Abstract: A collision avoidance system for an airplane under tow may include a sensing device configured to capture image data of at least a portion of the airplane and an object while the airplane is being towed. The sensing device may be located remotely to both the airplane and the object. Positions of two or more features of the airplane may be determined based on the image data. A bounding box encompassing the airplane may be generated based, at least in part, on the positions of the two or more features. Additionally, based on a comparison of the position of an object relative to the bounding box, it may be determined whether the object is within a predetermined distance from the airplane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for reducing traffic flow instabilities and increasing vehicle throughput by monitoring the distances and velocities of motor vehicles leading and following a center vehicle and controlling the velocities of the vehicles to maintain a steady relative distance between the center vehicle and the leading and following vehicles. Using distance and speed information derived from both leading and following vehicles reduces the loop gain of feedback needed below one (1) and diminishes traffic instabilities caused by “car following.

Abstract: A collision prediction apparatus includes a sensor that obtains positional information representing a position of a target object with respect to a host vehicle and a processing device wherein the processing device calculates a movement trajectory of the target object with respect to a vehicle, based on the positional information obtained at time points by the sensor, and the processing device predicts a probability of a collision between the target object and the vehicle, based on the calculated movement trajectory and at least one of three parameters which includes a number of obtainment time points of the positional information used to calculate the movement trajectory, a change manner of a lateral width of the target object related to the positional information between time points, and a change manner of the positional information of the target object with respect to the vehicle in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for preventing interference from simultaneous data transmissions in a remote control system. A controlled terminal is typically configured to receive control data from a controlling terminal and to transmit feedback data to a monitoring terminal. To prevent interference caused by the simultaneous transmissions of control data and feedback data. The controlling terminal can transmit the control data to the monitoring terminal, which then transmits the control data to the controlled terminal. Such transmission of the control data may be carried out in a way that does not interfere with the transmission of the feedback data.

Abstract: The device comprises a flight management system which comprises means for generating requests, for requesting the results of performance functions and a performance function server which is external with respect to the flight management system and comprises means for calculating predictions which are capable of processing the requests and transmitting the results to the flight management system.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for the disambiguation of an in trail procedure (ITP) vertical display by calculating and rendering symbology on a plan view traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) display. The symbology represents an intersection point between the ground track of an ITP aircraft and the ground track of a blocking aircraft and further represents an association between the intersection point and the respective ITP blocking aircraft.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a system and method for providing zone information to a user. The system includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that when executed cause the system to: receive data describing a current location and a travel speed associated with a user; determine a travel status associated with the user based on the current location and the travel speed; create a zone of relevance for the user based on the travel status, the zone of relevance including one or more regions with each region being mapped to one or more regional circles; generate one or more queries for the zone of relevance; retrieve one or more query results that match the zone of relevance using the one or more queries; process the one or more query results to generate zone information relevant to the user; and provide the zone information to the user.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for providing flight response to flight-restricted regions. The location of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be compared with a location of a flight-restricted region. If needed a flight-response measure may be taken by the UAV to prevent the UAV from flying in a no-fly zone. Different flight-response measures may be taken based on the distance between the UAV and the flight-restricted region and the rules of a jurisdiction within which the UAV falls.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system has an emitter which produces a sequence of outgoing pulses of coherent collimated light that transmitted in a given direction, a mirror system having a scanning mirror that is positioned to deflect the outgoing pulse sequence towards a scene, and a detector collocated with the emitter and aimed to detect a sequence of incoming pulses being reflections of the outgoing pulses that are returning from said given direction and have been deflected by the scanning mirror. An electronic controller communicates with the emitter and the detector and controls the scanning mirror, so that the outgoing pulses scan the scene and the controller computes a radial distance or depth for each pair of outgoing and incoming pulses and uses the computed radial distance to provide a scanned 3D depth map of objects in the scene. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus to produce a flightplan for a sUAS. Embodiments can produce such a flightplan for a variety of environmental and/or geographical parameters. A specific embodiment produces an optimal flightplan based on one or more metrics and/or one or more assumptions or boundary conditions. Embodiments take in vehicle parameters and/or the properties of the sensor systems used for imaging, and compute a partial, or complete, flightplan. Such a flightplan can include altitude, airspeeds, flight paths encompassing the target area, and/or the direction and/or path to turn in-between flightlines. Embodiments can improve the flight planning procedure compared to a manual process, which can be completely dependent on the operator, to implement a partially, or totally, automated process. Specific embodiments can produce a flightplan that results in the optimal data collection path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for route planning. The system is arranged to be mounted on a moving object. The system comprises a route planning module arranged to plan a route of the object upon request, wherein occasions of being visible from any point in the map within a shooting range during a predetermined time period is minimized. The system is characterized in that the route planning module is arranged to determine areas in the 3D map in which the object will be exposed to a potential threat during a predetermined time period based on line of sight calculations, and determining a re-planned route avoiding said potential threat areas.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assessing threats to a vehicle to facilitate a reflexive response. Threat timeline parameters for a detected threat to the vehicle including a threat mode and a time progression of the threat in the threat mode is determined based, at least in part, on a plurality of information sources. One or more candidate solutions for facilitating the reflexive response to the threat are determined based, at least in part, on the threat mode and the time progression and one or more of the candidate solutions are presented to an operator of the vehicle to enable the operator to mediate the threat.

