Abstract: Methods and corresponding system are provided herewith that, in at least one embodiment, include the act or acts of: determining that a service provided by a restaurant is available for bidding. The service is provided for a particular time and a particular date. The methods and system also include receiving a bid for the service provided by the restaurant, in which the bid is associated with a first amount; storing the bid with a plurality of other bids in a storage device; and comparing the bid with at least one other bid that is submitted for reserving the service. The at least one other bid is associated with a second amount. The methods and system also include determining that the first amount is greater than the second amount; and outputting an indicia that grants the request to reserve the service provided by the restaurant to a highest bidder, in which the first amount submitted by the highest bidder is greater than the second amount.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a current efficiency score for an airport, receiving a request to compare the current efficiency score with a previous efficiency score, retrieving the previous efficiency score and displaying the current efficiency score and the previous efficiency score to a user. Also, a system having a database storing a plurality of previous efficiency scores for an airport, a calculation arrangement calculating a current efficiency score for the airport and retrieving a previous efficiency score from the database and a data distribution arrangement for generating a displayable file and distributing the current efficiency score and the one of the plurality of previous efficiency scores to a user of the system.

Abstract: Methods and corresponding system are provided herewith that, in at least one embodiment, include the act or acts of: determining that a service provided by a restaurant is available for bidding. The service is provided for a particular time and a particular date. The methods and system also include receiving a bid for the service provided by the restaurant, in which the bid is associated with a first amount; storing the bid with a plurality of other bids in a storage device; and comparing the bid with at least one other bid that is submitted for reserving the service. The at least one other bid is associated with a second amount. The methods and system also include determining that the first amount is greater than the second amount; and outputting an indicia that grants the request to reserve the service provided by the restaurant to a highest bidder, in which the first amount submitted by the highest bidder is greater than the second amount.

Abstract: Radio frequency (RF) switches and devices provide improved switching performance. An RF switch includes at least one field-effect transistor (FET) disposed between a first node and a second node, each of the at least one FET having a respective source, drain, gate, and body, and a compensation circuit connected to the respective drain of the at least one FET that compensates a non-linearity effect generated by the at least one FET.

Abstract: A portable device for presenting situation awareness information is provided. The portable device is operable onboard an aircraft and includes a communications module configured to communicate with a data center to receive situation awareness information that includes at least a real-time position for each of a plurality of additional aircraft, a sensor module configured to determine a real-time position of the portable device, and a display device configured to overlay a moving map display with the situation awareness information and the real-time position of the portable device.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods are disclosed including switch circuitry providing improved switching performance. A semiconductor die includes a semiconductor substrate, at least one field-effect transistor (FET) formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a compensation circuit connected to a respective source of each of the at least one FET, the compensation circuit configured to compensate a non-linearity effect generated by the at least one FET.

Abstract: A system and method for aircraft taxi gate selection based on passenger connecting flight information. In one embodiment, a communication link is established between an aircraft computing system and a ground station system via a communication network provided by the ground station system. Further, aircraft taxi gate selection information and the passenger connecting flight information are substantially simultaneously displayed on a display device to a pilot upon establishing the communication link. Furthermore, the pilot is allowed to select an aircraft taxi gate based on the displayed aircraft taxi gate selection information and passenger connecting flight information.

Abstract: A device and method for three-dimensional positioning are provided. The three-dimensional positioning of a common reference point is determined by fusion of supplied measurements, taking into account a lever arm compensation between the reference point, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver antenna, at least one radar antenna, and an inertial measuring unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating approach information for a first vehicle approaching a second dynamic vehicle. An example method determines motion information of the second vehicle and generates approach information based on the determined motion information and the approach centerline. The method generates at least one of an approach path or a plurality of approach path reference points based on at least one of a center of motion of the second vehicle or a touchdown point on the second vehicle and generates at least one of a synthetic path or a plurality of synthetic path reference points by filtering the generated at least one approach path or plurality of approach path reference points.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for detecting lateral dissymmetry of an aircraft. A control parameter determination unit is used to determine a current value of a control parameter representative of all roll control surfaces of the aircraft, and a control parameter comparison unit is used to compare the determined current value with a predetermined reference value. A current deflection angle of a lateral stick of the aircraft is also determined, and the determined current deflection angle is compared with a predetermined angle value. A visual alarm signal is output, when the current value of the roll control surfaces of the aircraft is greater than a predetermined reference value and the lateral stick is at a deflection angle that is greater than a predetermined angle value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for building, creating, or otherwise specifying an airport ground taxi navigation route for an aircraft from an input of the route is disclosed. The apparatus includes a keypad, voice recognition device, or other entry device, a processor, a display screen, and a navigation map database. A crewmember on the aircraft uses the entry device to enter all or part of the ground navigation taxi route. The entry device converts the received route information into an input text string, either with or without delimiters. The system parses the input text string by extracting characters or substrings from the input text string. A database lookup component searches the map database to find a route component that matches the character or substring. If the system finds a matching route component, it determines if the matching route component is continuous with the taxi route. The system adds the matching route component to the taxi route and displays any discontinuity.

