Flight Vehicle Patents (Class 434/30)
  • Patent number: 11892319
    Abstract: An inertial measurement unit (IMU) self-test system includes an IMU and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive IMU data collected by the IMU and inputs from systems external to the IMU indicative of mechanical stimulus, wherein the control circuit utilizes IMU data collected in response to the mechanical stimulus to determine IMU validity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Aptiv Technologies AG
    Inventors: Christopher David Ruppel, David Jerold Imboden, Jerry Keith Fennell
  • Patent number: 11869387
    Abstract: One example non-limiting example provides a full representative part 25 commercial aircraft flight deck with a visual system integrated with a robotic manipulator to provide an immersive simulation environment for training and research purposes. Such technology provides an architecture that provides visual blending-warp adjustment along with visual system integration, including for example Spherical screen design, Structural design and Projectors allocation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignees: EMBRAER S.A., ITA—Instituto Tecnologico de Aeronáutica
    Inventors: Marco Antonio de Oliveira Alves, Jr., Edmar Thomaz da Silva, Sergio Duarte Penna, Luís Gonzaga Trabasso, Emilia Villani, Alfredo Rocha, Carlos Cesar A. Eguti, Wesley Rodrigues de Oliveira, Wilson da Cunha Lara Junior, Guilherme Sartori Natal, Guilherme Boulhosa Rodamilans
  • Patent number: 11822769
    Abstract: A radar target simulator for simulating a radar target is disclosed. The radar target simulator comprises a display module and an input module via which a user of the radar target simulator is enabled to define a target to be simulated. The radar target simulator also comprises a processing module that is connected with the display module and the input module in a signal transmitting manner. The display module and the processing module together provide a graphical user interface for the user of the radar target simulator. The graphical user interface provides a two-dimensional representation of an at least two-dimensional space. The processing module receives at least one input signal from the input module based on an input of the user. The input of the user is associated with input coordinates in the two-dimensional representation. The processing module processes the at least one input signal, thereby generating a symbol of the target defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Baris Guezelarslan, Dominik Hettich, Yassen Mikhailov
  • Patent number: 11810477
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to an apparatus for simulating motion, comprising: a base; a seat with a seat pan and seat back, the seat having a roll axis and, orthogonal thereto, a pitch axis; a mount mounting the seat to the base at least pivotably about said roll axis and said pitch axis; a left seat back flap and a right seat back flap each of which being pivotably attached to a respective side of the seat back; and a linkage linking said seat back flaps to the base so that, when any one of the sides of the seat back is moved towards the base, the respective seat back flap is pivoted inwards and, when said side of the seat back is moved away from the base, said seat back flap is pivoted outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Inventors: Christian Berghold-Markom, Daniel Schneider
  • Patent number: 11794073
    Abstract: A method, comprising providing playback of one or more sets of three dimensional positional data of a subject performing an activity; detecting input from an editor respective to the playback of the one or more sets of three dimensional positional data; and storing parameters of the activity based on the detected input in an activity profile for use in movement based instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Altis Movement Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Halevy, Constantine Goltsev, Oleksii A. Bulgakov, Aleksandr V. Tselousov, Fedor G. Savchenko
  • Patent number: 11798108
    Abstract: Provided is a transportation service planning system including an operation unit and a storage unit. The storage unit stores an evaluation index designated for each of transportation systems, a creation condition of a service plan for each of the transportation systems, and a service simulation condition for each of the transportation systems. The operation unit creates a service plan for each of the transportation systems on the basis of the creation condition of the service plan, simulates a service of each of the transportation systems on the basis of the service plan and the simulation condition, calculates the evaluation index designated for each of the transportation systems on the basis of the simulation results, outputs the service plan if all of the evaluation indices satisfy a prescribed standard, and revises the service plan if at least one of the evaluation indices does not satisfy the prescribed standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Kazushige Hiroi, Yujin Tsukada, Nobuo Nukaga
  • Patent number: 11747144
    Abstract: A camera-based localization system is provided. The camera-based localization system may assist an unmanned vehicle to continue its operation in a GPS-denied environment with minimal increase in vehicular cost and payload. In one aspect, a method, a computer-readable medium, and an apparatus for localization via visual inertial odometry are provided. The apparatus may construct an optical flow based on feature points across a first video frame and a second video frame captured by a camera of the apparatus. The apparatus may refine the angular velocity and the linear velocity corresponding to the second video frame via solving a quadratic optimization problem constructed based on the optical flow, the initial values of the angular velocity and the linear velocity corresponding to the second video frame. The apparatus may estimate the pose of the apparatus based on the refined angular velocity and the refined linear velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
