With Course Diversion Patents (Class 701/122)
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Patent number: 8583352Abstract: A method and hold path computation system for automatically generating a hold path for an aircraft flying in a holding pattern, wherein the holding pattern is defined by one or more orbits within a selectable holding area are provided. The system includes a processor configured to receive a hold departure time indicating a time the aircraft is to leave the hold path to meet a required time of arrival (RTA) at a waypoint, determine a present position of the aircraft within the holding pattern, and determine an amount of time to complete a current hold orbit. The processor is also configured such that if the determined amount of time to complete a current hold orbit is less than or equal to the hold departure time, maintain the aircraft flying in the holding pattern and determine an amount of time by which to shorten the next orbit to exit the holding pattern at the hold departure time.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: GE Aviation Systems, LLCInventors: Joel Kenneth Klooster, Joachim Karl Ulf Hochwarth
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Patent number: 8577534Abstract: A method and a device are described for scanning the surrounding environment of a vehicle. When the vehicle falls below a first boundary speed a timer is triggered whose state is incremented until the vehicle exceeds a boundary speed, a check of the unobstructed view of the scanning device being carried out upon expiration of the time period recorded by the state of the timer and in which the state of the counter is incremented.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2007Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Stephan Dorenkamp, Volker Brichzin, Ulrich Schirm, Maria-Eugenia Garcia Bordes
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Patent number: 8521416Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes a first section that recognizes a lane boundary line of a lane in which a vehicle is traveling. A second section recognizes a present position of a predetermined reference point of the vehicle. A third section calculates a predicted position of the reference point, wherein the predicted position is a predetermined interval ahead of the present position. A fourth calculates an imaginary lane boundary line, wherein the imaginary lane boundary line is tangent to the lane boundary line at a point close to the predicted position. A fifth section performs a control of preventing the vehicle from deviating from the lane by controlling the vehicle depending on positional relationship between the vehicle and the lane boundary line. A sixth section selectively permits and suppresses the control depending on positional relationship among the imaginary lane boundary line, the present position, and the predicted position.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Yuki Nakada, Toshiya Oosawa, Akira Takahashi
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Patent number: 8494766Abstract: A flight management system for use in automatically generating a flight path trajectory for an aircraft. The flight path trajectory includes a plurality of waypoints and a plurality of vectors that extend between each waypoint of the plurality of waypoints. The flight management system includes a processor that is configured to calculate a first flight path trajectory including an origin waypoint and a destination waypoint. A tactical command that indicates a change in flight trajectory is received. A second flight path trajectory based at least in part on the tactical command is calculated. The calculated second flight path trajectory includes a departure waypoint along the first flight path trajectory, an intercept waypoint along the first flight path trajectory, and a departure vector from the departure waypoint to the intercept waypoint.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: GE Aviation Systems, LLCInventor: Randy Lynn Walter
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Patent number: 8467916Abstract: A method of a flight management system (FMS) of an aircraft for generating an equi-time point (ETP) for an emergency landing of the aircraft includes receiving at least two reference points for landing the aircraft upon an occurrence of an emergency. The method also includes determining an equi-distance point (EDP) for the aircraft by locating a first point on the remaining flight path of the aircraft which is equidistant from the at least two reference points. The method further includes generating an ETP for the aircraft by locating a second point on the remaining flight path such that time difference between any two of expected flight times of the aircraft from the second point to the at least two reference points is less than a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Airbus Engineering Centre IndiaInventors: Veeresh Kumar Masaru Narasimhulu, Dinesh Kumar Kushwaha
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Patent number: 8463468Abstract: A method of a flight management system (FMS) of an aircraft for computing flight time from an equi-distance point (EDP to a reference point for an emergency landing of the aircraft includes receiving at least two reference points for landing the aircraft upon an occurrence of an emergency and determining a remaining flight path for the aircraft based on a current location of the aircraft and a flight plan serviced by the FMS. Further, the method includes generating the EDP for the aircraft by locating a point in the remaining flight path, and calculating an expected flight time of the aircraft from the EDP to each of the at least two reference points based on a plurality of factors affecting the flight time of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Airbus Engineering Centre IndiaInventors: Veeresh Kumar Masaru Narasimhulu, Dinesh Kumar Kushwaha
