Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or “drone” executes a neural network to assist with detecting and responding to attacks. The neural network may monitor, in real time, the data stream from a plurality of onboard sensors during navigation and may communicate with a high-altitude pseudosatellite (“HAPS”) platform. For example, if the neural network detects a cyber-attack but determines that it does not interfere with external communications, it may shift navigation control of the drone to the HAPS.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and aircraft for managing center of gravity (CG) while transporting large cargo are described. Management of CG is achieved in many ways. In some instances, the aircraft itself is designed to assist in managing CG by providing fuel tanks that minimize the impact of fuel on the net CG of the aircraft. The fuel tanks utilize only a small amount of available volume in the wings for fuel. Disclosures related to properly managing CG while loading wind turbines onto cargo aircraft are also provided. The CG management techniques provided for herein allow for the transportation of wind turbine blades via aircraft, running counter to the typical rail or truck transportation of the same. One such management technique includes accounting for how a rotation of the blades when loading impacts the CG of the blades, and thus taking this into account when placing the blades in the aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft lighting health monitoring system is disclosed. Aircraft lights include each include one or more sensors. Multiple lights having such a sensor(s) are operatively interconnected with this common aircraft lighting health monitoring system. A CPU of this aircraft lighting health monitoring system may be maintained in a sleep mode until needed to assess sensor data of a first data classification, at which time the CPU is used for this assessment and outputs an appropriate health status communication to one or more displays. A DMA controller of the aircraft lighting health monitoring system may be used to handle sensor data of a second data classification (e.g., to control storage of such sensor data).

Abstract: An image display system includes: an external environment information acquiring device configured to acquire external environment information around a mobile body; a display device configured to display the external environment information; and a control device configured to control a display of the external environment information on the display device, wherein the control device is configured to generate a virtual viewpoint image in which the mobile body and an object around the mobile body are viewed from a virtual viewpoint, cause the display device to display the virtual viewpoint image, move the virtual viewpoint along a trajectory set around the mobile body, set a restricted section in the trajectory such that the restricted section is arranged in front of the mobile body in a plan view, and execute viewpoint restricting control to restrict a display of the virtual viewpoint image from the virtual viewpoint in the restricted section.

Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) system and method that provides multimodal decision support for users engaged in safety critical missions. A system includes a wearable device having a first lens configured for a first eye of a user and a second lens configured for a second eye of the user; and a computing platform integrated into the wearable device that includes: a communication manager configured to receive and process communication feeds from a plurality of data sources; and a display manager configured to display image-based data on the first lens and text-based data on the second lens, wherein the image-based data includes a set of user-selectable views and the text-based data includes a set of user-selectable pages, and wherein only one of the image-based data or text-based data is displayable for the user at a time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for lighting a vehicle. A system includes a plurality of lights disposed on a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle configured to turn on and off, change color, and/or change intensity. The system further includes a controller configured to determine a lighting scheme for the plurality of lights, the lighting scheme including a setting for the plurality of lights, the setting including one or more of turning the plurality of lights on or off, setting a color of the plurality of lights, and setting an intensity of the plurality of lights, determine a location in or associated with the VTOL vehicle, wherein the lighting scheme is configured to guide a person to the location, and transmit a signal to the one or more lights to execute the lighting scheme to guide the person to the determined location.

Abstract: Disclosed is a borescope-based inspection method for inspecting a condition of an externally invisible component of a device, in which method a change in the microstructure of the component material is determined based on a physical property and evaluated in relation to at least one reference physical value that accounts for aging of the component. Also disclosed is a system having a computing unit and at least one probe for performing such an inspection method for selecting, with the aid of or, in particular, by a computer, a non-destructive testing method for measuring the physical property and for actually measuring the physical property, for performing a comparison between a measured value and the reference value and for performing an evaluation of a tolerance between the measured value and the reference value.

