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: 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.

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: A graphical user interface (GUI) of a display screen connected to a machine and, more particularly, to GUIs of one or more display screens that have a relative coordinate system to display parameter information from one or more connected machines. The GUI may include one or more display screens associated with a data bus for a machine, one or more data storage devices for storing processor readable instructions, and at least one processor configured to perform operations stored on the one or more data storage devices. The at least one processor may be configured to receive operations data from the data bus for the machine, extract parameter information from the operations data, and generate the GUI. The GUI may depict a plurality of parameter elements, wherein the plurality of parameter elements are arranged and scaled according to the extracted parameter information, arrangement rules, and display screen resolution.

Abstract: Aviation method comprising performing a single-pilot flight of inter-continental duration T>tp=predetermined single-pilot maximal single pilot flight duration; including using pilot-in-command logic empower a single airborne pilot to pilot via an airborne man-machine interface (MMI), only for a time window W<tp, where W includes at least an initial climbing phase of duration t1 and a final descent phase of duration t3; and using pilot-in-command logic to pilot the aircraft during an intermediate cruising phase occurring between the initial climbing and final descent phases, without recourse to the airborne pilot except during an emergency, thereby to accomplish a single-pilot inter-continental flight of duration T>tp, while utilizing the human airborne pilot only for a time period W<tp.

Abstract: A network for providing high speed data communications may include multiple terrestrial transmission stations that are located within overlapping communications range and a mobile receiver station. The terrestrial transmission stations provide a continuous and uninterrupted high speed data communications link with the mobile receiver station employing a wireless radio access network protocol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rendering a game image are disclosed. The method includes: acquiring a control meeting a preset transparency; generating a mesh model according to the control; synchronously loading the mesh model corresponding to the control in the process of displaying the control on a game image; and respectively rendering pixels of an area which is not covered by the mesh model and pixels corresponding to the control on the game image. The present disclosure solves the problem that pixel culling and rendering cannot be performed on a game image covered by a UI control under the architecture of game engine in the related art.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for updating a graphic user interface (GUI) of a vehicle. For instance, the method may include generating and displaying a checklist GUI with a plurality of tasks on a display; determining whether information indicating that a task of the plurality of tasks has been completed has been received; in response to determining that the information indicating that the task has been completed has been received, determining whether a user or a system indicated that the task is complete; in response to determining that the user indicated that the task is complete, updating the checklist GUI to change a status indicator of the task to a first type of status indicator; and in response to determining that the system indicated that the task is complete, updating the checklist GUI to change the status indicator of the task to a second type of status indicator.

Abstract: A method of performing a flight simulation is provided. The method includes retrieving a flight action; mapping the flight action to an instruction, the instruction being configured to bring about a desired state of a flight simulator; identifying a command based on the desired state of the flight simulator and a first state of the flight simulator; and determining if a second state of the flight simulator after executing the command matches the desired state of the flight simulator.

Abstract: A method includes communicating first data to users for real time consumption by the users using a first portion of a system capacity of a system during a first time using a broadcast mode. The system capacity comprises the first portion of a broadcast transmission used for communicating the first data for real time consumption by the users and remnant capacity separate from the first portion of the broadcast transmission for non-real time consumption. The consumption occurs at a same time as when a user requests to consume the first data. The method includes communicating the first data through the communication system to a first device comprising an intermediate data storage device using the remnant capacity of the broadcast transmission during the first time. The first data is communicated using the remnant capacity of the broadcast transmission for non-real time consumption with a user application.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a releasable actuation system includes a support member, a carriage movable relative to the support member, a releasable mount configured to couple the support member to a frame, the support member being rotatable relative to the releasable mount by a rotatable joint, an image capturing sensor connected to the carriage, an actuator connected to the carriage and operable to adjust a position of a switch, a memory having computer readable instructions, and one or more processors for executing the computer readable instructions, the computer readable instructions controlling the one or more processors to perform operations comprising directing the actuator to adjust the position of the switch.

