Abstract: A method, executed by a processor, includes the processor receiving signals information from a device located on a departing airplane; verifying an identification of the airplane and identifying an expected departure sequence of aircraft surface states; monitoring and identifying additional signals information received from the mobile device, including comparing the additional signals information to known data; logging the additional signals information, and processing the additional signals information, and determining the logged data corresponds to events indicative of an aircraft surface state; sending an aircraft surface state reached message to Local and Center flight management; and executing a statistical routine and providing statistical data from the execution relating to an occurrence of upcoming aircraft surface state event and sending the statistical data with the aircraft surface state message.

Abstract: A method for predicting a low visibility set-up option for an airport moving map includes determining a visibility at a particular airport and predicting a low visibility set-up option for an airport moving map for the particular airport in response to the visibility being below a predetermined value. The method also includes retrieving from a data storage device the low visibility set-up option for the airport moving map in response to predicting the low visibility set-up. The method additionally includes applying the low visibility set-up option to the airport moving map for the particular airport. The method further includes presenting the airport moving map on a display including geospatial low visibility information based on the low visibility set-up option.

Abstract: Motion abstraction includes ontologies having taxonomies for classification of various types of vessels (entities) and their movements based on inputted raw data. Kinematic-data abstraction, activity identification, entity classification, and entity identification, can be performed such that kinematic data is decomposed using an ontology describing motion, activities are decomposed using an ontology describing activities, and entity classes are decomposed using an ontology describing entity classes having unique-entity instances.

Abstract: Example implementations relate to autonomous airport runway navigation. An example system includes a first sensor and a second sensor coupled to an aircraft at a first location and a second location, respectively, and a computing system configured to receive sensor data from one or both of the first sensor and the second sensor to detect airport markings positioned proximate a runway. The computing system is further configured to identify a centerline of the runway based on the airport markings and receive sensor data from both of the first sensor and the second sensor to determine a lateral displacement that represents a distance between a reference point of the aircraft and the centerline of the runway. The computing system is further configured to control instructions that indicate adjustments for aligning the reference point of the aircraft with the centerline of the runway during subsequent navigation of the aircraft.

Abstract: A passenger boarding bridge for docking a cab with an aircraft. The passenger boarding bridge includes: a tunnel unit; a cab; a drive wheel provided on the tunnel unit or the cab; a rotational mechanism configured to rotate the cab; a controller configured to control the drive wheel and the rotational mechanism; a camera configured to capture an image of an entrance of an aircraft; and an entrance position calculator configured to detect the entrance of the aircraft based on the image and calculate horizontal positional information of the entrance. The controller is, when the cab is at a predetermined standby position from which the cab starts moving at a time of performing docking of the cab with the entrance, configured to: calculate a target position based on the horizontal positional information; and move the cab from the standby position to the target position.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling display characteristics is disclosed. The system and method can receive a control signal from a user interface and a video input signal. The system and method can filter the video input signal in accordance with a spatial frequency threshold related to the control signal to provide a filtered video output signal. The system and method can provide the filtered video output signal for display of an image on the translucent display and non-translucent display. The translucent display can be a head up display (HUD) and the non-translucent display can be a head down display. The user interface can be a brightness, contrast or combination brightness and contrast control.

Abstract: A system for extracting a ground route of an aircraft includes an airport surface detector acquiring ground movement information of an aircraft detected in an airport, a mapper acquiring node information of the airport from a database and mapping the ground movement information with the node information, a route detector detecting taxi route information of the aircraft by collecting adjacent node information of a mapped coordinate and erasing redundant node information among collected adjacent node information, a node identifier identifying start node information or end node information of a taxi route by using stand node information of the aircraft, and a final route extractor extracting a final taxi route including an extracted shortest route by dividing the taxi route into a plurality of sub-routes and applying a shortest route algorithm to the divided sub-routes.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for aircraft stand management are described herein. One device includes a memory, and a processor to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to receive information associated with arriving and departing flights at an airport, determine, using the received information, whether a conflict exists at a parking stand of the airport assigned to an aircraft, generate, using the received information, an airfield parking stand analysis, including a time chart for the parking stand and a list of different parking stands to assign to the aircraft in response to a conflict existing at the parking stand, and a user interface to display the airfield parking stand analysis in a single integrated display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for guiding an aircraft over an airport taxiway which is carried out by a data-processing device of a guiding system, wherein said method comprises the steps of determining (E1) at least one possible future path of the aircraft according to the topography of the taxiway in the vicinity of the aircraft, receiving (E2) at least one command relating to the path for the aircraft to follow, selecting (E3) a path to follow from said possible future paths that have been determined and, on the basis of said received command, guiding (E4) the aircraft along the selected path to follow.

