Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording flight information of aircraft, such as position, mass, or type, in order to record the position of a wake turbulence of the aircraft. Weather information can be recorded as affecting the wake turbulence. Such information can be provided into a model or algorithm to determine a path of a wake turbulence. An aircraft on a flight path to encounter the wake turbulence can determine a vortex magnitude of the wake turbulence and determine if an advisory alert needs to be provided if the vortex magnitude satisfies a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A multicopter including motors driving propellers, a first interface providing parameters including: a position of a center of gravity of the multicopter, time derivatives, an orientation of the multicopter and its time derivative; a second interface providing power generated by respective propellers; a first unit, based on the parameters, a provided model that describes dynamics of the multicopter, and an estimation of a force wrench acting externally on the multicopter, the estimation based on based on the model, determines horizontal components of a relative speed of the multicopter in relation to air; a second unit which, based on the horizontal components and power, determines a vertical component of the relative speed; a third unit which, based on the horizontal components, vertical component, and parameters, determines a wind speed in an inertial system; and a storage unit to store wind speeds and/or a transmission unit to wirelessly transmit the wind speeds.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for depicting an energy state of a vehicle. One method comprises receiving, by a flight management computer, a plurality of vehicle parameters associated with the vehicle and determining a flight plan associated with the vehicle. Then, the flight management computer identifies a point of interest in the flight plan and determines one or more trajectories associated with the flight plan. Based on the one or more trajectories, an actual energy height and a desired energy height at the point of interest are determined and displayed to a vehicle operator.

Abstract: A device for managing configurations of an aircraft between an initial point and a final point comprises a computation module to determine at least one first evolution curve considering the aircraft to have assumed a first configuration and wherein the first evolution curve includes the first point and a final evolution curve considering the aircraft to have assumed at least one final configuration and wherein the final evolution curve or curves includes the final point, a computation module to compute at least one second point corresponding to the intersection of the first evolution curve or curves and the final evolution curve or curves, and a transmission module configured to transmit a signal representing the coordinates of the second point or points to a user device.

Abstract: Some embodiments described herein relate to a drone landing platform. One or more sensors coupled to the drone landing platform can detect local conditions in the vicinity of the drone landing platform. A communications system can be operable to transmit information related local conditions to a drone.

Abstract: A ground-based server is configured for identifying encounters of aircraft with wake turbulences generated by at least one other generating aircraft. The ground-based server is configured for: collecting avionics data for an in-flight aircraft and traffic data for one or more other aircraft in flight at a first flight time of the in-flight aircraft; determining that the in-flight aircraft was near a wake turbulence estimated, using the traffic data, to be generated by another aircraft; determining that the in-flight aircraft experienced at the first flight time a severe impact; determining that the in-flight aircraft experienced at the first flight time at least one of: one or more uncommanded forces and moments, and a wind signature indicative of wake turbulence; and in response, generating a report of a wake turbulence encounter for the in-flight aircraft at the first flight time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detection of clear air turbulence are provided. One system includes an image capture device suitable to capture one or more images of an optical phenomenon caused by non-horizontally oriented ice crystals. The system also includes a computer processor configured to receive the one or more images from the image capture device, analyze the one or more images by comparing one or more characteristics of the one or more images to one or more threshold values, and determine based on the comparing, an occurrence of clear air turbulence.

