recharging system of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle is flown a specified distance from the high voltage power line during the charging.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides for use of tactile feedback devices that may be removably coupled to a touchscreen interface. Aspects of the disclosure provide for the configuration of a virtual control of a device display according to characteristics of a tactile feedback device. The tactile feedback device provides a user with haptic feedback that increases the accuracy of input to the virtual control of the device display while decreasing the visual attention used to provide the input. Aspects allow for input to the virtual control adjacent to the tactile feedback device or via the tactile feedback device.

Abstract: A method and system for providing taxiway navigational information to a crewmember of an airplane taxiing at an airport. An airport taxiway navigation system (“ATNS”) that executes on an onboard computer system that displays a map of the taxiways of an airport, receives the name of each taxiway of the taxi route specified by the taxi clearance, and highlights the taxiways on a displayed map to provide a visual indication of the cleared taxi route for the crewmembers.

Abstract: A method and system for providing taxiway navigational information to a crewmember of an airplane taxiing at an airport. An airport taxiway navigation system (“ATNS”) that executes on an onboard computer system that displays a map of the taxiways of an airport, receives the name of each taxiway of the taxi route specified by the taxi clearance, and highlights the taxiways on a displayed map to provide a visual indication of the cleared taxi route for the crewmembers.

Abstract: A tidal power generation system incorporates a buoy tethered to a first cable with a power generation spool engaging the first cable for rotational motion upon extraction of the cable by the buoy during elevation increases of the water on which the buoy is riding. An electrical generator is connected to the power generation spool and a rewinder for the power generation spool reels in the cable during receding water elevation. A gear drive interconnects the power generation spool and electrical generator with a gear reduction in certain embodiments for increasing generator rotational speed. The rewinder uses a rewind spool connected to the power generation spool and engaging a second cable for counter-rotational motion. A mechanical energy storage device is connected to the second cable. A suspended weight provides energy storage in the first embodiment while a spring attached to a fixed anchor point provides energy storage in an alternative embodiment.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that allow a navigation system that uses a geographic database to also use the data in traffic messages broadcast by a traffic broadcast system. One aspect of a present system and method includes the formation, storage, and use of location reference data records in a geographic database used by a navigation system. These location reference data records identify certain other kinds of data records that represent physical geographic features, such as data records that represent segments of roads, as being associated with certain location reference numbers. These location reference records may be included in a geographic database installed in the vehicle or may be provided to vehicles via a wireless communication link.

Abstract: A method and system for providing taxiway navigational information to a crewmember of an airplane taxiing at an airport. An airport taxiway navigation system (“ATNS”) that executes on an onboard computer system that displays a map of the taxiways of an airport, receives the name of each taxiway of the taxi route specified by the taxi clearance, and highlights the taxiways on a displayed map to provide a visual indication of the cleared taxi route for the crewmembers.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that allow a navigation system that uses a geographic database to also use the data in traffic messages broadcast by a traffic broadcast system. One aspect of a present system and method includes the formation, storage, and use of location reference data records in a geographic database used by a navigation system. These location reference data records identify certain other kinds of data records that represent physical geographic features, such as data records that represent segments of roads, as being associated with certain location reference numbers. These location reference records may be included in a geographic database installed in the vehicle or may be provided to vehicles via a wireless communication link.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that allow a navigation system that uses a geographic database to also use the data in traffic messages broadcast by a traffic broadcast system. One aspect of a present system and method includes the formation, storage, and use of location reference data records in a geographic database used by a navigation system. These location reference data records identify certain other kinds of data records that represent physical geographic features, such as data records that represent segments of roads, as being associated with certain location reference numbers. These location reference records may be included in a geographic database installed in the vehicle or may be provided to vehicles via a wireless communication link.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide an end user of a navigation program with information about walking to a desired destination in combination with information about driving to or close to the desired destination. In addition to the calculation of a route for driving to the desired destination, the navigation program uses data in a geographic database to calculate one or more routes to reach the desired destination by walking from locations within a walking threshold around the desired destination. In calculating these one or more walking routes, the navigation program uses the data in the geographic database to assess the suitability of roads around the desired destination for pedestrian travel. In calculating these one or more walking routes, the navigation program can also include road segments in the walking routes without regard for travel restrictions that only apply to vehicular traffic.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide an end user of a navigation program with information about walking to a desired destination in combination with information about driving to or close to the desired destination. In addition to the calculation of a route for driving to the desired destination, the navigation program uses data in a geographic database to calculate one or more routes to reach the desired destination by walking from locations within a walking threshold around the desired destination. In calculating these one or more walking routes, the navigation program uses the data in the geographic database to assess the suitability of roads around the desired destination for pedestrian travel. In calculating these one or more walking routes, the navigation program can also include road segments in the walking routes without regard for travel restrictions that only apply to vehicular traffic.

Abstract: A system and method are that provide an end user of a navigation program with information about walking to a desired destination in combination with information about driving to or close to the desired destination. In addition to the calculation of a route for driving to the desired destination, the navigation program uses data in a geographic database to calculate one or more routes to reach the desired destination by walking from locations within a walking threshold around the desired destination. In calculating these one or more walking routes, the navigation program uses the data in the geographic database to assess the suitability of roads around the desired destination for pedestrian travel. In calculating these one or more walking routes, the navigation program can also include road segments in the walking routes without regard for travel restrictions that only apply to vehicular traffic.