Abstract: A communication system for supporting communications with a target market area. The system includes one or more solar-powered aircraft maintained in, or successively passing through, flight stations or flight patterns around the market area. Each of the aircraft targets limited beamwidth communication antennas on a substantial portion of the target market area. The control system is configured to fly selective flight patterns depending on the aircraft characteristics and the flight conditions. The flight patterns may emphasize high-power-generation patterns such as flying away from the sun for aircraft with wing-mounted solar cells.

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

Abstract: One embodiment of a radio device, in which a specialized receiver and antenna (10 and 11), an input mechanism (14), a storage area (12), a timer/multiplexer (16) and timer/multiplexer switch (17), control signals (13, 15, 18, and 19), low power transmitter (20) and low power transmitter antenna (21), under FCC Part 15 low power transmitter rules, provide aircraft communications to the general public on commercial AM and FM bands.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assisting the piloting of an aircraft in the vicinity of a landing or takeoff point, by: determining the locus of entry and/or exit points for a given approach and/or departure altitude that are not safe for reaching the landing and/or takeoff point; and presenting a diagram including said locus on a display device.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for obtaining a localizer deviation and a glide slope deviation for an aircraft. The method may include directing electromagnetic signals from a weather radar system of an aircraft towards a runway. The method may further include receiving return signals in response to the directed signals. The method may further include, based on the received return signals, determining an azimuth angle for the aircraft relative to the runway, determining an elevation angle for the aircraft relative to the runway, and determining a range for the aircraft relative to the runway. The method may further include based on the azimuth angle, the elevation angle, and the range, calculating the localizer deviation and the glide slope deviation for the aircraft.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for performing satellite-supported landings in CAT II/III type landing conditions. An exemplary system includes a communication component, a positioning system, a radar altimeter, and a processor. The communication component receives terrain data information related to an instrument landing approach. The positioning system determines position of the aircraft. The radar altimeter generates altitude information of the aircraft. The processor is coupled to the communication component, the positioning system, and the radar altimeter. The processor determines an aircraft altitude based on the determined position of the aircraft, received terrain data information, and the generated altitude information.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for providing user specific beams in a fixed beam network. In one embodiment, there is provided a mobile transceiver comprising a first device configured to receive phase reference signal data from a base station, the phase reference signal data being indicative of a first phase reference signal and a second phase reference signal that may be used by the mobile transceiver during a communication session, and a second device configured to determine whether the second phase reference signal is likely to provide improved reception between the base station and the mobile transceiver with respect to the first phase reference signal, wherein the second device is configured to transmit data to the base station, the data being indicative of whether the first phase reference signal or the second phase reference signal is likely to provide improved reception between the base station and the mobile transceiver.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting clutter blocks and an interference source for dynamically establishing a clutter map includes a clutter block detecting module accumulates a plurality of range cell data of each detecting area, and compares the accumulated value with a clutter block level to define the position of a clutter block; a interference source detecting module accumulates all range cell data in each radar beam area, and compares the accumulated value with an interference source reference level to detect whether any interference source exists; and a clutter map establishing module saves the clutter maps on different beam areas in three memory blocks. When one clutter map cell is extracted, the clutter map cells on different beam areas neighboring with the beam area saving extracted clutter map cell are also extracted. The largest value among the extracted clutter map cells is being a clutter threshold value of a detected target.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a vertical position cue of an aircraft while landing in the presence of a lateral alignment beam, which is emitted from the ground and provides an indication of the aircraft's lateral alignment with respect to a landing strip, may include detecting the lateral alignment beam with aircraft equipment. On the basis of cues relating to the detected lateral alignment beam and of predetermined cues, an axis of approach of the aircraft is determined. Additionally, the actual position and a preset position of the aircraft, which corresponds to the position the aircraft would have if it were on the approach axis, are determined. On the basis of the actual and preset positions of the aircraft, the vertical deviation of the aircraft, representing the vertical position cue, is computed.

Abstract: A Ground Runway Awareness and Advisory System (GRAAS) that provides supplemental position information and airport situational awareness alerts and advisories to pedestrians and vehicle operators during surface operations by providing timely aural, textual, graphic or pictographic alerts and advisory messages to pedestrians and vehicle operators in a significant number of different scenarios that have led to past runway and taxiway incursion occurrences. These messages are optionally supplemented by a situational awareness video display wherein one or more of the user's position, heading and ground speed are superimposed on a graphic display of airport features of interest.