Abstract: A aircraft hazard warning system or method can be utilized to determine a location of turbulence, hail or other hazard for an aircraft. A processor can process weather radar data representative of weather conditions. An avionic display can display graphical elements representing the weather conditions in response to the processor. The display can provide at least one first graphical element representing a size and a location of the turbulence at a first level. The display can provide at least one second graphical element representing a size and a location of the turbulence at a second level. The size of the second graphical element can have a minimal displayable size and/or can be determined using an inflation factor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving situational awareness on an in-trails procedures display. A radar system transmits a radar signal and receives and stores weather radar reflectivity values into a three-dimensional buffer. A processor determines whether any of the stored weather reflectivity values indicate the presence of a weather hazard and generates one or more weather hazard icons based on the stored weather reflectivity values. An in-trail procedures display device displays the generated weather hazard icons. Wake vortex information for other aircraft is generated and outputted on the in-trail procedures display. Also, the processor receives a request for an altitude change and generates an alert when the aircraft is determined not to be cleared to transition to the requested altitude based on a projected transition, any existing weather hazards, wake vortices of proximate aircraft, and in-trail procedures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a flow, wherein flow velocities ?V?LoS in measuring direction mr are measured by means of sensors 2 using at least one measuring position, comprising the following steps: a) Initializing parameters of a flow model representing the flow, b) Calculating simulated flow velocities in the measuring direction at least at one measuring position according to the flow model representing the flow, c) Comparing the measured flow velocities to the simulated flow velocities and adjusting the parameters of the flow model that influences the flow by minimizing a quality function that depends on the comparison result, and d) Repeating of steps b) and c) and determining the flow in dependency of the approximated flow model.

Abstract: Based on initial position information on an instructed fixed switch-back point and position information on a loading point, a relative positional relationship between the loading point and the switch-back point is generated. If the position of the loading point moves, then based on position information on the position-moved loading point, information on a direction of an unmanned vehicle at the loading point and information on a relative positional relationship, a new switch-back point is set at a position where the relative positional relationship can be maintained. When the initial position of the switch-back point is instructed, then on the basis of the initial position information on the switch-back point, a driving path leading to the loading point via the instructed switch-back point is generated and, when the position of the loading point moves, a driving path leading to the position-moved loading point via the new switch-back point is generated.

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

Abstract: 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 system and method for identifying a recommended configuration for operating an aircraft in wind shear conditions. A processor unit receives information associated with an operation to be performed by the aircraft. The processor unit receives an indication that wind shear may be present during the operation. Responsive to receiving the indication that the wind shear may be present during the operation, the processor unit identifies the recommended configuration for the aircraft to perform the operation using the information associated with the operation to be performed by the aircraft and rules for operating the aircraft in the wind shear conditions.

Abstract: An aerological phenomena alert device for an aircraft, which comprises onboard equipment capable of detecting meteorological phenomena, comprises: a module for collecting and storing meteorological data originating from the onboard equipment capable of detecting the meteorological phenomena, a module for creating a report from the collected meteorological data, a module for sending the report, a module for receiving reports sent by surrounding aircraft, a module for processing and consolidating the reports received, and for generating alerts when a report signals an aerological phenomenon, and a module for merging the data originating from aircraft and from meteorological stations, situated in a station on the ground and comprising a ground/air communication module for sending meteorological reports adapted to each aircraft according to its position in relation to an aerological phenomenon.

Abstract: A navigation system may display route information that includes a display of the fixtures that are located on or near the route. The fixtures may be selected and inserted into the digital map as graphical objects. The graphical objects may be classified into a class and at least one sub-class. The classification data may be used to select and generate the graphical objects.

Abstract: A aircraft hazard warning system or method can be utilized to determine a location of turbulence, hail or other hazard for an aircraft. A processor can process weather radar data representative of weather conditions. An avionic display can display graphical elements representing the weather conditions in response to the processor. The display can provide at least one first graphical element representing a size and a location of the turbulence at a first level. The display can provide at least one second graphical element representing a size and a location of the turbulence at a second level. The size of the second graphical element can have a minimal displayable size or can be determined using an inflation factor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to analyze and present location information in an easy-to-digest manner are disclosed. In one embodiment, each piece of location information can include a piece of location-designating information and a piece of location-related information. Location-designating information is primarily for identifying location. Location-related information is information related to location-designating information. The location-designating information and the location-related information can be supplied by a mobile device. With location-related information, each piece of location-designating information can be more accurately transformed into a label to help identify a location. All of the location-designating information pertaining to a given area can be consolidated into one piece of location-designating information related to the label, unless a piece of location-related information changes by more than a preset value.

Abstract: A method for indicating readiness of a predictive windshear system on an aircraft is provided. The method includes determining whether a windshear system is in a ready state and providing a first output that causes an indication of the ready state, the ready state being responsive to the windshear system being ready to detect a windshear event. Determining whether the windshear system is in the ready state includes comparing a first time until a first parameter reaches a first value with a second time for initialization of the windshear system and determining that the windshear system is ready to detect the windshear event in response to the first time being greater than the second time.