Abstract: During a surveillance mode, the system receives present time-series signals gathered from sensors in the power transformer. Next, the system uses an inferential model to generate estimated values for the present time-series signals, and performs a pairwise differencing operation between actual values and the estimated values for the present time-series signals to produce residuals. The system then performs a sequential probability ratio test on the residuals to produce alarms having associated tripping frequencies (TFs). Next, the system uses a logistic-regression model to compute a risk index for the power transformer based on the TFs. If the risk index exceeds a threshold, the system generates a notification that the power transformer needs to be replaced. The system also periodically updates the logistic-regression model based on the results of periodic dissolved gas analyses for the transformer to more accurately compute the index for the power transformer.

Abstract: A flight guidance panel includes a housing, a first flight guidance display, a second flight guidance display, a standby display, and a controller. The housing defines a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side. The first flight guidance display is disposed in the first longitudinal side of the housing and the second flight guidance display is disposed in the second longitudinal side of the housing. The standby display is disposed between the first flight guidance display and the second flight guidance display. The controller is configured for generating at least one functional panel indicating flight parameters on the first flight guidance display and on the second flight guidance display. The controller is further configured for generating standby flight information for presentation on the standby display.

Abstract: A method for integration of a portable electronic device (PED) with a flight deck display in some embodiments includes providing an onboard network coupled to a flight-deck-installed, multi-function display and coupling the PED to the onboard network. The method may also include receiving information from a PED hosted application in the PED, routing information through a gateway and/or a plurality of firewalls, and displaying information on the flight-deck-installed, multi-function display. In some embodiments, a pilot control interface is coupled to the PED through the onboard network, and a plurality of functions on the PED is controlled via the pilot control interface. An airplane in some embodiments includes a fuselage portion, a wing portion, and a system that carries out the method, possibly through use of computer readable storage medium with stored instructions.

Abstract: A dynamic determination method for determining the position of a stopping point of an aircraft on a landing strip and related system includes determining a first table of average time from touchdown of the aircraft as a function of the ground speed, based on an average deceleration profile of the aircraft; determining a first deceleration profile adapted to the current conditions, based on an engine thrust computed for each ground speed from the average time determined in the first table; determining a second table of time adapted to the current conditions based on the first deceleration profile; determining a second deceleration profile adapted to the current conditions, based on an engine thrust computed for each ground speed from the time determined in the second table; and computing the position of the stopping point from the second adapted deceleration profile.

Abstract: An avian detection system for determining risks of collision between a collision object and bird objects includes avian radar system(s) providing a first type of information data relating to objects detected, and a transponder receiver receiving transponder data transmitted or broadcasted by transponders provided at the collision objects. Processors are configured to receive first type of information data corresponding to the detected objects and provide radar plots. The processors are further configured to receive the transponder data and provide transponder plots, to create and store a number of object tracks based on the provided radar plots and transponder plots, with each track holding object data corresponding to or determined from data of matching plots, and to determine one or more risks of collision or collision risk levels for the collision object based on object data of a plurality of the obtained object tracks.

Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling a vehicle that includes seats each having a seat belt, a seat-belt detector configured to detect a wearing state of each of the seat belt, and a notifying unit that notifies various items of information, a controller determines whether to notify prompt information that prompts wearing of at least one of the seat belts in accordance with a wearing-obligatory number representing the number of one or more occupants who ride on the vehicle and have an obligation to wear the corresponding one or more seat belts and a seat-belt fastened seat number representing the number of one or more seats whose seat belts are fastened.

