Abstract: Collision probability analysis for spherical objects exhibiting linear relative motion is accomplished by combining covariances and physical object dimensions at the point of closest approach. The resulting covariance ellipsoid and hardbody are projected onto the plane perpendicular to relative velocity by assuming linear relative motion and constant positional uncertainty throughout the brief encounter. Collision potential is determined from the object footprint on the projected, two-dimensional, covariance ellipse. To accommodate nonlinear motion in accordance with the disclosed embodiments, the dimension associated with relative velocity is reintroduced by segmenting the collision tube volume into a plurality of mitered tube sections modeled as bundles of parallelepipeds in Mahalanobis space. Disclosed embodiments compute the probability of each parallelepiped as the combined object passes through the space, and sums.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for enhancing the situational awareness of an operator. Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) traffic data transmitted by a traffic entity are received. The ADS-B traffic data are processed to determine traffic entity position. The traffic entity position is mapped to corresponding image coordinates on an enhanced vision system (EVS) display. A region of interest around at least a portion of the corresponding image coordinates is selected. An actual image of the traffic entity is rendered on the EVS display, at the corresponding image coordinates, and with at least a portion of the region of interest being highlighted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for alerting to traffic proximity in the airport environment. Knowledge of the geographic position, speed, rate of change of speed, heading (or track-angle) and/or altitude of own-aircraft (or vehicle) and another, potentially conflicting aircraft (or vehicle) are used to calculate a predicted distance between the two aircraft (or vehicles) at given point of time in the future. If separation distance is predicted to be less than a predetermined acceptable value, then an alert message (aural, visual or both) is issued to the pilot or operator of the vehicle.

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 device (1) comprises means (5) for calculating a controlled speed enabling the aircraft to observe a longitudinal separation relative to an aircraft of the convoy that precedes it.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system for deciding whether an autonomous avoidance manoeuvre 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: The invention relates to an aircraft navigational aid system with 3D display including an anti-collision device, with means of storing data representing obstructions, means for calculating a representation of the obstructions in a three-dimensional space and a device for displaying the obstructions data in three dimensions. The system includes means for augmenting the display of the representation of the area of hazardous obstructions with at least two indicator objects for the said area of hazardous obstructions disposed together in such a manner as to form a third object targeting the localization of the point in the area of hazardous obstructions closest to the aircraft. The invention also relates to the method of display of the indicator objects in a three-dimensional display.

Abstract: A system and method for efficient intervisibility determination. The intervisibility determination method of the present invention provides a multiple threat processing capability within a specified area of terrain using a common database. Computation is simplified through the method of processing data posts in the terrain elevation database. By taking integer steps and incrementing distance, x or y, and a predicted elevation value at each step, a small number of operations may be performed. Recomputing a change in elevation value may be reduced. An umbra database provides an enhanced look-up capability for displaying and updating the intervisibility display information. The systems and methods of the present invention may be suitable for use on a vehicle and in mission management activities.

Abstract: An aircraft terrain avoidance system include a device having a first unit knowing a profile of the terrain that is located at the front of the aircraft, a second unit for determining an avoidance trajectory, a third unit which is connected to the first and second units and used to verify if there is a terrain collision risk for the aircraft, a fourth unit for emitting an alarm signal in the event of detection of a collision risk by the third unit, at least one aircraft performance database relating to an avoidance maneuvering gradient which can be flown by the aircraft according to particular flight parameters, and a fifth unit for determining the effective values of the particular parameters during the flight of the aircraft. The third unit is formed such that it is possible to determine the avoidance trajectory according to information received from the database and the fifth unit.

Abstract: A method and device that determine characteristic angles, each characteristic angle representing the angle by which a rectilinear segment of the flight path is seen from the aircraft. A head-up screen displays characteristic signs that are representative of the characteristic angles.

Abstract: In a method of dynamically guiding an aircraft the intended path of the aircraft may be broadcast along at least one of a runway and a taxiway. The broadcasted intended path of the aircraft along the at least one runway and taxiway may be received. The lighting characteristics of an airport lighting device along the at least one runway and taxiway may be dynamically changed to dynamically guide the aircraft along the broadcasted and received intended path of the at least one runway and taxiway.

