Abstract: System for displaying on a first moving object a position indication dependent on a position of a second moving object. The system (1) comprises measurement means (2) for carrying out position measurements relating to at least one position dependent on the second moving object, processing means (3) mounted on the first moving object, and connected to the measurement means (2), and intended for the processing of said position measurements so as to produce a characteristic position, a display device (4) mounted on the first moving object, connected to the processing means (3), and presenting on a viewing screen (6), on a display illustrating at least partially the environment of the first moving object, a position indication which is situated at said characteristic position, and triggering means (7) for triggering the implementation of measurements by said measurement means (2).

Abstract: A method and a device are described for acquiring driving data of a vehicle. Moreover, a computer program and a computer program product are put forward for carrying out the method. In the method described, a three-dimensional, kinematic vehicle model is calculated, including linear-motion-dynamics signals and lateral-motion-dynamics signals. This model can be utilized for reconstructing the vehicle movement.

Abstract: A method and system for converting a voice communication to a text transcription. The method comprises receiving by a computing system in a control command center, a first transmission identifier from a vehicle. The first transmission identifier identifies the vehicle. The computing system receives voice communication data for the vehicle from a user in the control command center. A software application within the computing system converts the voice communication data into text data. The computing system transmits the voice communication data, a first copy of the text data and a second transmission identifier to the vehicle. The second transmission identifier identifies the control command center. The computing system receives a confirmation request from the vehicle to confirm if the text data comprises correct information related to the voice communication data. The confirmation request is displayed on a video monitor system. The computing system transmits confirmation data to the vehicle.

Abstract: A system collaboratively and autonomously plans and controls a team of vehicles having subsystems within an environment. The system includes a mission management component, a communication component, a payload controller component, and an automatic target recognition component. The mission management component plans and executes a mission plan of the team and plans and executes tasks of the vehicles. The communication component plans communication and networking for the team. The communication component manages quality of service for the team. The communication component directs communication subsystems for the team and for the vehicles. The payload controller component directs and executes sensor subsystems for the team and for the vehicles. The automatic target recognition component processes and fuses information from the sensor subsystems and from the vehicles for use by the mission management component.

Abstract: The device relates to the signaling, to the pilot of a moving vehicle, for example an aircraft, of its lateral maneuvering margins taking into account obstacles placed in its maneuvering zone. This device determines, over the maneuvering zone of the moving vehicle, the contours of a first type of risk region that must be bypassed and those of two other types of risk region consisting of lateral margins surrounding the first type of risk region, of widths less than separation thresholds or their upper limit considered necessary for a lateral maneuver without space constraint and displays them for the pilot of the moving vehicle. The determination of the separation thresholds takes into account the bearing angle under which a point of the contour of a region of the first type is seen from the moving vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for avoiding aircraft collisions wherein a ground based monitoring station serves as one port of a wireless LAN operating according to a wireless communications protocol compatible with the IEEE 802.16e standard and derivatives thereof. A mobile unit associated produces respective position-dependent signals of an authorized object that are conveyed to the ground based monitoring station and to respective mobile units associated with other mobile units via the wireless LAN. A collision prediction unit is responsive to the position-dependent signals and to static position data of the airport infrastructure for predicting collisions between mobile objects or between a mobile object and the infrastructure. A warning unit coupled to the collision prediction unit and responsive to a predicted collision involving one or more mobile objects conveys a respective warning to the one or more mobile objects for allowing evasive action.

Abstract: A system for optically detecting an object comprises a light source associated with the object and operated to produce a temporal pattern of emissions and a detector, synchronized to the operation of the light source by signals from a global positioning system, to identify light emissions according to the temporal pattern.

Abstract: A system and method for filtering various targets (such as ground vehicles, stationary objects, and aircraft) from display on a display screen within the cockpit of an “Own Ship” aircraft. The system and method withhold from display any non-exempt targets that have an altitude that is either: (1) greater than an upper-threshold altitude; or (2) less than a lower-threshold altitude. The upper-threshold altitude and the lower-threshold altitude may be set to user-specified, customized values as desired to accommodate current flying conditions. In addition, the system and method may also be configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes, each of which features a different upper threshold altitude/lower threshold altitude combination. The system and method are preferably configured to reset certain threshold altitudes to pre-defined default altitudes in response to the aircraft landing.

