Abstract: A driving assistance device (1) includes: a somatic nervous system activity detector (11) detecting a somatic nervous system activity, which is a physical activity, of a driver in association with steering of a vehicle; an autonomic nervous system activity detector (12) detecting an autonomic nervous system activity, which is a mental activity, of the driver in association with the steering of the vehicle; a somatic nervous system activity controller (perception amount controller (2)) which is operable to control the somatic nervous system activity; an autonomic nervous system activity controller (sound effect generator (3)) which is operable to control the autonomic nervous system activity; and a psychosomatic state controller (balance controller (14)). The psychosomatic state controller causes the somatic nervous system activity controller and the autonomic nervous system activity controller to operate such that the two activities shift to the same side with respect to increase and decrease.

Abstract: An aircraft motion assessment system and method includes associating a plurality of polling devices within an internal cabin of an aircraft with passenger seats onboard the aircraft, communicatively coupling a motion assessment control unit to the plurality of polling devices, and receiving, by the motion assessment control unit, passenger-input motion effects data from the plurality of polling devices.

Abstract: Provided is an airspace controller for creating and managing dynamic airspace for different users. The airspace controller may produce different dynamic airspace for each user by continually updating static controlled airspace maps with user-specific flight information including user-planned flights, authorization status of the user's flights, waivers, controlled airspace restrictions, and real-time flight telemetry. The airspace controller may generate a static airspace map for all users with different airspace user interface (“UI”) elements at different regions that correspond to different airspace restrictions in effect at those regions. The airspace controller may create dynamic airspace for each user by modifying the static airspace map to include flight UE elements over regions of the static airspace map where user-defined flights are to occur.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing the revising of a flight plan of an aircraft implemented by at least two systems, one being of avionics type (qualified, certified) and the other not. From a flight plan, flight plan revisions are determined, even assessed, then one or more of these revisions are selected and/or combined. Subsequently, these combinations are processed by the avionics system and the corresponding avionics parameters are calculated. By comparing the different results of avionics quality, the impact of each revision can be quantified then rendered to the pilot to assist in his or her decision-making, in particular with regard to negotiating the revisions with air traffic control. Combinatorial optimization and learning steps are described, as are system and software aspects.

Abstract: A system and method operating on a computer system connected to one or more internal and external databases for statistical analysis of externally collected data of aircraft movements (AM Data) to develop business intelligence to understand, forecast and/or confirm aircraft transactions, market activity, usage patterns, industry trends, development of new business, products and procedures as well as verify the accuracy of invoices, flight records, flight/duty logs, flight time invoiced, airport enplanements/usage, geographic/in-state usage, regulatory/operational compliance and aircraft records when compared with AM Data combined with computed flight times.

Abstract: An air traffic control system includes one or more servers each including a network interface, a processor, and memory; and a database communicatively coupled to the one or more servers, wherein the network interface in each of the one or more servers is communicatively coupled to one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) via a plurality of wireless networks at least one of which includes a cellular network; wherein the one or more servers are configured to obtain operational data from a UAV, obtain conditions from one or more of the operational data and the database, determine a future flight plan based on the operational data and flying lane assignments for the UAV, determine potential collisions based on static obstructions and dynamic obstructions, obtained from the database based on the future flight plan, and provide evasive maneuver instructions to the UAV based on the determined potential collisions.