Abstract: A machine vision-based method and system for aircraft docking guidance and aircraft type identification, comprising: S1: a monitoring scenario is divided into different information processing function areas; S2: a captured image is pre-processed; S3: the engine and the front wheel of an aircraft are identified in the image, so as to confirm that the aircraft has appeared in the image; S4: continuous tracking and real-time updating are performed on the image of the engine and the front wheel of the aircraft captured in step S3; S5: real-time positioning of the aircraft is implemented and the degree of deviation of the aircraft with respect to a guide line and the distance with respect to a stop line are accurately determined; S6: the degree of deviation of the aircraft with respect to the guide line and the distance with respect to the stop line of step S5 are outputted and displayed.

Abstract: A system and method for aircraft docking guidance and aircraft type identification. The method is executed in the system for aircraft docking guidance and aircraft type identification comprising a machine vision sub-system, a laser scanning sub-system and a fusion module. The method includes: in step 1000, obtaining, by the machine vision sub-system, an image via image capturing means, and calculating a first aircraft front wheel position therefrom; in step 2000, obtaining, by the laser scanning sub-system, the position of the nose of an aircraft via laser scanning means, and calculating a second aircraft front wheel position; in step 3000, fusing the first aircraft front wheel position and the second aircraft front wheel position according to a fusion rule, to obtain deviation of an aircraft front wheel.

Abstract: A vessel display system includes a display device, an autopilot screen display unit displaying on the display device an autopilot screen for an autopilot mode, an automatic berthing control screen display unit displaying on the display device an automatic berthing control screen for an automatic berthing mode of automatically controlling a propulsion device and a steering mechanism to make the vessel berth at a berthing target position, a destination approach condition judging unit judging whether or not a predetermined destination approach condition, indicating that the vessel has come close to the destination, is satisfied, and a screen transition control unit automatically making the display on the display device transition from the autopilot screen to the automatic berthing control screen when the destination approach condition judging unit judges that the destination approach condition is satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for identifying an aircraft in connection to a stand. The method comprises: receiving identification data and position data transmitted from an aircraft, comparing said received position data with at least one position within a predetermined area in connection to said stand. If said received position data correspond to said at least one position within said predetermined area: determining, based on said identification data, if said aircraft is expected at the stand, and if said aircraft is not expected at the stand: displaying a notification on a display.

Abstract: An offscreen traffic information indicator system includes signal receivers for receiving traffic messages from proximate air and ground vehicles and a traffic indicator for determining the positions of the host aircraft and the proximate vehicles based on the traffic messages. Based on the locations of the host aircraft and proximate vehicles and their proximity to airport runways, the traffic indicator may designate runways as relevant runways (or receive relevant runway designations from the flight management system of the host aircraft) and designate proximate vehicles as relevant to the host aircraft. A display unit may display, along with a dynamic map of a region near the host aircraft, relevant runway indicators for relevant runways within the mapped region and offscreen traffic indicators for relevant aircraft positioned outside the mapped region.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein includes, inter alia, a method and system which enables to determine the steering-angle between the longitudinal axis of a tractor and the longitudinal axis of an aircraft which is being led by the tractor (referred to herein as “steering-angle” in short). While an aircraft is being led, the steering-angle can be repeatedly calculated and compared to a threshold value defining a mechanical steering limit. In case the comparison complies with one or more predefined conditions (e.g. the steering-angle is equal or smaller the threshold value) a warning can be generated indicating to an operator that the steering-angle has reached (or is about to reach) its limit and should be adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for strike detection. Images of an object are identified in video images from a video camera on a vehicle. A movement of the object with respect to the vehicle is identified from the images of the object in the video images. It is determine whether the movement of the object with respect to the vehicle indicates that the object will strike the vehicle. A strike report comprising information indicating that the object will strike the vehicle is generated in response to a determination that the object will strike the vehicle.

Abstract: A taxiway approach advisory system. The system may include a computer-readable memory containing runway information and a processor in data communication with the memory. The processor may include a component for ascertaining the altitude of an aircraft, a component for ascertaining the location of the aircraft, a component for accessing runway information from the memory and determining if the aircraft is within a pre-determined runway envelope based on the altitude and location, and a component for issuing an indication if the aircraft is not within the pre-determined runway envelope.

