Abstract: A control system for technical installations includes at least one electronic manual operator-control instrument that can be carried and used mobilely by an operator-control person for influencing and observation of the control system or a connected technical installation. The instrument has a wireless communication interface and a communication interface established via a connecting cable. At least one safety switching element actuated by the person on the manual operator-control instrument can at least terminate potentially hazardous control commands or movement sequences. The hard-wired communication interface includes a contact-based plug interface on the instrument having a first coupling element on the instrument and a second coupling element coupled and decoupled as needed relative to the first coupling element. At least one termination indicator on or in the connecting cable directly in or near the second coupling element can be sensed electronically by a termination-indicator detector.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method processes position information for aircraft located on the ground and provides a notification to a remote user in response to a triggering event. Typically, aircraft position data is received over a digital network. The service accepts requests for notification associated with an identified aircraft and subsequently provides notifications of events based upon the aircraft position data. Upon receiving a user query, a server subsequently retrieves a result set from the aircraft ground position data and determines if an event associated with the identified aircraft has occurred and if so, triggers the notification. In one form, the requested notification may be presented to the user in the form of an HTML message or update, e-mail, telephone call, text message or the some other electronic transmission or message.

Abstract: A system for an airborne platform includes a display device and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive avoidance configuration information having a plurality of avoidance categories and severity levels. The processing circuit is further configured to receive flight plan information relating to a flight route from a starting location to an ending location, an avoidance area, an indication of an avoidance category corresponding to the avoidance area, and an indication of a severity level. The processing circuit is further configured to calculate a normalized cost associated with the flight route and compare the normalized cost to a threshold value. The processing circuit is further configured to identify the avoidance area as non-traversable when the normalized cost exceeds the threshold value. The processing circuit is further configured to generate a display providing a visual representation of the normalized cost, the flight route, and the avoidance area.

Abstract: Methods for radar altimeter integrity monitoring are provided.

Abstract: A method of controlling an aircraft bleed may include the steps of monitoring a temperature of a precooled airflow exiting a precooler, and determining a status of a wing anti-ice system of an aircraft. The wing anti-ice system may be configured to receive the precooled airflow from the precooler. The method may further comprise the steps of determining whether an engine operating condition of the aircraft is within an icing envelope, selecting a temperature set point for the precooled airflow based on the status of the wing anti-ice system and whether the aircraft is within an icing envelope, and modulating a fan airflow from a fan to the precooler to adjust the temperature of the precooled airflow to the temperature set point.

Abstract: A method and system for alert notifications is disclosed. The method comprises collecting, in an alert management unit onboard a platform, one or more alerts from one or more applications in operative communication with the alert management unit; determining a platform state and operator workload based on data from one or more onboard sensors and one or more platform electronics systems; ratifying the collected alerts based on predefined criteria, configured criteria from a configuration file, or a priority of the collected alerts; and determining whether a ratified alert is to be notified to an operator. The determining of whether a ratified alert is to be notified is performed by a process comprising determining a format and content of an alert notification for the ratified alert; selecting a notification device to perform the alert notification; and sending a communication to the selected notification device to perform the alert notification.

Abstract: A drone includes a time measuring unit that obtains a present time, a flight possible area changing unit that determines a flight possible area thereof in accordance with a difference between an end of a time period for which the flight thereof is permitted and the present time, and a flight control unit that controls the drone such that the drone flies within the flight possible area.

Abstract: A method for generating a request onboard an aircraft, by a processor communicatively coupled to system memory and a communication device, is provided. In response to a requested change to a current flight plan, the method automatically generates, by the processor, a text-based clearance request for the requested change, the text-based clearance request comprising aircraft identification and the requested change, and the requested change comprising at least one of a new cruising level, a new cruising speed at the new cruising level, flight rules, a new route description, and revised time estimates associated with waypoints of the current flight plan; and transmits the text-based clearance request, via the communication device.