Abstract: A wind forecast prediction apparatus includes an historical forecast patterns module configured to generate at least one historical wind forecast pattern and determine a deviation magnitude and a probability of occurrence of the at least one historical wind forecast pattern based on at least one actual wind value; a current wind forecast module; and a wind forecast prediction controller connected to the historical forecast patterns module and current wind forecast module, the wind forecast prediction controller is configured to generate a current wind forecast pattern based on current wind data from the current wind forecast module; and determine a matching historical wind forecast pattern from the at least one historical wind forecast pattern that matches the current wind forecast pattern, where the deviation magnitude and the probability of occurrence of the matching historical wind forecast pattern are combined with the current wind forecast pattern to generate a predicted wind forecast.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for generating a digital flight path within complex mission boundaries. In particular, in one or more embodiments, systems and methods generate flight legs that traverse a target site within mission boundaries. Moreover, one or more embodiments include systems and methods that utilize linking algorithms to connect the generated flight legs into a flight path. Moreover, one or more embodiments include systems and methods that generate a mission plan based on the flight path. In one or more embodiments, the generated mission plan enables a UAV to traverse a flight area within mission boundaries and capture aerial images with regard to the target site. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, systems and methods capture digital aerial images of vertical surfaces of a structure by generating a reference surface and flight legs corresponding to the reference surface.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for aircraft taxiway routing are described herein. One device includes a memory, and a processor to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to receive routing data associated with an airfield of an airport, determine a group of taxiway routes associated with the airfield of the airport using the routing data where each respective taxiway route includes a number of taxiway segments, receive a routing plan request, generate a routing plan for an aircraft at the airfield using the group of taxiway routes in response to receiving the routing plan request, and a user interface to display the routing plan in a single integrated display.

Abstract: A method, medium, and system to receive actual flight schedule data, including flight details associated with each flight of the actual flight schedule; determine an estimate of at least one of airline operations performance constraints and metrics based on the actual flight schedule data and at least one of business rules and an execution of a simulation-based model; and generate a record of corrected actual flight data based on the estimate of at least one of airline operations performance constraints and metrics and the actual flight data.

Abstract: A method and device for adjusting performance variables of an aircraft. The device which is intended for adjusting performance variables, the performance variables being generated by at least one performance module, includes an auxiliary data input unit for entering into a flight management system correction data intended to be used for adjusting at least one associated performance variable, and a correction unit for carrying out a correction, the correction including adjusting the associated performance variable on the basis of the input correction data.

Abstract: A method of providing a recommendation for optimizing operations of a set of industrial assets is disclosed. Digital twins of the set of industrial assets are generated. The digital twins include data structures representing states of each of a plurality of subsystems of the set of industrial assets over a time period. The states are estimated based on an application of simulations using cumulative damage models. The cumulative damage models model the effects of exogenous factors on the operation of the set of industrial assets over the time period. The digital twins are analyzed with respect to simulated operating performances to determine an optimized control of operations of the industrial assets. The optimized control of operations is calculated to jointly and severally to increase the specified operating performance criteria in time present and future of the industrial assets or decrease an economic risk associated with the operation of the industrial assets, within a specified probability.

Abstract: An approach is provided for integrating place metadata provided by a community of metadata builders, including receiving registration data that indicates one or more values for a corresponding one or more attributes that describe a place. A place is associated with a geographic location. Providing an indication of match between the registration data and metadata for a predetermined place is also initiated. In some embodiments, a new entry for a set of predetermined places is generated based on validating the registration data and a negligible degree of match. In some embodiments, a unique identifier for the place is included in indication of match for either a new place represented by the registration data or a matching predetermined place.

Abstract: A method of optimizing a cruise climb of an aircraft. The method includes using vertical navigation and lateral navigation to track the cruise climb; and using tracking of the cruise climb to adjust a climb rate of the aircraft to match an optimal climb rate.

Abstract: A method of providing a first set of computer systems with access to a recommendation pertaining to operation of one or more assets based on the one or more assets being in revenue service or in repair is disclosed. Operations data and inspection data is collected at the first set of computer systems. The operations data and inspection data pertains to operating asset states of one or more fleets of aircraft over a time period. The operations data and the inspection data is stored in one or more databases of a second set of computer systems. Assumptions of control input values are derived for use by the first set of computer systems based on the operations data and the inspection data. A financial objective and constraints analysis is performed with a simulation system for one or more assets of the one or more fleets of aircraft. The cost savings analysis includes identifying a modification of at least one of a set of the control input values.

