Abstract: A system for providing instructions directed to facilitating the completion of an aerial mission in an environment includes one or more sensors mounted on a vehicle; a transceiver configured to transmit an instruction directed to facilitating the completion of the mission to an electronic display; and a server comprising a processor coupled to memory of the vehicle containing processor-readable instructions. The instructions causing the processor to, responsive to receiving a factor associated with the mission, compute the instruction directed to facilitating the completion of the mission based on adjusting a cost function, the factor being at least one of a boundary condition of the cost function or a constraint of the cost function.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a computer-implemented method for water volume estimation includes detecting water based at least in part on sensor-based data; determining a volume of water based at least in part on the sensor-based data; determining a location at the water for an aircraft to retrieve water via a water retrieving apparatus; and translating the location of the water into pilot inputs to guide the aircraft to the water.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a computer-implemented method for water volume estimation includes detecting water based at least in part on sensor-based data; determining a volume of water based at least in part on the sensor-based data; determining a location at the water for an aircraft to retrieve water via a water retrieving apparatus; and translating the location of the water into pilot inputs to guide the aircraft to the water.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a mechanically controlled aircraft with a fly-by-wire system includes removing a mechanical links between mechanical pilot inputs and actuators operable to drive flight surfaces. Electromechanical actuators are coupled between a plurality of vehicle management computers and the actuators. Each of the electromechanical actuators is operable to receive commands from the vehicle management computers and output a mechanical force to an input linkage of one of the actuators. Electromechanical pilot input modules are coupled to the mechanical pilot inputs. Each of the electromechanical pilot input modules is operable to convert a pilot-driven input force of an instance of the mechanical pilot inputs into an electronic signal indicative of the pilot-driven input force. At least one high performance computer is coupled to at least one of the vehicle management computers.

Abstract: A device and method for flying an aircraft is disclosed. A housing that is removably installable in a cockpit of the aircraft is installed in the cockpit. The housing includes a processor. The processor receives a flight measurement from the aircraft, determines a flight control parameter for flying the aircraft from the flight measurement, and operates a flight control device of the aircraft to implement the flight control parameter to fly the aircraft.

Abstract: A device and method for flying an aircraft is disclosed. A housing that is removably installable in a cockpit of the aircraft is installed in the cockpit. The housing includes a processor. The processor receives a flight measurement from the aircraft, determines a flight control parameter for flying the aircraft from the flight measurement, and operates a flight control device of the aircraft to implement the flight control parameter to fly the aircraft.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a mechanically controlled aircraft with a fly-by-wire system includes removing a mechanical links between mechanical pilot inputs and actuators operable to drive flight surfaces. Electromechanical actuators are coupled between a plurality of vehicle management computers and the actuators. Each of the electromechanical actuators is operable to receive commands from the vehicle management computers and output a mechanical force to an input linkage of one of the actuators. Electromechanical pilot input modules are coupled to the mechanical pilot inputs. Each of the electromechanical pilot input modules is operable to convert a pilot-driven input force of an instance of the mechanical pilot inputs into an electronic signal indicative of the pilot-driven input force. At least one high performance computer is coupled to at least one of the vehicle management computers.

Abstract: A clutch assembly of a vehicle includes a shaft configured to rotate around a rotation axis inside the shaft, a connection arm connected to the shaft, to a pilot-controlled mechanism, and to a mechanical servo that controls a movement of the vehicle, and at least two electromechanical actuators. The electromechanical actuators are configured to be selectively engaged with the shaft via an electromechanical clutch, such that the electromechanical actuators are disconnected from controlling a movement of the shaft and the connection arm when the electromechanical clutch is disengaged, and the electromechanical actuators are configured to control movement of the shaft and the connection arm when the electromechanical clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A clutch assembly of a vehicle includes a shaft configured to rotate around a rotation axis inside the shaft, a connection arm connected to the shaft, to a pilot-controlled mechanism, and to a mechanical servo that controls a movement of the vehicle, and at least two electromechanical actuators. The electromechanical actuators are configured to be selectively engaged with the shaft via an electromechanical clutch, such that the electromechanical actuators are disconnected from controlling a movement of the shaft and the connection arm when the electromechanical clutch is disengaged, and the electromechanical actuators are configured to control movement of the shaft and the connection arm when the electromechanical clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A network including powerline adapters (“PLAs”) of the HomePlug Alliance variety or similar implementations such as the European in Opera standard provides for diagnostic capability and software enhanced powerline adapters. The diagnostic capability includes collecting network performance data and either analyzing or forwarding data for analysis. In addition, mechanical design for the PLA with an isolating filter provides for secure mounting while blocking access to a second wall outlet of a duplex unit.

