Potential Collision With Other Aircraft Patents (Class 340/961)
-
Patent number: 8427343Abstract: Methods and systems for generating a data link air traffic control center menu are provided. In one implementation, a method includes calculating a distance between each of a plurality of air traffic control centers and an aircraft during flight. The method further includes displaying a sorted list of the plurality of air traffic control centers, wherein the list is sorted by the calculated distance, from closest to the aircraft to farthest from the aircraft. The method further includes receiving an input, the input selecting one of the air traffic control centers.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. McGuffin, Thomas D. Judd, Randy T. Durand
-
Patent number: 8428369Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a characteristic amount calculating unit calculating a characteristic amount for each of a plurality of n different image patterns, a specifying unit specifying a best-matching image pattern among the plurality of n image patterns for each of frames forming a learning moving picture and having temporal continuity, a computing unit computing a collocation probability Pij indicating a probability that, for a frame located at a position where a temporal distance to a frame for which a first image pattern Xi is specified among the plurality of n image patterns is within a predetermined threshold ?, a second image pattern Xj is specified among the plurality of n image patterns, and a grouping unit grouping the plurality of n image patterns by using the computed collocation probability Pij.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Jun Yokono
-
Patent number: 8386175Abstract: An unmanned aerial system (UAS) position reporting system. Implementations may include an air traffic control reporting system (ATC-RS) coupled with a ground control station (GCS) of an unmanned aerial system where the ATC-RS includes an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) and a traffic information services broadcast (TIS-B) transceiver and one or more telecommunications modems. The ATC-RS may be adapted to receive position data of the UAS in an airspace from the GCS and communicate the position of the UAS in the airspace to a civilian air traffic control center (ATC) or to a military command and control (C2) communication center through an ADS-B signal or through a TIS-B signal through the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver. The ATC-RS may also be adapted to display the position of the UAS in the airspace on one or more display screens coupled with the ATC-RS.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Kutta Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Douglas V. Limbaugh, David H. Barnhard, Thomas H. Rychener
-
Patent number: 8380367Abstract: A surveillance and guidance method and system for use with autonomously guided, man-on-the-loop or man-in-the-loop guided vehicles where the presence of obstacles must be considered in guiding the vehicle towards a target includes a navigation system configured to determine the position of the vehicle on which it is equipped. A communication system is configured for data exchange between the vehicle, neighboring vehicles and ground stations. A surveillance system is configured to detect and locate fixed or moving targets and obstacles. A computer is configured to track the position of targets and obstacles and to provide guidance commands or 4D flight paths to perform collision avoidance with respect to traffic regulations and procedures, and operational airspace restrictions. Additional computer tasks include station keeping or interception of targets. A command and control system is configured to interact with a user interface and control the vehicle's actuators.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: The University of North DakotaInventors: Richard R. Schultz, Florent Martel, Matthew Lendway, Brian L. Berseth
-
Patent number: 8380424Abstract: Systems and methods for providing vehicle-centric collision avoidance are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes determining a first flight trajectory for a first aircraft. The method also includes determining a second flight trajectory for a second aircraft. A distance between the first aircraft and the second aircraft at a first closest point of approach (CPA) is predicted. The predicted closest point of approach is then compared to a separation perimeter layer. The separation perimeter layer is configured to provide a minimum separation distance from the first aircraft to the second aircraft. When the predicted closest point of approach breaches the separation perimeter, the first flight trajectory is altered to provide collision avoidance.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Glenn S. Bushnell
-
Patent number: 8380425Abstract: Autonomous collision avoidance systems for unmanned aerial vehicles are disclosed. Systems illustratively include a detect and track module, an inertial navigation system, and an auto avoidance module. The detect and track module senses a potential object of collision and generates a moving object track for the potential object of collision. The inertial navigation system provides information indicative of a position and a velocity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The auto avoidance module receives the moving object track for the potential object of collision and the information indicative of the position and the velocity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The auto avoidance module utilizes the information to generate a guidance maneuver that facilitates the unmanned aerial vehicle avoiding the potential object of collision.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: L-3 Unmanned Systems, Inc.Inventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Craig S. Askew
-