Abstract: A system and method monitor aircraft state parameters, for example, aircraft movement and flight parameters, applies those inputs to a spatial disorientation model, and makes a prediction of when pilot may become spatially disoriented. Once the system predicts a potentially disoriented pilot, the sensitivity for alerting the pilot to conditions exceeding a threshold can be increased and allow for an earlier alert to mitigate the possibility of an incorrect control input.

Abstract: A wearable computer is provided. In particular, a communication unit transmits/receives information associated with a vehicle from/to an external control apparatus. A microphone collects sound waves generated from a sound source in the vehicle, and a posture detecting sensor detects a posture of a wearer. A controller then generates augmented reality information by processing internal and/or external information received from the external control apparatus, calculates a location of wearer using sound waves collected from the microphone, and generates augmented reality information according to an alignment of a window of vehicle or devices in the vehicle using the location and the posture of the wearer displays the augmented reality information generated at the controller.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for providing flight response to flight-restricted regions. The location of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be compared with a location of a flight-restricted region. If needed a flight-response measure may be taken by the UAV to prevent the UAV from flying in a no-fly zone. Different flight-response measures may be taken based on the distance between the UAV and the flight-restricted region and the rules of a jurisdiction within which the UAV falls.

Abstract: A guiding method for aircraft docking process, which is used to detect an aircraft when docking to a stop line along a J-line on apron, includes steps as followed. According to response distances of different positions from a laser scanner, a distance between the aircraft and the stop line and offset angle during the docking process are detected. To show the distance and offset angle on a data display panel as guiding reference when a pilot of the aircraft operates the aircraft. The guiding method further has a waiting stage, a positioning stage, and a distinguishing stage and a guiding stage.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for displaying information related to an in-trail procedure (ITP) on a ITP display aboard a host aircraft. Current flight status data of the host aircraft and at least a second aircraft is obtained, and a vertical traffic scenario including at least the host aircraft ant the second aircraft is rendered on the display. A textual representation of a negotiation between ATC and the host aircraft is also rendered on the ITP display.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying a first intruder aircraft symbology on a lateral map display and on a vertical situation display is provided. Symbology is generated that is graphically representative of the first intruder aircraft on the lateral map display and the VSD. Additional symbology is generated to correlate the first intruder aircraft on the lateral map display to that on the vertical situation display.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media described herein provide for the display of aircraft traffic and climb/descent information on an aircraft display. Flight data is received from a traffic aircraft in the vicinity of an ownship aircraft. Similar flight data is determined for the ownship aircraft. The flight data for the traffic aircraft and the ownship aircraft is used to determine a criteria indicator that is associated with at least the longitudinal separation and closure rate between the two aircraft. According to various embodiments, a number of altitude indication lines are displayed and an aircraft traffic indicator and ownship indicator corresponding with the traffic aircraft and ownship aircraft are displayed on the appropriate altitude indication lines. The criteria indicator is displayed so that the position of the criteria indicator with respect to the aircraft traffic indicator and ownship indicator informs a pilot as to whether an altitude change is possible.

Abstract: Presented herein is a system and method for graphically displaying aircraft traffic information. The system comprises an Operating Company Symbology database and a display system coupled to a processor that is configured to (1) receive traffic information; (2) determine the Operating Company Symbology from the received traffic information; (3) receive a selection of an aircraft or traffic information including at least one of the Flight ID, Operating Company, or Surface Traffic; (4) graphically render aircraft symbology and the associated traffic information on the display.

