Abstract: Methods and apparatus for verifying operability of a neurophysiological-based control system include generating a test stimulus that will result in a predetermined neurophysiological response in a user. Neurophysiological brain activity signals obtained from the user in response to the test stimulus are processed to generate a test neurophysiological response. The test neurophysiological response and a predetermined neurophysiological response are compared to determine if the neurophysiological-based control system is operating properly.

Abstract: An environmental impact measurement system for an aircraft includes a one-way data interface and a processing system. The one-way data interface is adapted to continuously receive and transmit aircraft data and flight plan data. The processing system is in operable communication with the one-way data interface to receive the aircraft data and the flight plan data transmitted therefrom. The processing system is configured, upon receipt of the aircraft data and the flight plan data, to generate at least data representative of real-time environmental impact of the aircraft, and recommendations for improving the real-time environmental impact of the aircraft.

Abstract: A touch screen system is provided herein for use with a commanded system requiring high integrity. The touch screen system includes, but is not limited to, a display screen configured to present information to an operator. A sensor array is arranged proximate the display screen to detect a touch on the display screen and to generate a set of touch position coordinates corresponding to a location of the touch. A processor is operatively coupled to the display screen and is configured to command the display screen to arrange a plurality of touch target images such one of the touch target images is a high integrity touch target image. The high integrity touch target image has a unique X-coordinate that is not shared by any other touch target image and a unique Y-coordinate that is not shared by any other touch target image.

Abstract: A high integrity touch screen system includes, but is not limited to, a display screen, a first sensor array to detect a touch on the display screen and to generate a first set of touch position coordinates, a first processor connected to the first sensor array and configured to receive the first set of touch position coordinates, a second sensor array to detect the touch on the display screen and to generate a second set of touch position coordinates and a second processor connected to the second sensor array and configured to receive the second set of touch position coordinates. The first processor and the second processor cooperate to compare the first set of touch position coordinates with the second set of touch position coordinates and to invalidate the touch when the first set of touch position coordinates and the second set of touch position coordinates do not substantially coincide.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for verifying operability of a neurophysiological-based control system include generating a test stimulus that will result in a predetermined neurophysiological response in a user. Neurophysiological brain activity signals obtained from the user in response to the test stimulus are processed to generate a test neurophysiological response. The test neurophysiological response and a predetermined neurophysiological response are compared to determine if the neurophysiological-based control system is operating properly.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for updating a base file used by certified software that is executing on a processor within a first computing device without breaking a certification of the software. The method comprises receiving a software object at a communications interface of the first computing device, the software object containing instructions that when executed by the processor interfaces with the certified software and integrates a delta file with the base file to create an updated file within the first computing device. The method further comprises installing the software object in a random access memory (RAM) and initializing the software object in the processor from the RAM. After installing the software object, receiving the delta file and providing the delta file for combination with the base file by the software object and after the combination is complete, erasing the software object from the RAM.

Abstract: A method is provided for avionic touchscreen operation. The method includes the steps of displaying one or more user input devices on a touchscreen panel, receiving user inputs on a face of the touchscreen panel, and generating input signals in response to the user inputs. The method further includes the steps of generating operational signals in response to comparing the input signals to predetermined user input signals, adjusting one or more avionic operation parameters in response to the operational signals, and providing user sensible outputs in response to the operational signals and in accordance with the user inputs. The step of providing user sensible output includes providing two or more user sensible outputs selected from the group of providing user sensible outputs including providing visual outputs, providing audible outputs and providing tactile outputs. Alternatively, the one or more user input devices displayed on the touchscreen panel includes one or more knobs.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an avionics system with voice command capability are provided. A first voice command is received. A first type of avionics system function is performed in response to the receiving of the first voice command. A second voice command is received. A second type of avionics system function that has a hazard level higher than that of the first type of avionics system function is performed in response to the receiving of the second voice command only after a condition is detected that is indicative of a confirmation of the request to perform the second type of avionics function. The avionics system may also have the capability to test whether or not the voice command feature is functioning properly.

Abstract: An augmented air data and inertial reference system (AADIRS) serving as a standby instrument on an aircraft is provided. A secondary air data and inertial reference system (ADIRS) includes a secondary air data module coupled to a secondary inertial reference module. The secondary air data and inertial reference system is configured to derive secondary air data and inertial reference data using the secondary air data module and the secondary inertial reference module. The secondary inertial reference system is further configured to provide the second air data and inertial reference data to a flight control system for use as a backup source of data for control of the aircraft. A graphics module is coupled to the secondary air data and inertial reference system and a display. The graphics module is configured to receive the secondary air data and inertial reference data and process the secondary air and inertial reference data.