Abstract: A computer program product, that allows an aviation system to temporally allocate aircraft slot times during a specified period for the flow of a plurality of aircraft toward a specified fix point, has, according to the present invention: (1) a means for collecting and storing specified data and criteria, (2) a means for processing, at a specified instant for which it is desired to allocate the slot times, the specified data applicable at that instant to each of the aircraft and associated resources so as to predict an arrival fix time for each of the aircraft at the specified fix point, (3) a means for accepting and storing a request by the operator of each of the aircraft for one of the slot times, (4) a means for accepting and storing a request by an operator of the present invention to create slack time in the specified period, (5) a means, utilizing the slot and slack time requests and the predicted arrival fix times for any of the plurality of aircraft for which a slot time request was not made, for pre

Abstract: A taxi planning system for aircraft provides an intuitive user interface for entering and selecting taxi plans quickly and easily. The system includes predefined reduced selection menus that prompt the pilot with feasible taxi choices. Predefined standard routes allow the pilot to select a taxi route with a minimum of keystrokes and in a minimum of time. A display screen communicates the selection menus and standard routes to the pilot who makes a selection with as little as one keystroke. A database comprising a linked list structure facilitates a flexible system that is able to represent a wide variety of airport runways, taxiways, gates, ramps, and other airport structures. The selected taxi route is communicated to other aircraft systems such as head-down displays, head-up displays, flight management computers, communication systems, and the like.

Abstract: An automatic guidance and control system for aircraft moving on the ground. On-ground taxi control is provided in response to steering commands for nosewheel positioning.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring and predicting information on the position of approaching aircraft are disclosed. The system features a processor, an interrogating antenna, a receiving antenna, and a data link. The processor schedules interrogations and suppression pulses. Both of the antennas and the data link are in signal communication with the processor. The interrogating antenna transmits interrogations to a plurality of approaching aircraft. At least some of the interrogations include suppression pulses. The receiving antenna comprises at least three fixed, broad azimuth, array elements. The receiving antenna receives replies from each of the plurality of approaching aircraft and communicates the replies to the processor. The processor determines a state for each of the plurality of approaching aircraft based on the replies. The data link communicates information on the state of each of the plurality of approaching aircraft from the processor.

Abstract: A global landing system (GLS) for retrofitting an aircraft having ILS systems, as well as autopilot or flight control computers. The GLS using horizontal and vertical guidance control points (GCPs) which are co-extensive with glideslope and localizer antenna locations, and correction lever arms representing the separation of such GCPs with on-board GPS antennas. A method of measuring such lever arm with an additional GPS receiver is also included.

Abstract: A computer generated pilot instruction system for providing spatial information to a pilot corresponding to the difference between the actual landing fight path and optimal landing flight path.

Abstract: Systems, methods and protocol for assuring separation of aircraft during parallel approaches. The systems, methods and protocol function in cooperation with existing TCAS to facilitate approaches of multiple aircraft on closely-spaced parallel runways. The systems, methods and protocol utilize data transmissions from equipped aircraft to obtain tracking information which is used in separation algorithms to generate alerts to an observer of possible threats. The systems, methods and protocol facilitate parallel approaches to closely-spaced parallel runways under Instrument Approach Procedure.

Abstract: System and methods for a ground based millimeter wave imaging system that provides real-time millimeter wave images of an airport to one or more aircraft from one or more ground stations (18). The system includes at least one millimeter wave transceiver (19) that is located in each one or more ground stations. Each at least one millimeter wave transceiver collects real-time millimeter wave images of the airport. At least one image processor (21) is operatively connected to the at least one millimeter wave transceiver, and processes the real-time millimeter wave images of the airport. At least one data link (22) allows communication of information between the one or more aircraft and the one or more ground station. The one or more ground stations transmit the processed realtime millimeter wave images to the one or more aircraft using the at least one link.

Abstract: The invention comprises a mulli-wave radar system for obtaining first target position information of a flying object by capturing and tracking the flying object from a maximum detection distance, a stereo-camera system for taking over the tracking of the flying object in the vicinity of a landing point by acquiring the first target position information of the flying object from the milli-wave radar system, and obtaining second target position information having higher precision than the first target position information, and a controller for managing the first target position information of the milli-wave radar system and the second target position information of the stereo-camera system, controlling the milli-wave radar system to capture and track the flying object to the vicinity of the landing point, and controlling the stereo-camera system to capture and track the flying object at the time of landing of the flying object.