Abstract: A method of adjusting an operator workload during a travel segment including tracking over a time period, using at least one sensor, one of inputs by an operator indicative of an operator workload or image sensor data or a biometric parameter indicative of an operator stress level during the travel segment. Determining, using a controller that is operatively connected to the at least one sensor, a level of one of the operator workload or operator stress level. The method also includes adjusting, using a controller that is operatively connected to the control computer, the operator workload when the level of one of the operator workload or operator stress level exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving data related to a first flight risk factor and a second flight risk factor where the first and second risk factors include one of: a proficiency risk factor, an equipment risk factor, an environmental risk factor, or a performance risk factor. Applying a first weighting to the first flight risk factor to generate a first weighted flight risk factor, and applying a second weighting to the second flight risk factor to generate a second weighted flight risk factor. Assessing a flight risk level for a flight based on the first weighted flight risk factor and the second weighted flight risk factor. Providing data indicating the assessed flight risk level for the flight for display to a user.

Abstract: A queue system for a lavatory of an aircraft can include a queue module configured to receive a request from a user input device and to create and/or modify a virtual lavatory queue based on a request hierarchy of the request to position the request in the virtual lavatory queue, and a sensor operatively connected to the queue module and configured to output a state change signal indicative of a user leaving the lavatory. The queue module can be configured to receive the state change signal, iterate the virtual lavatory queue in response to the state change signal, and output a vacancy indicator signal to an indicator device associated with a request that is at a front of the virtual lavatory queue after iterating the virtual lavatory queue to indicate to a user that it is the user's turn in the queue.

Abstract: A system of a machine includes a network of nodes distributed throughout the machine. Each of the nodes is operable to communicate using a plurality of electromagnetic signals. A controller is operable to communicate with the nodes using electromagnetic signals. A radio frequency-based repeater is in the network between the controller and at least one of the nodes. The radio frequency-based repeater is configured to operate using power extracted from at least one of the electromagnetic signals when a signal-to-noise ratio is above a threshold, and the radio frequency-based repeater is configured to use energy stored in an onboard energy storage system when the signal-to-noise ratio is below the threshold.

Abstract: A pilot may be more stressed during take-off or landing, which is not abnormal. Physiological data of the pilot may be received. Placing the physiological data in context of the current situation may be advantageous in detecting anomalous behaviors of the pilot. A system and method are described. The system and method receive a stream of images from a camera and detect whether the pilot is exhibiting anomalous behavior. The anomalous behavior is further put into context based on the flight state and various avionics information.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of displaying compatibility between an aircraft and a landing port, the method comprising: determining a current position of the aircraft and a gross weight of the aircraft; determining a landing port based on the current position of the aircraft; receiving a set of parameters associated with the determined landing port; determining an elevation of the determined landing port and a gross weight supported by the determined landing port at least based on the received parameters; determining whether the aircraft is compatible with the landing port at least based on the determined elevation of the determined landing port and by comparing a gross weight of the aircraft with the gross weight supported by the determined landing port; and causing display on a display device of the aircraft of an indication of the determination of whether the aircraft is compatible with the landing port.

Abstract: A method of determining component health including measuring an electrical characteristic of a component during operation using a sensor coupled to the component having internal circuitry to be monitored and to a configurable external sensing device to as specified by configuration settings stored in the external sensing device and comparing the measured electrical characteristic to a baseline using a computational device within the configurable external sensing device in order to determine component health.

Abstract: An Aircraft Passenger Compliance Monitoring System (APCMS) for automating compliance monitoring for passengers onboard an aircraft is disclosed. In some embodiments, the APCMS includes an onboard server, an onboard network communicatively coupled to the onboard server, and an aircraft passenger compliance monitoring application communicatively coupled to the onboard server and the onboard network. The aircraft passenger compliance monitoring application is configured to receive passenger information related to each of a plurality of passengers. The aircraft passenger compliance monitoring application is further configured to perform a set of monitoring processes from a plurality of monitoring processes on the passenger related information received for each of the plurality of passengers. The aircraft passenger compliance monitoring application is further configured to generate a compliance measure in response to performing the set of monitoring processes.