Abstract: The system contains a receiver in communication with a programmable device. The receiver receives a first horizontal distance from the aircraft to a threshold of the runway, an angle of a glide path, and a threshold crossing height. The programmable device determines a projected ground distance from the aircraft to the threshold. The programmable device determines a projected ground distance from the threshold to a glide path intercept point. The programmable device determines a vertical value along the glide path relative to a projected ground distance between the aircraft and the glide path intercept point. The programmable device determines a synthetic altitude above runway for the aircraft.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided which warn a pilot or flight crew to prevent navigation of an aircraft into an unapproved region of operation. A boundary of an approved region of operation for the aircraft is identified. A position of the aircraft relative to the boundary of the approved region of operation is determined. Then, a warning is generated if the determined position of the aircraft relative to the boundary of the approved region of operation satisfies a predetermined criteria.

Abstract: An anti-collision light for large, commercial aircraft is disclosed. The light is a self-contained unit capable of easy replacement of any anti-collision light currently in use in any large aircraft using an adapter plate and adapter cable directly connected to 115 VAC 400 cycles from the aircraft. The light includes a plurality of round circuit boards with an annular ring of high intensity, surface mounted LEDs, with a disk having an edge configured as an offset half parabolic reflector made up of a plurality of conical facets. Angles of the conical facets are selected such that light from the LEDs is focused into a plurality of discrete planes from each facet, these planes concentrating the light into planar regions of discrete light intensity as required by the FAA. The disks with reflector edges also serve as heat sinks to dissipate heat developed by the LEDs.

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.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the piloting of an aircraft includes a detecting device for detecting all the aircraft in the vicinity and a display device for presenting, on a display screen illustrating a vertical plane, characteristic symbols indicating the positions of these aircraft in the vicinity.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The device relates to the signaling, to the pilot of a craft, of the risks that it incurs due to obstacles placed in its zone of deployment. This device determines, on the zone of deployment of the craft, the contours of several types of risk region as well as the contours of two lateral regions of tight deployment tied to the craft and produces alarms as a function of the types of zones at risk found in the lateral regions of tight deployment.

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: Systems and methods for controlling activation of a look-ahead function of a terrain alert and warning system. The system receives rate of climb and aircraft speed information, compares the rate of climb and aircraft speed information to a predefined threshold, and deactivates a look-ahead function based on the comparison.

Abstract: A safety enhancement warning system includes an avoidance system which communicates with a multiple of geographical positional systems. A geographic algorithm of the avoidance system utilizes a recursive algorithmic to determine if the aircraft will enter a sensitive area. If the aircraft distance to a sensitive area decreases below a predefined minimum threshold, then an audible and/or visual warning is issued. For certain sensitive areas, aircraft RF emissions are silenced or reduced in power when the predetermined minimum threshold breaches the sensitive area. The use of the avoidance system enables usage of relatively inexpensive UWB radar for the proximity sensor suite to assure avoidance of interference with particular delicate instruments and thereby meet regulations such as those propagated by the FCC.

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: The present invention comprises systems and methods for preventing collisions between aircraft and ground vehicles. In one embodiment, a system includes a proximity detection unit and a transducer proximate to a selected structural portion of an aircraft, the proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the transducer and to receive reflected signals through the transducer to determine the position of an object within a ranging area adjacent to the structural portion. The system further includes an alarm device coupled to the proximity detection unit that is responsive to a signal generated by the proximity detection unit. In another embodiment, a method includes determining a distance between the ground service vehicle and a selected structural portion of the aircraft when the vehicle is positioned in a ranging area about the aircraft. The method further includes generating a proximity alarm based upon the distance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a traffic display for an aircraft, which includes a vertical traffic indicator. The vertical traffic indicator includes flight levels, depicted utilizing differing visual patterns to represent the current flight level as well as available and unavailable flight levels for transit. The vertical traffic indicator includes aircraft indicators positioned in relation to flight levels to indicate attitude. The aircraft indicators may also include status indicators indicating separation standards, vertical trend, intent, or whether an aircraft is a reference aircraft for an ITP. The traffic display provides clear and intuitive means of understanding the flying environment related to the performance of the ITP, increasing situational awareness and simplifying the ITP. The traffic display is specifically advantageous for performance of an ITP, but may be integrated with displays including terrain, weather, flight plan waypoints, or TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) traffic.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for preventing aircraft collisions with forward looking terrain avoidance (FLTA) functionality based on a terrain avoidance profile used to evaluate potential terrain threats based on the projected flight path of an aircraft in flight, and a clear terrain profile to determine whether the terrain threat has been cleared. If the terrain avoidance profile conflicts with terrain, a collision threat may exist whereby the pilot is notified and a terrain avoidance maneuver is executed. During the terrain avoidance maneuver the clear terrain profile extends in a direction substantially parallel with the horizon at or near the present altitude of the aircraft to check whether it is safe to return to the previous flight path angle or otherwise end the terrain-avoiding maneuver. When the clear terrain profile no longer conflicts with the terrain threat, a terrain clear indicator is then issued to the pilot.