Patent number: 8374733Abstract: A computer-implemented transportation information management system and method permits entry, recording, and transmission of operation and maintenance data related to FAA recordkeeping and recording requirements within an SQL database. A secure website permits entry and display of operation and maintenance data as well as facilitating data input using input devices such as a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant, a personal computer, and a portable computer. The system outputs aircraft operation and maintenance data, automatic alerts of pilot flight and duty time limitations, and flight tracking and monitoring information via a spreadsheet, electronic mail message, text message, and a completed FAA mandatory reporting requirement forms to the aforementioned data input devices. Operation and maintenance data is automatically and continuously transferred to the FAA to populate FAA flight tracking data systems and air traffic control data system.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Myfligtdata, LLCInventors: Ronald H. Dexheimer, Raymond D. Shinneman
-
Patent number: 8374737Abstract: A low visibility landing system is provided for guiding aircraft on landing approaches. The low visibility landing system may aid a pilot during landing in low visibility conditions such that an aircraft may descend to lower altitudes without visual contact with the runway than is possible with other landing systems. The system may use various navigational systems to produce a hybrid signal that may be more stable than individual signals of those navigational systems. The hybrid signal is compared to a predetermined landing approach plan to determine the deviation of the aircraft from the landing approach plan and to provide guidance to the pilot to get the aircraft back onto the landing approach plan. The system may also use multiple navigational systems to perform checks on an operation of a primary navigational system to ensure that the primary navigational system is operating accurately.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace CorporationInventors: Robert S. Takacs, Gary M. Freeman, Glenn L. Connor
-
Patent number: 8373590Abstract: The invention relates to a method of processing an image sensed by an image sensor on board an aircraft fitted with an obstacle-locator system, in which the position and the extent of a zone in the sensed image, referred to as the zone of interest, is determined as a function of obstacle location data delivered by the obstacle-locator system, after which at least one parameter for modifying the brightness of points/pixels in said zone of interest is determined to enable the contrast to be increased in said zone of interest, and as a function of said modification parameter, the brightness of at least a portion of the image is modified.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: EurocopterInventor: Richard Edgard Claude Piré
-
Publication number: 20130027226Abstract: A Device for automatically evaluating an air traffic control message by an aircraft-based component of a flight information system is disclosed. The device comprises means for retrieving the air traffic control message from an aircraft-based system, means for parsing the text of the air traffic control message and means for storing text elements of the air traffic control message into a computer readable memory. Furthermore, it comprises means for retrieving a current flight data of an aircraft, means for determining if there is a mismatch between the stored text elements and the current flight data, the actual flight data comprising at least the current position of the aircraft and means for displaying one or more graphical elements on a moving map display if it is determined that there is a mismatch between the stored text elements and the current flight data.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: FLIGHT FOCUS PTE. LTD.Inventor: Ralf Cabos
-
Patent number: 8362925Abstract: Embodiments of a process are provided suitable for implementation by an avionics display system deployed on a host aircraft and including a monitor. In one embodiment, the process includes the step of receiving air traffic data indicative of a first flight characteristic pertaining to a neighboring aircraft. The first flight characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: (i) the wake turbulence created by the neighboring aircraft, (ii) the current flight plan of the neighboring aircraft, and (iii) the airspace in which the neighboring aircraft's current detection position should reside to ensure that the neighboring aircraft's actual position resides within the an airspace currently assigned to the neighboring aircraft. A visual representation of the first flight characteristic is generated on the monitor.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Ron Brinkman, Pat Langdon
-
Patent number: 8346408Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for identifying a number of air states for a vehicle. A deflection of a control surface associated with an actuator is identified to form an identified deflection. A current in the actuator is identified to form a measured current. The number of air states for the vehicle is estimated using the identified deflection and the measured current.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Ryan Todd Ratliff
-
Publication number: 20120326895Abstract: A method of visually indicating an advisory from a traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) on a flight display of an aircraft, the method comprising receiving a TCAS advisory, determining a severity of the received TCAS advisory, displaying a geometric body on the flight display in response to the TCAS advisory, and altering a shape of the displayed geometric body in response to the determined severity wherein the shape of the displayed geometric body may be altered by altering at least one of an angle and an arc of the geometric body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: Andrew Thomas Schrauben
-
