Abstract: The invention relates to a light-emitting device comprising a first interface for supplying energy to the light-emitting device and comprising a second interface for transmitting a control signal or a plurality of control signals for controlling a lighting property of a light source of the light-emitting device.

Abstract: A method for detecting noncompliance with aviation regulations and operating procedures is disclosed herein. The method analyzes communication associated with a host aircraft to identify key information, stores the identified key information in a data storage device, and determines whether a particular aviation regulation or operating procedure applies to the host aircraft. After determining that a regulation or operating procedure applies, the stored key information is compared against reference information maintained in a database in association with the regulation or operating procedure. An alert is generated when the comparing detects a discrepancy between the stored key information and the reference information.

Abstract: A system includes an auto-flight system and a touchscreen flight mode control panel. The auto-flight system is configured to control a plurality of primary flight modes. The touchscreen flight mode control panel is communicatively coupled to the auto-flight system. The touchscreen flight mode control panel is configured to receive primary flight mode data from the auto-flight system. The touchscreen flight mode control panel is also configured to graphically present each primary flight mode of the plurality of primary flight modes to a user. The touchscreen flight mode control panel is further configured to detect touch gestures and direct executions of the user. The touchscreen flight mode control panel is additionally configured to output touch gesture data and direct execution data to the auto-flight system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for weather information management are provided. In one embodiment, a method for weather information management comprises: determining at a ground based weather collection station when a first set of aircraft collected weather data is available for transfer from a first aircraft based on a new weather data disclosure message received from the first aircraft; determining whether the first set is cumulative to a second set of aircraft collected weather data based on the new weather data disclosure message; evaluating at least a first communication datalink for suitability for transferring the first set based on a data size indicated in the new weather data disclosure message; and when the first set is not cumulative and the first datalink is suitable: selecting the first communication datalink; and transmitting a weather data request in response to the new weather data disclosure message, the request indicating the first datalink.

Abstract: A system and method for providing integrated time-based notification and aircraft status data on a display is provided. The system and method receives aircraft status data, pilot input data, data link notification data and aircraft notification data. The system and method generates and displays a timescale region divided into equal intervals from a predetermined origin with an icon graphically representative of a position of the aircraft overlaid with an icon graphically representative of notification data. The system and method continuously updates the temporal data as the aircraft flies, and responds to user requests to pan forward in time, pan backward in time and adjust the zoom on the timescale.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of communicating with an unmanned aerial vehicle includes transmitting a first message via a communications transmitter of a lighting assembly for receipt by an unmanned aerial vehicle. The first message includes an identifier associated with the lighting assembly, and the lighting assembly is located within a proximity of a roadway. The method also includes receiving a second message from the unmanned aerial vehicle via a communications receiver of the lighting assembly. The second message includes an identifier associated with the unmanned aerial vehicle. The method further includes transmitting a third message via the communications transmitter of the lighting assembly for receipt by the unmanned aerial vehicle. The third message includes an indication of an altitude at which the unmanned aerial vehicle should fly.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for cueing a pilot to flight deck controls based on steps in an electronic checklist (ECL). In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for cueing flight deck controls based on steps in an ECL includes displaying the ECL on an aircraft display that includes one or more steps involving controls on the flight deck. A step from the ECL is highlighted on the aircraft display and an indication indicating that the step has been completed is received. Upon receiving the indication, a next step in the ECL is highlighted. In various embodiments, flight deck visual indicators associated with the controls may be activated corresponding to steps in the ECL.

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: The invention described herein provides a flight crew with an easier and more intuitive way to control and monitor flight-control surfaces. Specifically, the invention displays all flight-control surfaces on a touch-screen display device located in an aircraft cockpit. The invention includes graphical and numerical position indicators to continuously display actual position information for flight-control surfaces. Additionally, the invention allows a flight crew to make flight-control surface adjustments through the touch-screen device. The invention further includes an engine performance indicator and a mode controller configured to display autopilot modes and to receive autopilot mode selections. A method is presented for controlling an aircraft flight-control surface via a touch screen device. The method includes receiving an indication of a flight-control surface and enabling selection of a position change.

Abstract: A system and its associated methodology for distributed positioning and collaborative behavioral determination among a group of objects, interactive tags associated with each of a plurality of objects provide to each object relative positional data and state information regarding the other nearby objects. Using this information, each object develops a spatial awareness of its environment, including the position and action of nearby objects so as to, when necessary, modify its behavior to more effectively achieve an objective.