Abstract: A device, system and method is provided for obtaining and processing turbulence data via communication devices located on-board airplanes. Turbulence data obtained by a plurality of communication devices may be received during flights on-board respective ones of a plurality of airplanes. Turbulence map data may be generated by super-positioning the turbulence data received from the plurality of communication devices onto a single tempo-spatial frame of reference. The turbulence map data may be distributed to one or more of the communication devices. A device, system and method is also provided for generating turbulence map data that may reduce or eliminate “false positive” turbulence events. A device, system and method is also provided for communicating with on-board communication devices operating in a “flight crew mode” or a “passenger mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described, including a system (100) for automatically ascertaining a height characteristic of a contaminant (104) on a travel surface (102). The system (100) comprises an illumination and imaging device (106). At a first time, when the travel surface (102) is generally free of contaminant, the illumination and imaging device (106) illuminates the travel surface (102) with at least one light beam (119), and images at least one impingement of the at least one light beam (119). At a second time, when the travel surface (102) is covered by a layer of contaminant (104), the illumination and imaging device (106) illuminates the travel surface with a light beam (132), and images an impingement of the light beam on an impingement surface (107). In response to the imaging, a computer (130) calculates the height characteristic of the contaminant. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, for an unmanned aerial vehicle electromagnetic avoidance and utilization system. One of the methods includes obtaining a flight package indicating a flight pattern associated with inspecting a structure, the flight pattern causing the UAV to remain at a standoff distance from the structure, wherein the standoff distance is based on an electromagnetic field associated with the structure, and wherein the flight pattern is laterally constrained according to a property geofence associated with a right of way of the structure. The UAV is navigated according to the flight pattern, and the UAV captures images of the structure. For an initial portion of the flight pattern, the UAV navigates at an altitude based on the standoff distance and the property geofence towards the structure. The UAV determines a location at which to capture images of the structure, and the UAV provides the captured images to a user device.

Abstract: A system for programming aircraft galley inserts via tags disposed around the galley includes a tag reader. Such tags may include RFID tags, QR codes, etc., or some combination thereof, and the tag reader comprises an optical sensor, near field communication device, or other RFID reader. The system utilizes the tags to identify the insert's location in the galley, available communications infrastructure and other properties of the galley, and other configurable aspects of the galley insert, and sets internal configurations accordingly. The system may be in data communication with an external processor. The system utilizes the tag, and communicates with the processor to determine a system configuration based on the tag.

Abstract: A flight planning system for providing a flight planning tool on a client device includes a flight planning module, a weather module, and an airport module. A flight planning API is configured to communicate with the modules and client device, and receive, via client device hardware, a request for information associated with a selection of one of a plurality of tools corresponding to one of the modules. Accessing the flight planning system includes identifying a user and authorizing access to the flight planning system. The flight planning module is configured to: retrieve, based on the tool selection, information responsive to the request from at least one of a third-party device or another of the plurality of modules; generate an aviation flight plan based on the information responsive to the request; and transmit the flight plan to the client device for display via the client device.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of an object in a zone by means of a wireless detector located proximal to the zone, the wireless detector comprising an orientation sensor for sensing the spatial attitude of the detector, the method comprising: defining a solid angle relative to a first spatial reference plane, the solid angle being defined such that at least part of the zone is within that solid angle when the solid angle is projected from the location of the detector; detecting by means of the detector a wireless signal from the object, and thereby estimating the direction of the object from the detector with reference to a second spatial reference plane fixed relative to the detector; sensing by means of the orientation sensor the spatial attitude of the detector; and comparing the solid angle and the estimated direction in dependence on the sensed spatial attitude so as to determine whether the object is present in the zone.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes, an airborne data library onboard an airborne platform, configured for automatic management of situation awareness data (SAD), the airborne data library comprising an onboard data management system; the on-board data management system comprises a data management unit and an onboard data-repository; the data management unit being operatively connectible to at least one computer processor and configured to: establish a communication link with at least one situation awareness data (SAD) source; obtain situation awareness data from the at least one SAD source; process the SAD based on data management logic being accessible to the data management unit.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for recording and archiving diverse communications over radio transmissions. The system and apparatus enables unattended airports within a geofenced area to generate a useful archive of all radio communications made by Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipped aircraft and ground personnel. A combination of hardware and software components are provided to record and store radio transmissions in computer files. Once stored, the computer files may then be replayed for training and investigation purposes. Likewise, users may generate custom reports based upon the data embodied in the computer files.

