Abstract: An improved system and methods for correlating an interrogation-based air traffic surveillance intruder, such as an Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) intruder, and a GPS-based air traffic surveillance target, such as an Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) target to minimize or eliminate the display of two symbols for the same intruder/target on the CDTI of an aircraft. The method comprises the steps of receiving ADS-B data at a processing unit and calculating select component deltas for the ADS-B data versus an entry in a TCAS intruder file. Progressive weights are assigned to the deltas and the progressive weights are summed, resulting in a total confidence score. Total confidence scores of ADS-B target and TCAS intruder pairs are compared to determine correlation between the ADS-B target and the TCAS intruders.

Abstract: A flat panel display for presenting graphical renderings of aircraft flight, operation and system status data to an aircraft pilot renders the data at various predetermined brightness levels depending on the category of data assigned to that data. Primary data appears on the screen at a full brightness level and secondary data appears on the screen at a brightness level less than the full brightness level. In this manner, a wide variety and range of aircraft flight, operation and system status data can be simultaneously conveyed to the pilot on a single display screen through selective illumination of particular classes or categories of the data on the display at predetermined brightness levels, thereby advantageously directing the pilot's attention specifically to the primary data which is presented at full brightness.

Abstract: A smart airport automation system includes a subsystem that inputs weather and airport configuration data to determine an active runway in use and an airport state. Another subsystem inputs aircraft position and velocity data from available surveillance sources, known flight-intent information, and past aircraft trajectories to project future aircraft unconstrained trajectories. A third subsystem uses the projected trajectories and aircraft intent to determine desired landing and takeoff sequences, and desired adjacent aircraft spacing. A fourth subsystem uses such information to predict potential aircraft conflicts, such as a loss of acceptable separation between adjacent aircraft. A fifth subsystem packages the weather, airport configuration, aircraft state, desired landing/takeoff sequence, and potential conflict detection into a verbal advisory message that is broadcast on a local common radio frequency.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cockpit display systems are provided. A cockpit display is segmented into a first and a second region, within the first region flight setting data are presented including communication settings and navigational settings. The second region of the display presents additional settings and graphical data. Moreover, the display is encompassed by a bezel having flight controls and flight sensors integrated in close proximity to the bezel.

Abstract: A weather monitoring and prediction system that uses a fleet of aircraft to obtain data. Each aircraft has a local air data system that facilitates the measurement, recordation, and transmittal of local atmospheric data such as barometric pressure, and the corresponding temporal, positional, and altitudinal data. The data is electronically transmitted from each aircraft to a ground based processing system where it is stored. The data may then be transmitted to subscribing users such as aircraft, other weather data systems or to air traffic control centers in either a compiled form or in a raw form. Another embodiment also provides for measuring barometric pressure as a function of altitude at an in-flight aircraft.

Abstract: A navigational system includes a display device and logic that simultaneously presents a textual display of an original flight plan and a modified flight plan on the display device. The textual display includes a textlist of waypoints that are on the original flight plan and the modified flight plan and performance data for common waypoints that are on both the original flight plan and the modified flight plan, as well as for new waypoints that are added to the modified flight plan. The performance data for each common waypoint includes performance data for the waypoint on the original flight plan and for the waypoint on the modified flight plan. The system may further include an interface device that allows an operator to change the modified flight plan. The logic updates the textlist of waypoints on the textual display when the modified flight plan is changed and updates the performance data on the textual display for common waypoints when the modified flight plan is changed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for indicating safe or potentially hazardous operating conditions of an aircraft in a required navigational performance (RNP) environment. The apparatus comprises a course deviation display field with first and second markers defining outer boundaries of the RNP width and a central marker indicating the desired course within the RNP width, an aircraft estimated position uncertainty (EPU) marker in the display field whose size corresponds to the EPU relative to the RNP and a current aircraft position marker coupled to the EPU marker and moving therewith as the aircraft position changes with respect to the RNP width. The display desirably changes color and/or flashes to alert a pilot to a potentially hazardous condition when an outer boundary of the EPU marker approaches to within a predetermined guard-band distance of or overlaps either of the first or second markers. An audible warning can be included.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to improve a flight warning light arrangement of wind power installations and in particular to make the operation thereof as effect as possible. Disclosed is a flight warning light arrangement for a wind power installation, comprising at least one light means which is mounted on the wind power installation, wherein there is provided a device for detecting the brightness value, for example a twilight switch which detects the level of daytime brightness in the area around the wind power installation, and the device for detecting the brightness value is connected to a switching device which evaluates the measured data and switches on the flight warning light arrangement when the brightness value falls below a given value.