Abstract: Traffic awareness systems and methods include receiving data regarding a first aircraft and determining the location of the first aircraft relative to the location of a second aircraft. An indication of the first aircraft may be provided to a display based on a determination that the relative location of the first aircraft is within a field of view associated with the display.

Abstract: A system and method for indicating a predictive windshear transmission status is provided. The method includes determining if the predictive windshear radar system is transmitting. The method also includes providing an indication of the determination to a user interface device. Additional parameters, such as the operational state of the aircraft, may be used to further define when the indication is provided.

Abstract: Onboard systems and methods for detection of airborne volcanic ash. One or more cameras are added to an aircraft. Each camera is configured to view a volume of air illuminated by a standard aircraft light, such as a strobe warning light (e.g., located on a wing tip) or a forward-facing landing light (e.g., located in the nose). Each camera is connected to a data processor. When diffuse volcanic ash is present, it scatters light transmitted from the standard aircraft light. Each camera converts impinging backscattered light into digital data which is sent to the processor. The processor processes the data from the camera or cameras to derive a measurement of the backscattered light and issues an alert when the amount and type of backscatter are compatible with the presence of volcanic ash.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a method for processing sensor data and controlling the movement of a vehicle. In one illustrative embodiment, a vehicle having a plurality of sensors attempts to receive sensor data. In response to an inability of the vehicle to obtain needed sensor data, collected sensor data is requested from a plurality of other vehicles to form alternate sensor data. The alternate sensor data is received and the vehicle is controlled using the alternate sensor data. In another illustrative embodiment, a request is received at a first vehicle for sensor data from a different vehicle. Sensor data is collected from a plurality of sensors at the first vehicle. The sensor data is then sent to the different vehicle.

Abstract: A method for passing content to at least one communicator device. The user of a communicator device registers with at least one service provider for delivering a plurality of different types of content to be passed to the at least one communicator device. A user defined priority is assigned to the at least one type of content. The user defined priority is stored on a computer readable medium. The different types of content are passed to the at least one communicator device based on the user defined priority.

Abstract: A system may include a sensor for coupling with a vehicle configured for atmospheric flight. The sensor may be configured for detecting a turbulence event, where the turbulence event is at least one of experienced by the vehicle or occurs proximal to the vehicle during atmospheric flight. The system may also include a transmitter coupled with the sensor. The transmitter may be configured for automatically remotely transmitting data regarding the turbulence event to a ground based entity.

Abstract: A method of operation of a mobile communication system includes: receiving a base carrier frequency signal from a cell tower location; generating a power spectral density from the base carrier frequency signal; measuring a Rician K factor from the power spectral density; estimating a line-of-sight Doppler frequency based on the base carrier frequency signal; determining the cell tower location based on the Rician K factor; and activating a handover decision handler based on the cell tower location.

Abstract: The invention provides a graphical user interface implemented on a computer including an information area for displaying to a user at the computer inspection status information in connection with one or more components of a linear asset infrastructure. The graphical user interface also includes a control component operable by the user at the computer to cause the graphical user interface to display additional information on the one or more components of the linear asset infrastructure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for transmitting incursion alerts to a plurality of in-flight aircraft in accordance with preconfigured pilot preferences. The apparatus comprises a data store module containing data sets against which the pilot preferences are evaluated during flight, including weather, airspace and flight restrictions, ground delay programs, and air traffic information. The apparatus further includes a flight path module containing route and position information for each aircraft. An incursion alert processing module evaluates the flight path, data store, and pilot preferences and generates incursion alerts which are transmitted to each aircraft during flight, either directly or via ground based dispatchers or flight operations personnel.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in the form of a flight simulator in the conditions of vortex danger and in conditions when a pilot is informed about the possibility to penetrate into said dangerous area of vortex sheddings produced by a vortex generator.

