Plural Colors Patents (Class 340/955)
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Patent number: 11747001Abstract: The present invention provides an attachment device for an aircraft landing guidance flashing light and an aircraft landing guidance flashing device that do not require adjustment of the angle of the flashing light at the time of attaching an aircraft landing guidance flashing light to the attachment device for an aircraft landing guidance flashing light. An attachment device for an aircraft landing guidance flashing light includes a pair of attachment arms 11; and a light emitting portion fixing plate 12. The light emitting portion fixing plate 12 detachably fixes an aircraft landing guidance flashing light. The light emitting portion fixing plate 12 is supported by the pair of attachment arms 11 such that an angle of the aircraft landing guidance flashing light is at a predetermined angle in a state where the aircraft landing guidance flashing light is fixed to the light emitting portion fixing plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: HotaluX, Ltd.Inventor: Norimasa Mizobe
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Patent number: 11697369Abstract: Disclosed is a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)-integrated lamp device configured for a vehicle. In the included LiDAR-integrated lamp device, the position at which a head lamp is applied and the position at which a LiDAR is applied are identical and then, a reduction in layout is achieved. Furthermore, through sharing of constituent elements, the number of constituent elements is reduced and then, manufacturing costs are reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2019Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Byoung Suk Ahn, Jung Wook Lim
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Patent number: 11493193Abstract: The present invention provides an attachment device for an aircraft landing guidance flashing light and an aircraft landing guidance flashing device that do not require adjustment of the angle of the flashing light at the time of attaching an aircraft landing guidance flashing light to the attachment device for an aircraft landing guidance flashing light. An attachment device for an aircraft landing guidance flashing light includes a pair of attachment arms 11; and a light emitting portion fixing plate 12. The light emitting portion fixing plate 12 detachably fixes an aircraft landing guidance flashing light. The light emitting portion fixing plate 12 is supported by the pair of attachment arms 11 such that an angle of the aircraft landing guidance flashing light is at a predetermined angle in a state where the aircraft landing guidance flashing light is fixed to the light emitting portion fixing plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2021Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: HotaluX, Ltd.Inventor: Norimasa Mizobe
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Patent number: 11112100Abstract: The present invention provides an attachment device for an aircraft landing guidance flashing light and an aircraft landing guidance flashing device that do not require adjustment of the angle of the flashing light at the time of attaching an aircraft landing guidance flashing light to the attachment device for an aircraft landing guidance flashing light. An attachment device for an aircraft landing guidance flashing light includes a pair of attachment arms 11; and a light emitting portion fixing plate 12. The light emitting portion fixing plate 12 detachably fixes an aircraft landing guidance flashing light. The light emitting portion fixing plate 12 is supported by the pair of attachment arms 11 such that an angle of the aircraft landing guidance flashing light is at a predetermined angle in a state where the aircraft landing guidance flashing light is fixed to the light emitting portion fixing plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: HotaluX, Ltd.Inventor: Norimasa Mizobe
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Patent number: 10952180Abstract: One or more location-based clients can be activated on a mobile device for providing location-based services. The location-based clients can be provided with information (e.g., presets, defaults) related to the current location and/or mode of the mobile device. The information can be obtained from one or more network resources. In some implementations, a location-based client can concurrently display map and vehicle information related to a location of the mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2019Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Scott Forstall, Gregory N. Christie, Robert E. Borchers, Imran A. Chaudhri, Peter Henry Mahowald
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Patent number: 10699371Abstract: A system for an airborne platform includes a display device, an input device, and an image processing circuit. The display device is configured to display a visualization provided as a pixel matrix capable of being virtually rotated along a horizontal axis or along a vertical axis based on a user input. The input device is configured to receive user input providing an indication to virtually rotate the visualization along at least one of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis. The image processing circuit is configured to receive pixel data corresponding to the pixel matrix, receive the user input from the input device, determine an offset angle to virtually rotate the visualization along the horizontal axis or the vertical axis, configure the visualization in response to the determined offset angle, and output the configured visualization for display on the display device.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2018Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Sheetal Kumar, Shibarchi Majumder