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Patent number: 8457872Abstract: The invention relates to a method for managing the flight of an aircraft flying along a trajectory and being subject to an absolute time constraint (on a downstream point) or relative time constraint (spacing with respect to a downstream aircraft), the said aircraft comprising a flight management system calculating a temporal discrepancy to the said time constraint, wherein the said method includes the following steps: the calculation of a distance on the basis of the temporal discrepancy, the modification of the trajectory: if the temporal discrepancy to the time constraint corresponds to an advance, the lengthening of the trajectory by the distance; if the temporal discrepancy to the time constraint corresponds to a delay, the shortening of the trajectory by the distance.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: ThalesInventor: Guy Deker
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Patent number: 8437957Abstract: A method and device checks the conformity of a trajectory calculated by a flight management system of an aircraft in relation to reference data comprising a reference map. The method includes: geo-referencing of a reference map; determination of a reference trajectory from the geo-referenced reference map; detection of nonconformity in the trajectory calculated by the flight management system by comparison of the trajectory calculated by the flight management system with the reference trajectory; and emission of a warning if a nonconformity is detected.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: ThalesInventors: François Coulmeau, Nicolas Marty, Xavier Blanchon, Pierre Gamet
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Publication number: 20130085661Abstract: According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided an apparatus and method to synchronize trajectories from independent systems such as from a flight management system and the ground Air traffic control during the entire history of a flight. Since a number of trajectory discrepancy factors will intervene during the lifetime of a flight, such as a change in flight intent, controller intervention, or large deviations of the actual flight from the predicted trajectory due to prediction errors, there is need to dynamically monitor these deviations and control a dynamic synchronization cycle. A dynamic trajectory synchronization algorithm attempts to bring each of the systems back into balance whenever a disturbance causes an imbalance.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: April 4, 2013Inventors: David S. K. Chan, Sergio TORRES, Joel KLOOSTER
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Patent number: 8401732Abstract: Disclosed are a vehicle control device and a vehicle control method capable of performing appropriate traveling control while exhibiting the capability of a control system. Feedback control is performed according to a traveling target set in advance. At the time of the feedback control, when a vehicle traveling trace is deviated, when a tire friction circle is exceeded, or when a vehicle acceleration or a jerk exceeds a set value, if a control deviation exceeds a set value, a traveling target is regenerated. This enables appropriate traveling control while sufficiently exhibiting the capability of the control system until the control deviation exceeds the set value. When the control deviation exceeds the set value, a traveling target is regenerated, such that traveling control appropriate for the traveling environment can be performed.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koji Taguchi
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Patent number: 8401775Abstract: An air traffic control system for control of airport ground traffic includes a graphical display system configured to display a surface map, and configured to enable a controller to input, via a graphical input device, a taxi route along the surface map. Furthermore, the system includes a processor operatively coupled to the graphical display system, wherein the processor is configured to provide the surface map to the graphical display system. The processor is programmed to interpret the taxi route, and modify the taxi route to a taxiway path existing on the surface map. The system includes a transmitter communicatively coupled to the processor, wherein the transmitter configured to transmit the taxiway path to an aircraft, and a datalink interface positioned onboard the aircraft and configured to receive and display the transmitted taxiway path.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David Rozovski, Juliana J. Goh, Jean M. Crane, Michael E. Dey
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Patent number: 8386097Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for assisting guidance of an aircraft. A flight management system is used to determine guidance instructions that include speed instructions having at least one flight time constraint to guide the aircraft to a check-point. An accuracy level for complying with the flight time constraint and at least one error level for at least one flight parameter are generated by an accuracy generating unit. An operating margin for at least one second parameter is determined from the determined accuracy and error levels, with the operating margin being representative of air speed criterion values of the aircraft. A range determining unit is used to determine whether the range of air speed criterion values is within an air speed envelope of the aircraft, and the speed instructions are modified when the range of air speed criterion values is not within the air speed envelope.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Airbus Operations SASInventors: Jean-Louis de Menorval, Fabrice Lucas, David Gerasimovic