Abstract: The present invention allows quick detection of actual hazardous windshears while ignoring the effects of normal turbulence. A system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a signal processor configured to determine a presence of hazardous windshear based on: (a) whether a measured windshear is beyond a first predetermined threshold, and (b) whether a measured turbulence level is beyond a second predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a system comprising a dynamic transmission process and a processor unit. The processor unit is configured to run the dynamic transmission process. The dynamic transmission process is configured to receive environmental information. The dynamic transmission process determines whether to send the environmental information to a subscriber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatic detection of turbulence by a second aircraft, by information exchange between the second aircraft and at least a first aircraft. The first aircraft has means for transmitting information and the second aircraft has means for receiving the information transmitted by the first aircraft. The method includes the identification of information about turbulence liable to be encountered by the second aircraft, by analyzing the information received from the first aircraft. An alarm is activated on the basis of the turbulence information.

Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes an imaging device having an imaging sensor with a field of view exterior the vehicle, a camera controller, a display device and a display controller. The display device is operable to display information for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. The imaging device communicates an image signal to the display device via a link. The display controller may affect the image signal, such as in response to a user input, and the camera controller may adjust a function of the imaging device in response to a detection of the affected image signal. The vision system may adjust an image displayed by the display device in response to a signal from an auxiliary sensing system of the vehicle, such as a distance sensing system of the vehicle that is operable to determine a distance to an object exterior the vehicle.

Abstract: Method, device and item of equipment for filtering alarms originating from a windshear detection system embedded in an aircraft being able to emit an alarm. The aircraft has at least one sensor allowing the acquisition of a flight parameter. The device includes: units for the calculation of the second derivative of the flight parameter, units for the calculation of the absolute value of the second derivative of the flight parameter, units for the comparison of the absolute value of the second derivative of the flight parameter with a threshold C1, units for evaluating whether the absolute value of the second derivative of the flight parameter exceeds the threshold C1 over a duration greater than a time threshold T, and units for suppressing the alarm originating from the windshear detection system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for assisting in the navigation of an aircraft in an airport zone comprising a surface navigation system and means of acquiring in real time, while navigating on the ground or in flight, new information or temporary information relating to the navigation in the airport zone. The surface navigation system uses information relating to the navigation in the airport zone. The information is previously stored in a database on board the aircraft. The device includes means for decoding and analysing the new or temporary information relating to the navigation in the airport zone, means of filtering the information according to the airport concerned and the validity date of the information, means of correlating the information with the information previously stored, and means of displaying the information.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the air turbulence likely to be encountered by a first aircraft may use a turbulence indication from a second aircraft so as to make and use a prediction of the impact of the turbulence on the first aircraft if it is located in a particular position.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems for preventing off-normal situations when there is a possibility that an aircraft penetrates into a dangerous area of the vortex shedding of a vortex generator. The inventive system consists of information sub-systems for recording and storing information on the expected relative position of the aircraft and trailing vortex areas in line with danger criteria which are specified by a user and concern dangerous aerodynamic forces and torques effecting the aircraft and induced by the trailing vortex of vortex generators, and for conveying said information to said user, who can be the aircraft crew and/or flight attendants, at a preventive distance from the aircraft and at a forecast moment. Said information can be visualised in a human-readable form and in a volume sufficient for forming a directive signal for carrying out a flight manoeuvre by the aircraft in order to move away from the dangerous trailing vortex area.

Abstract: A flight control system is configured for controlling the flight of an aircraft through windshear conditions. The system has means for measuring values of selected flight performance states of the aircraft and a control system for operating flight control devices on the aircraft. A windshear detection system located on the aircraft uses at least some of the measured values of the selected flight performance states to calculate a gust average during flight for comparison to pre-determined values in a table for determining whether windshear conditions exist. The control system then operates at least some of the flight control devices in response to an output of the windshear detection system.

Abstract: A method for managing an interruption of emission, in an aircraft, of an acoustic message including an information item about a state of part of the said aircraft and/or about its environment, wherein the acoustic message is structured into one or more successive acoustic fragments each representative of the information item, the method includes the steps of: delaying, starting from a given moment, the execution of a decision to interrupt the emission of the acoustic message until the end of emission of an acoustic fragment that is in the course of emission at the given moment; and executing the interruption decision.