Abstract: There are provided a distance measurement apparatus and a distance measurement method, the distance measurement apparatus including: a light source outputting light; a switch array including a plurality of cells, and controlling a position at which the light output from the light source is irradiated, by switching operations of the respective cells; a light detector sensing the light reflected from a target object; and a controller sequentially controlling the switching operations of the plurality of cells of the switch array, wherein the controller generates distance information between the light source and the target object based on the light sensed by the light detector. The light detector including a single cell light detector element may be used, to thereby reduce the costs.

Abstract: Embodiments of a flight deck display system for deployment onboard a host aircraft are provided, as are embodiments of a method carried-out by a flight deck display system. In one embodiment, the flight deck display system includes a cockpit display, a wireless communication module, and a controller operatively coupled to the cockpit display and to the wireless communication module. The controller is configured to generate a vertical In-Trail Procedure (ITP) window on the cockpit display, which includes graphics representative of the current position of the host aircraft, the current position of an intruder aircraft when present within a predetermined distance of the host aircraft, and a plurality of flight levels. The controller is further configured to receive data from which the current flight path of the intruder aircraft can be derived; and periodically update the vertical ITP window to include flight path symbology indicative of the current flight path of the intruder aircraft.

Abstract: Guidance for an aircraft correcting a trajectory deviation due to wind computes a roll command during trajectory alignment according to imposed alignment passing through a determined point, via a current angular divergence between a line through the point and aircraft and direction of alignment and of a current estimated ground speed of the aircraft with respect to a frame of reference. The current estimated ground speed is computed via a current air speed and stored wind speed. The stored wind speed is obtained via at least one wind speed computed via a first value of a first speed equal to the speed of the said aircraft with respect to a frame of reference originating from a satellite navigation system and a second value of a second speed equal to the air speed. The first and second value are simultaneously accounted earlier than or at the instant at the alignment phase.

Abstract: The various examples disclosed herein relate to systems, methods, and equipment that provide location and velocity monitoring of both a user's vehicle and another vehicle to avoid collision. The examples are applicable for using on-board telematics units to process that information and provide additional information based thereon such as the probability of collision. In some examples, if the chances of collision are high based on information received, warnings may be given to the vehicle's user. Based on these warnings, the user may take evasive maneuvers to reduce the probability of collision and prevent it. In other examples, if the chances of collision are high, the vehicle may decelerate without prompting from the user to minimize the impact of the collision. Any emergency reporting by the telematics unit, e.g. if a collision still occurred, may be enhanced with the relative location and velocity data from some interval prior to the emergency.

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 system and method to display, when within an envelope of an ownship's flight path, a symbol representing wake turbulence from another aircraft based on aircraft type and flight parameters received from the other aircraft, the symbol being formatted to indicate the severity of portions of the wake turbulence. The format is modified periodically in accordance with the aircraft's flight path and a decay rate of the wake turbulence.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system includes a sensor adapted to detect at least one vehicle in the vicinity of a predetermined area and generate target data relating to the at least one vehicle. An awareness engine receives the target data and evaluates the target data for a threat of a collision. An alerting system is adapted to alert the at least one vehicle in the event of a threat of a collision, the alerting system being activated by the awareness engine.

Abstract: A terrain warning system includes an indicator to inform a pilot of a proposed degree of flight parameters for safely clearing terrain. An aural message may identify a vertical speed that may be used to safely traverse terrain to the pilot. A visual indicator on a display informs the pilot of a vertical speed or climb angle to traverse terrain. The display may be a vertical speed indicator also capable of displaying traffic advisories.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing the vertical situational awareness of a pilot of a host aircraft, comprises rendering symbology on a vertical situation display of the host aircraft, the symbology comprising (1) a traffic scenario including at least the host aircraft and a second aircraft, the second aircraft involved in an ITP transition, and (2) flight level allocation data assigned to the second aircraft by air traffic control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for controlling air traffic. The method and system utilizes aircraft performance data, provided either by an FMS of a capable aircraft or generated by a model based on knowledge of the aircraft, to provide an accurate prediction of aircraft intent so that an accurate estimated time of arrival can be generated. The estimated time of arrival is then used to provide a required time of arrival (RTA) for the aircraft. The RTAs for the aircraft are provided for the aircraft to arrive at a destination, such as an Outer Fix Point, in a desired sequence. The desired sequence is arranged to provide intervals between the aircraft such that they may be able to land at the destination airport without requiring holding and vectoring from top of descent.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system for deciding whether an autonomous avoidance maneuver should be performed in order to avoid a mid-air collision between a host aerial vehicle equipped with the system and an intruding aerial vehicle. At least one electro-optical sensor captures consecutive images of an intruding vehicle such that the vehicle manifests itself as a target point in the images. An image processor estimates the azimuth angle, elevation angle and a first time-to-collision estimate of the time to collision between the host vehicle and the intruding vehicle. The first time-to-collision estimate is estimated based on scale change in the target point between at least two of said consecutive images. A tracking filter is arranged to estimate a second time-to-collision estimate using the azimuth angle, the elevation angle and the first time-to-collision estimate estimated by the image processor as input parameters.