Abstract: A method of generating a recommendation of terms of an aircraft services contract is disclosed. Operations data pertaining to a planned usage of each aircraft of a fleet of aircraft is received. The operations data pertains to the fleet of aircraft for which an aircraft services customer seeks to enter into a services contract with an aircraft services provider. The operations data includes flight schedule data and flight policy data specific to each of the aircraft. Historical data pertaining to actual usage of other fleets of aircraft with respect to the flight schedule data and the flight policy data is analyzed. The analyzing includes generating an estimation of a risk associated with the services contract from the perspective of the aircraft services provider. An acceptable price for the services contract is generated such that the risk is mitigated from the perspective of the services provider. The terms pertaining to the service contract are communicated for presentation in a user interface.

Abstract: A system and method operating on a computer system connected to one or more internal and external databases for statistical analysis of externally collected data of aircraft movements (AM Data) to develop business intelligence to understand, forecast and/or confirm aircraft transactions, market activity, usage patterns, industry trends, development of new business, products and procedures as well as verify the accuracy of invoices, flight records, flight/duty logs, flight time invoiced, airport enplanements/usage, geographic/in-state usage, regulatory/operational compliance and aircraft records when compared with AM Data combined with computed flight times.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and associated aircraft system and computer program product are disclosed. The method comprises receiving a first tradeoff preference representing a tradeoff between a first flight plan characteristic and a second flight plan characteristic; receiving a first flight plan corresponding to a first value of the first flight plan characteristic; and displaying a graphical representation of the first flight plan on a display of the aircraft. Displaying the graphical representation of the first flight plan comprises displaying a chart; displaying one or more predefined values on the chart that are referenced to the first flight plan characteristic, wherein a visual arrangement of the one or more predefined values is based in part on the first tradeoff preference; and displaying a first geometric overlay representing the first flight plan on the chart, wherein the first value of the first flight plan characteristic is displayed relative to the visual arrangement.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a slung load for an aircraft with one or more sensors includes receiving, with a processor via one or more sensors, sensor information related to flight dynamics data for the aircraft; determining, with the processor, control input commands for the aircraft in response to the receiving of the flight dynamics data; determining, with the processor, signals indicative of an estimated pendulum frequency; and determining, with the processor, parameters associated with the slung load in response to the determining of the estimated pendulum frequencies.

Abstract: A voice over internet protocol (VoIP) system for an aircraft includes a ground gateway, an aircraft gateway disposed on the aircraft, and a service provider network disposed on the aircraft. The ground gateway is in communication with the aircraft gateway via the service provider network. The aircraft gateway includes a first proxy agent, and the ground gateway includes a second proxy agent. The first proxy agent and the second proxy agent communicate a network packet for a number streams. The network packet includes a header and voice payloads for the streams.

Abstract: A wheel position detecting device can suppress an erroneous detection of a wheel position even if a moving direction of a vehicle cannot be determined by wheel speed sensors whether in a forward direction or in a rearward direction. When an edge number (or a tooth number) is incremented based on detection signals of the wheel speed sensors of one, two or three wheels while the vehicle is at a halt, the edge number (or the tooth number) is not used as learning data. Thus, it is less likely that the wheel position is erroneously detected based on erroneous learning data. Therefore, even if the moving direction of the vehicle cannot be determined whether in the forward direction or the rearward direction by the wheel speed sensors, the wheel position detecting device can suppress the erroneous wheel position detection.

Abstract: A method of establishing a runway approach procedure for an aircraft at a selected runway, comprises, for obstacles in the final approach segment of the flightpath and having obstacle range values greater than the datum range, calculating a missed approach surface height at a projected intersection of a missed approach surface with a descending vertical error budget surface and a corresponding Distance to Height of Missed Approach Surface from the runway (DHMAS). For obstacles in the final approach segment and having obstacle range values less than the datum range, a missed approach surface height and a corresponding DHMAS are calculated using ascending climb gradient requirements. All DHMAS values are compared, and a controlling obstacle is determined as the obstacle having a greatest DHMAS. A decision altitude for the controlling obstacle is calculated, and the runway approach procedure is updated with the decision altitude. Relativistic metadata other obstacles can also be calculated and stored.