    Inventors: Zhengguo Li, Jinghong Zheng, Zijian Orson Zhu, Qinyuan Ren, Kong Wah Wan, Wei Yun Yau
  • Patent number: 11696720
    Abstract: A computer-implemented cognitive assessment tool is provided for assessing cognitive ability of an individual while multi-tasking. In one embodiment, a computer processing system on which the tool is implemented may receive form the individual first responses to a first task and second responses to a second task, where the first task and the second task are presented to the individual simultaneously. The system may determine that the first task and the second task are performed by the individual based on the first responses and the second responses, and compute a cognitive measure using one or both of the first responses and the second responses. Further, computing the cognitive measure may be based on performance measures of one or both of the first responses and the second responses. Based on the cognitive measure, the system may output a cognitive assessment to the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Akili Interactive Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter E. Martucci, Adam Piper, Matthew Omernick, Adam Gazzaley, Eric Elenko, Jeffery Bower, Scott Kellogg, Ashley Mateus
  • Patent number: 11694569
    Abstract: In an aspect of the present disclosure is a system for simulating an electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, including a fuselage 104 comprising one or more pilot inputs, each of the pilot inputs configured to detect pilot datum; a concave screen facing the fuselage 104; a plurality of projectors directed at the concave screen; a computing device communicatively connected to the plurality of projectors, the computing device configured to: receive the pilot datum detected by the pilot inputs; generate a simulated eVTOL flight maneuver as a function of the pilot datum; and command the plurality of projectors to display one or more images based on the simulated flight maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventor: Edward Hall
  • Patent number: 11694570
    Abstract: Aspects relate to augmented reality (AR) methods and systems for simulated operation of an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. An exemplary AR system includes at least an aircraft component of an eVTOL aircraft, a computing device configured to operate a flight simulator to simulate flight in an environment and simulate at least a virtual representation interactive with the flight simulator, where the at least a virtual representation includes an aircraft digital twin of the at least an aircraft component, and a mesh network configured to communicatively connect the at least an aircraft component and the computing device and communicate encrypted data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Granger Warren, Charles C. Guthrie, Nicholas Moy, Alexander Hoekje List
  • Patent number: 11591107
    Abstract: The display system has a three-dimensional and curved display surface made up of a single electronic display screen or several joined electronic display screens, the display surface having at least one main zone dedicated to a pilot and suitable for being located in front of said pilot, the main zone being substantially planar or concave, and at least one lateral zone associated with each main zone, each lateral zone being concave and laterally extending the associated main zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: Loïc Becouarn, Florent Mennechet, Valery Bota
  • Patent number: 11593534
    Abstract: Processes for optimizing the geometry of a blade for use in a propeller are disclosed. In one exemplary process, an optimization routine that generates new blade geometries based on structural parameters and calculates performance parameters of each blade geometry, including aerodynamic performance parameters, farfield acoustic parameters, and/or electrical power requirements to operate a propeller having the blade geometry, is performed. The optimization routine receives design parameters and weightings from a user and can use one or more surrogate algorithms to map a design space of the weighted values of the design parameters to find their local minima. The optimization routine then determines an optimized blade geometry using a gradient-based algorithm to generate new blade geometries to explore the minima until the weighted values of the design parameters converge at an optimized blade geometry representing the global minima of the design space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Peter Sharpe, Keegan Quigley, Thomas Sebastian, Joseph Belarge, Ryan Fontaine, David Maurer
  • Patent number: 11562662
    Abstract: A system for modular mobile flight simulator for an electric aircraft is presented. The system includes a simulator module include a concave display, a plurality of projection devices, a pilot interface, wherein the pilot includes a primary flight display and at least a pilot control communicatively connected to a sensor configured to detect a plurality of measure pilot data and generate a pilot datum. The system further includes a computing device configured to receive the pilot datum from the sensor, simulate an aircraft model of the electric aircraft as a function of the pilot datum, blend a plurality of images to be projected by the plurality of projection devices into a distinct image, display the distinct image onto the concave display, generate a feedback, and perform a physical feedback on the simulator module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventor: Edward Hall
  • Patent number: 11468781