Publication number: 20120319871Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: HUGHEY & PHILLIPS, LLCInventor: Eric W. Wise
-
Patent number: 8335637Abstract: A method and a navigation device are disclosed for sharing at least one location message with at least one other device. The navigation device includes a receiver to determine a signal strength of a traffic message channel at a location, a memory to store information representing the signal strength of a traffic message channel, and at least one processor to correlate the information stored in memory to compile a traffic message channel resource and select a traffic message channel based on the traffic message channel resource and a location associated with a navigation device. The method includes determining a signal strength of a traffic message channel at a location, storing information representing the signal strength of a traffic message channel, correlating the information stored in memory to compile a traffic message channel resource, and selecting a traffic message channel based on the traffic message channel resource and a location associated with a navigation device.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Tomtom International B.V.Inventors: William Deurwaarder, Erik Thomassen, Henny Verwaij, Barbara Laermann
-
Patent number: 8314719Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an avionics system are provided. A set of data that is representative of traffic advisory information is received. A visual indicator is displayed to a user based on the set of data that is representative of the traffic advisory information. The traffic advisory information may be received by a user through a receiver and manually entered into an interface for viewing. Alternatively, the avionics system may automatically generate the visual indicator based on the traffic advisory information.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Steven Paul Grothe
-
Patent number: 8306745Abstract: Methods and systems for presenting a current position of a vehicle on a moving map display are provided. The method includes determining a current position and a path of travel of the vehicle, determining a current position of at least one of a second vehicle, an object, and an area of interest wherein determining a current position of the second vehicle includes determining a path of travel of the second vehicle, and displaying a depiction of the vehicle and at least a portion of the at least one of the second vehicle, the object, and the area of interest at a first range setting. The method further includes automatically changing from the first range setting to a second range setting based on at least one of an approach autorange activation, an offscale traffic activation, and an offscale object or area of interest autorange activation, and displaying the ownship depiction and at least a portion of the at least one of the second vehicle, the object, and the area of interest at the second range setting.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2011Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Samuel T. Clark, William L. Goodman, Roglenda R. Bowe, Michael P. Snow
-
Patent number: 8296054Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for limiting the number of alarms generated by an anticollision system on board an airplane according to which the duration of a phase of capture of a setpoint altitude by the airplane is adjusted so that a theoretical time for collision with an intruder aircraft is greater than a predetermined threshold, when the airplane is close to said setpoint altitude and air traffic exists in the environment of said airplane.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Airbus Operations SASInventors: Paule Botargues, Xavier Dal Santo, Pierre Fabre, Xavier Guery
-
Patent number: 8289191Abstract: A hazard area protection system wherein it includes a projection device designed to project a light beam on at least part of the surface area on the ground of the hazard area.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.Inventor: David Larcher
-
Patent number: 8279108Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of viewing systems of the synthetic vision type SVS, for a first aircraft, the said system comprising at least one cartographic database of a terrain, position sensors, for the said aircraft, an air traffic detection system calculating the position and the danger rating of at least one second aircraft exhibiting a risk of collision with the said first aircraft on the basis of data originating from sensors or systems such as TCAS or ADS-B, an electronic computer, a man-machine interface means and a display screen, the computer comprising means for processing the various items of information originating from the database, sensors and interface means, the said processing means arranged so as to provide the display screen with a synthetic image of the terrain comprising a representation of the said second aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: ThalesInventors: Christian Nouvel, Corinne Bacabara, Jean-Noel Perbet
-
Patent number: 8271184Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: ThalesInventors: Pascal Gayraud, Nicolas Marty, Bernard Dubourg, Francois Michel
-
Patent number: 8264378Abstract: Technologies are described herein for providing enhanced center and range control on an aircraft display. According to embodiments, a display mode is selected to display a map on the aircraft display. A range input for displaying the map in the selected display mode at a desired range and a centering input for centering on a predefined map location on the aircraft display are received. The range input and the centering input associated with the selected display mode are then stored. When the selected display mode is deselected and then reselected, the map is displayed on the aircraft display in the selected display mode according to at least one of the stored range input and the centering input associated with the selected display mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jill M. Martins, Samuel T. Clark, Juliana J. Goh, Roglenda R. Bowe