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: According to the invention, the device (1) comprises means (3) for detecting, during an altitude capture maneuver, the emission of a first type alarm by the anti-collision system (2) and means (4) for controlling the vertical speed of said airplane (AC), after the emission of such an alarm, until the triggering of the capture phase.

Abstract: A method of visually presenting aviation obstacles to an operator of an aircraft is disclosed. The method comprises receiving departure information associated with a runway having a departure end, parsing the departure information to determine a presence of an obstacle associated with the runway, determining a location of the obstacle relative to the departure end of the runway, and displaying a graphical representation of the runway and a graphical representation of the obstacle in the location relative to the departure end of the runway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of managing the braking of an aircraft while taxiing on an airport, the method comprising, on the basis of characteristics for a sequence of movements of the aircraft along at least one given path to be followed by the aircraft on the airport, the step of deducing information concerning the braking to be performed so that the aircraft does indeed travel in application of said sequence of movements.

Abstract: An aircraft display system is provided for rendering at least aircraft estimated position uncertainty (EPU) and/or vertical estimated position uncertainty (VEPU) values non-numerically and in a fairly intuitive manner. The system may also render the EPU and VEPU values non-numerically for other traffic entities within range of the aircraft.

Abstract: A transponder-based beacon transmitter system in an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided. The transponder-based beacon transmitter system comprises a global positioning system interface communicatively coupled to receive position information indicative of a current location of the unmanned aerial vehicle, a message formatter communicatively coupled to the global positioning system interface, and a transponder-based beacon transmitter. The message formatter formats vehicle identification of the unmanned aerial vehicle and the position information indicative of the current location of the unmanned aerial vehicle into an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast mode-select squitter message. The message formatter operates in one of a military mode, a National Airspace System mode, and a combined military/National Airspace System mode. The transponder-based beacon transmitter transmits the automatic dependent surveillance broadcast mode-select squitter messages from the unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for autonomously tracking a moving target from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with a variety of airframe and sensor payload capabilities so that the target remains within the vehicle's sensor field of view regardless of the specific target motion patterns. The invention uses information about target location, UAV platform type and states, sensor payload capability, and ratio of target-to-UAV speeds to select from a suite of sub-algorithms, each of which generates desired platform positions (in form of waypoints) and/or sensor orientation commands to keep the target in view.

Abstract: A present novel and non-trivial system, module, and method for generating and/or presenting airport surface traffic information presenting using a forward-looking aircraft radar system are disclosed. A runway awareness zone is established and traffic data is acquired by a forward-looking aircraft radar system. In one embodiment, a runway awareness zone is own-ship-based. In another embodiment, a runway awareness zone is based upon data received from a navigation reference data source. An advisory data set is generated using track alignment correction information and airport surface traffic located within the runway awareness zone. Navigation data is used to determine the location of airport surface traffic. Track alignment correction information may be calculated using traffic data or navigation data. Advisory data set is provided to one or more avionics systems including a presentation system and an external communication system. Advisory data set could include visual, aural, and/or tactile information.

Abstract: Methods and system are provided for alerting an aircraft crew member of a potential conflict between a first aircraft and a second aircraft on a first taxiway. Real-time positioning data related to the first aircraft on the first taxiway is monitored. Data related to real-time positioning of the second aircraft is monitored. A prediction is made as to whether the second aircraft will enter the first taxiway, based on the monitored data related to real-time positioning of the second aircraft. The potential conflict is indicated on the first taxiway, if a prediction is made that the second aircraft will enter the first taxiway.

Abstract: Systems and methods for alerting to traffic proximity in the airport environment. Knowledge of the geographic position, speed, rate of change of speed, heading (or track-angle) and/or altitude of own-aircraft (or vehicle) and another, potentially conflicting aircraft (or vehicle) are used to calculate a predicted distance between the two aircraft (or vehicles) at given point of time in the future. If separation distance is predicted to be less than a predetermined acceptable value, then an alert message (aural, visual or both) is issued to the pilot or operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A display generator for providing obstacle avoidance guidance to a pilot is described. The display generator receives data from an obstacle avoidance dispatcher and resolver module, a hybrid ground collision avoidance module, a hybrid air collision avoidance module, a display control panel, and a navigation management module. The display generator generates obstacle avoidance display image video data, which includes symbology that represents a location of one of a predicted ground collision, a predicted air collision, and an induced collision. The display generator provides the obstacle avoidance display image video data to an image rendering device, which a pilot can use to avoid both air and ground obstacles.