Abstract: A control apparatus comprises a first obtaining unit configured to obtain a result of sound collection performed by a sound collection apparatus that collects a measurement signal as a sound, the measurement signal being output from an output apparatus; a detection unit configured to detect a position of the output apparatus or the sound collection apparatus relative to a measurement-subject person; and a second obtaining unit configured to obtain a head-related transfer function of the measurement-subject person based on the result of sound collection obtained by the first obtaining unit and the position detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying N1 speed on a flight deck display in a manner that provides increased resolution at the upper end of the operating range. This is accomplished by a variable scale(s) which improves the functionality of the N1 gauge (serving as an indication of thrust) in the desired region. Also, there is visual indication to provide pilots the ability to discern if the current thrust is within a specific tolerance to the desired value within the takeoff region. This additional indication is based on color changes associated with the N1 display structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of an adaptive ladar receiver and associated method whereby the active pixels in a photodetector array used for reception of ladar pulse returns can be adaptively controlled based at least in part on where the ladar pulses were targeted. Additional embodiments disclose improved imaging optics for use by the receiver and further adaptive control techniques for selecting which pixels of the photodetector array are used for sensing incident light.

Abstract: An aircraft interface apparatus for providing communication between an aircraft system and a device for use on an aircraft comprises a first communication means for providing communication with the aircraft system, and a second communication means for providing communication with the device, wherein the aircraft system uses a first data format and the device uses a second data format, and the apparatus further comprises: an interface processing resource that is configured to receive data in a first format from the device and, in response, to output data in the second format to the aircraft system and/or to receive data in the second format from the device and, in response, to output data in the first format to the aircraft system.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting a runway, comprises retrieving runway feature data and aircraft data including aircraft heading with respect to the bearing of first and second runways. Runway boundary envelopes are created for each of the first and second runways, each having a predetermined score. A total score for each of the first and second runways is compared to determine which of the runways is selected.

Abstract: A method and system includes the ability for individuals to set up an ad hoc digital and voice network easily and rapidly to allow users to coordinate their activities by eliminating the need for pre-entry of data into a web or identifying others by name, phone numbers or email. This method is especially useful for police, fire fighters, military, first responders or other emergency situations for coordinating different organizations at the scene of a disaster to elevate conventional communication problems either up and down the chain of command or cross communication between different emergency units. The method and system provides that the users are only required to enter a specific Server IP address and an ad hoc event name, a password and perhaps the name of the particular unit.

Abstract: A method of displaying a weather condition indicator with respect to an aircraft includes receiving weather data from a weather radar system. The weather data includes data indicative of a first location of the weather condition. The method also includes determining a second location of the weather condition based on data indicative of a movement of the weather condition, and displaying the weather condition indicator with reference to the second location.

Abstract: A system and method is described for controlling flight trajectories of at least two flying vehicles towards goal positions. The system includes at least two flying vehicles with onboard inertial measurement units for determining and updating orientation, angular velocities, position and linear velocities of the at least two flying vehicles, a motion capture system to detect current position and velocity of each of the at least two flying vehicles, and a base controller in communication with the motion capture system and in communication with the plurality of flying vehicles. The base controller calculates for each of the flying vehicles, at predetermined intervals of time, optimum trajectory paths using piece-wise smooth polynomial functions, applying weighting factors, and enforcing overlap constraints.

Abstract: An enhanced vision system is provided for an aircraft performing a landing maneuver. Accordingly to non-limiting embodiments, a processor onboard the aircraft receives data from sensors or systems onboard the aircraft and determines a position of the aircraft relative to a runway using the data. Responsive to this determination, the processor adjusts the gain of a first vision system and a second vision system. Images from the first vision system and the second vision system are merged and displayed to the pilot until the completion of the landing maneuver.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in generating alerts regarding terrain near an aircraft are provided. A method includes determining a plurality of warnings relating to terrain near an aircraft, each warning indicating terrain above a threshold elevation and having a position associated with the warning. The method further includes, for each warning, generating alert data formatted for display as an alert on a display device of the aircraft within a plan view terrain display screen on or proximate to the position associated with the warning and overlapping a visual representation of a portion of the terrain. The method further includes transmitting the alert data to the display device. A same alert shape is used for all warnings, and the alert areas of the alerts are at least partially transparent, such that the visual representations of the portions of the terrain within the alert areas are visible.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for generating a low airspeed warning in an aircraft. This method creates a scale factor that is a factor of engine thrust and aircraft altitude. A low airspeed threshold is determined that varies according to the aircraft altitude with respect to a predetermined altitude band and the engine thrust with respect to a predetermined engine thrust band. A low airspeed alert is generated in response to the determination of the low airspeed threshold. This method provides a pilot with earlier knowledge of low airspeed conditions when the aircraft is in a target altitude band, increasing the pilot's response time and thereby enhancing overall aircraft safety.