Abstract: A method for actuating a tactile interface layer of a device that defines a surface with a deformable region, comprising the steps of deforming a deformable region of the surface into a formation tactilely distinguishable from the surface, detecting a force from the user on a deformed deformable region, interpreting the force as a command for the deformable region, and manipulating the deformable region of the surface based on the command.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable maintain a proscribed Self Separation distance between an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) and an object. In an example system, consecutive intruder aircraft locations relative to corresponding locations of a self aircraft are determined, wherein the determining is based on current velocities of the intruder aircraft and the self aircraft, and wherein the determining is based on current flight paths of the intruder aircraft and the self aircraft. At least one evasive maneuver for the self aircraft is computed using a processing system based on the determined consecutive intruder aircraft locations relative to the corresponding locations of the self aircraft.

Abstract: A handle bar route extension mechanism for creating or modifying a flight route. The handle bar route extension mechanism can allow a user to create or modify a flight route using a destination point. The handle bar route extension mechanism can be automatically rendered in a display in response to a touch input. In some configurations, the handle bar route extension mechanism may be rendered in a display in various directions or various lengths based on different inputs. In further configurations, more than one handle bar route extension mechanism may be rendered in a display.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for preventing interference from simultaneous data transmissions in a remote control system. A controlled terminal is typically configured to receive control data from a controlling terminal and to transmit feedback data to a monitoring terminal. To prevent interference caused by the simultaneous transmissions of control data and feedback data. The controlling terminal can transmit the control data to the monitoring terminal, which then transmits the control data to the controlled terminal. Such transmission of the control data may be carried out in a way that does not interfere with the transmission of the feedback data.

Abstract: According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided an apparatus and method to synchronize trajectories from independent systems such as from a flight management system and the ground Air traffic control during the entire history of a flight. Since a number of trajectory discrepancy factors will intervene during the lifetime of a flight, such as a change in flight intent, controller intervention, or large deviations of the actual flight from the predicted trajectory due to prediction errors, there is need to dynamically monitor these deviations and control a dynamic synchronization cycle. A dynamic trajectory synchronization algorithm attempts to bring each of the systems back into balance whenever a disturbance causes an imbalance.

Abstract: An aircraft communication system and corresponding method for establishing a datalink network between participating aircrafts, wherein each participating aircraft comprises a datalink transponder for sending and receiving standard communication messages (M) over a standard communication protocol; said datalink transponders are employed for establishing said datalink network using a standard communication protocol, and wherein said datalink transponders transmitting event driven messages (M) with a predefined structure identifying said messages (M) as test messages (TM) and at the same time comprising message data (MD) for establishing said datalink network, thus providing a datalink network established by transmission of solely messages (M) compliant with said standard communication protocol.

Abstract: A vehicle can be controlled in a first autonomous mode of operation by at least navigating the vehicle based on map data. Sensor data can be obtained using one or more sensors of the vehicle. The sensor data can be indicative of an environment of the vehicle. An inadequacy in the map data can be detected by at least comparing the map data to the sensor data. In response to detecting the inadequacy in the map data, the vehicle can be controlled in a second autonomous mode of operation and a user can be prompted to switch to a manual mode of operation. The vehicle can be controlled in the second autonomous mode of operation by at least obtaining additional sensor data using the one or more sensors of the vehicle and navigating the vehicle based on the additional sensor data.

Abstract: An integrated audiovisual threat warning system configured to detect a threat, estimate a relative location of origin of the threat with respect to a host platform with which the system is associated, and to warn an occupant of the host platform of the threat. The system includes an audio processor configured to receive a warning tone, geo-spatial coordinate data from the host platform, and the estimated relative location of origin of the threat, and to process the warning tone based on the geo-spatial coordinate data and the direction information to generate a directional audio warning signal. The system also includes a plurality of speakers configured to audibly project the directional audio warning signal to audibly identify the estimated relative location of origin of the threat, and a display control unit configured to display the estimated relative location of origin of the threat overlaid on a map.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system for preventing collisions with a terrain. The system includes a detecting means for detecting risks of collision with the terrain after a predetermined forecasting delay. The system further includes a determining means for determining, based on a trajectory followed by the aircraft, a possible limit point for success of the vertical terrain avoidance maneuver. The system further includes indication means for giving indications on azimuth clearance sections, around the direction in which the aircraft is moving, suitable for success of the vertical terrain avoidance maneuver. The system further includes means for estimating a free-travel distance in each azimuth clearance sector on a straight distancing trajectory with constant gradient and over a distance correspond to more than one minute of flight, the free-travel distance being free of potential conflicts with the terrain.