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Patent number: 8380424Abstract: Systems and methods for providing vehicle-centric collision avoidance are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes determining a first flight trajectory for a first aircraft. The method also includes determining a second flight trajectory for a second aircraft. A distance between the first aircraft and the second aircraft at a first closest point of approach (CPA) is predicted. The predicted closest point of approach is then compared to a separation perimeter layer. The separation perimeter layer is configured to provide a minimum separation distance from the first aircraft to the second aircraft. When the predicted closest point of approach breaches the separation perimeter, the first flight trajectory is altered to provide collision avoidance.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Glenn S. Bushnell
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Patent number: 8354932Abstract: A method and a device for driver assistance in which the warning threshold at which the driver is warned for example of a departure from the lane is adaptively adjusted as a function of the driver's state and/or the driving situation.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2005Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Carsten Schmitz
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Patent number: 8350845Abstract: A method and system for visually displaying views of current transit conditions are disclosed. A user selects a transit system (e.g., bus, train, ferry) and a rundown of views of the transit system to show in a traffic report. To more easily identify the transit system in the traffic report, graphics representing the buildings and other landmarks in the geographic area of the transit system are displayed in x-ray mode, while the transit system graphics are highlighted using colors. Graphic objects are added to the views to provide additional information regarding the transit system, including information regarding incidents on the transit system.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Navteq North America, LLCInventors: Robert M. Soulchin, Stephen J. Reh
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Patent number: 8332083Abstract: A method for calculating a safe extraction path from a terrain-challenged airport that does not depend upon published procedures. The method includes the steps of: a) defining at least one containment zone for a circling climb departure path relative to a reference location; b) receiving aircraft performance data from an on-board flight management system; c) receiving air mass parameters from on-board aircraft sensors; d) calculating the maximum allowable climb altitude (MACA) utilizing the at least one containment zone, the received aircraft performance data, and the received air mass parameters; and, e) comparing the MACA to at least one selected safe departure altitude (SDA) to calculate the lowest possible descent altitude that can be achieved while ensuring that at least one safe extraction path exists.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventor: Patrick D. McCusker
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Patent number: 8321092Abstract: A method of predicting severity of a potential collision of first and second vehicles. The method includes determining that a probability of a potential collision of the vehicles is greater than a threshold value. Vehicle condition-defining signals are exchanged between the vehicles when the probability of the potential collision is greater than the threshold value including a first vehicle condition-defining signal developed on board the first vehicle and a second vehicle condition-defining signal developed onboard the second vehicle. The method further includes predicting onboard the first vehicle a severity of the potential collision for the first vehicle based upon input that includes the first vehicle condition-defining signal and the second vehicle condition-defining signal. A severity of the potential collision for the second vehicle is predicted onboard the second vehicle based upon the second vehicle condition-defining signal and the first vehicle condition-defining signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2011Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan L Browne, Francis D Wood, Osman D Altan
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Patent number: 8319667Abstract: A system and method of conveying missed approach procedures to a pilot are provided. The system and method include rendering a graphic representation of at least one leg of the missed approach procedure on a display. A determination is made as to whether the aircraft is at least substantially flying the at least one leg of the missed approach procedure. At least one visual characteristic of the rendered graphic is selectively varied based on the determination of whether the aircraft is at least substantially flying the at least one leg of the missed approach procedure.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Roger W. Burgin, Blake Wilson, Sandy Wyatt
