Abstract: An electric brake system for an aircraft as described herein electrically actuates brake mechanisms in a seamless manner when a power interrupt condition is experienced. While operating in an autobraking mode and in response to a power interrupt condition, the electric brake system preserves the last brake actuation command generated by the autobrake function. After normal operating power is reestablished, the last brake actuation command is retrieved and processed by the electric brake system. While operating in a pedal braking mode and in response to a power interrupt condition, the electric brake system discards the last brake actuation command generated from brake pedal interaction. After normal operating power is reestablished, the brake pedal data is refreshed to generate a new brake actuation command. These procedures reduce lurching and unexpected brake actuation levels following a power interrupt in the electric brake system.

Abstract: A system and methods for an electric autobrake function suitable for use with an aircraft is disclosed. The system includes a single master autobrake channel configured to generate a master autobrake command and a plurality of slave autobrake channels configured to receive the autobrake master command. The methods receive autobrake command actuation data, compute a common autobrake master command based upon the autobrake command actuation data, and synchronize brake application by utilizing the common autobrake master command to actuate all brake actuators.

Abstract: An apparatus for animating a moving and speaking enhanced-believability, character in real time, comprising a plurality of behavior generators, each for defining a respective aspect of facial behavior, a unifying scripter, associated with the behavior generators, the scripter operable to combine the behaviors into a unified animation script, and a renderer, associated with the unifying scripter, the renderer operable to render the character in accordance with the script, thereby to enhance believability of the character.

Abstract: A means for exporting a Task-Method-Knowledge (TMK) hierarchy is disclosed using XML as an intermediate file format. Using a computer interface, a user selects the TMK hierarchy, or portion of a TMK hierarchy, to export. The elements of the selected are written to a XML document using an XML schema specifically designed for the task. The order of element export assures that elements and relationships between elements are complete. The exported hierarchy as an XML document is transported to another XML hierarchy and imported. The user selects a receiving TMK project on the receiving system and resolves any naming conflicts.

Abstract: An electric brake system for an aircraft employs a brake control process to alleviate high dynamic structural loading of the aircraft landing gear caused by braking maneuvers. The system obtains and processes real-time data—which may include the current aircraft speed, the current brake pedal deflection position, and the current brake pedal deflection rate—to determine how best to control the onset of the brakes. The braking control scheme delays the onset of the desired braking condition to reduce high dynamic loading and lurching of the aircraft.

Abstract: An electric brake system for an aircraft employs a brake control process to alleviate high dynamic structural loading of the aircraft landing gear caused by braking maneuvers. The system obtains and processes real-time data—which may include the current aircraft speed, the current brake pedal deflection position, and the current brake pedal deflection rate—to determine how best to control the onset of the brakes. The braking control scheme delays the onset of the desired braking condition to reduce high dynamic loading and lurching of the aircraft.

Abstract: An apparatus for animating a moving and speaking enhanced-believability, character in real time, comprising a plurality of behavior generators, each for defining a respective aspect of facial behavior, a unifying scripter, associated with the behavior generators, the scripter operable to combine the behaviors into a unified animation script, and a renderer, associated with the unifying scripter, the renderer operable to render the character in accordance with the script, thereby to enhance believability of the character.

Abstract: An electric brake system for an aircraft includes a power interlock mechanism that prevents inadvertent (uncommanded) application of brakes. The interlock removes operating power from the brake mechanisms whenever the brake system sensor data does not indicate a legitimate brake application condition. The interlock processing occurs in parallel with the brake command processing such that even if an inadvertent brake command is generated, the brake mechanisms will be unable to act upon the inadvertent brake command.

Abstract: A system and methods for an electric autobrake function suitable for use with an aircraft is disclosed. The system includes a single master autobrake channel configured to generate a master autobrake command and a plurality of slave autobrake channels configured to receive the autobrake master command. The methods receive autobrake command actuation data, compute a common autobrake master command based upon the autobrake command actuation data, and synchronize brake application by utilizing the common autobrake master command to actuate all brake actuators.

Abstract: An electric autobrake interlock system for an aircraft includes an autobrake power interlock mechanism that prevents inadvertent (uncommanded) application of brakes. The autobrake power interlock removes operating power from the brake actuators whenever the autobrake actuation data does not indicate a legitimate autobrake application condition. The interlock processing occurs in parallel with the autobrake command processing such that even if an inadvertent autobrake command is generated, the brake actuators will be unable to act upon the inadvertent autobrake command. In this regard, the brake actuators are unable to apply brakes automatically unless the following two actions happen concurrently: the operating power is provided to enable the electric brake actuators and autobrake actuation control is commanded in response to the legitimate autobrake application condition.

Abstract: An electric brake system for an aircraft includes a power interlock mechanism that prevents inadvertent (uncommanded) application of brakes. The interlock removes operating power from the brake mechanisms whenever the brake system sensor data does not indicate a legitimate brake application condition. The interlock processing occurs in parallel with the brake command processing such that even if an inadvertent brake command is generated, the brake mechanisms will be unable to act upon the inadvertent brake command.