-
Patent number: 8264377Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Inventor: Gregory M. Griffith
-
Patent number: 8260538Abstract: The vehicle-use collision mitigation apparatus includes a function of calculating a TTC indicative of a time remaining before collision with a forward obstacle on the basis of the distance to this obstacle and the reference speed therebetween, a function of alarming a driver of the vehicle of presence of a risk of collision with the obstacle if the TTC is shorter than a predetermined first time, a function of increasing a braking force generated by a braking operation performed by the driver if the TTC is shorter than a predetermined second time not longer than the predetermined first time, and a function of automatically generating a braking force if the TTC is shorter than a predetermined third time shorter than the predetermined first time. The alarming function is configured to make an alarm for a driver of a following vehicle that the preceding vehicle may decelerate abruptly.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Kazuhiro Noda, Yosuke Ito, Kazuma Hashimoto, Akira Isogai
-
Patent number: 8207867Abstract: A technique for landing aircraft using an aircraft landing accident avoidance device is disclosed. The technique includes determining at least two probability distribution functions; determining a safe lower limit on a separation between a lead aircraft and a trail aircraft on a glide slope to the runway; determining a maximum sustainable safe attempt-to-land rate on the runway based on the safe lower limit and the probability distribution functions; directing the trail aircraft to enter the glide slope with a target separation from the lead aircraft corresponding to the maximum sustainable safe attempt-to-land rate; while the trail aircraft is in the glide slope, determining an actual separation between the lead aircraft and the trail aircraft; and directing the trail aircraft to execute a go-around maneuver if the actual separation approaches the safe lower limit. Probability distribution functions include runway occupancy time, and landing time interval and/or inter-arrival distance.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: George Mason Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventor: Babak Ghalebsaz Jeddi
-
Patent number: 8200416Abstract: Methods and systems for a displaying a moving map display for an aircraft is provided. The method includes determining a route of intended travel of the aircraft on the moving map display, determining a rank of relative importance of a plurality of aeronautical symbols displayed on the moving map display based on the determined route of intended travel, and de-emphasizing at least one navigation symbol with the moving map display based on the at least one navigation symbol determined rank.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Sven D. Aspen
-
Patent number: 8193947Abstract: Methods and systems for generating a data link air traffic control center menu are provided. In one implementation, a method comprises associating individual air traffic control center objects with at least one geographic area. Each air traffic control center object represents an air traffic control center having a name, and each geographic area has a name. The method further includes displaying the names of each geographic area and receiving a first input. The first input selects one of the geographic areas having a plurality of geographic sub-areas, with each geographic sub-area having a name. The method further includes displaying the names of the geographic sub-areas and receiving a second input. The second input selects one of the geographic sub-areas including one or more air traffic control centers. The method further includes displaying the names of the air traffic control centers and receiving a third input. The third input selects one of the air traffic control centers.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. McGuffin, Thomas D. Judd, Randy T. Durand
-
Patent number: 8193948Abstract: A present novel and non-trivial system, module, and method for presenting runway advisory information are disclosed. A runway reference may be established using data received from a source of navigation reference data, where such data could represent runway information, runway awareness zone information, landing awareness zone information, and/or runway threshold line information. Navigation data representative of at least aircraft location and input factor data may be received from a source. Phase of flight may be determined using input factor data, and a runway advisory data set may be generated as a function of phase of flight and the positional relationship between aircraft location and the runway reference. Runway advisory data set may be representative of advisory information comprised of visual runway advisory information, aural runway advisory information, tactile advisory information, or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey A. Shapiro, Alena L. Benson, Matthew J. Carrico, Randy H. Jacobson
-
Patent number: 8188889Abstract: Context-Sensitive Reference (CSR) for situational awareness, and associated methods and systems are disclosed. A system in accordance to one embodiment includes an aircraft display system having a traffic application with traffic symbols representing traffic aircraft and a CSR associated with traffic aircraft displayed proximate to the respective traffic symbol. The CSR improves situational awareness of the traffic scenario by further refining the depiction of actual traffic on a traffic display relative to own-ship suitable to the traffic situational awareness need at hand. Such depiction may be in time or distance relative to own-ship or to fixed structure, and engaged in an automatic or manual mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Syed Taji Shafaat, Laureen A. Ervin