Abstract: A positioning method in a SUPL based position information (positioning) system, and particularly a positioning method capable of variously efficiently performing an area-based positioning (location tracking) performed by a location server or a mobile communications terminal when the location server and the mobile communications terminal respectively manage triggers generating the area-based positioning.

Abstract: A positioning method in a SUPL based position information (positioning) system, and particularly a positioning method capable of variously efficiently performing an area-based positioning (location tracking) performed by a location server or a mobile communications terminal when the location server and the mobile communications terminal respectively manage triggers generating the area-based positioning.

Abstract: A method and a device (D) for detecting and signaling the approach to a vortex domain by a rotorcraft, the device includes: first elements (1) for measuring the instantaneous vertical speed v of a rotorcraft; second elements (2) for measuring the instantaneous proper airspeed VP of a rotorcraft; third elements (3) constituting a database BDD relating to representing at least one instantaneous vortex domain; fourth elements (4) connected via first, second, and third connections (l1, l2, l3) respectively to the first, second, and third elements, the fourth elements being designed to detect the approach to a vortex domain by the rotorcraft; and fifth elements (5) for signaling the approach to a vortex domain by the rotorcraft, the fifth elements being connected to the fourth elements (4) via a connection (l4).

Abstract: A method, apparatus or tangible computer medium (which stores computer executable code or program code) performs or facilitates obtaining information concerning one or more characteristics of one or more monitored wireless signals or links, such as radio frequency (RF) signals, transmitted across a geographic area; and detecting a presence of an object in the geographic area according to a variation of a characteristic of one or more of the RF signals reflecting interference of the RF signal(s) by the object.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a traveler information monitoring and dissemination system. The system disclosed herein provides real time information to a traveler, wherein the real time information may be pre-selected by the traveler. The system ensures consistent and quality data are produced and issued to the traveler.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracing aircraft vortices. One method includes directing a tracer from a first aircraft into a vortical flow generated by the first aircraft. The method can further include detecting a characteristic corresponding to the presence of the tracer directed into the vortical flow. Based at least in part on the detected characteristic, the method can include directing the flight of the first aircraft, or a second aircraft following the first aircraft, or both.

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: Methods and systems for a position indicating display system for an aircraft are provided. The system includes a map display unit configured to display a map representative of an area being traversed by the aircraft, and an overlay comprising an own ship depiction, said overlay displayed on the map for a period of time in response to an input from at least one of a user and an aircraft sensor.

Abstract: In distance maps used in order to facilitate the navigation of craft such as an aircraft, the distances estimated take into account obstacles to be circumvented but not the maneuverability of the craft. The adaptation route required by the craft in order to take the right direction is not taken into account so that certain distance estimates for accessible points located in the neighborhood of the craft are unrealistic. In order to make a distance map more realistic, it is proposed that an obstacle of concave shape associated with the craft be added behind the position of the craft, forcing the estimations of distances to be circumvented an area that is inaccessible to the craft for reasons of maneuverability.

Abstract: A method for displaying data on a portable electronic device first displays graphical data on a graphical display. An event that is independent of the graphical data is received at the device. Responsive to the event, an event type is selected from a list that associates each of at least two event types with one of at least two display formats. A notifier of the event, in the selected format, is then displayed on the graphical display simultaneously with the graphical data. The formats are specific to the event types so that a user can decide whether to continue viewing the graphical data and not respond to the event notifier, or terminate the graphical data being displayed and respond to the event. Examples of events include an alarm from a locally stored user calendar, an incoming phone call, an SMS message, and an email. A computer program and a device are also detailed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computerized system that includes a graphical user interface (GUI) having a display and a data input device. The computerized system performs a method including the step of providing a plurality of aircraft parameters. At least one vertical g-force value is calculated in real time based on the plurality of aircraft parameters. A lateral g-force value is calculated in real time based on the plurality of aircraft parameters. The at least one vertical g-force value is displayed relative to at least one predetermined vertical reference value. The lateral g-force value is displayed relative to at least one predetermined lateral reference value.