Abstract: A taxi guidance system is provided for an aircraft having a primary thrust engine and an onboard electric taxi system. The taxi guidance system includes or cooperates with a source of aircraft status data for the aircraft, and a source of airport feature data associated with synthetic graphical representations of an airport field. The taxi guidance system includes a processor operatively coupled to the source of aircraft status data and to the source of airport feature data to generate, in response to at least the aircraft status data and the airport feature data, taxi path guidance information for the aircraft, start/stop guidance information associated with operation of the primary thrust engine, and speed guidance information for the onboard electric taxi system.

Abstract: A method and a system for displaying an airport or runway moving map with traffic information on a display screen in the cockpit or flight deck of an aircraft. Symbology representing surface and near-surface aircraft and surface vehicle traffic and associated traffic data are filtered to prevent or limit clutter on the display screen. Traffic symbology is automatically and manually filtered to display only relevant traffic. Traffic data is selectively displayed and displayed as/when relevant or needed. The displayed traffic information may be derived from automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast, traffic information system-broadcast, automatic dependent surveillance-rebroadcast, traffic collision avoidance system or other source.

Abstract: A method and system for providing taxiway navigational information to a crewmember of an airplane taxiing at an airport. An airport taxiway navigation system (“ATNS”) that executes on an onboard computer system that displays a map of the taxiways of an airport, receives the name of each taxiway of the taxi route specified by the taxi clearance, and highlights the taxiways on a displayed map to provide a visual indication of the cleared taxi route for the crewmembers.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for displaying information about runways. A runway for an aircraft is identified when the aircraft is within a selected distance of the runway. A number of graphical indicators are displayed on a display in a flight deck. The number of graphical indicators corresponds to a number of features of the runway present in a field of view for an eye reference point in the flight deck.

Abstract: Method for automatically docking a passenger bridge (1, 2) to an airplane (5) door (3, 4) at an airport gate, wherein the airplane is brought to and stopped in a predetermined position by contact less measurement of the distance between the airplane and a fixed point and wherein a control computer (14) is adopted to control the movement of the passenger bridge and wherein a start signal (24) is required from a person after the person has established the correct type of airplane and version of the airplane type to enable the control computer to cause the passenger bridge to be moved for docking.

Abstract: A safety system for a truck loading dock with an elevated platform provides an alarm that warns of a hazard at the loading dock such as a forklift operating inside the truck or a falling hazard that may exist due to the dock door being open while a truck is not present at the dock. In cases where a dock's open doorway is protected by a barrier that can be opened or closed, the alarm can be de-activated by closing the barrier. In some examples, the safety system includes a remote body sensor that detects when someone or something is near the doorway. In response to the body sensor, a second, more pronounced alarm can warn of more imminent danger where someone on the platform may be too close to an open doorway when a truck is not present.

Abstract: A system and method for aircraft taxi gate selection based on passenger connecting flight information. In one embodiment, a communication link is established between an aircraft computing system and a ground station system via a communication network provided by the ground station system. Further, aircraft taxi gate selection information and the passenger connecting flight information are substantially simultaneously displayed on a display device to a pilot upon establishing the communication link. Furthermore, the pilot is allowed to select an aircraft taxi gate based on the displayed aircraft taxi gate selection information and passenger connecting flight information.

Abstract: A method and system for aiding the taxiing of an aircraft on an airport domain enables automatic planning and execution of taxiing. The system includes a trajectory generating device for generating a taxiing trajectory of the aircraft on the airport domain, with the aid of a navigation data base, and piloting aiding devices that use the trajectory for aiding the taxiing of the aircraft. For example, the piloting aiding devices may include an automatic piloting/taxiing device and a display device.

Abstract: A system to identify junctions of restricted areas to approaching vehicles, including at least one warning signal generator adapted to transmit the warning signal into areas traversed by the vehicles approaching the restricted areas, a receiver in each of the vehicles receiving the transmitted warning signals when the vehicle approaches one of the restricted areas, and an alarm responsive to the warning signal, which produces an alarm signal detectable by a vehicle operator.