Abstract: A system and method for airport control at an airport having one or more runways. The system and method can receive information related to aircraft utilizing the airport, determine wake duration, and determine an aircraft separation time for one or more runways based on a wake duration of an aircraft.

Abstract: An intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance system is disclosed including a ground station and one or more aerial vehicles. The aerial vehicles are autonomous systems capable of communicating intelligence data to the ground station and be used as part of a missile delivery package. A plurality of aerial vehicles can be configured to cast a wide net of reconnaissance over a large area on the ground including smaller overlapping reconnaissance areas provided by each of the plurality of the aerial vehicles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate generally to generating multiple, multivariant prognostic data reports in aircraft. A plurality of data collection requests, one from each of a plurality of stakeholders, is received at the aircraft. A unique portion of onboard memory is associated with each of the data collection requests. Concurrently, according to the associated data collection requests, parametric data is collected and recorded as a report into each one of the unique portions of memory associated with each data collection request.

Abstract: A rack for an aeronautical platform comprising two parallel shelves positioned between a front face and a rear face of the platform, the rack being inserted into the platform by translation from the front face to the rear face the rack containing electronic equipment extending primarily in a plane, the electronic equipment being positioned in a useful compartment of the rack and cooled by forced convection. The electronic equipment is positioned in such a way that its main plane is parallel to the shelves. The rack comprises means for guiding an air flow used for the cooling of the electronic equipment item, the air flow penetrating into the useful compartment parallel to the plane of the electronic equipment item and at right angles to the direction of insertion of the rack into the platform.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the execution of law enforcement duties is disclosed. More particularly, according to one aspect of the invention, an electronic system and associated method is configured to facilitate the performance of law enforcement duties by quasi-instantaneously providing actionable intelligence to its users, such as front-line law enforcement officers, in response to a real-time query. According to another aspect of the invention, a system implements a set of automated status classifications for subjects with suspected or confirmed involvement in criminal and/or terrorist activities. The status classifications specifically and concisely establish the subject's involvement in criminal and/or terrorist activities. According to yet another aspect of the invention, a system executes a streamlined electronic process for asset forfeiture actions so as to ensure that criminal and/or terrorist assets are efficiently and effectively seized.

Abstract: A mobile device may be configured with multiple receivers (e.g., a cellular receiver, a broadcast receiver such as FM, AM, DTV, a satellite receiver, a NWR receiver, etc.). Upon receipt of an emergency alert message via at least one of the receivers, the mobile device, via an application installed on the mobile device, may extract the emergency alert message from a data channel of the broadcast. The mobile device, via the application, may process the extracted emergency alert message to determine if the emergency alert message is to be rendered via the device. And, if the emergency alert message is to be rendered, the mobile device, via the application, may format the extracted emergency alert message to conform to a standard format (e.g., Commercial Mobile Alert System, CMAS, format).

Abstract: A method of determining a turbulent condition in an aircraft with a handheld device where the handheld device has at least one of a gyroscope, seismometer, and an accelerometer where the method includes receiving an output from the at least one of the gyroscope, seismometer, and accelerometer while the handheld device is located within the aircraft and providing an indication of a turbulent condition.

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

Abstract: Local wind fields can be predicted if both the airspeed and the ground speed of the helicopter are known. An aircraft that uses an inertial navigation unit, autopilot and estimator allows a measure of ground speed to be known with good certainty. The embodiments herein extends this system to allow an estimate of the local wind field to be found without actively using an airspeed sensor, but instead combining the measurements of an accelerometer and a drag force model and a model of controlled aerodynamics of the aircraft to estimate the airspeed, which again can be used to estimate the local wind speed.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for outputting items of information regarding a vehicle, in particular regarding a vehicle function. In order to impart the driver an improved knowledge of the vehicle functions, a first storage device, with which the items of information can be retrievably stored, a first device, with which a workload of the driver can be determined, a second device with which an associated priority can be provided to each item of information, and an output device are provided. If the determined workload undershoots a predeterminable limit workload, the item of information with the highest priority is output via the output device. The second device is embodied and equipped in such a manner, that following outputting of an item of information through the output device, the priority of this item of information is reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising an instruction analyzer. The instruction analyzer is configured to receive a movement instruction for an aircraft during movement of the aircraft. The instruction analyzer is further configured to generate a number of volumes of airspace defining a desired movement of the aircraft using the movement instruction during the movement of the aircraft.