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Patent number: 10654591Abstract: A compact PAPI having a semiconductor light source and finely distribution of lights is herein proposed. The novel PAPI includes two artificial light sources each with a plurality of semiconductor emitters as well as two concave and two planar reflectors, one for each artificial light source. The concave reflectors collect light emitted by the plurality of semiconductor emitters of the first and second artificial light sources and gather the collected light to the planar reflectors as output of the PAPI.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2016Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Obelux OyInventor: Vesa Laakso
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Patent number: 10064158Abstract: One or more location-based clients can be activated on a mobile device for providing location-based services. The location-based clients can be provided with information (e.g., presets, defaults) related to the current location and/or mode of the mobile device. The information can be obtained from one or more network resources. In some implementations, a number of location-based clients can run concurrently on the mobile device and share information.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2017Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Scott Forstall, Gregory N. Christie, Robert E. Borchers, Imran A. Chaudhri, Peter Henry Mahowald
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Patent number: 9602205Abstract: A multidirectional optical positioning method and a device thereof, and more particularly a signal transmission and positioning method applied to visible light communication and a device thereof. The device includes a transparent board having multiple different light conversion layers on the surface. The light conversion layers are arranged in one single axial direction. A light emitting unit is used to project an incident light onto an incident side of the transparent board. After the incident light passes through the light conversion layers, the incident light is converted into multiple radiating lights with different physical effects, which are emitted from an emission side of the transparent board. A sensor is disposed on the emission side of the transparent board to receive the radiating lights, whereby the position of the sensor can be found according to different extents of the physical effects of the different radiating lights.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Edison Opto CorporationInventors: Chien Jung Wu, Chien Yu Shen
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Patent number: 8970402Abstract: Present novel and non-trivial system, device, and method for varying the visibility of symbols depicted in a vertical situation display (“VSD”). An image generator receives zone data and defines a plurality of zones, where the zone data is comprised of second image data representative of a non-VSD zone symbol(s) or feature data representative of a zone feature(s). First image data representative of a VSD is generated, where the VSD is comprised of at least one VSD symbol representative of a zone symbol or a zone feature located in one of the three zones. If the represented zone symbol or zone feature of a VSD symbol is located within a left zone or a right zone, the visibility of each VSD symbol is variable and dependent of its proximity to a center zone.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventor: John D. Innis
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Patent number: 8698607Abstract: Proposedis a remote control device (100), arranged to control a lighting system(1). The lighting system comprises a plurality of light-modules (10) capable of emitting modulated light comprising light module identification codes (20). The remote controldevice (100) comprises a sensor (110) arranged to switch the light modules (10) from an operational mode (210) in which the light emitted by the light modules (10) is non-5 modulated to a control mode (230) in which the light emitted by the light modules (10) is modulated. Advantageously, the invention provides a lighting system with improved energy efficiency and EMC characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2008Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Bartel Marinus Van De Sluis, Lorenzo Feri
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Patent number: 8686877Abstract: The present disclosure provides a directionally filtered indicator light, wherein a directional filter is applied to a light source that is controlled to emit light when a condition or series of conditions are met. The directional filter, in turn, regulates the transmission of light from the light source so that a first group of individuals, located within a viewing angle, are the only individuals able to see the transmitted light. In one example, the directionally filtered indicator light of the present disclosure allows an indicator light on the interior of a passenger aircraft to be viewed from outside the aircraft in direct sunlight while substantially eliminating the presence of transmitted light from a passenger seating area.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Jagdish T. Madhav
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Patent number: 8487786Abstract: An aircraft display system includes an electronic display configured to provide at least one of graphical and textual elements and electronics configured to receive a signal indicating an ambient light level. The electronics set a brightness of the display using a first calculation in response to a desired contrast ratio and the ambient light level and using a second calculation in response to the desired contrast ratio and the ambient light level.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Scott A. Hussey, Gary C. Bailey, David J. Swan, Khai M. Do