Abstract: This application relates to a network including powerline adapters (“PLAs”) of the HomePlug Alliance variety or similar implementations such as the European in Opera standard. The technology disclosed provides diagnostic capability and software enhanced powerline adapters. The diagnostic capability includes collecting network performance data and either analyzing or forwarding data for analysis. In addition, mechanical design for the PLA with an isolating filter provides for secure mounting while blocking access to a second wall outlet of a duplex unit.

Abstract: A network including powerline adapters (“PLAs”) of the HomePlug Alliance variety or similar implementations such as the European in Opera standard provides for diagnostic capability and software enhanced powerline adapters. The diagnostic capability includes collecting network performance data and either analyzing or forwarding data for analysis. In addition, mechanical design for the PLA with an isolating filter provides for secure mounting while blocking access to a second wall outlet of a duplex unit.

Abstract: A system for the delivery of video on demand (VOD). A wireless remote control device generates keystroke signals for controlling a TV display and has a single button for restarting a selected program at a beginning of the selected program. A head-end unit supports separate downstream virtual channels for each separate TV set connected on a common TV feeder-cable; The head-end unit locally records and stores many programs, and transmits each program using a compressed digital format. The Compressed digital format may use MPEG-2 or MPEG-4. The head-end unit has means for protecting against signal theft. A set top unit encapsulates the keystroke signals and transmits the keystroke signals via a two-way channel to the head-end unit.

Abstract: A conditional access method and apparatus for use with a system for controlling of digital TV program start time. Subscriber access is authorized to digital program streams. Content are divided into a plurality of working periods. Each working period of the plurality of working periods is scrambled with a different working key. A working key of a given period is delivered ahead of the given period. The working key is synchronized with scrambling control bits in an header. working keys are inserted into an entitlement control message (ECM) packet, and the ECM packet is encrypted using a service key. A time period is inserted into the ECM packet during which the service key is valid. A service key is inserted in an entitlement.

Abstract: A system for the delivery of video on demand (VOD). A wireless remote control device generates keystroke signals for controlling a TV display and has a single button for restarting a selected program at a beginning of the selected program. A head-end unit supports separate downstream virtual channels for each separate TV set connected on a common TV feeder-cable; The head-end unit locally records and stores many programs, and transmits each program using a compressed digital format. The Compressed digital format may use MPEG-2 or MPEG-4. The head-end unit has means for protecting against signal theft. A set top unit encapsulates the keystroke signals and transmits the keystroke signals via a two-way channel to the head-end unit.

Abstract: This application relates to a network including powerline adapters (“PLAs”) of the HomePlug Alliance variety or similar implementations such as the European in Opera standard. The technology disclosed provides diagnostic capability and software enhanced powerline adapters. The diagnostic capability includes collecting network performance data and either analyzing or forwarding data for analysis. In addition, mechanical design for the PLA with an isolating filter provides for secure mounting while blocking access to a second wall outlet of a duplex unit.

Abstract: A packet timing method and apparatus for use with a system for controlling digital TV program start time. An encoder inserts a program clock reference (PCR) timing field, in at least two intervals in transport packets. A decoder generates a decoder-clock signal from the PCR timing signal, which has the same frequency as an encoder-clock signal used for encoding. In response to the PCR timing field, a rate of consumption of data is synchronized with a rate of production of data, and chroma sub-carrier is synchronized.

Abstract: A method of an input unit of a method and apparatus for controlling digital TV program start time. The input unit and method of the input unit receive digital channels from multiple sources, as a plurality of digital-transport streams, respectively. Each digital-transport stream has a multiplicity of transport packets. The input unit and method time-stamp each of the received transport packets of the multiplicity of transport packets, thereby generating a plurality of time-stamped packets, and aggregate the plurality of time-stamped packets, and scramble the aggregated plurality of time-stamped packets. The scrambled-aggregated plurality of time-stamped packets are encapsulated.

Abstract: A conditional access method and apparatus for use with a system for controlling of digital TV program start time. Subscriber access is authorized to digital program streams. Content are divided into a plurality of working periods. Each working period of the plurality of working periods is scrambled with a different working key. A working key of a given period is delivered ahead of the given period. The working key is synchronized with scrambling control bits in an header working keys are inserted into an entitlement control message (ECM) packet, and the ECM packet is encrypted using a service key. A time period is inserted into the ECM packet during which the service key is valid. A service key is inserted in an entitlement.

Abstract: Improving the TV watching experience by the use of digital video time shifting and micro program guides per program to match an interest profile filter for each viewer. This is coupled with a payment mechanism to allow each individual the capability of watching TV programs in a manner consistent with their individual interests and values, and simultaneously protecting the economic rights of the content provider. To date, the cable industry increases revenues by offering additional programming to their customers. This invention teaches that major additional revenue can also be created by the omission of undesired content.