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for simulation of an asset to train a user to use the asset. The apparatus includes persistent storage to store raw binary data transformable into messages associated with simulation of the asset, and a random access memory (RAM) to store a protocol name, sender identifier and message type of the messages in respective hash tables. These hash tables further include a fourth hash table that maps times of the messages to the raw binary data in the persistent storage. In response to a request for playback of messages from a selected time, the apparatus locates the raw binary data for a message chronologically last in time before the selected time using the four nested hash tables in the RAM, retrieves the raw binary data for the message from its location in the persistent storage medium, and transforms the raw binary data into the message for presentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Joel J. Maleport
  • Patent number: 11340609
    Abstract: A driving guidance system that provides a driving guidance to a driver when the driver makes operations to remotely control a vehicle in a driving route. The driving guidance system includes at least one driving guidance equipment, an analytic engine, a control platform. The driving guidance equipment is distributed along the driving route for recording data of the vehicle. The analytic engine receives and analyzes the data of the vehicle to generate a plurality of features of the vehicle. The control platform further includes a real virtuality objects generator and a display. The real virtuality objects generator generates a plurality of real virtuality objects based on the features of the vehicle and the display shows the real virtuality objects to the driver of the vehicle for providing the driving guidance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Formula Square Holdings Ltd
    Inventors: Felix Wing Keung Lor, Chun Hong Chan, King Leung Tai, King Hei Tai
  • Patent number: 11260311
    Abstract: A resistance control system for a passenger support of an amusement attraction includes a first foundation, a second foundation, and a support extending between the first foundation and the second foundation. The second foundation is pivotably coupled to the support at a pivot joint. The resistance control system also includes a motor and a linkage system coupled to the motor and to the second foundation such that the motor is configured to output a torque to adjust, via the linkage system, a resistance to movement of the second foundation about the pivot joint and relative to the first foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Mark Allan Stepanian, Jordan Dillon Barner, Tyler James Blankenship, David Boback Moghaddam
  • Patent number: 11074483
    Abstract: A computing system receives a request to validate, according to a validation specification, a response of a system of operation. The validation specification relates to determining deviation from a specified result in response to testing one or more candidate inputs. The initial design space defines design points for the system of operation according to the respective candidate inputs for each factor. The computing system, responsive to the request to validate the response of the system of operation, generates data representing a covering array for design points defined by the initial design space or a subset design space. The computing system generates, based on the data, a test suite for testing the system of operation. The computing system obtains the response of the system of operation and generates an output indicating the deviation from the specified result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: SAS Institute Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Albert Morgan, Ryan Adam Lekivetz, Caleb Bridges King, Bradley Allen Jones
  • Patent number: 10887557
    Abstract: An occupant camera system for an aircraft ejection assembly may comprise a fixed structure and a camera mounted to the fixed structure. A digital video recorder may be mounted to the fixed structure and electrically coupled to the camera. A switch may be electrically coupled to the digital video recorder, and a battery may be electrically coupled to the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff Benjamin, Matthew D. Salois
  • Patent number: 10713148
    Abstract: The disclosure relate to testing software for operating an autonomous vehicle. For instance, a first simulation may be run using log data and the software to control a first simulated vehicle. During this, one or more characteristics of the simulated vehicle may be compared with one or more characteristics of a vehicle from the log data. The comparison may be used to determine a divergence point for starting a timer. In addition, a second simulation may be run using the log data and the software to control a second simulated vehicle. The divergence point may be used to determine a handover time to allow the software to take control of the second simulated vehicle. Whether the software is able to continue through the first simulation before the timer expires without a particular type of event occurring and/or the second simulation without the particular type of event occurring is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Carl Nygaard, Yiwen Xu, James Stout
  • Patent number: 10456919
    Abstract: A movement device and a manipulator configuration are provided for contact and/or invasive examination or treatment of the human or animal body under the influence of increased and/or changing acceleration. Wherein a functional head can be moved relative to a base along a plurality of degrees of freedom movable by drive devices and at least one drive device is constituted as a force-limited drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: AMST-Systemtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Schluesselberger, Sr., Richard Schluesselberger, Jr., Rainer Schluesselberger, Norman Eisenkoeck
  • Patent number: 10391412
    Abstract: An amusement ride includes a robot assembly having at least one multi-link robot arm with a base and a passenger holder for transporting at least one person. A controller for controlling the robot assembly includes a storage device for storing a limit of a working space arrangement having at least one work space, a distance device for determining a distance of the passenger holder from the working space arrangement, and a safety device for determining maximum permissible motion components in at least two spatial directions depending on the determined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: KUKA Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Fornoff, Axel Tillmann