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Patent number: 8311729Abstract: A traffic lane deviation preventing system includes a traffic line detecting unit for detecting traffic line positions on a road, a control unit for determining a possibility of a vehicle's deviation from a traffic line based on the traffic line positions detected by the traffic line detecting unit and setting a travel target point to which the vehicle is to travel if it is determined that there is a possibility of a traffic line deviation. The control unit moves the travel target point toward the center of a traffic lane according to the passage of a control operation time.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toru Saito, Shinya Kudo, Hajime Oyama
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Publication number: 20120277986Abstract: A method to generate a clearance request to deviate from a flight plan is provided. The method includes receiving at one or more processors in an airborne vehicle input from at least one automatic flight-plan-relevant source, at least one of the one or more processors independently determining a revised flight route based on the received input, at least one of the one or more processors independently generating a preconfigured clearance request message to deviate from the flight plan for a flight crew user based on the determining. The method further includes providing an audible prompt to the flight crew user for one of approval and rejection of the clearance request to deviate from the flight plan. When an approval of the clearance request to deviate from the flight plan is received from the flight crew user, the preconfigured clearance request message is downlinked.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Tom D. Judd, Ruy C. P. Brandao
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Patent number: 8296060Abstract: A method and device for assisting in the navigation of an airplane on the ground at an airport employs a display unit for automatically presenting data relating to the path to be followed by the airplane at the airport in textual form on a display screen, and a display unit for automatically presenting this data in graphic form on a display screen, using a plot illustrating said path on an airport map.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2007Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Airbus Operations SASInventors: Fabien Fetzmann, Pierre Coldefy, Isabelle La Vielle, Nicolas Gros
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Patent number: 8290696Abstract: Methods for evaluating and implementing air traffic management tools and approaches for managing and avoiding an air traffic incident before the incident occurs. A first system receives parameters for flight plan configurations (e.g., initial fuel carried, flight route, flight route segments followed, flight altitude for a given flight route segment, aircraft velocity for each flight route segment, flight route ascent rate, flight route descent route, flight departure site, flight departure time, flight arrival time, flight destination site and/or alternate flight destination site), flight plan schedule, expected weather along each flight route segment, aircraft specifics, airspace (altitude) bounds for each flight route segment, navigational aids available. The invention provides flight plan routing and direct routing or wind optimal routing, using great circle navigation and spherical Earth geometry.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA)Inventors: Banavar Sridhar, Kapil S. Sheth, Gano Broto Chatterji, Karl D. Bilimoria, Shon Grabbe, John F. Schipper
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Patent number: 8275499Abstract: The invention relates to a device for formulating a flight plan ensuring sufficient safety margins for a duration of a few minutes in relation to the set of flight constraints that could arise and comprising means for: detecting the surrounding moving objects (aircraft or meteorological phenomena), evaluating their type and the danger that they represent, formulating a reconfiguration flight plan ensuring a separation with these phenomena and taking best account of the constraints of the initially followed flight plan, avoiding prohibited or regulated airspaces and avoiding the surrounding relief with ad hoc operational margins.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: ThalesInventors: Francois Coulmeau, Manuel Gutierrez-Castaneda, Nicolas Marty
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Patent number: 8244453Abstract: A method of adjusting the trajectory of an aircraft flying a climb circuit, of substantially helical form corresponding to a succession of racetracks, denoted HOLD, the last HOLD, called the exit HOLD, having predefined geometric characteristics and comprising a lock-on point, allowing the aircraft to enter and to exit in the HOLD, the aircraft attaining the setpoint altitude of the climb circuit during the flight of the exit HOLD, comprises at least three steps, including: a step of computing the prediction of the position of the aircraft when the setpoint altitude will be attained; a step of computing the remaining distance to be traveled, between the position of the aircraft when the setpoint altitude will be attained and the lock-on point; and a step making it possible to carry out an adaptation of the form of the exit HOLD so as to minimize the remaining distance to be traveled DELTA.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: ThalesInventors: Antoine Lacombe, Xavier Blanchon, François Coulmeau