Abstract: In an en-route navigation system such as for a vehicle, an image of a cable is presented as a navigation object in a head-up display to indicate a route that the vehicle should follow. The head-up display may comprise a projection screen, light projector apparatus configured to project one or more images onto the projection screen, viewing optics and a computer, wherein the projection screen is moveable under control of the computer in such a way as to adjust positions of the projection screen and to thereby adjust the distance between the projection screen and the viewing optics during at least a portion each of a succession of refresh periods.

Abstract: A design support system and a method of generating and using a customizable analysis report comprising functional safety data for an electronic component, such as microcontroller, are described.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for generating and presenting an aircraft attitude indicator are disclosed. The attitude indicator presenting system may include a presentation system comprised of one or more display units receiving image data from an image generator (IG). The IG may be configured to acquire navigation data and generate the image data as a function of the navigation data. The navigation data could include data representative of aircraft roll and/or pitch attitude, and the image data could be representative of at least of an image of the attitude indicator comprised of a sky area and a ground area. The ground area may be visually presented by either a first texture or a second texture depending on whether a trigger attitude has been met or exceeded.

Abstract: A system for automating the control of a Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) includes a computer having a processor and a memory, a display operatively coupled to the computer and configured to display a future operating condition of the RPV and an input device operatively coupled to the computer. A predicted noodle tool is executed by the processor and configured to indicate a predicted future path of the RPV by generating a predicted noodle segment on the display. A directed noodle tool is executed by the processor to indicate a pilot-adjustable proposed future flight path of the RPV by generating a directed noodle segment on the display. Further, an input device mode selector is operatively coupled to the processor and configured to selectively map the input device to either manipulate a control surface of the RPV, or to manipulate the directed noodle segment.

Abstract: A maintenance system for use with an aircraft and a method for management of a maintenance routine for an aircraft with a maintenance system comprising multiple communication terminals located physically about the aircraft and in data communication with each other, the method includes executing a maintenance software program for a maintenance routine comprising maintenance tests corresponding to components of the aircraft.

Abstract: A display system for a subject aircraft is provided. The system includes a processing unit configured to receive air traffic spacing information associated with a lead aircraft and flight information associated with the subject aircraft and to generate display signals associated with the air traffic spacing information and the flight information; and a display unit coupled to the processing unit and configured to receive the display signals from the processing unit and to render a horizontal situation indicator with spacing symbology based on the air traffic spacing information and the flight information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating and tracking multiple attributes of multiple objects from multi-sensor data are provided. An exemplary method includes identifying features associated with sensor data. The sensor data represents data captured by at least one of a plurality of acoustic and non-acoustic sensors. Identification of the features associated with the sensor data may be based variously on detected sounds, motions, images, and the like. The exemplary method further includes determining, in parallel, multiple probable objects based at least in part on the identified features. Various embodiments of the method also include forming hypotheses based at least in part on associating identified features with the multiple probable objects and attributing the formed hypotheses to channels. Sequence of the formed hypotheses are constructed.

Abstract: A lighting arrangement (100), comprising at least one LED lighting device (105, 105?, 105?) comprising a LED controller which is adapted to collect and communicate a required power usage of the LED lighting device (105, 105?, 105?), at least two power source units (101, 111) each connected and adapted to supply power to the LED lighting device (105, 105?, 105?), and a cluster controller (106), which is adapted to collect characteristics of each power source unit (101, 111) and the characteristics of the at least one LED lighting device (105, 105?, 105?), wherein the cluster controller (106) is further adapted to activate and/or deactivate at least one of the at least two power source units (101, 111) in accordance with the requested power usage of the lighting arrangement (100) and the characteristics of the power source units (101, 111) in order to activate the power source unit or power source units (101, 111) that is or are the best adapted to the requested power usage.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for dynamically generating flight departure profiles that are in compliance with aircraft emission limits. Emission limits may include noise abatement limits. Flight departure profiles may be generated on a flight by flight basis, and/or may be based on then-current conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, and ambient temperature.

Abstract: An onboard avionic system for communication between an aircraft and the ground comprising a service unit connected to various aircraft equipment and a radio communications unit providing communication between the avionic system and a communications system on the ground via a radio channel. The system comprises a configuration unit having a control unit, a geolocation unit and a database in which are recorded, data relative to the use of the radio channels which are available in a flight zone, as well as data relative to the radio conditions for the available radio channels. The configuration unit, on the basis of the aircraft geolocation data supplied by the geolocation unit, of radio condition data of the current channel, and of database data, determines if the current channel should be changed or not and, if so, determines the new channel to be used and commands the change to the new channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for automatically counteracting undesirable aircraft movement caused by malfunctioning fly-by-wire aircraft control surfaces, hardover events, control surface disconnection, and other control surface failure events. The systems and methods include control law algorithms for reacting to such events to counteract the undesired aircraft movement. An expected roll rate is generated based on control input and compared to the actual roll rate of the aircraft.