  • Patent number: 10134298
    Abstract: System and method can support a simulated movement of a movable object, such as a simulated flight of an unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV). A process, which can be on a user terminal, can receive state information about the simulated flight from a flight simulator that is associated with the UAV. Then, the process can determine flight information for the simulated flight by associating the received state information with context information obtained by the process on the user terminal, and provides the determined flight information to a display that is associated with the user terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ye Tao, Shunnian Li, Zhiyuan Zhang, Liutao Zhang, Weifeng Liu
  • Patent number: 10022636
    Abstract: A flight simulator, motion simulator or orientation simulator for the spatial movement of at least one person, and in particular for the simulation of acceleration sequences, has a holding device for holding a person in a region of the center. The holding device is mounted on a carriage via a movement device. The carriage can be displaced, in particular linearly, along a horizontally oriented main carrier. The main carrier is rotationally driven about a vertically oriented major axis of rotation and the center is displaceable between a first outer maximum position and a second outer maximum position by moving the carriage along a trajectory on the main carrier. A normal distance between the first outer maximum position of the center and the major axis of rotation is greater than the normal distance between the second outer maximum position of the center and the major axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: AMST-Systemtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Schluesselberger, Richard Schluesselberger Jun., Michael Mayrhofer
  • Patent number: 9760660
    Abstract: A method of developing a mathematical model of dynamics of a vehicle for use in a computer-controlled simulation, comprising: selecting a coefficient of a state-space model mathematically modelling the dynamics of the vehicle, the selected coefficient having a value for a predetermined state of the vehicle; and varying, a parameter of a physically-based computerized model mathematically modelling the dynamics of the vehicle, the parameter related to at least one of physical characteristics of the vehicle and phenomena influencing the dynamics of the vehicle, to improve the accuracy of the physically-based model via computer-implemented numerical optimization, the computer-implemented numerical optimization targeting the coefficient of the state-space model such that the difference between a value predicted by the physically-based model and the value of the coefficient of the state-space model for the predetermined vehicle state is within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: CAE Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Spira, Vincent Myrand-Lapierre, Olivier Soucy
  • Patent number: 9587961
    Abstract: A display management system is provided for displaying a graphical representation of flight envelope information of an aircraft. Included in the display management system is a control module being coupled to the display management system and programmed to control the graphical representation including at least one flight envelope protection attribute. A signal detection module receives signals from a plurality of sensors of the aircraft, and the received signals include associated parameter values for the at least one flight envelope protection attribute. A protection selection module selects the at least one flight envelope protection attribute based on the received signals and parameter values. A display module displays the at least one flight envelope protection attribute on a display screen in relation to a flight control law state stored in a database using a display model of the aircraft from an elevational view based on the received signals and parameter values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus (SAS)
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Toumazet, Mélanie Vadillo
  • Patent number: 9259657
    Abstract: A motion simulation system includes actuators having a planetary gearbox engaged with and driven by a servomotor engaged with a crank. A connector rod has a proximal end engaged with the crank of each actuator, and a distal end engaged with a top plate configured to attach to a platform assembly. A control system is operable with each electric servo motor of each actuator for delivering control for providing a simulated motion to the top plate. Control data is sent to the servomotors using a msec data send and receive rate, with internal processing within the nano-second range. Such update rates coupled with a real time, dynamically responsive motion controller results in a desirably smooth and accurate simulator motion. The control system includes a washout filter for transforming input forces and rotational movements. One to six degrees of freedom systems having smooth performance with high payload capability are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Dynamic Motion Group GmbH
    Inventors: David J. Vatcher, Simon A. James, Andrew J. Cox
  • Patent number: 9099009