Abstract: An assistant driving system with video recognition includes a camera array capturing environment images for the environment around the vehicle, an image recognition unit identifying environment objects and their image, location, color, speed and direction from the environment images, an environment monitor and control unit receiving the information generated by the image recognition unit and creating the rebuild environment information for the vicinity of the vehicle as well as judging the space relationship between the vehicle and the environment objects to generate the warning information, a video recognition display unit showing a single image for the rebuild environment information, a vehicle warning unit performing the processes corresponding to the warning information, a vehicle driving unit generating the driving control command based on the rebuild environment information, and a vehicle controlling unit receiving the driving control command to control the throttle, brake or steering wheel of the vehic

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for tamper detection of electronic devices (110) in closed units which is robust and low cost. The object is achieved by a method in an electronic device (110) for detecting if a cover (100) enclosing the electronic device (110) has been opened. The cover (100) comprises an enclosing assembly (250) which is adapted to fasten the cover (100) into a closed position. The electronic (device 110) comprises a non volatile memory (120). The non volatile memory (120) comprises a stored reference signature associated to the enclosing assembly (250) when the cover (100) was fastened into a closed position. The method comprises the following steps: (Creating 1003) a signature associated to the enclosing assembly (250). Comparing (1004) the created signature with the reference signature. Detecting (1007) that the cover 100 has been opened when the comparing (1004) results in a difference.

Abstract: A taxi guidance system is provided for an aircraft having a primary thrust engine and an onboard electric taxi system. The taxi guidance system includes or cooperates with a source of aircraft status data for the aircraft, and a source of airport feature data associated with synthetic graphical representations of an airport field. The taxi guidance system includes a processor operatively coupled to the source of aircraft status data and to the source of airport feature data to generate, in response to at least the aircraft status data and the airport feature data, taxi path guidance information for the aircraft, start/stop guidance information associated with operation of the primary thrust engine, and speed guidance information for the onboard electric taxi system.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of monitoring and aid to taxiing of an aircraft at an airport. The invention is a method of checking and monitoring the taxi plan and relates to a monitoring system comprising means for checking the pathway of the plan and means for signalling on the taxi aid the waiting time for the next clearance ahead of the aircraft along the pathway, the means for checking the pathway comprising a device for checking the pathway constraints and a device for checking the clearances, the device for checking the constraints making it possible to test and to display on the taxi plan the information descriptive of the constraints and the device for checking the clearances making it possible to check the clearances and to add the missing clearances to the taxi plan.

Abstract: An alerts module having a memory storing aircraft data, the aircraft data including identities of aircraft that are grounded and a processor comparing the aircraft data to predetermined rules for determining whether an aircraft is stranded and generating an alert for each of the aircraft that are determined to be stranded, wherein the alert includes the identify of the aircraft that is stranded.

Abstract: Electronic aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) tools that improve an organizations ability to manage nearly every phase of an aircraft maintenance visit. MRO management may be implemented at the single aircraft level all the way up to the organization level including several facilities each of which include several aircrafts. The disclosed MRO management solutions assist with mapping out short term and long term planning; including manpower and material and tooling requirements. Additionally, current and future workloads may be identified and considered in advance of maintenance execution to significantly improve stakeholder satisfaction. The methods and systems disclosed generate an electronic contract based on a bill of work to control maintenance task execution, report progress of executing the tasks, and process scope changes to the bill of work and the associated contract.

Abstract: A variable lighting system (“VLS”) for optimizing object visibility at night by setting a base level of lighting, adding a variable light to that base level of lighting, and a synchronizing the timing and sequence of the base level of lighting and the variable lighting. The VLS varies the illumination by intensity, color, direction, or a combination thereof and optionally includes a detector for detecting motion, noise, and other occurrences. The VLS can be implemented as a fixed lighting source, a movable lighting source, or a vehicle mounted lighting source. The VLS improves visibility at night for viewers or motorists thereby reducing accidents and damage costs, saves energy, and improves the environment and enhances quality of life by reducing light pollution and light trespass.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for generating an aircraft ground path for piloting an aircraft along the ground of an airport domain. Geographical coordinates of reference points corresponding to a series of elements of the airport domain that the aircraft is to successively follow are obtained and converted to a metric frame. Points of intersection of the successive elements are then determined, as well as an auxiliary path for the aircraft to follow, based on the converted geographical coordinates. A turn at each of the intersection points is next determined, and the aircraft ground path is generated from each of the determined turns.