Abstract: Display systems and methods for generating a display providing runway illusion alleviation are disclosed herein. An exemplary method for generating a display includes the steps of determining a position of the aircraft in a vicinity of an approaching runway, retrieving terrain data regarding the vicinity of the approaching runway and retrieving runway data regarding the approaching runway, determining the existence of a runway illusion effect by analyzing the terrain data and the runway data. The method further includes the steps of rendering graphical terrain imagery and rendering graphical runway imagery on the flight display in accordance with the terrain data and the runway data and rendering a graphical runway illusion alleviation object on the flight display.

Abstract: A client-server interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide client is implemented on user television equipment. The interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to define expressions that are processed by the program guide server. The program guide server may provide program guide data, schedules reminders, schedules program recordings, and parentally locks programs based on the expressions. Users' viewing histories may be tracked. The program guide server may analyze the viewing histories and generates viewing recommendations, targets advertising, and collects program ratings information based on the viewing histories.

Abstract: A communication system and method provides a communication device that fits on the ear and responds to audible commands. The communication system is sufficiently independent to initiate and receive communications without requiring a mobile phone, since contact information is stored in the communication device. The communication device is configured with a motion sensor, and a remote control module to control a car or computer. The communication system performs functions, optionally, with an audible command, such as, initiating communication, accessing content, accessing tools, making payments.

Abstract: A system and method for providing information to a crew of the aircraft while in-flight. The system includes a module having: a receiver for receiving a message while in-flight; a filter having a set of screening parameters and operative to filter the message based on the set of screening parameters; and a converter for converting the message into an audible message. The message includes a pilot report having at least one of weather information, separation information, congestion information, flight deviation information and destination information. The message is sent to the aircraft by another aircraft or an air traffic controller.

Abstract: A wireless engine monitoring system (WEMS) includes an engine monitoring module that is mounted directly on an aircraft engine and records, stores, encrypts and transmits full flight engine data. The system preferably interfaces to the Full Authority Digital Engine Controller/Engine Control Unit (FADEC/ECU) and can record hundreds of engine parameters with a preferred sampling frequency of about one second. The engine monitoring module is preferably formed as a miniaturized module directly mounted on the aircraft engine within its cowling and has a conformal antenna. The engine monitoring module can also upload data for onboard processing.

Abstract: A control device for activating an oxygen system of a transport mechanism, in particular an aircraft, a control system having such a control device, an associated method for activating an oxygen system of a transport mechanism, in particular an aircraft, and a computer program for carrying out the method. Furthermore, a network is provided for a transport mechanism, in particular for an aircraft. The control device for activating the oxygen system comprises a first activation unit which is configured to activate at least a part of the oxygen system by wireless transmission of a first activation signal.

Abstract: Present novel and non-trivial systems and methods for combining image data received from two or more vision systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, an image generator receives navigation data representative of at least one surface of interest (e.g., runway of intended landing) and aircraft position, retrieves navigation reference data representative of surface information, creates zone data representative of a lighting awareness zone for each surface of interest, receives first image data from a first source and second image data from a second source, identifies third image data from the first image data and the zone data, generates fourth image data from the second and third image data, and provides the fourth image data to a display system, thereby increasing situational awareness by enhancing the pilot's ability to detect or recognize the runway environment.

Abstract: An assessment module for assessing data from a digital map for a vehicle. The assessment is made on the basis of a piece of dedicated map quality information and measurement data from an ambient sensor system in the vehicle. The connected driver assistance systems and safety systems in the vehicle use the digital map data on the basis of the assessment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conveying aeronautical radio voice and signaling over a satellite IP network are described. According to disclosed embodiments, a remote very high frequency (VHF) transceiver is connected with a central location where Air Traffic Control is exercised. The system implements an end-to-end path employing satellite communications to transmit radio voice and signaling. A method is also provided that enables radio call setup and voice transport so as to allow aircraft pilots and flight controllers to communicate.

Abstract: A touch screen system is provided herein for use with a commanded system requiring high integrity. The touch screen system includes, but is not limited to, a display screen configured to present information to an operator. A sensor array is arranged proximate the display screen to detect a touch on the display screen and to generate a set of touch position coordinates corresponding to a location of the touch. A processor is operatively coupled to the display screen and is configured to command the display screen to arrange a plurality of touch target images such one of the touch target images is a high integrity touch target image. The high integrity touch target image has a unique X-coordinate that is not shared by any other touch target image and a unique Y-coordinate that is not shared by any other touch target image.