Abstract: An aircraft including an approach and landing system, including a navigation unit for providing navigation information, a weather radar unit for providing radar information, a processor which receives navigation information from the navigation unit and information from the weather radar unit, the processor unit providing an output representing information concerning the aircraft in accordance with the provided navigation information and radar information, a memory for storing information representing a scene, the processor unit correlating the stored scene information with the output representing information concerning the aircraft to provide a mapped scene, a display unit for displaying the output of said processor and the mapped scene, and a steppable frequency oscillator for providing a signal which is stepped in frequency to the weather radar unit, thereby providing an increased range resolution.

Abstract: An improved precision approach radar (PAR) system using an integrated digital display for displaying the relative position of one or more targets, e.g., aircraft, to a preferred glide path and azimuth course line. A preferred PAR system uses a radar head which emits a pair of scanned radar beams and interprets reflected responses to individually determine aircraft targets, weather patterns and/or obstructions and displays each reflection category as a different pattern, preferably color coded, on an essentially non-flickering monitor.

Abstract: A radar system which time shares the use of a common radar head to perform functions associated with Air Surveillance Radar (ASR) and Precision Approach Radar (PAR) systems, i.e., for respectively displaying information to an air traffic controller useful for tracking an aircraft's approach to an airport and then guiding said aircraft along a preferred glideslope approach to a runway. In accordance with a significant feature of a preferred embodiment, a common radar head is comprised of an azimuth antenna capable of using radar beams to scan, e.g., electronically, a subsidiary scan arc, i.e., less than .+-.90.degree., mounted on a rotational scan apparatus that directs said radar beams within a principal scan arc, a full circle (360.degree.), by continuously rotating, e.g., mechanically, said azimuth antenna at an essentially constant rate.

Abstract: A system for displaying a landing/taxiing area as an aircraft approaches/taxis that landing/taxiing area. The system includes means on the landing/taxiing area that absorbs radar signals. The remainder of the landing/taxiing area reflects radar signals, and the system includes processors on board the aircraft or in the control tower for translating the signals and the lack of signals into a graphic representation of the landing/taxiing area. The representation changes as the orientation and position of the aircraft changes with respect to the landing/taxiing area. The system can include an autopilot control, head-up displays and memory systems. The system permits surface control by the tower.

Abstract: A system for assistance in landing a helicopter and for the detection of electro-magnetic anomalies utilizing helicopter blades as carriers of receiving devices in a wide spectrum of electro-magnetic fields with a predicted sensitivity and resolution far in advance of previous systems.

Abstract: A millimeter wave radar is placed on an aircraft and several radar targets are placed near a runway. The targets are discrete objects, each having a relatively localized radar cross section, a unique signature or a unique range bin, and a position which is accurately known. Targets should be spread over the length of the runway. Radar corner reflectors and active or passive repeaters are preferred. The locations of the radar targets with respect to the runway can be transmitted to the aircraft, or they can be stored on board. On board memory requirements can be reduced by requiring all airports to select one of only a few standard target placement patterns, or even only one. Targets are inexpensive, as are radars whose only precision requirement is in range, and not in azimuth or elevation angles. Range to at least three targets in the radar's field of view is all that is required for an on-board computer to determine the aircraft's location.

Abstract: A portable siting system particularly useful for siting a portable localizer for a collocated approach guidance system for aircraft utilizes a laser range finder in conjunction with a shaft encoder to determine the distance between the localizer and two arbitrary points along a runway center line as well as the azimuth offset between the two points. A microprocessor is used to compute the number of degrees the antenna of the localizer must be rotated so that its beam intersects the extended runway center line at a predetermined point based on trigonometric computations performed on the two measured distances and the measured angle.

Abstract: A frequency agile radar system allows tracking of noncooperative targets with high accuracy. The system is particularly useful in an automatic landing system aboard an aircraft carrier. The radar employs an electronically steered planar array antenna system in which a symmetrical pencil beam of 1.degree. beamwidth is steered in 1/2.degree. steps in a raster scan. A space-stabilized acquisition window allows target acquisition, and target scanning modes are chosen as a function of target range. At far range, target scan is effected by those four beam raster positions which bracket the target whereas when the target is at near range where its cross section is larger than a single beamwidth, the raster is "ballooned" to paint or cover the target fully. The computed track of the target provides a continuing update of autopilot command signals radioed to the target to bring it to and hold it on a selected glideslope which effects the automatic landing.

Abstract: An active, electro-optical display system for use on fixed-wing, land-based airport runways, is disclosed for remotely guiding a pilot during visual approach and landing of an aircraft. Conventional Microwave Landing System (MLS) ground-transmitted data is air-derived on board the aircraft and data-linked to a ground receiver to produce a continuous digital data signal indicative of aircraft slant range, elevation and azimuth relative to the desired landing position. The resulting data signal is electrically coupled to a signal processor governed in accordance with control guidance laws to produce three discrete signals indicative of the magnitude and direction of the descent rate error, the flight path acceleration, and the lateral drift rate of the aircraft relative to the intended landing area.