Abstract: A navigation device for navigating a vehicle to a point comprises a GPS receiver for receiving GPS signals, a processor connected with the receiver for processing the GPS signals, navigation data created by the processor, and a display page. The navigation data includes ground speed, altitude, vertical speed and rate of turn information, and the display page presents this information in individual graphic, circular displays representative of an aircraft instrument panel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for customized displays and customized presentations of cockpit data. Configurable soft keys or controls located in close proximity to a cockpit display are provided. Each key is configured to perform a desired display function or other function. Labels are displayed adjacent to each of the soft keys to identify each of the soft keys. A display is operable to provide multiple views, each view within the display is adapted to be overlaid with additional cockpit data if so configured. Furthermore, each view is capable of being presented from one or more selectable perspectives as desired.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for integrated control, access, and presentation of flight information within the cockpit. Cockpit instrument systems and methods are provided which include a first cockpit instrument panel which has a first display proximately located to a first bezel. The first display is operable to present navigational data, communication data, and flight information data including airspeed, attitude, and altitude. The systems and methods further include a second cockpit instrument panel located adjacent to the first cockpit instrument panel. The second cockpit instrument panel has a second display proximately located to a second bezel. The second display is operable to present navigational data, communication data, and flight information data including detailed engine parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for integrated control, access, and presentation of flight information within the cockpit. Cockpit instrument systems and methods are provided which include a first cockpit instrument panel which has a first display proximately located to a first bezel. The first display is operable to present navigational data, communication data, and flight information data including airspeed, attitude, and altitude. The systems and methods further include a second cockpit instrument panel located adjacent to the first cockpit instrument panel. The second cockpit instrument panel has a second display proximately located to a second bezel. The second display is operable to present navigational data, communication data, and flight information data including detailed engine parameters.

Abstract: A system and method for advanced warning of severe weather for general aviation aircraft is presented. An aircraft includes an onboard weather tracker which monitors atmospheric condition changes. The weather tracker uses data from an onboard barometric altimeter and a GPS device to calculate air pressure changes in order to identify when the aircraft is flying into a low-pressure zone. The weather tracker uses the air pressure's rate of change and the aircraft's speed to determine the criticality of a situation and appropriately notifies a pilot. The weather tracker provides the pilot with local airport information and alternative flight pattern information per the pilot's request.

Abstract: An integrated display for displaying navigation and communication information from a plurality of sources on a single screen provides an overall picture of selected information. A graphical representation of the relationship between predetermined types of selected information is also provided. Visual representations of various components provide information and identify active components and data paths. A warning indication alerts to specific conditions and alternate modes of display operation are provided in response to specific component failures.

Abstract: A course deviation indicator with a unique display utilizes at least one deviation bar, to indicate when a craft or vessel in which the course deviation indicator is utilized has deviated from a pre-established course. In one embodiment, the course deviation indicator has a lateral deviation bar, for indicating lateral deviation from a pre-established course, and a vertical deviation bar, for indicating vertical deviation from a pre-established course. A first, vertical, flag is associated with the vertical deviation bar, while a second, lateral flag is associated with the lateral deviation bar. When a determination is made that a particular deviation bar is providing inaccurate information, the appropriate flag is displayed, thereby indicating that the associated deviation bar is indeed providing inaccurate information. In one embodiment, the flags are displayed mechanically. In a second embodiment, the display is an LCD display, and flags are displayed by drawing the flags on the LCD display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cockpit control systems are provided. A sensor associated with a first display is adjustable and a first setting associated with the sensor is simultaneously displayed on the first display and a second display as the sensor is adjusted. Furthermore, a second sensor associated with the second display is adjusted and a second setting associated with the second sensor is simultaneously displayed on the second display and the first display. The first setting is adjustable from the second display, and the second setting is adjustable from the first display. Moreover, the first display provides backup should the second display fail, and the first sensor provides backup to the second sensor in event the second sensor fails.