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for training in an aircraft. An apparatus comprises an aircraft, a display system associated with the aircraft, a sensor system associated with the aircraft, and a training processor configured to be connected to the aircraft. The training processor is further configured to receive information about an operator, generate constructive data for simulated objects, generate simulation sensor data using the constructive data, and present the simulation sensor data with live sensor data generated by the sensor system on the display system. The training processor is further configured to identify a performance of the operator based on a policy and modify a simulation based on the performance of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Clifford Bradley Sowadski, Brandt Wilson Dargue, Robert James Lechner
  • Patent number: 9070299
    Abstract: An arrangement including a supporting structure and a reproduction of an aircraft passenger cabin, arranged inside the supporting structure. The aircraft passenger cabin is on a 1:1 scale for receiving components of cabin systems. The supporting structure is composed of standardized elements, for receiving components of the cabin system. The cabin fittings including standardized supports and connections so that the components of the cabin system can be tested under operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Gleine
  • Patent number: 9063800
    Abstract: A method to decouple software in an integrated modular system that employs message-based data exchange is provided. The method includes generating at least one configuration table for use by core software in at least one module in the integrated modular system. The at least one module hosts at least one of a consuming application. The method also includes gathering parameter data from producer messages at the core software in the at least one module based on the generated configuration table, and creating target messages at the core software based on the gathered parameter data. The target messages have a format specific to the consuming application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Kirk McCready
  • Patent number: 9022786
    Abstract: A method is present for flight crew training. Flight crew interactions are recorded during a lesson to form recorded flight crew interactions. Flight deck displays occurring during the lesson are recorded to form recorded flight deck displays. A flight training video is formed from the recorded flight crew interactions and the recorded flight deck displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Haywood Keith Fabling
  • Publication number: 20150111180
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer readable media are disclosed for simulating user interactions with a simulated aircraft cockpit, for example and without limitation, for aircraft simulation and training uses. In some aspects, a system for simulating user interactions with a simulated aircraft cockpit includes a simulation server including a hardware processor and configured to receive user interaction data from an interactive device and compute an output data based on the received user interaction data. In addition, the system also includes an application module configured to render the output data on a simulated aircraft cockpit screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Katharyn WHELLER, Wilfrid RUBIO ORTIZ, Stephane METIVET, Jacques-Andre DUPUY
  • Publication number: 20150104757
    Abstract: A system for driver assessment and training comprising a simulator which can be operated by a driver or pilot under test or in training, the simulator displaying scenarios the driver or pilot must drive through or fly through. The inputs of the driver or pilot in reaction to the displayed scenario are fed to a free body model which calculates the resulting movement of the simulated vehicle in the displayed world. Scoring can be by analysis of calculated Fonda curves comparing the driver performance to performances by one or more normative drivers plotted by standard deviation from norm on the vertical axis and sample point on the horizontal axis. Simulator sickness can be mitigated by calculation and display of a mitigation object which partially obscures the virtual scene being displayed. Signature curves give the driver or pilots' performance at a glance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: MBFARR, LLC
    Inventors: RICK L. MONCRIEF, Max Larkin Behensky, Tomas G. Harkins, Brad Allen Fuller
  • Patent number: 9004921
    Abstract: A motion and vibration cuing system for use with a motion simulator provides vibratory, impulse, onset and sustained motion cuing, independently or simultaneously, by operation of a frame assembly capable of producing vibration and six degrees-of-freedom of motion in coordination with one or more motion seats, mounted to the frame assembly, which produce surge, sway, heave and roll motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Industrial Smoke & Mirrors, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Garvis, Dennis P. Wilhelm, Richard E. Johnson, Steven G. Lansrud
  • Publication number: 20150079545
    Abstract: A system and method for providing certification of a pilot's use of a flight simulator is presented. The method includes recording flight data from a flight simulator while a pilot performs flight tasks of a flight syllabus, receiving a photo of the pilot, and generating a forensic record of the performance of flight tasks on the simulator by the pilot. The method further includes authenticating the identity of the pilot and evaluating the performance of the flight tasks by the pilot against an expected flight path and range of acceptable instrument outputs. The method further includes providing a written record to the pilot certifying successful completion of the flight syllabus on the flight simulator. The method optionally provides real-time flight guidance during performance of the flight tasks by the pilot. The system includes a virtual flight data recorder and virtual flight instructor system for performing the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas R. Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20150072316