Abstract: Each charging member in a group identifies a docking connection. Each charging member, responsive to identifying the docking connection, transmits information to other charging members in the group and receives information transmitted from another charging member in the group. Each charging member generates a list using the information transmitted to the group and received from the group. Each charging member also includes a ranking component for filtering, sorting, and ranking entries in the list according to a predefined selection filter and/or ranking filter. Each entry in the list is associated with a charging member with a docking connection and in the group. Each charging member determines based on a predefined indication filter that an entry in the list that is associated with the charging member is ranked at a predefined position in the list and provides an indication.

Abstract: A tire condition detecting apparatus includes a condition detecting section, a transmission section, and a transmission-side control section. The transmission section is configured to transmit a signal that contains information related to the condition of the tire to a receiver, which includes a reception-side control section. The reception-side control section identifies the position of the wheel assembly in which the tire condition detecting apparatus is provided based on the received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the signal. The transmission-side control section is configured to cause a position detecting signal and an instruction signal to be transmitted from the transmission section to the receiver. The position detecting signal is configured to cause the reception-side control section to identify the position of the tire condition detecting apparatus.

Abstract: An array substrate, a touch display device, and a driving method are provided. The array substrate includes a data line layer which includes a plurality of first touch electrodes; a common electrode layer which includes a plurality of second touch electrodes; and a first switch signal line. Each first touch electrode includes a plurality of data lines and a plurality of first switch elements, a control terminal (a) of the first switch element is connected to the first switch signal line, a first terminal (b) of the first switch element is connected one of the data lines in the first touch electrode, and a second terminal (c) of the first switch element is connected another of data lines in the first touch electrode, so that all of the data lines in the first touch electrode are electrically connected to each other upon the first touch electrode being turned on.

Abstract: An aircraft system, computer-implemented method, and computer program product for optimizing a flight plan for schedule, ride quality, and efficiency is provided. Tradeoff preferences between on-schedule operations, ride quality, and efficiency are received. A multi-axis chart that includes axes for on-schedule operations, ride quality, and efficiency is displayed. Values are arranged along the respective axes based on the tradeoff preferences. When a flight plan is received, values for on-schedule operations, ride quality, and efficiency are extracted. A triangle is overlaid on the multi-axis chart such that apexes of the triangle intersect the respective axes at locations corresponding to the extracted values. When multiple optional flight plans are received, multiple triangles corresponding to the respective flight plans can be overlaid on the multi-axis chart. The pilot can identify a most-preferable flight plan based on visual differences between the triangles.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for generating a digital flight path within complex mission boundaries. In particular, in one or more embodiments, systems and methods generate flight legs that traverse a target site within mission boundaries. Moreover, one or more embodiments include systems and methods that utilize linking algorithms to connect the generated flight legs into a flight path. Moreover, one or more embodiments include systems and methods that generate a mission plan based on the flight path. In one or more embodiments, the generated mission plan enables a UAV to traverse a flight area within mission boundaries and capture aerial images with regard to the target site. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, systems and methods capture digital aerial images of vertical surfaces of a structure by generating a reference surface and flight legs corresponding to the reference surface.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for weather station data usage based on weather data confidence. In the context of a method, the method includes receiving historical weather data associated with a candidate weather station and plurality of weather stations, determining distances between a candidate weather station and respective ones of the plurality of weather stations, and generating a station to station location based model of weather attribute errors associated with the distances between the candidate weather station and the respective weather stations of the plurality of weather stations.