Abstract: A head-up display (HUD) is disclosed. The HUD is provided on board an aircraft. The HUD comprises a projector and a combiner. The combiner enables viewing of the world outside of the combiner and also allows viewing of information provided from the projector. A computer is coupled to the projector and provides airport runway and taxiway symbols conformally mapped onto the combiner. Also provided on the combiner is a mapping of hold lines onto the combiner.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system, the system comprises a tactile interface device; the tactile interface device comprises a connecting element shaped such as to be worn around a thigh of a pilot; wherein the connecting element is coupled to multiple tactile sensory devices; wherein when the connecting element is worn around a thigh of the pilot the tactile sensory devices are in tactile communication with the pilot; wherein the multiple tactile sensory devices are controlled by a controller; wherein if another plane presents a threat of collision, the controller activates at least one tactile sensory device out of the multiple tactile sensory devices such as to provide a tactile maneuver indication that is indicative of a collision avoidance maneuver.

Abstract: A system and a method for automatically avoiding collisions between own aircraft and other aircraft. The system includes a computing unit configured to compute a fly away path for own aircraft, a sender configured to send the computed own fly away path to the other aircraft, a receiver configured to receive fly away paths from the other aircraft, and a collision handler configured to detect an approaching collision based on the own fly away path and the fly away paths received from the other aircraft, and activating a fly away maneuver upon detecting an approaching collision. The collision handler is adapted to receive information about commanded maneuvers of own aircraft, and to detect an approaching collision based on own aircraft maneuvers commanded during a time period between sending the computed own fly away path to the other aircraft and detecting the approaching collision.

Abstract: The information relates to a method of transmitting information between a communications management unit on board an aircraft and a ground air control system, characterized in that it comprises the following steps consisting, in respect of the communications management unit, in: a) detecting the reception of alerts originating from an onboard surveillance system, via a communication bus, b) when an alert is detected, shaping the information contained in the alert as a report according to a predetermined format, and dispatching this report to the ground system.

Abstract: This flight management system comprises a flight management computer plotting, during the preparation of a flight by the crew, a flight plan with branchoffs from where diversion airport joining trajectories start and which is able, automatically or otherwise, as a function of the situation encountered during the progress of the flight, to substitute for the part of the flight plan remaining to be traversed, one of the diversion airport joining trajectories scheduled during the preparation of the flight plan. It is especially useful in the cases of late change of landing runway.

Abstract: A database defining at least one exclusion zone of airport is described. The database includes a computer-implemented memory configured to store and allow retrieval of a plurality of points, the points defining a boundary of an exclusion zone associated with an airport, the area being prohibited for aircraft travel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting deviation from a normal flight regime. The system includes at least one aircraft information system located on an aircraft for detecting an aircraft condition variable, a processing system configured to determine whether the aircraft condition variable is within a predefined tolerance of a predefined normal status for that aircraft condition variable, the processing system including an output device configured to transmit a signal indicative of a deviation from the predefined normal status, and a communication system for communicating between the aircraft and an external receiving station.

Abstract: A method for guiding the approach and landing of an aircraft is provided. The method involves receiving navigation information from the aircraft, receiving navigation information from an aircraft carrier, integrating the navigation information from the aircraft with the navigation information from the aircraft carrier to determine a relative velocity and a relative position between the aircraft and the aircraft carrier, and propagating the relative velocity and the relative position forward in time for navigation purposes.

Abstract: A method and a system are recited for obtaining a true azimuth heading for correcting a coarse azimuth heading measured from an observation position to a specific selected target by operating a data acquisition system disposed at the observation position. In principle, data is acquired and measurements are taken to allow calculation of a calculated target, including error area limits. The calculated target surrounded by error area limits is presented as a search zone to an operator for searching, finding and indicating on a display, on which is superimposed at least one map, of the specific selected target. Once found, calculations of the true azimuth are performed, allowing the derivation of the true North. The method and a system are operative with a variety of maps, including digital terrain models and stellar maps.