Abstract: A multiplexing optical system includes a light source, a lens and a lens array. The light source includes a plurality of light emitting elements of surface emitting lasers. The lens is configured to change and condense optical paths of laser light beams emitted from the light emitting elements. The lens array includes a plurality of lens regions arrayed so as to correspond to respective optical paths of the laser light beams changed by the lens, and is configured to condense the laser light beams by the lens regions to form a multiplexed beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for validating the graphical generation of symbols to display, comprising a graphical generation of symbols to display to form a video stream comprising a plurality of rasters, comprising a pixel generation, with the attribution of at least one associated symbol attribute for each pixel contributing to one of said symbols. The method comprises, for at least one raster of said video stream: obtaining at least one reference symbol attribute associated with at least one symbol to be monitored; identifying pixels having the reference symbol attribute(s), during a scan of the pixels of said raster in a predetermined course direction, these pixels contributing to said at least one symbol to be monitored, and calculating associated characteristic information; validating the display of the symbol(s) to be monitored based on the calculated characteristic information and of source information associated with said symbols to display.

Abstract: Identification and guidance systems configured to facilitate vehicle management in logistics yards or the like are described. The systems can include an identification and guidance (I/G) unit attached to each transport vehicle within the logistics yard. The I/G unit transmits information (e.g., location and guidance information) over a wireless network to a remote controller. The remote controller can transmit relevant information received from the I/G unit to a portable communications device associated with the transport vehicle to which the I/G unit is mounted. For example, the portable communications device may be located in a tractor being used to maneuver the transport vehicle about the logistics yard so that the driver can use the information displayed on the portable communications device to assist with maneuvering the transport vehicle. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to providing pilots with timely information to allow for better decision making and improved safety during the piloting of a flight. The systems and methods described herein can employ a collection of algorithms that can take disparate information, process it, and synthesize it into meaningful information for a pilot, flight crew, other flight systems, and/or other algorithms to consume.

Abstract: An LED stroboscope device synchronized with a camera, which comprises: a power supply unit; a stroboscope unit which receives power from the power supply unit so as to charge the power for generating a flashing light, and then, outputs a flashing light generation signal for electric discharge of the charged power; a continuous light unit which receives the power from the power supply unit so as to output a continuous light generation signal for generating continuous light; a light emitting unit which individually receives the flashing light generation signal and the continuous light generation signal so as to generate the flashing light and the continuous light; and a control unit which receives the power from the power supply unit so as to individually control the stroboscope unit and the continuous light unit, thereby outputting the flashing light generation signal and the continuous light generation signal.

Abstract: A system for a connector for charging an electric aircraft, wherein the system comprises a charging port located on an electric aircraft, wherein the charging port is configured to mate with a charger connector, receive at least an electrical current from current conductor, and detect a detection datum using at least a sensor. The system also includes a controller communicatively connected to the charging port, wherein the controller is configured to receive the detection datum from the at least a sensor and stop flow of the electrical current as a function of the detection datum.

Abstract: In an aspect a connector for charging an electric aircraft, wherein the connector includes a housing includes to mate with an electric aircraft port of an electric aircraft. The connector also includes at least a current conductor configured to conduct a current. A current conductor may include a direct current conductor configured to conduct a direct current and an alternating current conductor configured to conduct an alternating current. A current conductor also includes at least a control signal conductor configured to conduct a control signal wherein each of the at least a conductor and the at least a control signal conductor are configured to make a connection with a mating component on the electric aircraft port when the housing is mated with the electric aircraft port. A connector further includes a proximity sensor and a controller. The controller may be configured to be communicatively connected to the proximity sensor.