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Publication number: 20130141255Abstract: A visual aid for landing helicopters includes a plurality of weighted bases and a plurality of lights designed such that they can identify a helicopter landing zone during nighttime or during the bright sunlight. The components of the visual aid are designed to provide rapid identification of the landing zone, whether the pilot of the helicopter is flying with his unaided eye or with typical night vision goggles. The weighted bases have a large surface area and are coated with a highly visible fluorescent paint. The lights are designed to emit light having wavelengths, intensities and beam patterns which will not overwhelm night vision goggles but which will be acceptably visible to pilots flying without night vision goggles. The lights and weighted bases are color-coded such that they identify both the perimeter of the landing zone and the wind direction within the landing zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventor: Kevin McDermott
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Patent number: 8027755Abstract: From among a plurality of interconnected segments of a travel route of a transportation vehicle, an operator manually assigns a plurality of segments that form a path for the transportation vehicle to actually travel, such assignment is received, a travel instruction is generated in accordance with the plurality of assigned segments, and the transportation vehicle is instructed to travel in accordance with the travel instruction.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.Inventor: Hidekazu Ohta
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Patent number: 8010245Abstract: A display system for an aircraft includes a processing unit configured to determine a touchdown point for the aircraft and to supply display commands associated with the touchdown point; and a display device coupled the processing unit and configured to receive the display commands and operable to render symbology representing the touchdown point.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Troy Nichols, Michael C. Little
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Patent number: 8004427Abstract: In a method of dynamically guiding an aircraft the intended path of the aircraft may be broadcast along at least one of a runway and a taxiway. The broadcasted intended path of the aircraft along the at least one runway and taxiway may be received. The lighting characteristics of an airport lighting device along the at least one runway and taxiway may be dynamically changed to dynamically guide the aircraft along the broadcasted and received intended path of the at least one runway and taxiway.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: William L. Goodman, Syed Taji Shafaat
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Patent number: 7969102Abstract: An interactive LED lighting system for entertainment and a network thereof comprise a plurality of LED light controllers being capable of connecting with a wireless operating end, a plurality of kinetic energy sensors or wireless remote controls for receiving commands output by the wireless operating end, the kinetic energy sensors or the wireless remote controls so as to generate RGB signals and in turn make LED lamps connected with the LED light controllers change colors they emit.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Inventor: Chris Chang
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Patent number: 7830276Abstract: A method is provided for indicating the boundaries of a required navigational performance (RNP) corridor on an aircraft's map display. The method includes the steps of producing an aircraft leg segment symbol on the map display, establishing an RNP value, and scaling the RNP value to the map display field of view. The method further includes the step of generating an RNP corridor boundary graphic on the map display offset from the aircraft leg segment symbol by the scaled RNP value.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Yan L. Aung
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Patent number: 7818116Abstract: Techniques are provided for displaying a map for a route in a ground-based vehicle. The map includes a variable road network map showing finer detail for geographic features near the route and less detail for geographic features farther from the route. The map is displayed based on the travel direction of the ground-based vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: MapQuest, Inc.Inventor: David W. Nesbitt
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Patent number: 7755514Abstract: Precision approach path indicator systems (PAPIs) effective in providing approach slope guidance for aircraft approaching an airport runway are provided. Such PAPIs include a plurality of light assemblies positioned on or in proximity to an airport runway and structured or configured to be effective in providing approach slope guidance light signals to a pilot of an aircraft approaching a runway. Each light assembly includes a light source comprising light emitting diodes (LEDs), preferably a first array of LEDs and a second array of LEDs.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: New Bedford Panoramex Corp.Inventors: Mark Kaminski, Matthew B. Dubin, Michael Frate
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Patent number: 7755513Abstract: A visual navigational aid for guiding the approach path of incoming aircrafts, ships or other vehicles. The visual navigational aid comprises high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) or LED arrays and optical beam shaping apparatus that produce multiple light beams with different colors or flash patterns to guide the incoming aircrafts, ships or other vehicles to a pre-determined approach path.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: BWT Property, Inc.Inventors: Sean Xiaolu Wang, Rongsheng Tian