-
Patent number: 8190353Abstract: A computer based method, system and computer program product to assign a quality metric to an airspace design and optionally to compare it against design metrics, to determine a comparative quality metric. Factors contributing to quality of the airspace sector design are identified via user input and quantified to calculate a quality metric for the airspace sector design as a function of the quantified factors. Categories for each of the identified factors, and parameters for each of the identified categories are also identified via user input. Each parameter has an associated weight and a range of thresholds with associated multipliers. An associated multiplier from the range of thresholds for each identified parameter is also identified. The identified multiplier is multiplied with the associated weight for each identified parameter. The products for each identified parameter are then summed to obtain a quality metric.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: The MITRE CorporationInventors: Michael J. White, Robert P. Bearer, Carla Ximena Gladstone, James M. Reed, Steven R. Kalbaugh, Sr., Patrick L. Jones
-
Patent number: 8188907Abstract: The present invention provides an aircraft collision alarm system and method. The method includes the steps of collecting aircraft position information for aircraft in a given area and digitally encoding this aircraft position information. This aircraft position information is then transmitted on an audio sub-carrier over the voice communications channel of a VOR to the aircraft. The aircraft receives and processes the digitally encoded information and alerts the pilot if a collision alarm situation is present.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Gary E. O'Neil
-
Patent number: 8185301Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, aviation navigational systems and methods for cockpit display of traffic information that generate intuitive three-dimensional graphical representations of air traffic (and/or other potential conflicts) in the vicinity of an aircraft in flight, as well as during take-off and landing. These systems and methods provide improved awareness of potential conflicts, offering in the cockpit an immediate understanding of the significance of potential conflicts, e.g., vis-à-vis their nature, direction, and time to visual contact. Thus, according to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an aviation navigational system that generates a 3D representation of the airspace in the vicinity of an aircraft and, relative to that representation, a representation of air traffic in that airspace.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2007Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey M. Simon
-
Patent number: 8167693Abstract: A target information storage unit (203) stores information regarding a group of targets (target panels) which are disposed dispersedly on a virtual race course and which each have an objective speed set therefor. An operation input reception unit (201) receives an operation input for a moving object (racing car) to be run on the course. Then, a running condition managing unit (204) manages the running condition of the moving object based on this operation input. Meanwhile, a passage determination unit (206a) sequentially determines whether or not the moving object has passed on the course by contacting the respective targets, based on the managed running condition. Further, a speed comparison unit (206b) compares the speed of the moving object at the time of the passage and the objective speed of each target. Then, an evaluation unit (206) evaluates the operation input from a user based on the determination result and comparison result.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventors: Daisuke Fujii, Takeshi Okubo
-
Patent number: 8164485Abstract: Embodiments of the invention permit flight paths (current and planned) to be viewed from various orientations to provide improved path and terrain awareness via graphical two-dimensional or three-dimensional perspective display formats. By coupling the flight path information with a terrain database, uncompromising terrain awareness relative to the path and ownship is provided. In addition, missed approaches, path deviations, and any navigational path can be reviewed and rehearsed before performing the actual task. By rehearsing a particular mission, check list items can be reviewed, terrain awareness can be highlighted, and missed approach procedures can be discussed by the flight crew. Further, the use of Controller Pilot Datalink Communications enables data-linked path, flight plan changes, and Air Traffic Control requests to be integrated into the flight display of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Lawrence J. Prinzel, III, Alan T. Pope, Steven P. Williams, Randall E. Bailey, Jarvis J. Arthur, Lynda J. Kramer, Paul C. Schutte
-
Patent number: 8160755Abstract: A method and system is provided for displaying aircraft symbology. The method includes displaying (302, 502, 702, 902, 1002) a symbol (202) for a first aircraft in a predetermined format, processing (304, 504, 704, 904, 1004) data related to flight conditions of the first aircraft and a second aircraft, determining (306, 506, 706, 906, 1006) a format for the display of the second aircraft based on the processed data, and displaying (308, 508, 708, 908, 1008) a symbol (212, 214, 216, 412, 416, 612, 614, 616, 812, 814, 816) for the second aircraft in accordance with the determined format.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Troy Nichols, John G. Suddreth
-