Abstract: An aircraft having an electric motor coupled to a rotor and an instrument electronically connected to the electric motor and configured to communicate a time available value before a motor condition reaches a motor condition limit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for conditioning or blending light for increasing the uniformity of light distribution and light wavelength customization, and light arrays integrated into structural and non-structural assemblies and sub-assemblies in cabin interiors.

Abstract: Systems and methods directed to evaluating and enabling enhanced glide slope angles are provided. The method includes, in a control module, identifying a designated glide slope angle (D_GSA) based on a designated approach procedure; receiving and processing sensor data and navigation data; and, generating an adaptive glide slope angle (A_GSA) and an associated final capture altitude (FCA) based thereon. The method includes determining whether (a) an altitude constraint applies at the FCA, and determining whether (b) a level segment exists at the FCA. When (a) and (b) are concurrent, the method enables modification of the designated approach procedure with the A_GSA; and, the method prevents modification of the designated approach procedure with the A_GSA when there is no concurrence of (a) and (b).

Abstract: An image transmission apparatus is connected to a plurality of cameras that image the interior of a moving body, and includes a receiver, a processor, and a transmitter. The receiver receives, from an external device of the moving body, an image transmission request and imaging subject information that identifies a passenger to be imaged. The processor selects, based on the imaging subject information, an image captured by at least one camera of the plurality of cameras, and executes processing to remove, from the selected image, other image regions aside from the image region that covers the passenger to be imaged. The transmitter transmits the image that has been processed to the external device.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for indicating a moveable device such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are disclosed herein. The present technology provides an illumination system having a light source and an illuminating component. In a representative embodiment, the light source is carried by a UAV and positioned to emit a light ray in a first direction. The illuminating component is carried by a propeller of the UAV. The illuminating component can include a light entrance portion, a light transmission portion, and a light exit portion. The light entrance portion is positioned to receive the light ray from the light source, the light transmission portion is positioned to transmit the light ray to the light exit portion, and the light exit portion is positioned to direct the light ray in a second direction so as to form a visual indication corresponding to the UAV.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring execution of air traffic control (ATC) conditional clearances for a user aircraft. The method monitors ATC clearances transmitted to all other aircraft across each communication channel from an airport. Every other aircraft is identified and the relevant data each ATC clearance is transcribed. A dependency table is generated for the user aircraft with the relevant data from every other aircraft. The dependency table identifies each relevant clearance that must be completed by all other aircraft before the user aircraft executes a conditional ATC clearance. The status of all relevant dependent ATC clearances is monitored and the user aircraft is informed of its conditional ATC clearance upon completion of the relevant dependent ATC clearances.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an image rendering technique that provides a simulated light source positioned within a three dimensional (3D) data set for rendering two dimensional projection images of the 3D data set. The simulated light source may be positioned anywhere inside or outside the 3D data set, including within a region of interest. The simulated light source may be a multidirectional light source. A user may select a position of the simulated light source via a user interface. A user may select an in-plane position of the simulated light source and an image processor and/or volume renderer may automatically calculate a depth position to maintain a distance between the simulated light source and a surface of a region of interest in the 3D data set.

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 improved system for updating a flight management system of an aircraft is described. A flight management system is configured to execute an operation. The flight management system can comprise a storage device storing thereon a database. The database is configured to store data usable by the flight management system to execute the operation and receive updates to the database that pertain to the operation executed by the flight management system. The updated database enables updating of the operation without updating the operational software of the flight management system.