Abstract: A touch screen system is provided herein for use with a commanded system requiring high integrity. The touch screen system includes, but is not limited to, a display screen configured to present information to an operator. A sensor array is arranged proximate the display screen to detect a touch on the display screen and to generate a set of touch position coordinates corresponding to a location of the touch. A processor is operatively coupled to the display screen and is configured to command the display screen to arrange a plurality of touch target images such one of the touch target images is a high integrity touch target image. The high integrity touch target image has a unique X-coordinate that is not shared by any other touch target image and a unique Y-coordinate that is not shared by any other touch target image.

Abstract: A high integrity touch screen system includes, but is not limited to, a display screen, a first sensor array to detect a touch on the display screen and to generate a first set of touch position coordinates, a first processor connected to the first sensor array and configured to receive the first set of touch position coordinates, a second sensor array to detect the touch on the display screen and to generate a second set of touch position coordinates and a second processor connected to the second sensor array and configured to receive the second set of touch position coordinates. The first processor and the second processor cooperate to compare the first set of touch position coordinates with the second set of touch position coordinates and to invalidate the touch when the first set of touch position coordinates and the second set of touch position coordinates do not substantially coincide.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an avionics system with voice command capability are provided. A first voice command is received. A first type of avionics system function is performed in response to the receiving of the first voice command. A second voice command is received. A second type of avionics system function that has a hazard level higher than that of the first type of avionics system function is performed in response to the receiving of the second voice command only after a condition is detected that is indicative of a confirmation of the request to perform the second type of avionics function. The avionics system may also have the capability to test whether or not the voice command feature is functioning properly.

Abstract: A method is provided for avionic touchscreen operation. The method includes the steps of displaying one or more user input devices on a touchscreen panel, receiving user inputs on a face of the touchscreen panel, and generating input signals in response to the user inputs. The method further includes the steps of generating operational signals in response to comparing the input signals to predetermined user input signals, adjusting one or more avionic operation parameters in response to the operational signals, and providing user sensible outputs in response to the operational signals and in accordance with the user inputs. The step of providing user sensible output includes providing two or more user sensible outputs selected from the group of providing user sensible outputs including providing visual outputs, providing audible outputs and providing tactile outputs. Alternatively, the one or more user input devices displayed on the touchscreen panel includes one or more knobs.

Abstract: An augmented air data and inertial reference system (AADIRS) serving as a standby instrument on an aircraft is provided. A secondary air data and inertial reference system (ADIRS) includes a secondary air data module coupled to a secondary inertial reference module. The secondary air data and inertial reference system is configured to derive secondary air data and inertial reference data using the secondary air data module and the secondary inertial reference module. The secondary inertial reference system is further configured to provide the second air data and inertial reference data to a flight control system for use as a backup source of data for control of the aircraft. A graphics module is coupled to the secondary air data and inertial reference system and a display. The graphics module is configured to receive the secondary air data and inertial reference data and process the secondary air and inertial reference data.

Abstract: A method for determining damage in a structural health monitoring system comprising a plurality of sensors distributed across a structure is disclosed. The method includes decomposing the plurality of sensors into a plurality of sub-arrays. Each sub-array is associated with a current sensor. For each sub-array, data is collected, the data corresponding to electrical signals produced by waves initiated by the current sensor and detected by a receiving sensor. The data is used to calculate a damage measurement for the sub-array. Then, the damage measurement determined for each sub-array is combined to determining an overall damage assessment from the combined damage measurements.

Abstract: A method is disclosed wherein a plurality of sensors mounted on a structure, a baseline data set for each of the plurality of sensors and a calibration procedure verify the integrity of a structural health management system. Initially a baseline data set is established. Before performing the structural health assessment a calibration-in data set for each of the plurality of sensors is collected. The calibration-in data set is compared to the baseline data set for each sensor of the plurality of sensors. If the calibration-in data set and the baseline data set match then a structure characterization is performed. If the calibration-in data set and the baseline data set do not match, a calibration-out procedure is performed to generate a calibration-out data set. If the calibration-out data set and the calibration-in data sets match, then a determination is made that the structural health management system was working.

Abstract: A structural health management system is disclosed. The structural health management system comprises a zone of sensors. A first sensor data collector is coupled to a first subset of the sensors in the zone; and a second sensor data collector coupled to a second subset of the sensors in the zone. In the present invention, loss of a sensor data collector does not result in the loss of ability to perform nondestructive testing in an entire zone.

Abstract: A remote viewing system for simulating the views from a window includes a camera assembly and a remote viewing assembly. The camera assembly obtains views of a site and transmits the views to the remote viewing assembly. The viewing assembly then displays the views to simulate the various perspectives which can be obtained from looking out of a window, such as looking up and down out of the window.