Abstract: A flying lane management method implemented in an air traffic control system communicatively coupled to one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) via one or more wireless networks includes initiating communication to the one or more UAVs at a preflight stage for each, wherein the communication is via one or more cell towers associated with the one or more wireless networks, wherein the plurality of UAVs each comprise hardware and antennas adapted to communicate to the plurality of cell towers; determining a flying lane for the one or more UAVs based on a destination, current air traffic in a region under management of the air traffic control system, and based on detected obstructions in the region; and providing the flying lane to the one or more UAVs are an approval to takeoff and fly along the flying lane.

Abstract: A system for providing a flight planning tool is disclosed. The system may include at least one memory device for storing flight information and one or more hardware processors. The one or more hardware processors may be configured to provide an Application Program Interface (API) for facilitating communication between the system and at least one of a client device and one or more third-party devices, receive, via the API, a request including first information related to a flight, collect, via the API and based on the first information, second information from one or more third-party devices, generate flight trip data based on the first and second information, wherein the flight trip data includes information and graphics associated with the flight, and provide, via the API, one or more user interfaces to the client device for communicating the flight trip data.

Abstract: A wheel assembly position identifying apparatus includes transmitters, each of which is provided in one of wheel assemblies, and a receiver, which is provided in a body of a vehicle. Each transmitter includes a transmission section, an acceleration sensor, and a transmission-side control section. The receiver includes a reception section, which is configured to receive the signals, and a reception-side control section, which is configured to execute a first identifying process and a second identifying process. In the first identifying process, the positions of the wheel assemblies, in which the corresponding transmitters are provided, are identified based on variations of the rotational positions of the wheel assemblies at the time when the constant position signals are received. In the second identifying process, the positions of the wheel assemblies, in which the corresponding transmitters are provided, are identified based on the received signal strength indications (RSSIs).

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for generating a digital flight path within complex mission boundaries. In particular, in one or more embodiments, systems and methods generate flight legs that traverse a target site within mission boundaries. Moreover, one or more embodiments include systems and methods that utilize linking algorithms to connect the generated flight legs into a flight path. Moreover, one or more embodiments include systems and methods that generate a mission plan based on the flight path. In one or more embodiments, the generated mission plan enables a UAV to traverse a flight area within mission boundaries and capture aerial images with regard to the target site.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for presenting forecast information pertaining to a planned route of travel, such as a flight plan. One exemplary method involves obtaining a plurality of forecast data sets associated with a plurality of different forecast time periods and subdividing a route into a plurality of forecast regions encompassing respective portions of the route based on the times associated with the navigational reference points defining the route. Each forecast region of the plurality of forecast regions is associated with a respective forecast time period. For each forecast region, a graphical representation of a subset of the forecast data set associated with that forecast region's associated forecast time period that corresponds to the geographic area of that forecast region is displayed on a display device concurrently to displaying a graphical representation of the route.

Abstract: A flight management system device and method. The method includes determining a ground track for a flight leg based on a spherical earth model. The flight leg includes two waypoints that are specified with an ellipsoidal earth model. The method includes determining that a parameter associated with the ground track exceeds a threshold. The method includes inserting an anchor point between the two waypoints on a geodesic to effect a course change to the ground track between the two waypoints such that an intended flight path is within specified thresholds. The geodesic is associated with the ellipsoidal earth model. The method includes modifying the ground track to include two spherical earth model path segments spanning from the first waypoint through the anchor point to the second waypoint. The two spherical earth model path segments are computed based on the spherical earth model. The method includes storing modified ground track data.