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Publication number: 20120191333Abstract: Disclosed are algorithms and agent-based structures for a system and technique for analyzing and managing the airspace. The technique includes managing bulk properties of large numbers of heterogeneous multidimensional aircraft trajectories in an airspace, for the purpose of maintaining or increasing system safety, and to identify possible phase transition structures to predict when an airspace will approach the limits of its capacity. The paths of the multidimensional aircraft trajectories are continuously recalculated in the presence of changing conditions (traffic, exclusionary airspace, weather, for example) while optimizing performance measures and performing trajectory conflict detection and resolution. Such trajectories are represented as extended objects endowed with pseudo-potential, maintaining objectives for time, acceleration limits, and fuel-efficient paths by bending just enough to accommodate separation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventors: Bruce K. Sawhill, James W. Herriot, Bruce J. Holmes
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Patent number: 8209115Abstract: Method and device for aiding the guidance of an aircraft along a flight trajectory. The device makes it possible to cause the aircraft to pass at least one particular waypoint of the flight trajectory, at an associated target time, and to do so to within an associated temporal tolerance.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Airbus Operations SASInventors: Fabrice Lucas, Jean-Louis De Menorval
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Patent number: 8209072Abstract: A method and device to assist in the piloting of an aircraft in a landing phase may apply a maximum braking of the aircraft if there is a risk of longitudinal departure from a runway.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignees: Airbus Operations SAS, AirbusInventors: Fabrice Villaume, Armand Jacob, Robert Lignee
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Patent number: 8190353Abstract: A computer based method, system and computer program product to assign a quality metric to an airspace design and optionally to compare it against design metrics, to determine a comparative quality metric. Factors contributing to quality of the airspace sector design are identified via user input and quantified to calculate a quality metric for the airspace sector design as a function of the quantified factors. Categories for each of the identified factors, and parameters for each of the identified categories are also identified via user input. Each parameter has an associated weight and a range of thresholds with associated multipliers. An associated multiplier from the range of thresholds for each identified parameter is also identified. The identified multiplier is multiplied with the associated weight for each identified parameter. The products for each identified parameter are then summed to obtain a quality metric.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: The MITRE CorporationInventors: Michael J. White, Robert P. Bearer, Carla Ximena Gladstone, James M. Reed, Steven R. Kalbaugh, Sr., Patrick L. Jones
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Patent number: 8116970Abstract: The invention relates to a method of calculating a path which is offset laterally by a first distance with respect to a reference path, comprising the calculation of a flight plan which is offset with respect to a reference flight plan. The reference flight plan is defined on the basis of waypoints and of segments defining a reference path between the waypoints. Each segment has a start point and an end point making it possible to define a course corresponding to the direction of travel by an aircraft. The laterally offset flight plan is calculated on the basis of waypoints associated with the waypoints of the reference flight plan, called associated points and being situated at the intersection. The laterally offset flight path includes lines, parallel with the segments of the reference flight plan, offset by the first distance from the reference flight plan. It is further defined by the bisectrix of the angle formed by two adjacent segments at a waypoint belonging to the reference path.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: ThalesInventors: Francois Hoofd, Christophe Caillaud
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Patent number: 8086351Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems that include a method for controlling movement of a first unmanned vehicle (UV) to search an area, where the method includes generating a first trace associated with prior positions in which the first UV has been located, determining a direction in which the first UV is to move using the first generated trace, and causing the first UV to move in the determined direction. The trace may be a numerical value that decreases as a function of the time that has elapsed since the first trace was generated. The methods and systems may also include receiving data relating to a second trace, and using that second trace to determine the direction. The second trace may be generated by a second UV. The second trace may be associated with a position within a predetermined radius from a position associated with the first UV.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2005Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Icosystem CorporationInventors: Paolo Gaudiano, Benjamin Shargel, Eric Bonabeau
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Patent number: 8068039Abstract: Described is a system and method for displaying flight track data.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: PASSUR Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: James Cole, Matthew Marcella, Ron Dunsky