Abstract: A method enabling an aerial drone not having a TCAS system to avoid an intruder aircraft, the method including the steps of acquiring the position of the intruder aircraft in order to determine the distance between the aerial drone and the intruder aircraft, measuring the angular speed of the intruder aircraft in a horizontal plane, and determining whether the intruder aircraft is fitted with a TCAS system, and, if so, receiving a resolution advisory transmitted by the TCAS of the intruder aircraft and following a previously-determined avoidance path. The invention also provides a drone fitted with a system implementing the method.

Abstract: An Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system, and method of harmonizing a transponder Squawk code and an ADS-B system, ensures that a Squawk code broadcast by the ADS-B system matches the transponder Squawk code. The transponder Squawk code is transmitted from a transponder positioned onboard an aircraft and the transmitted transponder Squawk code with a device positioned onboard the aircraft. A Squawk code input of an ADS-B Squawk code to be transmitted with the ADS-B system is received. The ADS-B Squawk code is compared with the received transmitter Squawk code using a comparator and the pilot is informed whether the transmitter Squawk code matches the ADS-B Squawk code. A message formatter generates a message that includes the ADS-B Squawk code. A wireless transmitter broadcasts the ADS-B Squawk code generated by the message formatter.

Abstract: An indication system and method for detecting and displaying the relative position during fuel transfer. The system comprises a first input device configured to be capable of detecting the extended length from the tanker aircraft of elongated hose and to be capable of sending the detected length of elongated hose to the control module. The control module is operably connected to a display and configured to be capable of receiving an input signal from the input device of hose extension, transforming it into a corresponding output signal of the position of the receiver aircraft inside a refueling range of limit positions and sending the corresponding output signal to the display, which is configured to be capable of displaying information indicating the position of the receiver aircraft inside the refueling range of limit positions.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for generating a binary file includes receiving information defining an entity that forms a portion of loadable diagnostics information, generating metadata defining a location within a binary file where the entity is to be located, and generating the binary file to include the metadata and the entity stored at the location. Additional embodiments include an aircraft diagnostic system and a method for the diagnostics system to access information within a binary file. The diagnostics system includes data storage and an accessor module. The data storage is configured to store the binary file, which includes metadata and an entity stored at a location within the binary file, where the metadata defines the location of the entity. The accessor module is configured to evaluate the metadata to make a determination of the location, and to access the entity within the binary file based on the determination.

Abstract: A wireless engine monitoring system (WEMS) includes an engine monitoring module that is mounted directly on an aircraft engine and records, stores, encrypts and transmits full flight engine data. The system preferably interfaces to the Full Authority Digital Engine Controller/Engine Control Unit (FADEC/ECU) and can record hundreds of engine parameters with a preferred sampling frequency of about one second. The engine monitoring module is preferably formed as a miniaturized module directly mounted on the aircraft engine within its cowling and has a conformal antenna. The engine monitoring module can also upload data for onboard processing.

Abstract: An aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system includes an entertainment source, passenger seatback displays coupled to the entertainment source, and passenger control units (PCUs). Each PCU is associated with a respective seatback display. Each PCU includes an underside PCU input device carried by an underside of a seatback tray to be accessible by a user from the underside of the seatback tray when the seatback tray is in a stored position, and a topside PCU input device carried by a topside of the seatback tray to be accessible by the user from a topside of the seatback tray when the seatback tray is in a down position.

Abstract: A system and method include obtaining a landscape description document identifying resource elements and their connections in a computing infrastructure. The resource elements are converted into landscape user interface graphical representations of the elements. An interconnected landscape interface is generated using the graphical representations and connection information from the landscape description document.

Abstract: An aerospace messaging system comprises a display unit configured to display data, a user input device configured to receive input from a user, a memory configured to store one or more key associations, and a processing unit configured to direct the display unit to display a label with a corresponding system generated message. The user input device comprises a plurality of modifiable keys. Each respective key association is an association between a respective one of the plurality of modifiable keys, a respective system generated message, and a respective action page from which a user can respond to information in the respective system generated message. The label indicates a corresponding modifiable key that is associated with a corresponding action page based on the respective key association. When the corresponding modifiable key is selected, the processing unit is configured to direct the display unit to display the corresponding action page.