Abstract: A wheel position detector for a vehicle includes: a transmitter at each wheel having a first control portion for transmitting a frame with specific identification information; and a receiver at a vehicle body receiving the frame from one wheel and having a second control portion for performing wheel position detection; and a wheel speed sensor for detecting a tooth of a gear. The second control portion: acquires gear information indicating a tooth position; sets a variation allowance based on the tooth position; registers the one wheel with using the variation allowance; and performs the wheel position detection by excluding an identified wheel as the one wheel from a candidate of another wheel mounting the transmitter that transmits another frame when the second control portion identifies the one wheel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for generating a digital flight path within complex mission boundaries. In particular, in one or more embodiments, systems and methods generate flight legs that traverse a target site within mission boundaries. Moreover, one or more embodiments include systems and methods that utilize linking algorithms to connect the generated flight legs into a flight path. Moreover, one or more embodiments include systems and methods that generate a mission plan based on the flight path. In one or more embodiments, the generated mission plan enables a UAV to traverse a flight area within mission boundaries and capture aerial images with regard to the target site.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and non-transitory process-readable media for evaluating operating conditions of an autonomous aircraft before performing a mission by executing brief near-flight testing maneuvers at a low elevation. A processor of the autonomous aircraft may receive near-flight testing maneuver instructions that indicate a near-flight testing maneuver to be executed by the autonomous aircraft. The processor may control motors to cause the aircraft to execute a near-flight testing maneuver within a testing area, obtain data indicating stability and performance information while executing the near-flight testing maneuvers, and take an action in response to the obtained data. Actions may include adjusting a position of a payload, a weight, or a portion of the aircraft based on the obtained data, and adjusting a flight plan. The near-flight testing maneuvers may include a sequence of moves for testing stability of the aircraft and payload executing a flight path under anticipated flying conditions.

Abstract: A taxiing path optimization system is provided for computing a taxi path of an aircraft using available taxi routes of a corresponding airport. An interaction means management unit manages interactions between a user and the taxiing path optimization system using an interactive device for inputting a taxi clearance. An aircraft positioning management unit manages positional information of the corresponding airport and aircraft received from a plurality of sources for augmenting an aircraft position by consolidating the aircraft position with the positional information in a complementary fashion. A taxi path display unit displays the taxi path based on the inputted taxi clearance and the augmented aircraft position, wherein the taxi path is automatically computed based on aircraft characteristics or airport capabilities.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire sensor system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method begins with rotating a plurality of tires on a vehicle. The tire sensor associated with a first wheel location generates a data transmission in response to the rotation of the plurality of tires, the data transmission comprising at least a unique sensor identification and a motion value. The controller transmits a brake control device control signal in a first predetermined event sequence to a first brake control device associated with the first wheel location. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and assigns the unique sensor identification with the first wheel location in response to determining the motion value of the tire characteristic signal corresponds with the first predetermined event sequence.

Abstract: A computer-based method for use in geotargeting online ads to users of search engines by allowing comparison of user's search terms with a set of geo-keywords. The method includes providing a geographic keyword generator on a server that is linked to the Internet. The method includes providing a spatial database storing classes of geographic keywords. The method continues with receiving a keyword request including a business address from a client node. The keyword generator determines a service area based on this location, and a set of geographic keywords is retrieved from the spatial database that are associated (e.g., within) the determined service area. This set of keywords is transmitted or reported to the client node (e.g., displayed in a web browser or user interface) for use in geotargeting of their online advertisements. The keyword request includes a business type, and the service area is sized based on the business type.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring airborne objects are described herein. An air traffic management (ATM) system is provided that includes a memory device for storing data and a processor coupled to the memory device. The processor is programmed to receive object data associated with each of a plurality of airborne objects transmitted by at least one remote sensor device and generate an air traffic map to display a present location and a flight path for each airborne object based on the received object data. The object data includes situational awareness information for each airborne object and real-time position information for the at least one remote sensor device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for unmanned aerial vehicle authorization and geofence envelope determination. One of the methods includes determining, by an electronic system in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an estimated fuel remaining in the UAV. An estimated fuel consumption of the UAV is determined. Estimated information associated with wind affecting the UAV is determined using information obtained from sensors included in the UAV. Estimated flights times remaining for a current path, and one or more alternative flight paths, are determined using the determined estimated fuel remaining, determined estimated fuel consumption, determined information associated wind, and information describing each flight path. In response to the electronic system determining that the estimated fuel remaining, after completion of the current flight path, would be below a first threshold, an alternative flight path is selected.