Abstract: A flight information communication system has a plurality of RF direct sequence spread spectrum ground data links that link respective aircraft-resident subsystems, in each of which a copy of its flight performance data is stored, with airport-located subsystems. The airport-located subsystems are coupled by way communication paths, such as land line telephone links, to a remote flight operations control center. At the flight operations control center, flight performance data downlinked from plural aircraft parked at different airports is analyzed. In addition, the flight control center may be employed to direct the uploading of in-flight data files, such as audio, video and navigation files from the airport-located subsystems to the aircraft.

Abstract: A collision alerting and avoidance system for use in an aerial vehicle is presented herein. The system comprises a one low profile antenna array disposed on the aerial vehicle. A transmitter/receiver probe is coupled to the antenna array. The transmitter/receiver probe is configured to transmit electromagnetic waves and to receive an echo signal reflected from a threat obstacle. At least one transmitter/receiver module is coupled to the transmitter/receiver probe. The transmitter/receiver module is configured to produce electromagnetic waves for transmission and to receive the echo signal. A processor coupled to the plurality of transmitter/receiver modules controls the transmission of electromagnetic waves from the antenna array and processes the echo signal to provide an output signal containing information regarding the obstacle.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for providing flight management to one or more aircraft via a communication link between a fight management system located outside the aircraft and a flight management system located inside the aircraft. Remote flight management system may monitor and control navigation functions, substantially reducing pilot or crewmember workload. Optimized simultaneous flight management of multiple aircraft located within a specified area or within a specified fleet may be provided. Remote flight management system may be suitable for monitoring and controlling navigation functions for multiple aircraft from a single location.

Abstract: A group multiplexed output (208) operably couples to each unique intermediate frequency received signal output as corresponds to a plurality of aviation radio frequency receiver front ends (502). By one approach, this can comprise, in particular, multiplexing, in frequency, each of the discrete received signal outputs for each of the plurality of aviation radio frequency receiver front ends with one another. By one approach, each such aviation radio frequency receiver front end is configured and arranged to receive radio frequency signals for a corresponding different radio frequency platform (as may each correspond, for example, to a different aviation operational purpose).

Abstract: A flight information communication system has a plurality of RF direct sequence spread spectrum ground data links that link respective aircraft-resident subsystems, in each of which a copy of its flight performance data is stored, with airport-located subsystems. The airport-located subsystems are coupled by way communication paths, such as land line telephone links, to a remote flight operations control center. At the flight operations control center, flight performance data downlinked from plural aircraft parked at different airports is analyzed. In addition, the flight control center may be employed to direct the uploading of in-flight data files, such as audio, video and navigation files from the airport-located Subsystems to the aircraft.

Abstract: A flight information communication system has a plurality of RF direct sequence spread spectrum ground data links that link respective aircraft-resident subsystems, in each of which a copy of its flight performance data is stored, with airport-located subsystems. The airport-located subsystems are coupled by way communication paths, such as land line telephone links, to a remote flight operations control center. At the flight operations control center, flight performance data downlinked from plural aircraft parked at different airports is analyzed. In addition, the flight control center may be employed to direct the uploading of in-flight data files, such as audio, video and navigation files from the airport-located subsystems to the aircraft.

Abstract: A flight information communication system has a plurality of RF direct sequence spread spectrum ground data links that link respective aircraft-resident subsystems, in each of which a copy of its flight performance data is stored, with airport-located subsystems. The airport-located subsystems are coupled by way communication paths, such as land line telephone links, to a remote flight operations control center. At the flight operations control center, flight performance data downlinked from plural aircraft parked at different airports is analyzed. In addition, the flight control center may be employed to direct the uploading of in-flight data files, such as audio, video and navigation files from the airport-located subsystems to the aircraft.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining spatio-temporal data for a given area (e.g., an airspace) containing a given node (e.g., an aircraft) and one or more other nodes (e.g., aircraft). The given aircraft may break the given airspace into a first plurality of smaller airspaces, and may also break the given airspace into a second plurality of smaller airspaces. The given aircraft may then detect local spatio-temporal data for each smaller airspace located within its detectable range. The aircraft may also receive remote spatio-temporal data for the smaller airspaces from the one or more other aircraft. Thereafter, the aircraft may update stored spatio-temporal data based on the aircraft's navigation data, the local spatio-temporal data, the remote spatio-temporal data, and/or a reliability of the data. Further, the aircraft may transmit the stored spatio-temporal data for receipt by the one or more other aircraft.