Abstract: An imaging system for a moving vehicle aggregates pre-existing data with sensor data to provide an image of the surrounding environment in real-time. The pre-existing data are combined with data from one or more 3-D sensors, and 2-D information from a camera, to create a scene model that is rendered for display. The system accepts data from a 3-D sensor, transforms the data into a 3-D data structure, fuses the pre-existing scene data with the 3-D data structure and 2-D image data from a 2-D sensor to create a combined scene model, and renders the combined scene model for display. The system may also weight aspects of data from first and second sensors to select at least one aspect from the first sensor and another aspect from the second sensor; wherein fusing the pre-existing scene data with the sensor data uses the selected aspect from the first sensor and the selected aspect from the second sensor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes, but is not limited to, an aviation head-mounted communication device including at least: a speaker, a physiological sensor configured to obtain physiological data, and a wireless communication interface; and a smartphone, a smartwatch, or tablet device wirelessly linked to the wireless communication interface and configured to receive the physiological data and output the physiological data on a display.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides predictive flight diversion management by: receiving weather data for a zone of air traffic control; receiving flight tracking data for a plurality of aircraft travelling in the zone of air traffic control; determining capacity rates for a plurality of airports in the zone of air traffic control, based on the flight tracking data; and in response to receiving a diversion trigger from a predictive model predicting a diversion event: determining, based on the weather data, the flight tracking data, and the capacity rates, a subset of aircraft from the plurality of aircraft that are to be diverted from original destinations in the zone of air traffic control to new destinations.

Abstract: A system and method relates to analysing data indicative of system performance for a vehicular transport system. More particularly, the present invention relates to integrating aircraft management, monitoring, and maintenance systems, such as Health & Usage Monitoring/Management Systems (HUMS), On-board Maintenance Systems (OMS), Cockpit Voice & Flight Data Recorders (CVFDR), and/or Quick Access Recorder (QAR) previously distributed over multiple systems, into a single circuit card assembly (CCA). The single circuit card may consist of the electronics needed for data acquisition, processing, storage and transmission to support all of the above systems and similar. The present system and method is further related to running the software to perform aircraft management, monitoring, and maintenance functions on the single common CCA.

Abstract: There is described a vehicle color-lighting control system. The system comprises at least one sidewall (101) having an electrically-controllable coloring mechanism (106) embedded therein and arranged for coloring at least a portion of the at least one sidewall with at least one first color; a lighting sub-system (110) comprising at least one light source (112) mounted within the vehicle to illuminate an interior of the vehicle with at least one second color in a first state and with at least one third color in a second state; and a controller coupled to the coloring mechanism and the lighting sub-system and configured for operating the coloring mechanism to color the at least one portion of the at least one sidewall with the at least one first color and concurrently illuminate the interior of the vehicle with the at least one second color.

Abstract: A voice-activated system for interactive heads-up display (HUD) and control of traffic targets is disclosed. In embodiments, the HUD receives and decodes traffic information from onboard surveillance systems to identify proximate aircraft within a threshold range and the positions of each aircraft. The HUD arranges proximate aircraft into an ordered sequence based on distance from ownship or other priority criteria. When the HUD is active, interactive symbols are displayed at the positions of the proximate aircraft. A heads-up controller includes a microphone and switch operable by the pilot to signal incoming spoken instructions. The pilot can use voice commands to activate or deactivate the traffic overlay system or set parameters. Voice commands allow the pilot to highlight, select, and designate traffic targets for visual separation or other traffic applications based on the locations of traffic targets or by verbally identifying specific traffic targets.