Patent number: 8160809Abstract: A method is provided for automatically controlling a first vehicle (follower vehicle) that is to follow a second vehicle (leader vehicle) in a desired manner with respect to movement of the second vehicle. In the follower vehicle, bearing and acceleration control inputs are generated based on data representing bearing and acceleration control inputs made at the leader vehicle and a position of the follower vehicle relative to the leader vehicle so as to mimic in the follower vehicle the bearing and acceleration control inputs made in the leader vehicle. Adjustments may be made to the control inputs applied in the follower vehicle based on deviation between the velocity of the follower vehicle and velocity of the leader velocity, and on deviation between estimated (actual) follow distance and lateral offset and target follow distance and lateral offset between the follower vehicle and the leader vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Exelis Inc.Inventors: Mark Lalon Farwell, Chad Martin Seldomridge, Robert Eric Larson
-
Patent number: 8149141Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for automatically preparing an update of audio communication frequencies between aircraft and ATC stations on the ground, a method making it possible to reduce the communication time associated with the necessary frequency changes between control sectors, therefore limiting the frequency space requirement, and reducing the workload due to the manipulations and control of these frequency changes, both for the air traffic controllers and for the aircraft crews, and wherein the flight plan or the current trajectory followed by the aircraft is dynamically coupled with the geometry information of the control sectors overflown by the aircraft and that, thereby knowing the intersection points of the flight plan with the sector limits, the frequency changes and sector name are prepared before each change of sector, while warning the pilot of their imminence.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: ThalesInventors: François Coulmeau, Guy Deker
-
Publication number: 20120075121Abstract: An airport incursion notification system includes a fiber optic configured as an interferometric sensor to detect noise and buried adjacent at least at select runways and taxiways of an airport. At least one interrogator unit is for determining the location of and classifying noises detected by the fiber optic. Indicators are present at least at select runway and taxiway intersections. A controller subsystem is responsive to the interrogator unit and is configured to activate one or more indicators if an incursion condition exists. Imaging and/or radar subsystems can also be employed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Michael J. O'Hara, Michael Willis
-
Patent number: 8140257Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Airbus Operations SASInventors: Fabrice Villaume, Pierre Scacchi
-
Patent number: 8138964Abstract: In one aspect, an air and ground vehicle tracking system includes a base station configured to transmit locations of air vehicles to a radio and a GPS receiver disposed in a ground vehicle and configured to derive a location of the ground vehicle. The radio is configured to receive locations of air vehicles, receive locations of other ground vehicles and broadcast a location of the ground vehicle to the base station. The system also includes a display configured to render locations of the air and ground vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Timothy P. Donovan
-
Patent number: 8140258Abstract: A wayfinding device is provided for giving directions to a desired destination within a building having a plurality of wayfinding beacons configured to transmit data using an ultrasound signal. The ultrasound signal can include a plurality of bursts, wherein a sequence of predefined time intervals between consecutive bursts within the plurality of bursts uniquely identifies each wayfinding beacon. The wayfinding device is separate from the wayfinding beacons and includes a wayfinding beacon recognition component configured to identify a wayfinding beacon when the device receives the data through the ultrasound signal from a wayfinding beacon. The device is further programmed to provide directions to a user of the device in a direction toward the desired destination in response to identifying a wayfinding beacon.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventor: Michael Dempsey
-
Patent number: 8126599Abstract: The general field of the invention relates to a method of calculating a so-called continuous descent approach procedure for aircraft. The method comprises calculation steps making it possible to determine a minimum distance making it possible to attain the runway by using the highest possible descent angles allowed by the performance of the aircraft, a maximum distance making it possible to attain the runway by using the lowest possible descent angles allowed by the performance of the aircraft, a step of comparing the minimum and maximum distances with a reference distance, the continuous descent approach procedure being possible if this reference distance is less than the maximum distance and greater than the minimum distance. The method also envisages replacing certain indeterminate points of the flight plan by points arising from the minimum and maximum distance calculations.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: ThalesInventors: François Coulmeau, Guilhem Putz
-
Patent number: 8112224Abstract: The guidance system (1) comprises a first means (2) for guiding the aircraft while maintaining a spacing with another aircraft, a second means (3) for making the aircraft pass through a particular waypoint at a required passing time, and means (5) for selecting automatically one of said first and second means (2, 3).Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Airbus Operations SASInventors: Fabrice Lucas, Jean-Louis De Menorval
-