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Publication number: 20110257874Abstract: A method to generate a clearance request to deviate from a flight plan is provided. The method includes receiving at one or more processors in an airborne vehicle input from at least one automatic flight-plan-relevant source, at least one of the one or more processors independently determining a revised flight route based on the received input, at least one of the one or more processors independently generating a preconfigured clearance request message to deviate from the flight plan for a flight crew user based on the determining. The method further includes providing an audible prompt to the flight crew user for one of approval and rejection of the clearance request to deviate from the flight plan. When an approval of the clearance request to deviate from the flight plan is received from the flight crew user, the preconfigured clearance request message is downlinked.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Tom D. Judd, Ruy C. P. Brandao
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Patent number: 8000848Abstract: The invention relates to systems for preventing off-normal situations when there is a possibility that an aircraft penetrates into a dangerous area of the vortex shedding of a vortex generator. The inventive system consists of information sub-systems for recording and storing information on the expected relative position of the aircraft and trailing vortex areas in line with danger criteria which are specified by a user and concern dangerous aerodynamic forces and torques effecting the aircraft and induced by the trailing vortex of vortex generators, and for conveying said information to said user, who can be the aircraft crew and/or flight attendants, at a preventive distance from the aircraft and at a forecast moment. Said information can be visualised in a human-readable form and in a volume sufficient for forming a directive signal for carrying out a flight manoeuvre by the aircraft in order to move away from the dangerous trailing vortex area.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignees: FAPRID, SpetsfekhnikaInventors: Nikolai Alekseevich Baranov, Andrei Sergeevich Belotserkovski, Mikhail Igorevich Kanevski, Igor Vladimirovich Pasekunov
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Patent number: 7979199Abstract: A method to generate a clearance request to deviate from a flight plan comprising receiving input from at least one flight-plan-relevant source, determining a revised flight route based on the received input, and generating a preconfigured clearance request message to deviate from the flight plan for a user based on the determining. The method further comprises prompting the user for one of approval and rejection of the clearance request to deviate from the flight plan. The preconfigured clearance request message is downlinked when an approval of the clearance request to deviate from the flight plan is received from the user.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Tom D. Judd, Ruy C. P. Brandao
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Patent number: 7979200Abstract: Systems and methods that coordinate assignments of aircraft operating within a controlled airspace to ground radios are provided. In one embodiment, such a system includes an air traffic control (ATC) facility (12), a plurality of ground radios (16A-16C), and a network manager (20) communicatively coupled to the air traffic control facility (12) and the ground radios (16A-16C). The air traffic control facility is responsible for controlling aircraft (14A-14I) operating within the airspace (10) and providing ATC information to the network manager (20). The ground radios (16A-16C) are operable to provide communications between the air traffic control facility (12) and the aircraft (14A-14I). The network manager (20) is operable to assign each aircraft (14A-14I) to one of the ground radios (16A-16C) based on network management considerations using the ATC information.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: FM Bay, David E. Walton
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Publication number: 20110144897Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for tracking suspect aircraft. One embodiment is related to a method including receiving location data and current flight data of an aircraft, analyzing the location data and current flight data using flight behavior algorithms, detecting route deviation of the aircraft, and providing a report of flight pattern analysis and the detected route deviation to at least one device on a network.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventor: Ron Dunsky
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Patent number: 7930102Abstract: A method is provided for constructing an offset, and includes constructing the capture path, which includes selecting a capture path start point on a first leg of the flight path and selecting a first capture path angle; determining whether a first capture path segment extending from the capture path start point at the first capture path angle intersects a) a first bisector or b) a first bisector backcourse; establishing, if the first capture path segment intersects the first bisector backcourse, the first capture path segment as the capture path; establishing, if the first capture path segment intersects the first bisector, the intersection as a first point; determining one or more subsequent capture path segments until the one or more subsequent capture path segments intersect a subsequent bisector; and establishing the first capture path segment and the one or more subsequent capture path segments as the capture path.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Donald E. Brent, James K. Haberstock, David L Haugen
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Patent number: 7908079Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which an apparatus located on an airfield provides information to pilots in aircraft on the ground and simultaneously gathers information on the motion and position of the aircraft for controllers.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2006Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Richard W. Dabney, Susan Vinz Elrod