Abstract: An aircraft collision avoidance system comprising (a) at least one separation monitoring device connectable to at least a portion of an aircraft, the separation monitoring device comprising (1) at least one transmitter and (2) at least one receiver and (b) a master unit.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a composite structure and a plurality of small lightweight pollable communication devices for providing lightning strike detection coverage of a region of the structure. Each device is rendered inoperative if at least proximate to lightning current.

Abstract: A schematic display for presenting vertical navigation (VNAV) data is disclosed. A planned route such as a flight plan is divided into a series of VNAV legs, and only a VNAV schematic that corresponds to the active VNAV leg is displayed. The VNAV schematic in accordance with the present disclosure is a profile-view schematic for the active VNAV leg, providing a visual representation indicating the locations of the upcoming Top of Climb (TOC) or Top of Descent (TOD). Additional VNAV data may also be presented to provide content context. Since the schematic display in accordance with the present disclosure only displays VNAV data relevant to the active VNAV leg at a given time, the complexities associated with displaying the VNAV schematic is reduced, making the VNAV data easy to read and understand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a programmable control panel for a vehicle. A number of first level control functions is assigned to the programmable control panel for the vehicle. A number of second level control functions is assigned to the programmable control panel based on a health of programmable control panels in the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for navigating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for aerial refueling is described. A system processor in the UAV receives navigation data from a tanker aircraft and calculates a plurality of relative navigation solutions with respect to the tanker aircraft. The system processor compares the plurality of relative navigation solutions to identify any inconsistent solutions. The inconsistent solutions are discarded and the system processor navigates the UAV in position for refueling using the remaining relative navigation solutions.

Abstract: A test arrangement for a laser threats identifying system of an aircraft comprises optical detecting means (10), adapted to pick up threat light beams (B) impinging on the aircraft (12) from a plurality of surrounding space sectors, and a threat warning unit (30), adapted to receive a plurality of actual optical signals indicative of at least one of the threat beams (B) through a plurality of optical channels (20), and arranged for comparing the actual signals with a predetermined library of reference optical signals representing known threats. The test arrangement includes a light emitting source (L) arranged for selectively generating a plurality of predetermined optical signals for simulating virtual threats (S1-Sn), and a plurality of optical guides (F1-Fn) for the simulation signals (S1-Sn), directly coupled with the source (L) and adapted to be connected to the aforementioned optical channels (20—120_n) for selectively stimulating the threat warning unit (30).

Abstract: A system and method is provided for displaying information related to an in-trail procedure (ITP) on a ITP display aboard a host aircraft. Current flight status data of the host aircraft and at least a second aircraft is obtained, and a vertical traffic scenario including at least the host aircraft ant the second aircraft is rendered on the display. A textual representation of a negotiation between ATC and the host aircraft is also rendered on the ITP display.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to avionics systems, and more particularly, to collision avoidance systems. In one embodiment, a system is delineated comprising a plurality of detection zones for a plurality of aircraft and means for issuing a report based on one or more of the plurality of detection zones.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for displaying the current trends (i.e., turning or going straight) or the future positions of vehicles of interest on a traffic display unit. The position, orientation and geometry of the displayed symbology is a function of parametric information broadcast by the vehicles of interest and processed by a computer system that controls the traffic display unit. In particular examples disclosed herein, the traffic display unit is a navigation display on an aircraft or a traffic display unit at a traffic controller's station. However, the methods disclosed herein have application to vehicular traffic other than aircraft, such as boats or ships.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a potential conflict between a first aircraft and a second aircraft on an airport surface. In an embodiment, the methods include defining a first aircraft boundary around the first aircraft, based on data related to dimensions of the first aircraft, defining a second aircraft boundary around the second aircraft, based on data related to dimensions of the second aircraft, and determining a potential conflict exists between the first and the second aircraft, based on the first aircraft boundary and the second aircraft boundary.