Abstract: A system for optically detecting an object comprises a light source associated with the object and operated to produce a temporal pattern of emissions and a detector, synchronized to the operation of the light source by signals from a global positioning system, to identify light emissions according to the temporal pattern.

Abstract: A display screen for displaying multiple sets of information is provided. In one embodiment, an aviation display screen includes a main window and a plurality of miniature windows. The main window is adapted to illustrate one set of information. Each miniature window is adapted to display a set of avionic information. The avionic display is further adapted to toggle a select set of avionic information in one of the miniature windows into the main window.

Abstract: A white anti-collision light mounted on an aircraft utilizes a set of high-power light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and dedicated reflectors to distribute the light in a particular pattern that satisfies predetermined intensity requirements along a horizontal coverage area. The anti-collision light may include heat pipes for transferring heat from the LEDs to a set of cooling fins. Also, the LEDs may be electrically connected and controlled to provide redundancy and mitigate the effects of LED failures.

Abstract: A circuit and method for predicting an intersection of a host aircraft flight path with the wake vortex of another aircraft.

Abstract: The invention provides a communication and control system and method including a portable control and display unit, such as a portable handheld pocket PC, an aircraft mounted integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite receiver, a VHF radio modem, an Aircraft Communication and Reporting System (ACARS) transceiver, a backup battery for power, and a camera aboard the aircraft which is controlled by the portable control and display unit. The control and display unit transmits and receives data messages, voice communication and video communication, and control the operation and functions of the camera while in flight or on the ground. The control and display unit also communicates as a cell phone.

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 transmitter provides a plurality of output signals. The transmitter includes a processor, a modulator, a first circuit, and a second circuit. The modulator provides a modulated signal responsive to the processor. The modulated signal includes an amplitude modulated radio frequency for transmitting a pulse. The first circuit provides a first output signal, responsive to and with higher power than the modulated signal. The first output signal has a first phase during transmitting of the pulse. The second circuit provides a second output signal, responsive to and with higher power than the modulated signal. The second output signal has a second phase during transmitting of the pulse. The second phase is controlled by the second circuit in accordance with the first phase, the second phase, and indicia of a third phase provided by the processor.

Abstract: A smart airport automation system gathers and reinterprets a wide variety of aircraft and airport related data and information around unattended or non-towered airports. Data is gathered from many different types of sources, and in otherwise incompatible data formats. The smart airport automation system then decodes, assembles, fuses, and broadcasts structured information, in real-time, to aircraft pilots. The fused information is also useful to remotely located air traffic controllers who monitor non-towered airport operations. The system includes a data fusion and distribution computer that imports aircraft position and velocity, weather, and airport specific data. The data inputs are used to compute safe takeoff and landing sequences, and other airport advisory information for participating aircraft.

Abstract: A spatial data search method, system and apparatus for identifying particular data of significance around a reference vector through the spatial data. The method involves determining a reference vector within a spatial region for which spatial data exists, loading a portion of the spatial data including the data around the reference vector into a memory buffer, and searching the spatial data in a prioritized order. The method, system and apparatus have particular utility in searching geographic data for a terrain awareness and warning system (“TAWS”) and display in an aircraft. Embodiments of the present invention provide advantages over existing sequential and radial search methods, significantly reducing the processing and calculations required and providing faster alerts to pilots.

Abstract: System and method for preventing accidents between first and second vehicles at intersections in which the absolute position and velocity of the first vehicle are determined, map data relating to edges of lanes of roadways, edges of roadways and the location of traffic control devices is stored in a map database and the status of the traffic control devices is provided to the first vehicle when needed. The absolute position and velocity of the second vehicle are determined and a collision between the first and second vehicles is predicted based on the position and velocity of the first and second vehicles, the map data and the status of the traffic control devices. An action or changing operation is initiated by a reactive component or system in the first and/or second vehicle when a collision is predicted.

Abstract: A head-up display (HUD) is disclosed. The HUD is provided on board an aircraft. The HUD comprises a projector and a combiner. The combiner enables viewing of the world outside of the combiner and also allows viewing of information provided from the projector. A computer is coupled to the projector and provides airport runway and taxiway symbols conformally mapped onto the combiner. Also provided on the combiner is a mapping of virtual airport signs onto the combiner.