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Patent number: 7818127Abstract: A method and apparatus for at least semi-autonomously controlling a vehicle so as to avoid collisions are provided. A sensor is utilized to scan an area proximate the vehicle for a potential object of collision. The apparatus calculates navigational states of the potential object of collision relative to the vehicle to determine that the vehicle is on a course to enter within a predetermined miss distance relative to the potential object of collision. The apparatus alters the course of the vehicle based on the calculated navigational states.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2004Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Geneva Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Craig S. Askew
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Patent number: 7786900Abstract: Navigation of an aircraft is facilitated through the displaying on a map of an over flown region, and of the limits of zones within range of the aircraft in an emergency situation. The points of the zones within range of the aircraft are tagged on the basis of: an estimate of the vertical margins to reach these points, taking into account non-maneuverability zones neighboring the aircraft to be circumvented; a vertical flight profile to be complied with; and a safety height margin.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: ThalesInventors: Elias Bitar, Nicolas Marty
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Publication number: 20100100308Abstract: The invention relates to a device for formulating a flight plan ensuring sufficient safety margins for a duration of a few minutes in relation to the set of flight constraints that could arise and comprising means for: detecting the surrounding moving objects (aircraft or meteorological phenomena), evaluating their type and the danger that they represent, formulating a reconfiguration flight plan ensuring a separation with these phenomena and taking best account of the constraints of the initially followed flight plan, avoiding prohibited or regulated airspaces and avoiding the surrounding relief with ad hoc operational margins.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2009Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: ThalesInventors: François Coulmeau, Manuel Gutierrez-Castaneda, Nicolas Marty
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Patent number: 7636619Abstract: A device for aiding the guidance of a follower aircraft forming part of a patrol, as well as a system for aiding a patrol flight employing such a device has a calculation unit for determining: (1) a first flight trajectory allowing a follower aircraft to follow a main lead aircraft in accordance with a main patrol configuration and (2) a second flight trajectory allowing the follower aircraft to follow an auxiliary lead aircraft in accordance with an auxiliary patrol configuration.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Airbus FranceInventors: Falk Winkler, Guillaume Fouet, Didier Menras
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Publication number: 20090240424Abstract: An open community model for information exchange enables individuals to plan and attain superior outcomes in a dynamic environment. A continually “world model” maintains information about the dynamic environment that is valuable for individuals of the open community. An open community model application publicizes a specification of relevant types of information it receives from suppliers and provides to consumers. Suppliers provide information consistent with the specification. Consumers utilize received information to reduce uncertainties or errors in the assumed environment so they can generate improved plans or improve their expected outcomes. Consumers give feedback to the open community model about the quality of information they received. A “world model” application combines information received to update and improve its understanding of the dynamic environment and its estimates of relevant parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2009Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventor: Frederick Hayes-Roth
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Patent number: 7590484Abstract: A Safe Runway Aircraft Arrival and Departure System Using Split Runway Design comprising a linear runway divided into separate landing strip and takeoff strip portions. Arriving aircraft land on the designated landing strip portion of the runway, while departing aircraft take off from the designated takeoff strip portion of the runway. The landing and takeoff portions may be separated by a defined buffer zone utilized by aircraft for taxiing to and from a terminal. Existing runways may be readily converted into two designated portions for arriving and departing aircraft, thereby significantly increasing the number of aircraft arrival and departure sequences, reducing the likelihood of aircraft runway incursions, eliminating dangerous intersection takeoffs, and conserving jet fuel.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Inventor: Daniel G. Gellert
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Publication number: 20090157288Abstract: A time factor corresponding to an airspace delay or acceleration is communicated to an aircraft. A flight management computer or other computational device of the aircraft calculates a proposed change in trajectory in order to accommodate the time factor in an optimum or nearly optimum manner. One or more proposed changes in trajectory are subject to review by the pilot or other flight personnel. An operator-selected change in trajectory is then implemented in order to accommodate a new arrival time of the aircraft at its destination or a positional point.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Louis J. Bailey, Marissa K. Singleton