Patent number: 8086396Abstract: A method is provided for automatically controlling a first vehicle (follower vehicle) that is to follow a second vehicle (leader vehicle) in a desired manner with respect to movement of the second vehicle. In the follower vehicle, bearing and acceleration control inputs are generated based on data representing bearing and acceleration control inputs made at the leader vehicle and a position of the follower vehicle relative to the leader vehicle so as to mimic in the follower vehicle the bearing and acceleration control inputs made in the leader vehicle. Adjustments may be made to the control inputs applied in the follower vehicle based on deviation between the velocity of the follower vehicle and velocity of the leader velocity, and on deviation between estimated (actual) follow distance and lateral offset and target follow distance and lateral offset between the follower vehicle and the leader vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Mark Lalon Farwell, Chad Martin Seldomridge, Robert Eric Larson
-
Patent number: 8078395Abstract: A flight control system for an aircraft is configured for receiving command signals representing commanded values of a location of a geospatial point and a radius about the geospatial point for defining a circular groundtrack. A sensor determines a geospatial location of the aircraft and provides a location signal representing the location of the aircraft. A controller for commanding flight control devices on the aircraft controls the flight of the aircraft and is configured to receive the command signals and the location signal. The controller uses the command signals and location signal to operate the flight control devices to control the flight of the aircraft for directing the aircraft generally toward a tangent point of the circular groundtrack and then maintaining a flight path along the circular groundtrack.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Kenneth E. Builta, James E. Harris, Billy K. Gore
-
Patent number: 8068039Abstract: Described is a system and method for displaying flight track data.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: PASSUR Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: James Cole, Matthew Marcella, Ron Dunsky
-
Publication number: 20110282582Abstract: The use of dynamic collision avoidance parameters in connection with automatic dependent surveillance, broadcast, as well as for other purposes in systems and methods may assist collision avoidance and/or advisory systems in properly identifying intruders for reporting to pilots. For example, a method can include monitoring for a triggering event with respect to at least one of geographic coordinates and a flight path of an aircraft. The method can also include detecting the triggering event. The method can further include altering at least one characteristic of at least one of a traffic alerting system and an advisory system based on detecting the triggering event.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: Gregory T. Stayton, Charles C. Manberg
-
Patent number: 8060295Abstract: A separation management system includes a data input module for receiving and filtering aircraft information and airspace information related to a control aircraft and a relevant aircraft, the aircraft information enabling the calculation of a trajectory window for each aircraft. A conflict monitoring module may be included in the system for monitoring the trajectory window for each aircraft with respect to time and probabilistic location, the conflict monitoring module determining when a trajectory overlap occurs resulting from the intersection of the trajectory window for the control aircraft and the relevant aircraft. In addition, the system may include a separation routing module for rerouting the control aircraft when a trajectory overlap for the control aircraft is detected by the conflict monitoring module.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Regina I. Estkowski, Ted D. Whitley, Richard Baumeister
-
Patent number: 8054167Abstract: An onboard vehicle information notifying apparatus is proved with a moving body position acquiring section, an information acquiring section, an information providing zone setting section and an information notifying section. The moving body position acquiring section acquires a moving body position for at least one moving body existing in a vicinity of a host vehicle. The information acquiring section acquires an advancement speed and an advancement direction of the host vehicle, and a prescribed movement speed of the moving body. The information providing zone setting section sets an information providing zone within which existence of the moving body should be reported, based on information acquired by the information acquiring section. The information notifying section reports the existence of the moving body when the position of the moving body acquired by the moving body position acquiring section exists within the information providing zone set by the information providing zone setting section.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinji Yasuhara, Masayuki Ohsugi, Tsuneyuki Watanabe, Maki Ueda, Yasuhisa Nakamura, Daisuke Nakata, Yasunori Kondo, Takuya Hashimoto
-
Patent number: 8046165Abstract: The invention relates to a device for assisting in the navigation of an aircraft in an airport zone comprising a surface navigation system and means of acquiring in real time, while navigating on the ground or in flight, new information or temporary information relating to the navigation in the airport zone. The surface navigation system uses information relating to the navigation in the airport zone. The information is previously stored in a database on board the aircraft. The device includes means for decoding and analysing the new or temporary information relating to the navigation in the airport zone, means of filtering the information according to the airport concerned and the validity date of the information, means of correlating the information with the information previously stored, and means of displaying the information.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: ThalesInventors: Jérôme Sacle, François Coulmeau