Abstract: The invention pertains to optoelectronic devices for aiding the guidance and taxiing of aircraft, comprising a so-called head-up collimator allowing the presentation of information in the pilot's visual field. It applies notably to large-size civil aircraft of the Boeing 747 or Airbus A380 type. The optoelectronic device comprises means for calculating a deviation factor for the actual trajectory of said aircraft relative to a theoretical trajectory on said traffic way, means for generating symbols and at least one head-up collimator comprising means for displaying and superimposing said symbols on the outside landscape. The deviation factor is calculated on the basis of an angle (PÂ?G) and that the means for generating symbols generate a symbol representing said deviation factor, so as to be superimposed on said traffic way.

Abstract: In a parking apparatus for a vehicle, a parking space is measured and a parking trajectory into the parking space is determined by using this apparatus. A driving space for the vehicle is captured by a camera, both the parking trajectory and a turning point situated on the parking trajectory being superimposed on the camera image.

Abstract: A steering angle warning system comprising a rotation-measuring unit located on an aircraft, and an alarm unit. The rotation-measuring unit is arranged to output a first signal dependent on the steering angle between a nose landing gear of the aircraft and the longitudinal axis of the aircraft fuselage. The alarm unit is arranged to generate an alarm, in dependence on the first signal, when the steering angle is greater than a predetermined value, for example, 60 degrees. The rotation-measuring unit may also be arranged to perform a function in relation to an aircraft steering system, for example to indicate the steering angle to the pilot during ground manoeuvres.

Abstract: A method for displaying an operating parameter for a mobile platform. A plurality of different graphs can be digitized to place them in electronic form. Each graph represents a different operational or environmental characteristic relating to operation of the mobile platform, and each is further related to a common parameter. A first one of the digitized graphs is selected by a user. A user positionable marker is displayed on the first digitized graph at a specific, user selected location on the first digitized graph. Next a second one of the digitized graphs is selected. The second one of the digitized graphs is then overlayed over at least a portion of the first digitized graph, with the marker remaining visible and superimposed on the second digitized graph, and without having moved relative to the first digitized graph. The second digitized graph is then aligned relative to the first digitized graph. The marker is then used to assist in reading information from the second digitized graph.

Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of systems for aiding the guidance of an aircraft on an airport. The system according to the invention comprises means for determining at least one element of the topology of the airport in relation to the position of the aircraft for selecting. Selecting means are provided by the pilot of the aircraft for the element. Generating means are provided to generate at least one guidance or safety set-point using the topological element. Presenting means are provided for the element or the associated set-point on a man-machine interface to the pilot of the aircraft.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a volume of space surrounding an aircraft having a plurality of extremity portions includes a plurality of sensors. Each sensor is disposed at a respective corresponding one of the aircraft extremity portions. Each sensor is configured to generate an image of a monitored area covering a predetermined distance from the extremity portion at which the sensor is disposed. A processing device is configured to determine, from an image generated by a first sensor of the plurality, a characteristic of an object within the monitored area covering the predetermined distance from the extremity portion at which the first sensor is disposed. The processing device is further configured to generate a signal in response to determining the object characteristic.

Abstract: Systems and methods for runway status indication and related traffic information displays and filtering are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method for displaying runway status includes defining a monitored volume for each of one or more runways, determining a runway status for each of the one or more runways based on at least one of a state of at least one traffic vehicle and a monitoring vehicle state with respect to each monitored volume. The method continues with selecting at least one runway status for display based on the state of the monitoring vehicle. The method then presents the at least one runway status within the monitoring vehicle. In an additional embodiment, each monitored volume is based on a length of a corresponding runway, a width of the corresponding runway, and a predetermined altitude above the corresponding runway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) comprising a set (2) of information sources for determining the active values of a plurality of parameter of an aeroplane, calculating means (3) for determining, by means of said active values, a first position corresponding to a position which is extrapolated from the nose of the aeroplane following a particular time interval from the current instant. The inventive device also comprises a database (5) provided with at least one pre-determined unauthorized zone of the airport, comparison means (6) for comparing said first position to said pre-determined unauthorized zone of the airport, and warning means (9) for emitting at least one warning signal if the first position is located in the unauthorized zone.

Abstract: A aircraft traffic display system, aircraft including the display system and a method of displaying aircraft and vehicle traffic in the display system. The system includes an ownship location finder determining ownship location and maps, including airport maps stored in map storage. A traffic information collector collecting information on airport and other traffic. A local display displays ownship on a moving map at a selected range and all airport traffic within range, or a filtered subset thereof. An off-scale traffic processor monitors off-scale traffic beyond the selected range and identifies of-interest off-scale traffic. The local display also provides an indication of any of interest off-scale traffic. The indication may visibly indicate status (e.g., air or ground) of respective said off-scale traffic and may include traffic specific information.