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Publication number: 20090132157Abstract: A method is provided for constructing an offset, and includes constructing the capture path, which includes selecting a capture path start point on a first leg of the flight path and selecting a first capture path angle; determining whether a first capture path segment extending from the capture path start point at the first capture path angle intersects a) a first bisector or b) a first bisector backcourse; establishing, if the first capture path segment intersects the first bisector backcourse, the first capture path segment as the capture path; establishing, if the first capture path segment intersects the first bisector, the intersection as a first point; determining one or more subsequent capture path segments until the one or more subsequent capture path segments intersect a subsequent bisector; and establishing the first capture path segment and the one or more subsequent capture path segments as the capture path.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2009Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Donald E. BRENT, James K. HABERSTOCK, David L. HAUGEN
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Publication number: 20090076717Abstract: A method for assisting an aircraft to rejoin a flight plan is disclosed. The flight plan is composed of a number N of flight segments (LEGi, i?[1, N]) with a flight segment LEGi being defined by a departure end (WPTi?1) and by an arrival end (WPTi). A navigation mode is termed “managed mode” wherein, the aircraft has momentarily left the managed mode and has deviated from the flight plan after passing through a waypoint (WPTp, p?[1, N]), the aircraft occupying a position (PPOS) and seeking to rejoin the flight plan so as to follow it in managed mode. The method comprises a step of evaluating the separation distance (Dj, i?[p+1, N]) between the position (PPOS) of the aircraft and each of the waypoints (WPTj, i?[p+1, N]). The local minima of the distance between the position (PPOS) of the aircraft and the waypoints (WPTj, i?[p+1, N]) of the flight plan is determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: THALESInventors: Herve Goutelard, Francois Coulmeau, Stephane Paris
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Patent number: 7505835Abstract: A system and method for displaying a three-dimensional image of airspace includes a series of translucent, horizontal “pavers” that lie like stepping stones marking the selected flight path. In addition, the display includes a series of vertical rectangles—called “wickets”—which bracket the selected flight path. One or more of the wickets may include a graphical representation of the direction of the aircraft should be flying through the wicket. The system accommodates changes in course by generating a new flight path when instructed to do so. The new flight path is created in a way that assures continuous guidance for the pilot and sufficient time for the pilot to adjust to the new course. The display can include a compass rose which indicates the aircraft's present heading and direction of flight.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: L-3 Communications Avionics Systems, Inc.Inventors: Clifford S. Brust, Gary Evans
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Patent number: 7493208Abstract: A personal traffic congestion avoidance system for drivers of motor vehicles traveling on roadways in motor vehicles with GPS-based navigational systems. The system includes a GPS-based navigational system that includes a GPS receiver connected to a visual display, a map database and a wireless communication device for communicating with a remote computer over a wireless communication network. The GPS-based navigation system continuously determines the motor vehicle exact physical location in a region that is intermittently or continuously uploaded to a remote computer via the wireless communication network. The remote computer is connected to a traffic monitoring service that provides current traffic congestion information thereto. When a traffic congestion event is in the designated vicinity of the current location of the motor vehicle or on a roadway that may affect the traffic on the roadway on which the motor vehicle is traveling, a warning is generated and delivered to the GPS-based navigational system.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: DAC Remote Investments LLCInventor: Dean A. Craine
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Patent number: 7483790Abstract: A method is provided for constructing an offset, and includes constructing the capture path, which includes selecting a capture path start point on a first leg of the flight path and selecting a first capture path angle; determining whether a first capture path segment extending from the capture path start point at the first capture path angle intersects a) a first bisector or b) a first bisector backcourse; establishing, if the first capture path segment intersects the first bisector backcourse, the first capture path segment as the capture path; establishing, if the first capture path segment intersects the first bisector, the intersection as a first point; determining one or more subsequent capture path segments until the one or more subsequent capture path segments intersect a subsequent bisector; and establishing the first capture path segment and the one or more subsequent capture path segments as the capture path.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Donald E. Brent, James K. Haberstock, David L. Haugen