Abstract: An aircraft-based synthetic vision system (SVS) is disclosed. In embodiments, the SVS includes avionics processors in communication with onboard lightning detection sensors, which provide the SVS with real-time lightning data (e.g., bearing to, and distance from, the aircraft) about proximate lightning strikes. Based on the real-time lightning data, the avionics processors generate flight deck effects (FDE) corresponding to identified areas of lightning activity (e.g., a sufficient quantity of strikes, exceeding a strike threshold, within a particular airspace during a time window), each FDE having a particular bearing to and distance from the aircraft. The FDE data is processed by a display system aboard the aircraft (e.g., a cockpit-based primary flight display (PFD) or head-worn/heads-up display (HWD/HUD)) which incorporates the generated FDEs into the SVS status display provided to the flight crew or pilot at the appropriate bearing and distance relative to the aircraft.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting preflight planning for autonomous flight missions of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system includes use of a controller to conduct quantitative risk assessments of available digital data to predict low risk flight routes based on estimated flight risk profiles. The flight risk profiles may be based upon flight safety-critical information, including real time regulatory, airspace, obstacle, and infrastructure data sets. Among other data sets, the flight risk profiles may also account for current weather, current population and traffic data, and aircraft operational data specific to the UAV involved. Each risk assessment can generate a flight risk profile dependent on proposed times of travel, from which a low risk route may be predicted for any impending autonomous aircraft flight. Such risk assessments may enhance chances of expeditious regulatory acceptance of flight plans for such predetermined flight routes.

Abstract: Monitoring and reporting methods and apparatus include the acquisition of detailed aircraft state and systems data, analysis of the collected data, and transmission of the collected data and/or analysis of the collected data to a destination automatically via a portable electronic device which is carried onto and off of the aircraft by the pilot or another crew member. More particularly, monitoring and reporting methods and apparatus include collecting analog or digital sensor data onboard an aircraft, analyzing the data in real-time, and automatically transmitting the data and/or analysis of the data to a destination including a portable storage device such as a portable computer, electronic flight bag (EFB), or smart phone, by means such as wireless transmission, for automatic transfer to another destination when the portable computer, electronic flight bag (EFB), or smart phone is off of the aircraft.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automating processes of receiving, prioritizing, and grouping weather data into a weather event, extent of weather event, and an associated duration for presentation on a displayed mission timeline in an aircraft having a flight plan (FP). The method includes: receiving, by a controller circuit, weather data, aircraft state data, and aircraft system status data; identifying a weather phenomenon that impacts the FP and creating an information structure for the weather phenomenon, the information structure including at least a type, a subtype, a severity, a start of impact and an end of impact. The method also includes presenting a weather event indicator overlaid on the mission timeline to indicate the weather phenomenon. The rendering of the weather event indicator on the mission timeline additionally depicts on the mission timeline: a start, an end, and duration of the weather event.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electric drivetrain kits for converting all-terrain vehicles into hybrid or electric vehicles. In exemplary embodiments, a conversion kit replaces an existing standard single motor and transmission drive system with a dual set-up including a motor for each rear wheel and a split transmission that houses two sets of gear reduction components in a single housing or an all-wheel configuration with two transmission sets (front and rear). Dual output shafts in each transmission set drive the wheels independently to provide the torque needed as required and demanded by each wheel. System electronics send signals to the motors and other components to manage the system and independently control each wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a life vest container device, in particular aircraft seat life vest container device, for a life vest unit, with a life vest container comprising an accommodation unit that has an accommodation space as well as an access opening to the accommodation space, and with a monitoring device. It is proposed that the monitoring device is at least configured to capture a change of at least one characteristic via at least one electric and/or electronic signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assisting a pilot during flight of an aircraft are disclosed. The method includes receiving data indicative of a current location of the aircraft during flight and data indicative of a flight boundary, and determining that the flight boundary is relevant to the aircraft. The method also includes causing a display device to display a surface representing the flight boundary relative to the current location of the aircraft.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes monitoring systems and methods for data collection in an industrial environment. A system can include a data collector and a data acquisition circuit to interpret a plurality of detection values corresponding to input channels, wherein the data acquisition circuit acquires sensor data from a first route of input channels. A data storage stores sensor specifications for sensors and a data analysis circuit evaluates the sensor data with respect to the stored anticipated state information including an alarm threshold level. The data analysis circuit sets an alarm state when the alarm threshold level is exceeded for a first input channel and transmits the alarm state to a routing control facility. A response circuit changes the routing of the input channels to an alternate routing upon reception of a routing change indication from the routing control facility.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for correcting a vertical speed of an aircraft. An instantaneous vertical speed of the aircraft is obtained, based on inertial data from an inertial reference unit on the aircraft. A first correction is applied to the instantaneous vertical speed to generate a baro-inertial vertical speed, and a second correction is applied to the baro-inertial vertical speed based on an error between a geometric vertical speed and the baro-inertial vertical speed to obtain a temperature-corrected baro-inertial vertical speed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for transmitting power and data together in a rotorcraft using a slip ring assembly is disclosed. According to one example, a computer-implemented method includes providing a slip ring assembly comprising a stationary element coupled to an airframe of a rotorcraft and a rotatable element rotatable relative to the stationary element and coupled to a rotor assembly of the rotorcraft. Power is transmitted from a power source associated with the airframe to an electronic device associated with the rotor assembly, the slip ring assembly being configured to complete an electrical circuit between the power source and the electronic device to provide power from the power source to the electronic device. Data is transmitted from a first data transceiver associated with the airframe to a second data transceiver associated with the rotor assembly via the electrical circuit completed by the slip ring assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for planning a multimodal itinerary. The systems and methods may include receiving a transportation request. The transportation request may include a starting location, a final destination, and an estimated payload data. During a first leg of the multimodal itinerary, an updated payload data may be received. An aerial vehicle may be assigned to a subsequent leg of the multimodal itinerary based on the updated payload data.