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: Methods and apparatus are provided for an azimuthal equidistant projection (AEP) aircraft navigational display. The apparatus comprises a generator providing the aircraft's current latitude and longitude (?1,?0), a user input for providing the desired map radius R, a display for presenting the navigational information, a map data source providing topographical information associated with geo-spatial coordinates, and a controller and memory coupled to the generator, data source, input and display for providing data transformations. Map data containing topographical information associated with each geo-spatial coordinate is obtained from the map data source for an area of approximately radius R from (?1,?0). Using the controller and memory, the geo-spatial coordinates are converted to AEP spatial coordinates so that the topographical information is now associated with such AEP spatial coordinates.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system for tracking a location of at least one item is described. The system includes a tag associated with the at least one item during a shipping journey. The tag detects shipping information, including temperature, humidity, shock, etc. The tag sends the shipping information to a master unit. The master unit also detects certain shipping information. The master unit communicates with a central processor to provide the shipping information to the central processor. The central processor relies on the shipping information to determine one of a condition or a location of the item.

Abstract: A device, method and computer program product for locating aircraft with respect to airport runways and taxiways, determining if a conflict exists between an aircraft having operating the invention and another aircraft, and generating and annunciating conflict awareness advisories as a function of determining that a conflict exists.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A taxiway aircraft location monitoring system that includes an aircraft transceiver unit located in an aircraft designed to selectively communicate with the second transceiver unit located in the control tower and with other aircraft moving on the airport. Each transceiver unit is coupled to the aircraft's global positioning system (GPS) used to determine the current location and altitude. During operation, the aircraft's transceiver unit transmits the aircraft's FAA assigned registration number and current location to a receiving unit located in the control tower and other transceiver units located in other aircrafts.

Abstract: This Terrain Awareness and Warning System produces a new “Too Low Terrain” predictive alert of “Caution” type when the crew of the aircraft has the possibility of resolving a detected risk of collision with the terrain without interrupting the current maneuver to stabilize at a safety altitude by a leveling-off maneuver, without performing a vertical avoidance maneuver. To do this, it measures the ability of the airplane to avoid the terrain with a sufficient margin without performing a vertical avoidance maneuver, taking into account the location or locations of the penetration or penetrations of the terrain along an alert prober C as well as the capacity of the aircraft to level off knowing the flight conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for providing attenuation alerts for a radar-based terrain warning. A method for providing radar-based terrain warning attenuation alerts may comprise: (a) receiving a radar return; (b) detecting a region of atmospheric disturbance limiting the range of the radar return; and (c) providing a notification of radar-based terrain awareness warning system attenuation in the region of atmospheric disturbance.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method wherein precise geographical location information such as Global Positioning System coordinate data is utilized as a principal criterion for implementing other wireless transmitted instructions and communications advising vehicles, and others, of an approaching emergency vehicle, the proximity of a hazardous condition, or virtually any other situation which is relevant to the intended recipient because of their location. The system and method further can involve intervention and control of a vehicle, such as an aircraft or automobile, which comes into a predetermined location or area, or under other circumstances. The system and method use transmitting units and receiving units, both of which can receive geographical positioning information and which may sound or otherwise output an appropriate advisory, warning or other communication selected based on their positions, heading, and/or speed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for at least semi-autonomously controlling a vehicle so as to avoid collisions are provided. A sensor is utilized to scan an area proximate the vehicle for a potential object of collision. The apparatus calculates navigational states of the potential object of collision relative to the vehicle to determine that the vehicle is on a course to enter within a predetermined miss distance relative to the potential object of collision. The apparatus alters the course of the vehicle based on the calculated navigational states.