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Patent number: 7647174Abstract: A navigation system with a function of one-touch map matching correction, and a method thereof. The navigation system includes a GPS module for receiving each position signal, and measuring self position and driving direction; a map database for storing map data; a storage unit for storing a candidate designation index, road information, a guidance stop flag, a flag activating a map-matching correction button, and voice data for road sequence guidance; a display unit for displaying the map data, activating or deactivating the map-matching correction button, and generating a coordinate value of a position; and a controller for indexing the parallel roads, generating a candidate road array, activating the map-matching correction button, and sequentially selecting candidate roads while performing the map matching correction.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Hyundai Autonet Co., Ltd.Inventor: Pil Su Kwon
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Patent number: 7463955Abstract: A method for transmitting environmental conditions information, comprising, receiving at least some environmental conditions data and/or information, scaling the received environmental conditions data and/or information such that a scaled environmental conditions value is determined for a particular vehicle, and transmitting, in response to a request for environmental conditions information, at least one of the data and/or information relating to the environmental conditions and the dynamic vehicle information.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2005Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: AeroTech Research (USA), Inc.Inventors: Paul A. Robinson, Jason B. Prince, Steven G. Velotas, Billy K. Buck
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Publication number: 20080204280Abstract: Systems and methods according to the exemplary embodiments provide techniques for illuminating airport travel paths, e.g., runways, taxiways, ground vehicle access paths, etc., and to use the illumination to communicate with pilots, aircraft and ground personnel. Different colors of light, which may be generated by lasers, are used in various combinations and in reaction to various inputs.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: Bright Ideaz, Inc.Inventors: Richard E. Reason, Darren Kaberna
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Patent number: 7375653Abstract: Precision approach path indicator systems (PAPIs) effective in providing approach slope guidance for aircraft approaching an airport runway are provided. Such PAPIs include a plurality of light assemblies positioned on or in proximity to an airport runway and structured or configured to be effective in providing approach slope guidance light signals to a pilot of an aircraft approaching a runway. Each light assembly includes a light source comprising light emitting diodes (LEDs), preferably a first array of LEDs and a second array of LEDs.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: West Fork HoldingsInventors: Mark Kaminski, Matthew B. Dubin, Michael Frate
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Patent number: 7321824Abstract: Techniques are provided for presenting a route in a manner that emphasizes the route and provides context information. For example, a vivid color or vivid colors may be used to display the route, and pastel colors or other desaturated colors may be used for non-route context information. This may result in a map in which the vivid colors of the route stand out over the faded style of the non-route context information to emphasize the route. In this manner, the map may both emphasize the route and provide context information for the route.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: AOL LLCInventor: David W. Nesbitt
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Patent number: 7209053Abstract: An improved system and method are disclosed for indicating the validity of airport runway visual approach slope indicators on an aircraft display. An aircraft display system is provided, which includes a database for storing data about the specific visual approach slope lighting indicator system being used by each airport of a plurality of airports and any special distance and/or usage limitations associated with each such visual approach slope indicator system, a processing unit, a position determination unit, and a visual display. As an aircraft approaches an airport, the processing unit receives the aircraft's current position from the position determination unit, and compares the aircraft's current position data with the distance and/or usage limitation data stored in the database for the approach slope indicator system being used by that airport.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Aaron J. Gannon
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Patent number: 6917860Abstract: A method for transmitting environmental conditions information, which includes receiving at least some environmental conditions information, scaling the received information such that a scaled environmental conditions value is determined for a particular vehicle, receiving an environmental conditions threshold value, comparing the scaled value to the received threshold value, determining whether the scaled value is greater than the received threshold value, and transmitting, if the scaled value is greater than the received threshold value, at least some of the information.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Aerotech Research (USA), Inc.Inventors: Paul Aaron Robinson, Roland L. Bowles
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Patent number: 6771185Abstract: A parking guidance and management system. The system provides graphical information regarding the relative availability of parking spaces within a parking garage or other large facility. The system relies on a pair of sensors in each space which combine to provide highly reliable information regarding whether spaces in the facility are occupied or not. The information is gathered by a series of aisle controllers, which communicate with a central computer. The information is displayed at strategically located displays along the way to available spaces. The displays contain advertising messages adjacent to the information about space availability. The information obtained from the sensors at each parking space may be used to provide information to the manager of the facility regarding space utilization. Information regarding the occupancy status of each space may also be used as a check on receipts of parking fees and to identify abandoned vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1999Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Inventors: Chul Jin Yoo, Sang Gook Kim, Daniel Yongsuk Pahng