Abstract: A method to develop a system for management of warnings and electronic procedures for an aircraft, comprising a database of parameters relating to the warnings and to logic and procedures, the aircraft comprising ATA equipment, comprises definition and calculation of maturity criteria for development of the system, which comprises, in order: A) verification of warnings in the database with respect to predefined lists of warnings and calculation of a maturity criterion, B) if the criterion of A>predetermined threshold, verification of the coherence of the logic for the warnings then definition and calculation of a maturity criterion, C) if the criterion of B>predetermined threshold, verification of the existence of the procedures and, for each warning, analysis of its logic with respect to its procedure, then definition and calculation of a maturity criterion, the system being fully set up when the latter criterion>predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for detecting piloting conflicts between the crew and the autopilot of an aircraft. According to the method, an automatic trajectory is programmed by checking whether the actual values of navigation parameters converge on said corresponding desired values within a predetermined convergence period; in the case where at least one of the actual values does not converge, within the convergence period, on the corresponding desired value, a predictive calculation is carried out, at consecutive future moments, of the value of at least one particular parameter selected amongst the navigation parameters; and in the case where the predicted value of the particular parameter is higher than a corresponding predefined threshold, an alarm is emitted for the crew of the aircraft to notify them about a piloting conflict being able to jeopardize the flight safety of the aircraft. A device for implementing the method. An aircraft including the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device aboard an aircraft comprising output means configured to restore information relating to the aircraft status from aircraft systems, the device including a module providing interface between said output means and said aircraft systems, said module being configured to synthesize information from aircraft systems depending on predetermined behavior rules and to transmit said information thus synthesized to said output means.

Abstract: A system and method for illuminating one or more sidestick controllers within a cockpit of an aircraft is described. In some embodiments, the system includes a sidestick controller having lighting components that display lighting behaviors representing the movement and/or control of an aircraft. In some embodiments, the system illuminates various different lighting components on a sidestick controller based on information received from aircraft control systems, cockpit lighting systems, and other systems associated with an aircraft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring an aircraft. A pilot control input signal is received. A response of a control surface system controlled by a flight control model is identified using the pilot control input signal. An alert is generated when the control surface system reaches a threshold with respect to the control surface system becoming saturated.

Abstract: A method for alerting a user of a sequence of events that has occurred, based on data contained within messages occurring on one or more communications buses is described. The method includes entering, via a user interface, data defining a sequence of events for which an alert is desired, monitoring, with a unit coupled to the user interface, the messages occurring on the one or more communications buses for data indicative of an occurrence of the defined sequence of events, and providing an indication to the user that the sequence of events has occurred.

Abstract: An alerts and procedures management system for an aircraft comprises a software kernel aboard the aircraft and a parameterization tool for the software kernel, which comprises a conversion module for converting a configuration file describing an operational need of the system into a database of binary parameters which is able to parameterize the software kernel. The software kernel comprises at least four elementary cells: a first cell for acquiring aircraft signals, a second cell for characterizing state variables of the aircraft, a third cell for computing at least one separate event, a fourth cell for scheduling the separate events for communication with the crew; each of the cells comprising a software engine parameterizable by the database.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically evaluating a quantity of context sensitive information used by an operator of an airborne mobile platform in performing an operational procedure involving said mobile platform, and determining, in real time, a sub-quantity of context sensitive information that pertains to only that sub-quantity of information required by said operator to execute said operational procedure. The sub-quantity of information is then displayed on a display in real time for the operator. The method and system significantly eases the cognitive workload of the operator by enabling the operator to focus on and digest only that sub-quantity of information that is pertinent to performing the operational procedure with the specific type of mobile platform being operated. In one embodiment the sub-quantity of information pertains to minima information for performing an aircraft landing approach operation.