Abstract: An example embodiment of a system and methods for detecting and reporting whether passengers are seated and secured in their seats within a vehicle may include a passenger sensor configured to provide an output indicative of a presence of a passenger in a seat in a vehicle, a restraint sensor configured to provide an output indicative of a status of a passenger safety restraint associated with the seat, a transmitter configured to be in electronic communication with the passenger sensor and the restraint sensor and to wirelessly transmit data indicative of the presence of a passenger in the seat and the status of the restrain, and a reporting module configured to be disposed proximate a driver of the vehicle. The reporting module may be configured to receive the data from the transmitter, and output a respective status for each of a plurality of seats.

Abstract: Provided are technologically improved systems and methods for providing terrain and runway feedback for an aircraft over a secured datalink. The method utilizes a controller onboard the aircraft and one on the ground. The controller onboard the aircraft performs the operations of: formatting a data package of mobile platform data; confirming the aircraft has a valid subscription service; securing the data package using a security protocol; and transmitting the data package via a secured datalink. The ground controller performs the operations of: confirming the subscription service of the aircraft; validating the security protocol used on the data package; decoding and processing the data with map extraction, threat detection, and image generation to generate raw terrain and runway feedback data; and transmitting the raw data using the secured datalink. An alert controller is used to generate alert commands for various alert devices based on the raw terrain and runway feedback data.

Abstract: A system and method for augmenting synthetic vision system (SVS) databases with spectrum diverse features that are matched to the observations of natural scenes derived from non-visible band sensors. The system correlates sensor output with a-priori information in databases to enhance system precision and robustness. Multiple diverse sensors image naturally occurring, or artificial features (towers buildings etc.) and store the multi-spectral attributes of those features within the enhanced multi-spectral database and share the information with other systems. The system, upon “live” observation of those features and attributes, correlates current observations with expected fiducial observations in the multi-spectral database and confirms operation, navigation, precise position, and sensor fidelity to enable autonomous operation of an aircraft employing the system.