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Patent number: 6509844Abstract: A portable landing aid apparatus is disclosed along with a method for operation in aiding a pilot of a helicopter to land the helicopter in adverse conditions, such as at night or in inclement weather, at a non-traditional landing site. The landing aid apparatus comprises a plurality of light units that are powered by a portable power supply, such as a battery or an emergency vehicle at the site. Each light unit further includes a white strobe light, a steady burn amber lamp, and a green strobe light. The white strobe light is utilized as a day locator, while the green strobe light is utilized as a night locator. The steady burn amber light is used as a landing locator. The white strobe light is utilized during the day as it is highly visible from long distances and does not interfere with the pilot's vision. The green strobe light is used at night as it is highly visible at night and does not interfere with the pilot's night vision.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Inventor: Chris Eyring
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Patent number: 6459969Abstract: A diagnostic mechanism for processing diagnostic data transferred from a host computer (e.g., a motor vehicle computer) to a portable computer (e.g., a personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular phone, etc.) An alert is provided based on a comparison in the portable computer of a threshold variable (e.g., generated from a desired threshold value input into the portable computer by the user) and a diagnostic variable (e.g., fuel remaining, service interval, etc.) generated from the diagnostic data. Preferably, the alert includes a calendar entry displayed on a PDA. The alert may further include an alarm at a time-of-day preceding an alarm clock setting of the PDA. Consequently, the user does not have to rely on his/her memory to arise earlier in the morning to fill up with gasoline, for example. Preferably, the PDA receives the diagnostic data in response to being placed in a cradle mounted in a vehicle passenger compartment.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Cary Lee Bates, Michael Thomas Schmitt
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Publication number: 20010037176Abstract: A vehicle navigation system stores road data and a plurality of schematic diagrams of junctions. Each schematic diagram represents a common pattern of a road forking to a loop road at a junction and includes a representation of the loop road and the forking pattern at the junction. When a motor vehicle approaches a junction, the system automatically determines by using road data whether a guide route forks to a loop road at the junction, and displays an appropriate schematic diagram selected from the stored schematic diagrams. The displayed diagram enables the driver to know the forking direction of the guide route at the next junction and whether the guide route forks to a loop road at the junction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventor: Masami Mikame
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Publication number: 20010025223Abstract: A navigation system for use in a motor vehicle receives starting position data and destination position data and computes driving directions between the starting and destination positions. The navigation system includes a first memory unit that stores a basic navigation database including road map information, and a receiver that receives supplemental navigation data including digital road maps, and provides received supplemental navigation data that is stored in a second memory unit. A navigation computer computes driving directions between the starting position and the destination position using information from the basic navigation database and the received supplemental navigation data, and outputs driving directions for presentation to a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2001Publication date: September 27, 2001Inventors: Erich Geiger, Dirk Lappe, Joachim Wietzke
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Patent number: 6046679Abstract: The indicator light is constituted by a panel supporting juxtaposed and alternating neon tubes of blue, yellow, green and red color, these colors being assigned to the cardinal points north, east, south and west respectively. These tubes have voltage applied by means of a selector controlled by a weather vane, activating permanently the neon tubes of the color corresponding to the position of the weather vane. A series of colored lamps, displaying the Beaufort scale, indicates the wind velocity by means of a selector controlled by the anemometer. Colored light sources indicate the air pollution level.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1997Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Inventor: Jean-Pierre Cosyns
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Patent number: 6028535Abstract: Systems and methods for an integrated approach lighting system are described. An integrated approach lighting system includes a threshold bar and a plurality of lighting towers. The systems and methods provide advantages in that pilots are given a precise three dimensional visual reference to the aircraft's position relative to the runway's centerline, threshold crossing and height above the airfield. This provides the pilot with a higher concentration of visual information to insure faster decision making and an easier, more accurate and safe approach to landing.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1997Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: farLight CorporationInventor: Alexander Rizkin