Abstract: A system and procedures for setting a parking brake for an aircraft having an electric brake system are disclosed. Electric activation of a parking brake as described herein mimics the sequence of events that is performed to engage the parking brake of legacy hydraulic brake systems. The electric activation process obtains brake pedal deflection data and parking brake lever status data, and determines whether to set the parking brake mechanism based upon the received data. Once the electric brake actuators are set, the electric brake system engages a friction brake to hold the brake actuators in place without having to physically lock or latch the brake pedals in a depressed position.

Abstract: A system and procedures for adjusting brake mechanisms for an aircraft having an electric brake system are disclosed. The brake actuator mechanisms are controlled to achieve different parking brake actuation states as a function of the current engine run status (e.g., engine off, engine idle, or engine above idle). Procedures for adjusting an aircraft parking brake as disclosed herein include setting the brake actuator mechanisms to achieve a relatively low clamping force when the aircraft engines are off or idling, and setting the brake mechanisms to achieve a relatively high clamping force when the aircraft engines are running above idle, and to maintain commanded brake force without active or battery power by engaging a mechanical clutch or latch to the brake actuator.

Abstract: An electric brake system for an aircraft as described herein electrically actuates brake mechanisms in a seamless manner when a power interrupt condition is experienced. While operating in an autobraking mode and in response to a power interrupt condition, the electric brake system preserves the last brake actuation command generated by the autobrake function. After normal operating power is reestablished, the last brake actuation command is retrieved and processed by the electric brake system. While operating in a pedal braking mode and in response to a power interrupt condition, the electric brake system discards the last brake actuation command generated from brake pedal interaction. After normal operating power is reestablished, the brake pedal data is refreshed to generate a new brake actuation command. These procedures reduce lurching and unexpected brake actuation levels following a power interrupt in the electric brake system.

Abstract: An electric brake system architecture for an aircraft with two or more electrical braking subsystems including brake system controls configured to communicate pilot pedal commands to electric brake actuator controllers that apply or release brakes in wheel groups. The system allows independent brake activation of wheel groups through a plurality of brake system controls and electric brake actuator controllers. The electric braking system further includes remote data consolidators to collect and transmit wheel data to brake system controls through a digital data communication bus. The system reduces aircraft weight, prevents inadvertent braking, and prevents error propagation between subsystems.

Abstract: An automatic fore/aft detection procedure as described herein may be implemented in connection with an aircraft brake control system that utilizes wheel-mounted accelerometers that detect landing gear acceleration for purposes of antiskid control. The fore/aft detection procedure automatically determines that the aircraft is moving in a forward direction based upon the current wheel speed and rotational direction of the wheels. Once detected, forward direction is assigned to the rotational direction of each wheel (clockwise or counterclockwise) and a fore/aft orientation can be assigned to the accelerometer for each wheel.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for using a plurality of knowledge acquisition approaches to provide a solution to a task. The method includes providing at least one input parameter to define the task and at least one solution parameter to define the solution. A determination is made whether to use a Task-Method-Knowledge approach or a Structure-Behavior-Function approach for processing the task and the task is processed based on the input parameter. If the determined approach is the Task-Method-Knowledge approach, the processing may include determining whether a first portion of the task should be processed independently and whether to use the Task-Method-Knowledge approach or the Structure-Behavior-Function approach for processing the first portion. If the determined approach is the Structure-Behavior-Function approach, the processing may include determining whether a second portion of the task should be processed using the Task-Method-Knowledge approach.

Abstract: A means for exporting a Task-Method-Knowledge (TMK) hierarchy is disclosed using XML as an intermediate file format. Using a computer interface, a user selects the TMK hierarchy, or portion of a TMK hierarchy, to export. The elements of the selected are written to a XML document using an XML schema specifically designed for the task. The order of element export assures that elements and relationships between elements are complete. The exported hierarchy as an XML document is transported to another XML hierarchy and imported. The user selects a receiving TMK project on the receiving system and resolves any naming conflicts.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for the graphical entry of knowledge information in Task-Method-Knowledge (TMK) notation into a computer system. The system comprises methods for entering the TMK hierarchy, defining new tasks 510, methods 512, procedures 522, and subtasks 518. Defined elements may be reviewed, modified, or deleted. Inputs to the tasks may be defined and the outputs of methods and procedures may be assigned. The hierarchy may be processed towards a solution. The entered hierarchy is displayed with visual clues as to the state and progress of the solution process.

Abstract: An apparatus for animating a moving and speaking enhanced-believability, character in real time, comprising a plurality of behavior generators, each for defining a respective aspect of facial behavior, a unifying scripter, associated with the behavior generators, the scripter operable to combine the behaviors into a unified animation script, and a renderer, associated with the unifying scripter, the renderer operable to render the character in accordance with the script, thereby to enhance believability of the character.