Abstract: A symbology system uses programmable software in a computerized system interacting with the altitude, attitude, air speed, and other flight indicators of an aircraft to create symbology in the pilot's display seen in the field of view of the pilot. The symbology represents a virtual geometric solid form, such as a vertical cylinder, always appearing perpendicular to the horizon and moving across the terrain with the aircraft in the center of the form. The pilot sees a front portion of a virtual series of horizontal circles or other shapes, spaced by a programmable distance, symbolizing the geometric solid form appearing to surround the aircraft. The geometric form references the world as-ground for use in recognizing the attitude of the aircraft-as-figure. On landing, the form appears to stop at the ground and the aircraft appears to descend within it. A virtual bank indicator line changes orientation to the geometric solid corresponding to the attitude change of the aircraft relative to the horizon.

Abstract: A flat panel display system for an aircraft display includes a graphics rendering computer for rendering of anti-aliased graphical imaging data derived from aircraft sensors for full-field imaging on a cockpit display screen. A comparator processor independently generates, from the same sensor data, a selected subset or “points of light” of the display screen image and compares the points of light data to the data generated by the rendering computer for the same display screen pixel locations. The minimized processing requirements and simplified design of the comparator processor enable ready FAA certification of the comparator processor, whereas the extreme complexity and processing operations required of the rendering computer make FAA certification thereof unusually time consuming and expensive.

Abstract: A cockpit configuration management apparatus, method and computer program product for enabling pilot configurations of display and non-display avionics devices to be saved to a storage device, retrieved from that storage device, and optionally saved and retrieved to and from a transportable media. The cockpit configuration management, method and computer program product enable a pilot to save selected cockpit configuration preferences, so that, for example, another pilot may reconfigure the cockpit, without loss of the configuration preference information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method device for displaying, in a way that is easy for an operator, such as a pilot in an aircraft, to grasp and understand, the direction to objects (A, B) in the surrounding space. In accordance with the invention the object is projected onto a projection surface (3) comprised of the envelope surface of a conical solid of revolution, where the operator is somewhere vertically (h) on the axis of rotation (2) about which the envelope surface (3) is created. Thereafter, the operator observes, on a display surface (I) such as a viewing screen, a plan view from above of the conical envelope surface, where the horizontal direction (c, d) to the objects, and each object's height (a, b) compared to one's own height (h), represented by a circular curve (6), are easily read.

Abstract: This invention relates to printing stations. Such structures of this type, generally, proved for a printing station to be located in the back of mass transit vehicle seats such that the mass transit rider can be able to view and subsequently print that viewed information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for displaying a dynamic parameter of an aircraft, the apparatus comprises a display unit receiving a display signal and displaying a scale that changes dynamically and non-linearly in accordance with a selected display algorithm, the display unit further displaying a pointer pointing to said scale in accordance with a reading of said dynamic parameter, thereby emphasizing a range of said reading of said dynamic parameter.

Abstract: A display system for an airplane or other vehicle is disclosed. A rear projection LCD is used to allow for a maximum amount of screen area to be used in displaying operator pertinent data.

Abstract: A system, comprising a data receiving arrangement to receive target data points from a data feed arrangement, each target data point including data corresponding to a location of a target aircraft and additional information on the target aircraft, a data analyzing arrangement to analyze the target data points and store each target data point in a target flight record, the target flight record corresponding to the target aircraft a data generation arrangement to generate a flight track for the target aircraft using the data stored in the target flight record and a data distribution arrangement to organize the flight track and the additional information into a displayable file and distribute the file to users of the system, wherein the displayable file is displayed on a single graphical user interface including the flight track and the additional information.