Abstract: A method for sending environmental data to a vehicle in transit is disclosed. The method is performed by a ground system. The method includes receiving new environmental data from a plurality of environmental data providers. The method also includes synthesizing an update template that identifies recommended portions of relevant data that are available to be uploaded for at least one of a plurality of environmental data services. The method also includes sending the update template to the vehicle using a low-bandwidth connection, wherein the update template is sent by the ground system without first receiving a request for the update template. The method also includes receiving, from the vehicle, a request for the recommended portions of relevant data. The method also includes sending the recommended portions of relevant data to the vehicle in an update package using a high-bandwidth connection.

Abstract: A system for displaying information related to a flight of an aircraft and an associated method are provided. The display system comprises a dynamic synthesis image generating module, configured to generate at least two successive transition synthesis images between an image according to a first type of perspective and an image according to a second type of perspective, or between an image according to a second type of perspective and an image according to a first type of perspective, respectively, and to command the display thereof at successive transition moments.

Abstract: A lamp unit is attached to an exterior panel of an aircraft and configured by accommodating a light source into a lamp chamber formed by a metallic housing and a cover attached to the housing. The cover includes a cover body having a light transmissive region that transmits light emitted from the light source and a metallic body support that supports an outer peripheral portion of the cover body. A holding cable that electrically and mechanically connects the housing and the body support is arranged in the lamp chamber. A grounding terminal that electrically connects the holding cable to a fuselage side structural member of the aircraft is provided in the housing.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for maintenance over an auxiliary power line are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a disclosed method for generating and transmitting maintenance data from a unit on a vehicle comprises powering the unit by an auxiliary power line connected to the unit or a primary power line connected to the unit. The method further comprises modulating, by the unit, at least a portion of the maintenance data to generate at least one modulated signal. Further, the method comprises transmitting, from the unit, at least one modulated signal on the auxiliary power line. In one or more embodiments, the maintenance data comprises health management (HM) data, built in test (BIT) data, built in test equipment (BITE) data, and/or configuration data.

Abstract: System, methods, and computer program products providing an information asset management system including an information asset registry that stores metadata of information assets and having a logical structure that lineally links information assets. The logical structure includes data structures having a logical element comprising an identifier identifying an information asset, logical elements including metadata of the information asset, and logical elements including lineage information that relates the information asset to other information assets. The program instructions cause the information asset management to perform operations including receiving a query for information describing a first information asset. The operations also include determining lineal links between the first information asset and other information assets. The operations further include retrieving the metadata of the first in formation asset and the information assets.

Abstract: A method for providing circling approach data onboard an aircraft is disclosed. For a current, circling approach of the aircraft to a destination airport, the method identifies a circling approach procedure applicable to an optimal runway, by a processor communicatively coupled to a system memory element configured to store a database of circling approach procedures and a source for temporary restrictions; determines a circling boundary to the optimal runway, based on the circling approach procedure; determines temporary circling restrictions for the aircraft, based on conflicting traffic from at least a second airport; constructs a lateral path and a vertical path to guide the aircraft to the optimal runway of the destination airport, based on the circling approach procedure, the circling boundary, and the temporary circling restrictions; and presents graphical elements and text associated with the circling approach procedure, the circling boundary, and the temporary restrictions, by a display device.

Abstract: A robot system is provided that is configured for use on-board a vehicle during a trip of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a cabin. The robot system includes a body, a transportation system, a communication link, an interaction system, and a control system. The transportation system is coupled to the body and configured to move the body through at least a portion of the cabin. The communication link is configured to receive trip information. The interaction system is configured to interact with at least one of a passenger or a crew member disposed within the cabin during trip. The control system is configured to operate the robot system to perform a crew assistance task during the use of the vehicle responsive to at least one of the trip information or information received from the at least one of the passenger or crew member.