Abstract: A method for identifying variations in aircraft operational parameters includes processing a four-dimensional (4D) aircraft trajectory for a flight along a defined route. The method also includes determining an aircraft intent corresponding to the flight along the defined route based at least in part on an aircraft performance model from a trajectory predictor. The aircraft intent includes multiple segments and corresponding intent parameters. In addition, the method includes adjusting the intent parameters such that a computed 4D trajectory substantially corresponds to the 4D aircraft trajectory. The method further includes determining a computed operational parameter based at least in part on the computed 4D trajectory and the aircraft performance model from the trajectory predictor. In addition, the method includes identifying variations between the computed operational parameter and a corresponding measured operational parameter.

Abstract: A method for simulating the movement behavior of a fluid in a closed moving container is provided. The simulation is based on the determination of the potential movement path of the center of gravity of the volume of the fluid as an elliptical trajectory situated in a disturbance plane having certain semi-axes.

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

Abstract: A method of using LIDAR on an airborne vehicle is described. A beam of radiation is transmitted to target areas at least one of above, below, and in front of the airborne vehicle, the target areas including particles or objects. Scattered radiation is received from the target areas. Respective characteristics of the scattered radiation are determined. An air turbulence factor or characteristics are determined from the respective characteristics. The airborne vehicle is controlled based on the air turbulence factor, such that turbulence experienced by the airborne vehicle is minimized. Alternatively, the airborne vehicle is controlled based on the characteristics to avoid colliding with the one or more objects. In another example, the airborne vehicle is controlled based on the characteristics to reduce headwind or increase tailwind, and substantially reduce a carbon footprint of the aircraft.

Abstract: Method for dynamically limiting the inclinations of monoblock flight control surfaces (FCS) in an aircraft. Dynamic limitation of the FCS is activated if a stall susceptibility condition is detected in the current aircraft environment. The real-time calibrated airspeed of the aircraft, real-time angle of attack (AOA) of the aircraft, and real-time sideslip angle (AOS) of the aircraft are obtained. The aircraft parameters may be obtained via estimation if the measured values are deemed unsuitable. The real-time local AOA and AOS of the FCS are calculated based on the obtained aircraft parameters. The inclination of each of the FCS relative to the critical values is dynamically limited according to the calculated real-time local AOA and AOS of the FCS. The aircraft may be an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and/or a V-tail aircraft. The stall susceptibility condition may include icy conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling a system that operates responsive to a plurality of input control signals are disclosed. During operation the system generates a plurality of output status/control signals. A master controller has at least first and second controllers. The first controller outputs and inputs signals over a first communication path, and the second controller outputs and inputs signals over a second communication path. The first and second controllers output signals based on input signals received over the first and second communication paths, respectively, and also based on stored control data. A plurality of input/output modules are provided. Each of the input/output modules has first and second slave controllers. The first slave controller of each of the input/output modules inputs and outputs signals over the first communication path to the first controller, and the second slave controller outputs and inputs signals over the second communication path.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the exchange of vehicle information between software modules with different safety importance. In one embodiment, a vehicle health management system includes a mission critical software module, a flight critical software module and a gatekeeper. The mission critical software module receives vehicle state information and provides it to the flight critical software module if the gatekeeper confirms the validity of the vehicle information.

Abstract: A method of using a light detection system for increasing the accuracy of a precision airdrop is described. Radiation is transmitted to target areas between an airborne vehicle and a dropzone target. Scattered radiation is received from the target areas. Respective wind characteristics are determined from the scattered radiation and a wind velocity map is generated, based on the respective wind characteristics, between the airborne vehicle, and at least the dropzone target. An aerial release point for the precision airdrop is computed based on the generated wind velocity map and a location of the dropzone target.