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a software architecture for simulation of physical entities. The invention provides an object-oriented container based framework architecture for simulator software implementations, methods, and objects in a time domain on a distributed computer network. The invention further provides an interface system and a plug-in definition which allows compartmentalization of participants in the container and easy extensibility of the system. The invention further provides a system and method for streaming video in a container-based architecture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: ZEDASOFT, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Hatcherson, Stephen Edward Tarter, Jeremiah Jay Johnson, Frederick Bryan Fleury, George William Estep, II, Richard Keith Holt
  • Publication number: 20150064657
    Abstract: A method of simulating a launch of an unmanned air vehicle may include providing an interface for a user selectable launch option for a plurality of simulation modes, and responsive to a user input at the interface, simulating a launch of an unmanned air vehicle into an orbit using a predefined launch model and orbit parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Simon Anthony Hales, Theodore Terris Trowbridge
  • Publication number: 20150066342
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for scheduling, dispatching and checking-in a flight event. A method may include receiving a request from a user to schedule a block of time for a first flight event, whereupon the block of time and an associated flight resource can be reserved for the block of time. The first flight event can be dispatched and a master flight record can be created for the first flight event. When the first flight event is checked-in, the master flight record can be updated with check-in data for the first flight event. When checking-in a first flight event, a second flight event can be checked-in and a master flight record can be created for the second flight event. Check-in data can be received for the second flight event and the master flight record associated with the second flight event can be updated with the check-in data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Jack M. Garzella
  • Publication number: 20150064658
    Abstract: A system for simulating a vehicle may include a designing tool for configured for a vehicle simulation and a simulation tool for controlling simulation characteristics of the vehicle. A method for simulating an object may include displaying a map of a region, displaying a plurality of actions operative on a simulated object, and performing a selected action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Simon Anthony Hales, Theodore Terris Trowbridge
  • Publication number: 20150064656
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for sharing flight resources between a plurality of flight entities. A method may include identifying a flight resource that is to be shared between flight entities where the flight resource has a profile having a definition of the flight resource and attributes that identifies the flight resource. A shared schedule that is associated with the flight resource can be generated and the shared schedule can be provided to the flight entities that have been identified as being authorized to schedule and use the flight resource. An authorized flight entity can schedule the flight resource by providing a request to schedule the flight resource during a block of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Jack M. Garzella
  • Publication number: 20150050623
    Abstract: A system and method for training a student employ a simulation station that displays output to the student and receives input. The computer system has a rules engine operating on it and computer accessible data storage storing (i) learning object data including learning objects configured to provide interaction with the student at the simulation system and (ii) rule data defining a plurality of rules accessed by the rules engine. The rules data includes, for each rule, respective (a) if-portion data defining a condition of data and (o) then-portion data defining an action to be performed at the simulation station. The rules engine causes the computer system to perform the action when the condition of data is present in the data storage. For at least some of the rules, the action comprises output of one of the learning objects so as to interact with the student. The system may be networked with middleware and adapters that map data received over the network to rules engine memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Falash, Eytan Pollak, Michael Barnoske, George Rovny, Coy Stewart, Robert Ducharme
  • Publication number: 20150017609
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating or updating (e g , tuning) an aviation simulation scenario. One method for generating an aviation simulation scenario includes receiving user input corresponding to the aviation simulation scenario at a processing device. The method also includes accessing one or more input data sources collectively having multiple data sets using the processing device. The method includes transforming data sets into the aviation simulation scenario using the processing device based on the user input. The method also includes storing the aviation simulation scenario. The aviation simulation scenario is configured to be provided to an aviation simulator software for executing an aviation simulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Bruno Paes Leao, Joel Kenneth Klooster, Gabriel de Albuquerque Gleizer
  • Patent number: 8911236
    Abstract: Training method for the simulation of an operation performed by at least one device which is part of a real apparatus, wherein the method comprises providing to display means overlaid images under controlled depth order of a virtual apparatus, and real images of said device, and providing a simulated response to control means, based on data of the position and behavior of said device and on data of the position and behavior of said virtual apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: EADS Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.