Abstract: The ground proximity warning system is an instrument. The ground proximity warning system is configured for use with a private aviation aircraft. The private aviation aircraft further comprises landing gear and a cockpit. The ground proximity warning system measures the altitude of the private aviation aircraft from a landing strip when the private aviation aircraft is within 3 meters of the landing strip. The ground proximity warning system generates an audible series of clicks within the cockpit to indicate the altitude to a pilot. A higher click frequency indicates a lower altitude. The ground proximity warning system comprises a trigger circuit, a selection circuit, a pulse generator, a detector circuit, a dividing circuit, a buffer, and a cockpit speaker. The trigger circuit, the selection circuit, the pulse generator, the detector circuit, the dividing circuit, the buffer, and the cockpit speaker are electrically interconnected.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying multiple element request datalink messages in avionics system are provided. A method includes generating a plurality of downlink message element information at a verify screen displayed by a display. The method further allows for the changing of at least one downlink message element information of the plurality of downlink message element information within the verify screen. Moreover, the method concatenates the plurality of downlink message element information after the changing of the at least one element information in preparation of generating a concatenating downlink message element information message to be downlinked.

Abstract: An impairment analysis (“IA”) computer system for detecting an impairment is provided. The IA computer system is associated with a host vehicle, and includes at least one processor in communication with at least one memory device. The at least one processor is programmed to: (i) interrogate or otherwise scan a target vehicle by using a plurality of sensors included on a host vehicle to scan the target vehicle and a target driver; (ii) receive sensor data including target driver data and target vehicle condition data; (iii) analyze the sensor data by applying a baseline model to the sensor data; (iv) detect an impairment of the target driver or target vehicle based upon the analysis; and/or (v) output an alert signal to a host vehicle controller, or direct collision preventing actions (such as automatically engage vehicle safety systems), based upon the determination that the target driver or target vehicle is impaired.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an automated aerial vehicle that includes one or more object detection elements configured to detect the presence of objects and an avoidance determining element configured to cause the automated aerial vehicle to automatically determine and execute an avoidance maneuver to avoid the objects. For example, an object may be detected and an avoidance maneuver determined based on a position of the object and an object vector representative of a direction and a magnitude of velocity of the object.

Abstract: An impairment analysis (“IA”) computer system for alerting a first driver of a first vehicle to a driving hazard posed by a second vehicle operated by a second driver is provided. The IA computer system is associated with the first vehicle, and includes at least one processor in communication with at least one memory device. The at least one processor is programmed to: (i) receive second vehicle data including second driver data and second vehicle condition data, where the second vehicle data is collected by a plurality of sensors included on the first vehicle; (ii) analyze the second vehicle data by applying a baseline model to the second vehicle data; (iii) determine that the second vehicle poses a driving hazard to the first vehicle based upon the analysis; and/or (iv) generate an alert signal based upon the determination that the second vehicle poses a driving hazard to the first vehicle.

Abstract: A touch key of an interface for an aircraft avionics system. The touch key includes a button, a mechanical switch, and a sensor. The mechanical switch is configured to be actuated when the button is pressed. Actuation of the mechanical switch sends a switch signal to the aircraft avionics system. The sensor is configured to detect when the button is being touched independent of whether the button is being pressed. The sensor sends a touch signal indicating that the button is being touched to the aircraft avionics system.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring compliance with air traffic control (ATC) instructions by an air crew of an aircraft. First, voice and text ATC commands are received by an ATC instruction moderator support system (AIMSS) located on board the aircraft. The voice and text ATC commands are converted into a data format by the AIMSS. The ATC commands are used to determine an expected aircraft state while a current aircraft state is determined by the aircraft sensors. The current aircraft state is compared with the expected state and determined if it is in compliance. If the current state is in non-compliance, it is determined if the non-compliance is allowable and it is then classified as either no action or incorrect action by the aircrew. Finally, an alert of the noncompliance is generated with the AIMSS.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for automatically monitoring a status or position of a vehicle component. Both powered and non-powered (or passive) systems are contemplated. The systems and methods utilize a sensor that signals when a vehicle component, such as an arm rest, a tray table, a seat back, or a window shade is in a predetermined position. The signal can be received by a processor and transmitted to a central server that can provide a report of the status of the various vehicle components to an attendant or crew member to quickly apprise them of the status of the various components without requiring manually checking each component.