Abstract: A method and system for autoflight information display. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes determining if an automatic aircraft controller is controlling an aircraft function based at least in part on a target aircraft speed. If so, the method further includes displaying alphanumeric information corresponding to the operation of the automatic aircraft controller at a first location of a display medium. If not, the method further includes displaying the alphanumeric information at a second location of the display medium different than the first location. The first location can be aligned with a display of the aircraft speed, and the second location can be aligned with a display of the aircraft altitude. In another embodiment of the invention, engine control information can be integrated with a display of aircraft autopilot and/or autothrottle information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying weather and other hazard information to a pilot with additional content which helps a pilot avoid no-fly-zones and to prepare a new flight path through a group of widely scattered thunderstorms. The display shows a no-fly-zone around the storm and the no-fly-zone is depicted differently, depending upon variables, such as distance from the aircraft, velocity of the storm being tracked and others.

Abstract: A system and method for providing unambiguous communication between a pilot of an aircraft (18) and at least one other communicator. The system includes a communication link (14, 16) enabling communication between the pilot and the at least one other communicator, and a visually sensible display (12, 20) providing a visually sensible output indication to at least one of the pilot and the at least one other communicator voice and data information communicated along said communication link.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for integrating cockpit controls and data associated with the controls into a single interface having a bezel surrounding a single display. Furthermore in one embodiment, a system includes two bezels having individual and duplicate controls affixed thereon, where each bezel surrounds a display operable to present data related to the controls. Moreover, the bezels are proximate to one another. Additionally in one embodiment, a system, having an audio control panel interposed between two bezels, is provided.

Abstract: A flat panel display system for an aircraft display includes a graphics rendering computer for rendering of anti-aliased graphical imaging data derived from aircraft sensors for full-field imaging on a cockpit display screen. A comparator processor independently generates, from the same sensor data, a selected subset or “points of light” of the display screen image and compares the points of light data to the data generated by the rendering computer for the same display screen pixel locations. The minimized processing requirements and simplified design of the comparator processor enable ready FAA certification of the comparator processor, whereas the extreme complexity and processing operations required of the rendering computer make FAA certification thereof unusually time consuming and expensive.

Abstract: A flight display for use in an avionics system has a visual display format to show an enhanced vertical situation of an aircraft. Included is a vertical terrain profile display that displays terrain in front of the aircraft over a selected range and a selected swathe width. The vertical terrain profile display shows a side-on terrain profile view with a digital display of the selected swathe width and a display of range in front of the aircraft. A plan view of the aircraft position is included that shows swathe lines on either side of an aircraft to show the selected swathe width. A means for selecting the swathe width by the pilot is provided. The flight display the vertical terrain profile display may be changed into a end-on vertical terrain profile view over the selected swathe width. The end-on terrain profile view has a digital display of the selected range and a digital display of the selected swathe width on each side of the aircraft.

Abstract: A display system for an airplane or other vehicle is disclosed. A rear projection LCD is used to allow for a maximum amount of screen area to be used in displaying operator pertinent data.

Abstract: An information display method and system on board a passenger aircraft for automatically choreographing material to be presented throughout a journey of the aircraft. The method includes reading and parsing a string file of event triggers retrieved from a configuration file and sequentially determining if one of the triggers is to be activated by comparing it with navigational data of the aircraft. If the subject trigger is to be activated the system takes the action dictated by this trigger. All of the preceding steps are repeated throughout the journey of the aircraft. The system includes a configuration file for storing a plurality of the event triggers and screen formats for displaying flight information. The configuration file also stores a plurality of display modes, each mode representing a specific sequence of preselected display screen formats, with each display mode corresponding to an event trigger.

Abstract: A flight information display for the flight deck of an aircraft showing a pictorial side view of the flight path or the area directly in front of the aircraft area having a selected distance of at least 0.5 nautical miles, comprising (a) a pictorial representation to scale of the profile of the highest elevations of a swath of terrain along said path or area, (b) an icon positioned on the left or right side of the display representing the aircraft, the altitude of which is to scale with the height of the terrain, and (c) an altitude reference scale; wherein the width of the swath is at least 0.1 nautical miles and no greater than the distance of the minimum accuracy of the means for determining the aircraft's location.