Abstract: A method of aligning one end of a passenger boarding bridge with a doorway of an aircraft includes a step of parking the aircraft within a parking space that is defined adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge. An imager disposed aboard the aircraft is used for scanning a target that is located proximate the parking space, the target including machine-readable information that is uniquely associated with the passenger boarding bridge. Data relating to the machine-readable information of the target is extracted from image data and used for encoding a signal for transmission to a controller of the passenger boarding bridge. The controller determines the presence of the extracted data and compares the data to a unique bridge identifier code for that passenger boarding bridge. When a match is determined, then communication with an aircraft within or proximate a parking space adjacent to that passenger boarding bridge is confirmed.

Abstract: A method of aligning one end of a passenger boarding bridge with a doorway of an aircraft includes a step of parking the aircraft within a parking space that is defined adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge. Human intelligible information visually displayed proximate the parking space is determined, the human-intelligible information being uniquely associated with the passenger boarding bridge. Using an input device that is disposed aboard the aircraft, the human-intelligible information is provided to a communication module that is also disposed aboard the aircraft. A signal including the human-intelligible information is transmitted from the communication module to a receiver that is in communication with the passenger boarding bridge. Only signals determined to include the human-intelligible information are accepted as valid signals during a current bridge alignment operation.

Abstract: Pilot Director Lights (PDLs) mounted on the exterior of a refueling tanker aircraft utilize visible light emitting diodes (LEDs) and infrared LEDs as light sources to provide visual information to the pilot of an approaching aircraft The PDLs are switchable between a visible mode that uses the visible LEDs and a covert mode that uses the infrared LEDs. The PDLs may include a plurality of light emitting devices arranged in arrays, rows, or other patterns, each light emitting device being configured to illuminate a particular symbol/pattern in one example. Each light emitting device may include a plurality of modular banks of LEDs which are configured to emit light through a clear lens within a particular field of view. The PDL arrays may provide visual feedback regarding the elevational and fore-aft position of the approaching aircraft relative to the boom envelope of the tanker aircraft.

Abstract: A method for guiding an aircraft toward a stopping position within an aircraft stand of an airport comprises using a visual docking guidance system (VDGS) associated with the aircraft stand for displaying first instructions for guiding the aircraft toward the stopping position. The first instructions are based on an initial determination of the aircraft-type and on first sensed positional information of the aircraft. Aircraft-type data that is stored in a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag carried by the aircraft is then read. Using the VDGS, second instructions are displayed for guiding the aircraft toward the stopping position based on the aircraft-type data and based on second sensed positional information of the aircraft.

Abstract: A method for wireless communication between an aircraft and a passenger boarding bridge includes assigning an aircraft to a parking space adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge. The aircraft includes a signal-transmitting module for use in automated bridge alignment operations and has a unique aircraft identifier code associated therewith. The step of assigning includes providing the unique aircraft identifier code to an automated bridge alignment system of the passenger boarding bridge. Signals transmitted between the aircraft and the passenger boarding bridge are encoded with the unique aircraft identifier code for transmission between the aircraft and the automated bridge alignment system.

Abstract: A system is provided for aligning a first passenger boarding bridge tunnel section with a first doorway of an aircraft and for aligning a second passenger boarding bridge tunnel section with a second doorway of the aircraft includes. The system includes a sensor for sensing an orientation of a first passenger boarding bridge tunnel section when it is in an aligned condition with a first doorway of the aircraft, and for sensing an orientation of a second passenger boarding bridge tunnel section when it is in other than an aligned condition with the second doorway of the aircraft. The sensor is in communication with a controller. The controller is for receiving a signal from the sensor, and for determining the orientation of the first passenger boarding bridge tunnel section and the orientation of the second passenger boarding bridge tunnel section in dependence upon the signal.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for the efficient entry and display of ground taxi routes on an electronic airport map display. The system may include a touchscreen entry device, a display device, a computer, a map database, a vehicle position sensor and a transmitter/receiver. The system may be configured to check the ground taxi entries to ensure that each successive segment is contiguous with the last or next segment, and any gaps or discontinuities in the displayed taxi instructions may be annunciated. An intelligent display of next possible segments may be incorporated into the system.