Abstract: An flight-safe indicator for a battery displays the flight-safety state of a battery to be transported by an aircraft. The indicator can be easily recognized by ground personnel anywhere regardless of the language they speak or read. The indicator comprises an icon indicating that the battery is safe for flight and would be easily recognized by personnel at an airport. The icon would be placed on the battery or on the battery packaging prior to loading on the aircraft. When the magnitude of power stored on the battery exceeds a safety threshold, the icon changes to an indication that the battery is not safe for transporting by aircraft and the operator may discharge the battery using a load until it reaches a safe level.

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

Abstract: A system and method are provided for facilitating workload management. The system processes first sensor data to estimate the current cognitive state of a first person, and processes second sensor data to estimate the current cognitive state of a second person. Information representative of the estimates of the current cognitive states of the first person and the second person is simultaneously rendered on a display device.

Abstract: A system for detecting and diagnosing a faultive state of an airplane engine, including: at least one vibration sensor attached to an airplane; a reference model database construction unit; and a fault detection and diagnosis unit which estimates a parameter of a model, obtains a test variable and a numerator coefficient value difference of a transfer function between the models, and the covariance of parameter estimation error, and diagnoses the faultive state and the faultive cause of the airplane engine. Accordingly, the present invention can determine the faultive state and the detective cause of the airplane engine using the vibration data of the airplane engine.

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

Abstract: In the field of the calculation of the approach trajectory of an aircraft, and relating to a method for determining a corrected lateral approach trajectory as a function of the energy to be reabsorbed before the landing, and also to a flight management system making it possible to determine the corrected lateral trajectory, a method comprises: determining an energy of the aircraft Eaero upon crossing the runway threshold on the basis of a predetermined approach trajectory and of a current state of the aircraft, said state comprising at least one current altitude, a current ground speed and a mass of the aircraft; comparing the energy Eaero with a predetermined maximum energy Emax, and when the energy Eaero is greater than the energy Emax, determining the corrected lateral approach trajectory as a function of the difference between the energy of the aircraft Eaero and the maximum energy Emax.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for providing an automatic reminder function. The technologies are adapted to receive a definition of a reminder as an occurrence or are non-occurrence of an event and to receive operationally relevant data from a system data device. The technologies then determine whether the operationally relevant data indicates that the reminder is triggered by the occurrence or non-occurrence of the event. Responsive to determining whether the operationally relevant data indicates that the reminder is triggered by the occurrence or non-occurrence of the event, the technologies issue the reminder through instrumentation on an aircraft.

Abstract: Methods of predicting a speed brake fault in an aircraft having a speed brake system including multiple control surfaces, a handle for setting the position of the multiple control surfaces, and at least one control surface position sensor, the methods include receiving a position signal from the at least one position sensor, determining a variation in the position signal and predicting a fault in the speed brake system.

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

Abstract: In one aspect of the method for displaying an image on a screen of a cockpit of an aircraft, control means: control a first display on the screen of an image comprising a background; and then control a second display so that, in at least one zone of the image that is determined independently of the background, the background presents a non-zero second mean luminance that is less than a first mean luminance that it presented during the first display. In another aspect, the control means control the display on the screen of an image comprising a background in such a manner, that at least in a zone of the image that is determined independently of the background, the background presents non-zero mean luminance that is less than mean luminance of the remainder of the background.

Abstract: An aircraft terrain awareness warning system is disclosed that includes an interface for entering flight plan details of an aircraft including at least one waypoint. The terrain awareness warning system is configured such that potential-terrain-collision alerts are suppressed in the aircraft during landing operations performed at waypoints associated with landing zones.

Abstract: A method and device for providing a pilot warning signal is provided, where such method can include providing a first signal to indicate a pedal angle of a pedal, providing a second signal which is directly dynamically dependent on the pedal angle, pairing up values of the first signal and the second signal at specific times, determining an angle change of the pairs of values and an increment of the pairs of values at two successive times, and generating the pilot warning signal when actuation of the pedal and a stimulated tumbling movement of the aircraft are ascertained and if the determined angle change of the pairs of values is greater than a first threshold value or the determined angle change of the increment of the pairs of values is greater than a second threshold value. A computer program product and a warning device are also provided.