Abstract: An aircraft information retrieval system comprises a digital audio panel operable to receive an analog voice signal representing a request for the display of graphical information and convert the analog voice signal to a digital voice signal. The system further comprises a remote audio processor coupled to the digital audio panel, the remote audio processor configured to receive the digital voice signal. The remote audio processor is further operable to determine an information request from the digital voice signal. A command processor, coupled to the remote audio processor, is configured to receive the information request and to retrieve the graphical information.

Abstract: A communications system having a plurality of radio communication modes with an audio component, the audio component of the radio communication modes being controlled through an audio panel, and a radiotelephony mode with an audio component being controlled by a radiotelephony device, the audio component of the radiotelephony mode having an audio input for supplying audio to the radiotelephony device. The radiotelephony audio component is integrated with the audio panel, by providing an interface between the audio panel and the radiotelephony device, coupling the audio input of the radiotelephony mode to the audio panel, and directing the audio input of the radiotelephony mode to the interface, the interface coupling the audio input of the radiotelephony mode to the radiotelephony device.

Abstract: An aircraft on-board system for communicating with a ground-based radio transmitter forming a part of a Local Area Augmentation System for aiding in the navigation and landing of the aircraft, comprising a radio receiver adapted to receive signals, including identification signals identifying the Local Area Augmentation System, from the ground-based radio transmitter, a controller coupled to the radio receiver having an entry device for entering the channel number of a desired ground-based radio station and for tuning the on-board radio receiver to a desired frequency and further receiving from the radio signals, including the identification signals, and further having a signaling mechanism for providing to an operator of the aircraft on-board system a message including the identification of the ground-based radio station.

Abstract: A system for providing distance information to the pilot of an aircraft utilizing a GPS Landing System (GLS) Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS) as a navigation and landing aid for the aircraft is provided, which includes a radio receiver adapted to receive signals from a ground-based radio transmitter associated with the LAAS, the signals including signals representing the location of the LAAS. A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver adapted to receive position signals from GPS satellites and for producing signal representing the location of the aircraft is also provided, as is a controller coupled to the radio receiver and to the GPS receiver for receiving the signals representing the locations of the LAAS and of the aircraft, respectively, and for calculating the distance of the aircraft from the LAAS. A signaling mechanism coupled to the controller provides to the pilot of the aircraft with information representing the distance of the aircraft to the end of the runway.

Abstract: A standardized control panel for aircraft provides manually operable controls that are configured to activate an aircraft function if the requested aircraft function is installed on the aircraft or, are otherwise configured to activate a visual indicator if the requested aircraft function is absent from the aircraft.

Abstract: A standardized control panel for aircraft provides manually operable controls that are configured to activate an aircraft function if the requested aircraft function is installed on the aircraft or, are otherwise configured to activate a visual indicator if the requested aircraft function is absent from the aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention includes a processor configured to receive at least one operating parameter from an operating parameter input and, based on the operating parameter, configure at least one filter to filter a signal.

Abstract: An aircraft on-board system for communicating with a ground-based radio transmitter forming a part of a Local Area Augmentation System for aiding in the navigation and landing of the aircraft, comprising a radio receiver adapted to receive signals, including identification signals identifying the Local Area Augmentation System, from the ground-based radio transmitter, a controller coupled to the radio receiver having an entry device for entering the channel number of a desired ground-based radio station and for tuning the on-board radio receiver to a desired frequency and further receiving from the radio signals, including the identification signals, and further having a signaling mechanism for providing to an operator of the aircraft on-board system a message including the identification of the ground-based radio station.

Abstract: A communications system having a plurality of radio communication modes with an audio component, the audio component of the radio communication modes being controlled through an audio panel, and a radiotelephony mode with an audio component being controlled by a radiotelephony device, the audio component of the radiotelephony mode having an audio input for supplying audio to the radiotelephony device. The radiotelephony audio component is integrated with the audio panel, by providing an interface between the audio panel and the radiotelephony device, coupling the audio input of the radiotelephony mode to the audio panel, and directing the audio input of the radiotelephony mode to the interface, the interface coupling the audio input of the radiotelephony mode to the radiotelephony device.

Abstract: A method and system for limiting transmission to a single operator is provided. The system and method determines if another user in the audio system is currently transmitting before allowing a new transmission from another user to proceed. This assures that the only one member of the vehicle crew can transmit at a time, limiting the opportunity for outputs from multiple users to garble the transmission. In another embodiment of the present invention, a system and method are provided that allows for the transmission of aural warning on a digital bus. The system and method allows different types of warnings to be delivered to vehicle crew members throughout the vehicle. This facilitates efficient and reliable distribution of warnings to remote crew members. In another embodiment of the present invention, a system and method are provided that notifies the user of an audio system when all outputs of the audio system have been disabled.

Abstract: A system for providing distance information to the pilot of an aircraft utilizing a GPS Landing System (GLS) Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS) as a navigation and landing aid for the aircraft is provided, which includes a radio receiver adapted to receive signals from a ground-based radio transmitter associated with the LAAS, the signals including signals representing the location of the LAAS. A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver adapted to receive position signals from GPS satellites and for producing signal representing the location of the aircraft is also provided, as is a controller coupled to the radio receiver and to the GPS receiver for receiving the signals representing the locations of the LAAS and of the aircraft, respectively, and for calculating the distance of the aircraft from the LAAS. A signaling mechanism coupled to the controller provides to the pilot of the aircraft with information representing the distance of the aircraft to the end of the runway.