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Patent number: 6023232Abstract: A vehicle communications system and method includes a central computer for performing data networking applications, individual devices for transmitting, receiving, recording, and/or processing data associated with the data networking applications, and one or more data transmission channels with associated interfaces through which the individual devices can be connected with a central vehicle computer. According to the invention, the individual devices are flexibly associated in a controllable fashion with the various data networking applications, with an adaptive application control being provided that selects the individual devices on the basis of their functions that are required for performing a given application, and controls the necessary data transmission processes.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1997Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventor: Klaus Eitzenberger
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Patent number: 5995214Abstract: Pose estimation of a camera is facilitated by including in the scene a space fiducial, an object that has the property that its appearance as viewed by the camera uniquely determines the direction from which it is viewed.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Lucent TechnologiesInventors: Alfred M. Bruckstein, Robert J. Holt, Thomas S. Huang, Arun Narayan Netravali
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Patent number: 5982299Abstract: In this application are disclosed a variety of improvements to the original system. These improvements provide for greater utility, effectiveness, and ease of manufacturing of the laser visual landing aid system.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1995Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Cafaro Laser, Ltd.Inventor: David M. Shemwell
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Patent number: 5940014Abstract: A method and system for visually guiding a vehicle to an approach corridor and subsequent landing, parking, or docking zone. As a vehicle approaches the designated landing, parking, or docking zone, the pilot is visually guided into the approach corridor by one or more pairs of guidance light units. Each guidance light unit has at least an affirmative color light segment and a negative color light segment. The affirmative color light segment indicates affirmative approach, landing, parking, or docking conditions and the negative color light segment indicates negative approach, landing, parking, or docking conditions. The colored light segments of the guidance light units are positioned and oriented such that the affirmative color light segment either corresponds with the approach corridor or provides visual guidance to assist the pilot in guiding the vehicle into the approach corridor by defining outwardly extending guidance corridors.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1996Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Inventor: Joseph R. Hartt
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Patent number: 5559510Abstract: A light unit has a strobe operated flash tube and a non-strobe peripheral lamp immediately beneath the flash tube; a switch can turn the unit off, operate either light or enable the pilot of an aircraft to signal the light unit to operate the flash tube or to turn off the flash tube and operate the non-strobe peripheral lamp, by means of a radio receiver having a local oscillator midway between two standard distress frequencies. The light unit may have infrared or other color lenses. A ribbon assists establishing a pattern of light and/or colors to mark a landing site and indicate wind direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1995Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventors: Maurice L. Strong, III, Charles J. Tranchita, Christopher R. Welch, Gerald Griffith
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Patent number: 5287104Abstract: A method and apparatus for aiding a landing aircraft. Three differently-colored beams of laser light are produced and transmitted, one of the beams of laser light being transmitted in a plane containing the direction from which the aircraft is approaching. Another of the beams of light is transmitted on one side of the plane, and the third of the beams of light is transmit on the other side of the plane. The pilot of the aircraft can determine whether the aircraft is on the plane or to the one side or the other by the color of the light the pilot receives. If desired, at least one of the colored laser beams that is transmitted toward one side of the plane can be broken into a plurality of adjacent fan-shaped beams, the light in at least one of the fan-shaped beams being interrupted intermittently.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1991Date of Patent: February 15, 1994Inventor: David M. Shemwell
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Patent number: 5200748Abstract: Apparatus for indicating to a vehicle or craft a desired path of travel, comprising a body including a plurality of systems adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation over a desired path, means partially to mask electromagnetic radiation emitted by at least some of the systems, and means to rotate the systems whereby the systems and mask means provide continuous and flashing electromagnetic signals for indicating a desired path for a vehicle or craft. The apparaus is particularly suitable for guiding helicopters during landing.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1992Date of Patent: April 6, 1993Inventor: Ronald E. Attfield