Abstract: The computation and data load for producing a flight plan and terrain display for a flight management system is reduced through the use of intelligent level of detail control which computes and displays flight plan areas and related terrain with a high level of detail. The outer terrain details, i.e., those further removed from the flight path, are processed and displayed in a manner that shows all significant terrain features, e.g., peaks, towers, and the like, but with much less detail so as to significantly reduce the overall computational load for producing such 3D flight path displays in real time. This ensures that all-important information relative to the flight path is correctly processed and displayed while secondary information is shown with important features to provide broad awareness of areas surrounding the intended flight path.

Abstract: A system for managing an aircraft maintenance program for an aircraft operated by an operator includes means for extracting maintenance tasks for the aircraft from at least one aircraft maintenance document, means for sorting the maintenance tasks into initial maintenance task groups having common control points, and means for guiding the airline operator to organize the maintenance tasks and initial maintenance task groups into a plurality of maintenance task groups.

Abstract: Provided is a modified configuration that permits operation of instrumentation onboard platforms that may experience severe environmental conditions. The instrumentation permits autonomous acquisition of performance data. Acquired data may be recorded for later playback as well as provided to the platform's operator in real time in multiple formats, such as warning lights, digital displays, video, or audio. An application would be for sensor systems used on an automobile to record performance data, providing a warning when routine maintenance is due or a catastrophic failure is imminent. A specific application uses a flight-certified missile launcher pod on an F/A-18 aircraft, as incorporated in the aircraft's wingtip and modified to hold instrumentation conforming, at least in part, to the launcher pod's internal dimensions.

Abstract: A multi-functional flight information display unit consisting of a compact, portable, and updateable display system contained within the dimensions of a traditional flight bag. The invention includes a system which gathers flight information, weather mapping, traffic, airport and other data and compiles the data, disseminates the data electronically and displays the data on a portable, compact display unit in the cockpits of large commercial aircraft, thereby eliminating paper charts and approach plates in an aircraft.

Abstract: An onboard portion of the system is located on an aircraft for monitoring a plurality of flight parameters and detecting a predetermined exceedence indicative of a potential problem. With regard to flight data, predetermined exceedences could include abnormal attitude, control surface actuator failure, low hydraulic fluid pressure, low fuel, near stall speed, excessive engine RPM, engine failure, cabin pressure loss, and so forth. With regard to voice data, predetermined exceedences could include excessive decibel levels, excessive static, overly long periods of silence, and other audible conditions indicative of cockpit intrusion. Flight data representative of the flight parameters is transmitted via RF signals upon the detection of the predetermined exceedence. A remote portion of the system receives the transmitted RF signals carrying the flight data and records the flight data for analysis.

Abstract: Pilot error is reduced and auto pilot operation is improved by the addition of capture information to the information provided on a cockpit display. The capture information, such as, for example, capture start point, last point to initiate capture, trajectory during capture, and capture overshoot region provide information to the pilot regarding the correct initiation of capture. Pilots are therefore better able to evaluate the ongoing performance of the automation or auto pilot systems and to trust that the auto pilot is functioning as desired. Furthermore, the pilot operating the aircraft in manual mode receives guidance based on this information to better know when to initiate capture of the assigned altitude or vertical path.

Abstract: A flat panel display system for an aircraft display includes a graphics rendering computer for rendering of anti-aliased graphical imaging data derived from aircraft sensors for full-field imaging on a cockpit display screen. A comparator processor independently generates, from the same sensor data, a selected subset or “points of light” of the display screen image and compares the points of light data to the data generated by the rendering computer for the same display screen pixel locations. The minimized processing requirements and simplified design of the comparator processor enable ready FAA certification of the comparator processor, whereas the extreme complexity and processing operations required of the rendering computer make FAA certification thereof unusually time consuming and expensive.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for generating a vertical situational image of a vehicle. The apparatus for generating a vertical situational image of the vehicle is comprised of an input device configured to receive flight plan data of the vehicle and a situational display configured to produce the vertical situational image from the flight plan data. The apparatus for generating a vertical situational image of the vehicle is further comprised of a processing device that is configured to receive the flight plan data from the input device, generate a first segment having a first slope in a first viewable range of the vertical situational image from the flight plan data and determine the first segment in a second viewable range of the vertical situational image.