Abstract: An announcement device or a passenger aircraft contains a memory or announcements with assigned potential flight phases and a control and evaluation unit with inputs for input signals with information relating to flight phases of the passenger aircraft, an output for the announcements, wherein the control and evaluation unit is configured to determine a current flight phase on the basis of the input signals, to check whether an announcement for the current flight phase is present in the memory, and to output this announcement as the current announcement at the output. A passenger aircraft contains the announcement device. In a method for outputting an announcement, announcements and input signals are provided, a current flight phase is automatically determined from the said input signals and a possibly present associated current announcement is output. A cabin management system of a passenger aircraft is used as an announcement device and/or to carry out the method.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and device for recognizing a state of an electrical device. The method includes obtaining an image of the electrical device in a field, wherein the electrical device is disposed on a plane of a predefined polygon in the field; obtaining an original appearance image of the electrical device in the field by recovering the predefined polygon in the image to an original appearance of the predefined polygon; and determining the state of the electrical device based on the original appearance image of the electrical device in the field.

Abstract: Methods and systems according to one or more examples are provided for avoiding foreign object strikes on rotorcraft vehicles. In one example, a vehicle comprises a rotor comprising a rotor blade, a first sensor configured to provide first sensor information associated with an object proximate the vehicle, and a second sensor configured to provide second sensor information associated with the rotor. The vehicle further comprises a processor coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor configured to selectively control the rotor to minimize damage to the vehicle by the object based on the first and second sensor information.

Abstract: An avionics mounting unit includes a housing with a first mounting interface to couple the housing to a structure of an aircraft and a second mounting interface to couple an avionics device to the housing. The second mounting interface includes slots oriented orthogonal to each other and extending to sides of the housing such that the avionics device can be installed via the slots from any of four sides of the housing. The avionics mounting unit also includes communication circuitry, power supply circuitry, one or more avionics device interface ports, and one or more aircraft interface ports. The avionics device interface port(s) are configured to provide power to the avionics device and configured to enable data communications with the avionics device. The aircraft interface port(s) are configured to receive power from the aircraft and to enable data communications between other aircraft systems and the avionics device.

Abstract: A method for providing adaptive control to a fly-by-wire aircraft includes measuring via at least one first sensor a characteristic of at least one component of the aircraft and measuring via at least one second sensor a state of the aircraft. Using the characteristic of at least one component and the state of the aircraft, a determination of at least one of an actual damage and remaining life of the at least one component is made. The operational envelope of the aircraft is adapted based on the at least one of actual damage and remaining life of the at least one component. Adapting the operational envelope includes adjusting an outer boundary thereof to prohibit operation exceeding a safe operation threshold and generating an intermediate boundary of the operational envelope. Operation of the aircraft within the intermediate boundaries minimizes further damage accrual of the at least one component.

Abstract: Identification and guidance systems configured to facilitate vehicle management in logistics yards or the like are described. The systems can include an identification and guidance (I/G) unit attached to each transport vehicle within the logistics yard. The I/G unit transmits information (e.g., location and guidance information) over a wireless network to a remote controller. The remote controller can transmit relevant information received from the I/G unit to a portable communications device associated with the transport vehicle to which the I/G unit is mounted. For example, the portable communications device may be located in a tractor being used to maneuver the transport vehicle about the logistics yard so that the driver can use the information displayed on the portable communications device to assist with maneuvering the transport vehicle. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A control system and method of controlling access to storage bins in a vehicle. The system includes a lock configured to be selectively movable between a locked position to prevent access to an interior of the storage bins and an unlocked position to allow access to the interior of the storage bins. A switch is positioned in a cabin of the vehicle. A control circuit is configured to determine an operational status of the vehicle and selectively position the locks. The control circuit can also receive an override signal from the switch and unlock the locks in certain situations.

Abstract: Provided are embodiments for a system for validating a smoke detection layout, where the system includes a memory and a processor. The processor is configured to receive one or more inputs, model transport and dispersion of smoke to a smoke detector of an environment based on the one or more inputs, wherein the model is based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) function, and select a subset of input parameters from the one or more inputs to test. The processor is also configured to test the smoke detection system layout using the selected subset of input parameters, determine an alarm time probability using uncertainty quantifications for the selected subset of input parameters, and provide the alarm time probability and confidence level for the selected subset parameters. Also provided are embodiments for a method to validate a smoke detection system layout.