Abstract: An airplane off ground advisory system employs at least one position sensor attached for detection of an extended condition and a compressed condition of a main landing gear. A control system receives an input from the position sensor. The control system records a toggling of the input from an extended to a compressed to an extended condition and providing an output. At least one indicator is coupled to the control system to be activated by the output.

Abstract: A GNSS-based system and method for maintaining a vehicle in a predetermined relation relative to a fixed location defined by GNSS coordinates. The system and method is configured for enabling and facilitating air-to-ground operations.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for transferring information with an aircraft. A connection is established between an onboard electronic distribution system executing in an aircraft data processing system in the aircraft and an on ground component. Responsive to a request for a command from the on ground component, the command for execution is identified. The identified command is sent to the onboard electronic distribution system from an on ground component. A transaction identifier is assigned to the command. A transaction associated with the command is maintained on the onboard electronic distribution system and the on ground component using the transaction identifier. An uplink is initiated by the on ground component. An aircraft software part is sent to the onboard electronic distribution system from the on ground component to perform the uplink. A status of a transfer of the aircraft software part on ground component is stored.

Abstract: A system and method for checking the fuel quantity of a vehicle based on vehicle performance includes predicting vehicle performance based from a number of vehicle related input parameters including assumed fuel quantity to provide predicted vehicle performance data. Actual vehicle performance is measured from a number of vehicle sensor systems to provide measured actual vehicle performance data. The predicted vehicle performance data is compared with the measured actual vehicle performance data to provide an indication as to whether the vehicle is operating within a selected tolerance of the prediction. An alert message is provided if the vehicle is determined to be operating outside of the selected tolerance of prediction.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a method for processing alerts by an avionic system FWS that makes it possible to optimize the processing of these alerts without unnecessarily consuming “processor time”. The method according to the invention is characterized in that it consists in having processed, on each processing cycle of the processor of the FWS, only the operations relating to alerts for which the result has been modified since the preceding processing cycle.

Abstract: The present application is related to an vehicle driving mode detection system. The system may comprise a sensor interface and a processor. The sensor interface may be configured to receive measurement data associated with a plurality of operating parameters of a vehicle; and send the measurement data to a processor. The processor may be configured to execute a set of instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium to receive the measurement data from the sensor interface; determine a driving mode of the vehicle based on the measurement data; compare the driving mode of the vehicle with a first reference driving mode of the vehicle; produce an alert signal when the driving mode is substantially different from a first reference driving mode; and send the alert signal to an information center remote to the sensor unit when a predetermined condition occurs.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatus and means to perform various FMS flight plan edits and definition of navigation reference fixes using interactive graphical representations displayed on an MFD rather than a text-based CDU. In two of the embodiments of the present invention, means are provided where minimal pilot actions, i.e., shortcuts, (which may also include entry/adjustment of a numerical value) are performed on an electronic display that accomplish particular flight plan edits as compared to several pilot actions when using a CDU to perform the same edits. In another embodiment of the present invention, a means is provided where the data entry method is graphical in nature rather than alphanumeric text for inserting an airway into a flight plan. The alphanumeric identifiers are represented as graphical objects which are selectable.

Abstract: The method concerns monitoring the approach phase of an aircraft to a runway. This method includes determining successive gateways of the aircraft relative to at least one characteristic point of an approach flight plan of the aircraft or relative to the landing location, and measuring the aircraft speed upon crossing a given gateway. The method further comprises computing a minimum deceleration distance up to a predetermined target speed associated with the gateway following said given gateway, the minimum deceleration distance being an estimated flight distance corresponding to the speed reduction of the aircraft from the measured speed to said target speed; comparing the computed minimum deceleration distance with the distance remaining to be flow to the following gateway; and generating an alert, intended for the aircraft crew, when the distance remaining to be flown to the following gateway is smaller than the computed minimum deceleration distance.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for identifying sensor units. Identification information is received from a marker in a wireless signal generated by the marker at a wireless device. The marker is associated with an object. The identification information is sent from the wireless device to a computer system. The computer system associates the wireless device with the object using the identification information.

Abstract: A method of simulating a terrain view from the point of view of an airborne object and a terrain view simulation system which obtain a geo-referenced terrain to the airborne object, correlate in a computer the position and orientation information with the geo-referenced view of the terrain as seen from the airborne object, and display this simulated view.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing wireless devices on an aircraft. A map for a number of wireless devices on the aircraft is generated. The number of wireless devices is identified in a profile. A risk for the number of wireless devices on the aircraft is identified during operation of the aircraft using state information for the aircraft and the profile. Access to a wireless network on the aircraft by the number of wireless devices is managed based on the risk identified for the number of wireless devices.