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: Methods and apparatus are provided for enhancing the situational awareness of an operator. Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) traffic data transmitted by a traffic entity are received. The ADS-B traffic data are processed to determine traffic entity position. The traffic entity position is mapped to corresponding image coordinates on an enhanced vision system (EVS) display. A region of interest around at least a portion of the corresponding image coordinates is selected. An actual image of the traffic entity is rendered on the EVS display, at the corresponding image coordinates, and with at least a portion of the region of interest being highlighted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for direct communication between aircraft for one or more embodiments are adapted to receive tactical and strategic information related to proximate aircraft for improved flight planning. The systems and methods presented herein may be implemented, for example, in a first aircraft having a data link component adapted to process information, a storage component adapted to store information related to the first aircraft, and a communication interface component adapted to directly communicate with a second aircraft via a communication link. The first aircraft may include a user interface component adapted to interact with the data link component to retrieve information related to the first aircraft from the storage component, generate a request message with the information related to the first aircraft, and communicate with the communication interface component to directly transmit the generated request message to the second aircraft via the communication link.

Abstract: Method for transmitting a warning signal to a driver of a driven vehicle regarding an impending collision with a moving and/or stationary object in the vicinity of the driven vehicle.

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 incursion detection system can be utilized with an aircraft. The incursion detection system can be utilized to determine a possible presence of obstacles associated with a runway, taxi-way, or other path of an aircraft. The incursion detection system preferably utilizes a sensor, such as a radar system, and a signal received on a wireless receiver. The wireless receiver can be part of an ADS-B system. A processing device determines a presence of at least one obstacle in a path based upon first data derived from the wireless receiver and/or second data received from the sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating an optimized terrain database identify several regions, including test regions that are established from the identified regions. A first set of terrain data is received for a first test region. The first set of terrain data is compared to a second set of terrain data to determine a set of quality attributes. The quality attributes are used to determine a safety margin for the first test region. The safety margin is applied to other regions having the same or similar characteristics to the first test region. Safety margins are either generated for or applied to all other regions. All regions are then compiled into an area-wide terrain database, up to and including a worldwide database.

Abstract: A vertical situation display system for use in a vehicle such as, for example, an aircraft, is provided. A side view of an intended route of flight may be shown with altitude restrictions, airspace and instrument approach information, a projected flight path and range to airspeed symbol. The system may show terrain, weather, and traffic information along the intended route of flight. The system may be used in conjunction with a navigational display to enhance situational awareness. The system includes a computer, an electronic display device, an electronic entry device, a memory and a database. The database may contain terrain, airspace and flight planning data and may be updatable.

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 method for displaying a runway incursion for an aircraft includes electronically gathering traffic information data from a traffic information system, employing a runway incursion algorithm to the traffic information data to detect a collision hazard, automatically calculating incursion data, and displaying the incursion data. A runway incursion detection system has a display unit, a computer and a software product that enables methodology herein.

Abstract: The following is an aircraft warning light adjustment system. Levels of ambient light and/or reflected light can be detected by detectors and transmitted to a processing unit. A processing unit, based on the received detections, can make automatic decisions concerning whether to turn on or off automatic warning lights located on the aircraft. If the aircraft is flying at night in cloudy conditions, the warning lights can be automatically turned off before the reflections from the clouds can cause pilots to experience night blindness, vertigo, or other problems caused by the reflected light.

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: An aircraft cockpit display device for information concerning surrounding traffic includes devices to receive information coming from outside the aircraft, to know the flight parameters of the aircraft, to calculate projected trajectories of the aircraft and of a detected aircraft in the immediate vicinity, and to display a representation of the surrounding traffic through symbols and potential messages based on instructions received. A display command device is connected to an on-board calculator to know the flight phase of the aircraft. The display command device has a filtering device to define for each flight phase and/or crew task the nature and the level of information to be displayed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of transitioning from a complex response flight state to a ground operation control state. Pilot intent is determined through collective position information to control the transition. An independent cockpit switch activates an emergency surface contact transition function for use with a fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system. Once the surface contact transition function is active, FBW control laws transition from a fully augmented flight state, through an augmentation deactivation state and into the surface contact state.