    Inventors: Miguel Gasco Nunez, Javier Alvarez Ortiz
  • Patent number: 8899986
    Abstract: An air rescue simulator, wherein the simulator comprises a helicopter passenger cabin, which is attached to a crane system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Bergwacht Bayern
    Inventor: Alois Glück
  • Patent number: 8876534
    Abstract: A method for pilot situational awareness comprises calculating a location; providing terrain data for the calculated location; processing the terrain data and positioning a light source generally proximal to a view point of a pilot data to generate a synthetic image, the synthetic image representing an appearance of the terrain data illuminated by an appearance of the light source positioned generally proximal to the view point of the pilot; and displaying the synthetic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Frank, Radu E. Denghel
  • Publication number: 20140322674
    Abstract: A method for managing a training arena for training an operator of a host vehicle includes the procedures of generating a training arena model, updating the training arena model according to gathered real time training arena data, and managing the selected virtual entity for simulating a real entity. The training arena model is updated according to the selected virtual entity data, deriving from the training arena model an operator arena model, producing a representation of the operator arena model. The representation of the operator arena model is presented to the operator and the selected virtual entity is managed according to the training arena model as would have been detected and as could have been perceived by the selected virtual entity were the virtual entities real.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Ofer LIVNEH
  • Publication number: 20140322675
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for training a subject to recognise the onset of hypoxia, the system including (i) a flight simulation system, and (ii) a hypoxia induction system, wherein the flight simulation system is operably linked to the hypoxia induction system. The system provides a tool for pilot training to a pilot, allowing for the delivery of standardised training programs where the tasks required for the operation of an aircraft are able to be coordinated with an induction of hypoxia in the subject. Such a system is also able to provide an assessment tool to demonstrate when a pilot has had sufficient training in recognising the effects of hypoxia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Oleg Bassovitch
  • Patent number: 8838294
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing procedure information associated with an aircraft procedure onboard an aircraft. An exemplary method involves obtaining a briefing sequence for the aircraft procedure and providing the procedure information via the output device, wherein the procedure information is provided in accordance with the briefing sequence. When the output device is realized as an audio output device, the procedure information is sequentially provided auditorily via the audio output device. In one or more embodiments, the procedure information is sequentially indicated on a display device onboard the aircraft in concert with the auditorily provided procedure information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Amit Srivastav, Roger W. Burgin, Dave Pepitone
  • Patent number: 8794969
    Abstract: A vehicle pneumatic system training aid comprises simulated controls and indicators and a pneumatic circuit. The simulated controls and indicators correspond to at least a portion of controls and indicators on an actual vehicle. The pneumatic circuit comprises a connection to a source of pressurized fluid, and at least one fluid flow control device. The fluid flow control device is positionable in at least two different positions corresponding to different actual vehicle conditions that are simulatable. The simulated controls are actuatable to change a condition of the pneumatic circuit and the simulated indicators are operable to display an indication of the condition of the pneumatic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Alaska Airlines, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip M. Tenning, Greg Cass
  • Patent number: 8794970
    Abstract: This disclosure describes novel aircraft control systems for propeller-driven training aircraft, and methods for their use. In an aspect of some embodiments, a control system might comprise an integrated power control that takes a single power input from the pilot and translates that input into controls for a throttle, a propeller pitch setting, and a fuel/air mixture. In another aspect of some embodiments, a glass cockpit may be provided, with computer displays emulating the instruments of the aircraft for which the pilot is training. Advantageously, this allows a pilot in training to learn, from the beginning, the power controls and/or instrumentation for the aircraft for which the pilot is training, instead of having to learn one power control and instrumentation system, only to later have to learn another system. In a specific embodiment, the instrumentation displays may be reconfigurable, allowing the displays to emulate those of a variety of jet aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Steven G. Testrake
  • Patent number: 8784107
    Abstract: This disclosure describes novel systems, methods and software for providing flight training. In an aspect of some embodiments, flight data is collected during a training flight. That flight data then can be used to provide a review and/or simulation of the training flight. The student may be allowed to participate in the simulation by providing input from a set of controls. In some cases, an instructor (or another) might provide modified flight data, which can be used to modify the simulation. Advantageously, this allows for the analysis and simulation of a variety of hypothetical, “what-if” scenarios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: Steven G. Testrake, Keith Shean, Robert Jeffrey Herbert, Gordon Ritchie