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Patent number: 5136288Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an installation for providing an aircraft with alignment guidance during the approach stage. At least three flashing lights are disposed on either side of the runway and directed towards an approaching aircraft. The beam directions and the timing of the light flashes are such that the pilot of an aircraft lying on the axis of the runway sees the two lights closest to the runway flash simultaneously, whereas the pilot of an aircraft that is too far to one side or the other of the axis of the runway sees a series of light flashes that appear to be running towards the axis of the runway.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1990Date of Patent: August 4, 1992Assignee: BritecInventor: Louis M. Briatte
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Patent number: 4856896Abstract: A unitary optical guidance system and apparatus directs operators of vehicles such as airplanes, watercraft, trucks, and automobiles along a path or to a predetermined location (e.g., parking an aircraft at a terminal gate or landing an aircraft on a runway) with a high degree of accuracy. The apparatus projects one or a plurality of different colored rays of light in separate and substantially parallel colored light lanes. Light from the apparatus generally is directed at an incident angle with respect to the operator of an approaching vehicle such that upon proximity of the vehicle to a predetermined location, one of the colored lanes of light will be seen by the operator. Where multiples lanes of light are projected, the initial lane color may be traversed until a final lane color is encountered indicating that a desired or predetermined location has been reached.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1987Date of Patent: August 15, 1989Assignee: Abex CorporationInventor: Aaron V. Farr
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Patent number: 4763125Abstract: A passive type forward/aft indicator for mounting on an aircraft refueling tanker. The indicator providing the appearance of an ascending liquid thermometer for guiding an aircraft to be refueled. The indicator providing proper longitudinal positioning underneath the tanker. The indicator can be used equally well for space docking and other types of rendezvous missions.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1987Date of Patent: August 9, 1988Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Frank J. Newman, Robert K. Knapp, Robert J. Davis
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Patent number: 4707696Abstract: An improved glide slope indicator system for facilitating aircraft landings under adverse lighting conditions on remote or austere landing sites is provided which comprises a pair of indicators deployable near ground level on each side of a runway, each indicator including a housing having an optical window and a pair of light sources mounted in predetermined spaced relationship to each other and to the optical window and connected to a power source and related circuitry to project a well defined first blinking and second steady light beam of predetermined angular divergence and overlap, one indicator disposed to project beams with an overlap elevated at a first angle relative to horizontal and the other indicator disposed to project beams with an overlap elevated at a second angle relative to horizontal different from the first, with a preselected glide path lying between the two overlaps.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1986Date of Patent: November 17, 1987Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Harry L. Task, Ivan S. Wyatt
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Patent number: 4554544Abstract: A diffuse incandescent runway marker light apparatus has a housing with a visible light diffusing plate mounted in one end and an infrared light diffusing plate mounted in the other end, and a pair of incandescent light sources mounted in the housing and aimed toward the respective housing end plates. A switch, when flipped to a first position, turns on one light source for producing visible illumination and turns off the other light source. The switch, when flipped to a second position, turns off the one light source and turns on the other light source for producing infrared illumination. In such manner, the appropriate type of illumination for marking the runway for overt or covert landing operation may be selected. When the switch is flipped to a third position, both light sources are turned off.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1983Date of Patent: November 19, 1985Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Harry L. Task
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Patent number: 4532512Abstract: An omnidirectional approach slope indicator unit for heliports is disclosed. The unit may include two oppositely directed light beam generators secured to a rotatable shaft, the light beam generators generating light beams of differing colors to alert an approaching aircraft of his position relative to the glide slope indicated by the light beams.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1982Date of Patent: July 30, 1985Inventor: Jesse H. Tanner
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Patent number: 4435694Abstract: Four generally radially arranged base paths extending outwardly from the center of an airport are provided and each base path is defined by a pair of side-by-side rows of lights with a first row of lights comprising white lights and the second row of lights comprising predetermined color lights different from the color of each other second row of lights. In addition, intermediate radial paths extend outwardly from the airport between adjacent base paths and each intermediate path includes a single row of lights of a color corresponding to the color of lights in the second row of lights of one of the adjacent base paths. Also, a plurality of concentric circular paths extend about the airport at predetermined radial distances therefrom and intersect with the aforementioned base and intermediate paths.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1981Date of Patent: March 6, 1984Inventor: Elbert M. Riebold