Abstract: An integrated display for displaying navigation and communication information from a plurality of sources on a single screen provides an overall picture of selected information. A graphical representation of the relationship between predetermined types of selected information is also provided. Visual representations of various components provide information and identify active components and data paths. A warning indication alerts to specific conditions and alternate modes of display operation are provided in response to specific component failures.

Abstract: A display system for an airplane or other vehicle is disclosed. A rear projection LCD is used to allow for a maximum amount of screen area to be used in displaying operator pertinent data.

Abstract: The invention provides a Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) module that can be operatively connected to a cockpit audio system to aurally provide a pilot messages the module receives from ground control and to allow the pilot to operate the module with spoken commands. The module includes an enunciator circuit for playing out a string of digital audio data associated with a message and a voice recognition component for recognizing spoken commands and performing tasks in response to the commands. Thus, the pilot can use CPDLC protocols to exchange information with ground control yet communicate with ground control by listening and talking as if he was communicating with a voice radio. The module can also visually present messages and other information and receive input from programmable buttons and a knob. The functions of the buttons and knob change as the operational state of the module changes.

Abstract: A system and method that downlinks weather data, generated by existing weather and data sensors, to a groundstation. The groundstation utilizes data from multiple aircraft to form refined weather information, and uplinks the refined weather information to the aircraft. The refined weather information is stored at the aircraft and picture generating equipment, such as an existing on-board ground proximity terrain picture and symbol generator, generates pictorial information depicting the weather information. The pictorial information is displayed, for example by an existing EFIS or weather radar display, in the form of polygons.

Abstract: In an aircraft flight information display system, a viewing surface of the display presents an observer with a view of the flight space forward of the aircraft. The viewing surface includes a section displaying a translucent plane of flight of the aircraft along its lateral axis having as an upper bound a line transverse to the lateral axis. The portion of the flight space upward of the plane of flight of the aircraft is displayed as a second section of the flight space above the line. Information of the features of terrain in the flight space, flight parameters of the aircraft and TCAS information is processed to form images of the terrain and traffic in relation to the translucent plane of flight of the aircraft. Terrain and traffic features are rendered in different colors according to their location with respect to the plane of flight. A series of ring-like indicia are displayed in the translucent plane to indicate the distance ranges in the plane of flight of the aircraft.

Abstract: A human centered informational display is disclosed that can be used with vehicles (e.g. aircraft) and in other operational environments where rapid human centered comprehension of an operational environment is required. The informational display integrates all cockpit information into a single display in such a way that the pilot can clearly understand with a glance, his or her spatial orientation, flight performance, engine status and power management issues, radio aids, and the location of other air traffic, runways, weather, and terrain features. With OZ the information is presented as an integrated whole, the pilot instantaneously recognizes flight path deviations, and is instinctively drawn to the corrective maneuvers. Our laboratory studies indicate that OZ transfers to the pilot all of the integrated display information in less than 200 milliseconds. The reacquisition of scan can be accomplished just as quickly. Thus, the time constants for forming a mental model are near instantaneous.

Abstract: A flight kit having a process and a set of software tools for: marking up and restructuring of flight information content such as manuals, checklists, aerodynamic data, and alerting information; converting and storing this content in an electronic form; dynamically generating a user interface based on the specific data; and delivering this to a flight crew. The flight kit can provide remote data updates and management of flight kit applications via Internet connectivity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel methods for depicting glide range on moving map displays and on perspective-view primary flight displays. These methods involve processing data gathered from various aircraft sensors and, using a variety of electronic databases, generating intuitive symbols that aid the pilot.

Abstract: The documentary assistance device (1) comprises sources of computer data (S1 to Sn, B1 to Bp) relating to said aircraft, to elements of the latter, as well as to the outside environment, an interrogation means (2) capable of being activated by an operator so as to generate a request for information relating to the execution of at least one particular task, an information presentation means (5), and a central processing unit (6) searching the data sources (S1 to Sn, B1 to Bp) in response to the creation of a request for information by the interrogation means (2), for data relating to the execution of the task, collecting these data and transmitting them, in the form of information, to the information presentation means (5) with a view to their presentation to the operator.