Abstract:
Systems and methods for improving display quality for at range weather data of smaller antenna size radar weather systems. A processor receives a column of quantized reflectivity data associated with an antenna from a radar system. The processor adjusts the column of quantized reflectivity data based on estimated quantized reflectivity data associated with a beam pattern for an antenna that is larger than the antenna associated with the received column of quantized reflectivity data.
Abstract:
Location systems and methods are operable to determine a location of an airborne vehicle. An exemplary embodiment identifies at least one object in a pre-captured image stored in an onboard memory and defined by a known location, identifies at least one ground object in a current radar image, correlates the ground object identified in the current radar image with the object identified in the pre-captured image, determines relative location between the installation vehicle and the identified object in the pre-captured image, and determines the location of the installation vehicle based upon the known location of the identified object in the pre-captured image and the determined relative location.
Abstract:
Optical communication systems and methods are operable to communicate optical signals across a gimbal system. An exemplary embodiment has a first optical rotary joint with a rotor and a stator, a second optical rotary joint with a rotor and a stator, and an optical connector coupled to the stators of the first and the second optical rotary joints. The stator of the first optical rotary joint is affixed to a first rotational member of the gimbal system. The stator of the second optical rotary joint is affixed to a second rotational member of the gimbal system. A first optical connection coupled to the rotor of the first optical rotary joint and a second optical connection coupled to the rotor of the second optical rotary joint remain substantially stationary as the gimbal system orients an optical communication device in a desired position.
Abstract:
After deactivation of the presentation of weather information on a radar weather display, systems and methods re-trigger when weather conditions change so that the crew is advised of the changed weather conditions. An exemplary embodiment monitors at least one condition of the weather and in response to the monitored weather condition meeting a re-triggering criteria, presents an advisory to a crew member of the aircraft indicating at least presence of the weather.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for improving display quality for at range weather data of smaller antenna size radar weather systems. A processor receives a column of quantized reflectivity data associated with an antenna from a radar system. The processor adjusts the column of quantized reflectivity data based on estimated quantized reflectivity data associated with a beam pattern for an antenna that is larger than the antenna associated with the received column of quantized reflectivity data.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for representing a weather hazard without also including a large percentage of non-hazard area. An exemplary system includes a memory that stores radar reflectivity data in a three-dimensional buffer, a display device and a processor that is in data communication with the memory and the display device. The processor receives a two-dimensional shape based on a portion of the data stored in the three-dimensional buffer, then finds a center of the shape. Next the processor finds the furthest away point of the shape in a plurality of regions sharing the center as a common point and generates a polygon based on the furthest away points. The display device displays the generated polygon. The shape is associated with hazardous weather information determined from the radar reflectivity data stored in the three-dimensional buffer. The display device is an aircraft weather radar display.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for efficiently updating text or symbol annunciations outputted by an avionics system on legacy displays. Instead of using a set sweeping pattern to update the display, a smart updating concept is used. The smart updating concept senses when the pilot is adjusting the selected altitude control (or other user interface device that will alter displayed annunciations), then gives priority to updating the radial lines on the display that contain the annunciation field. Once the annunciation field has been updated, the display returns to normal operation.
Abstract:
Gimbal power systems and methods are operable to provide power to a device attached to the gimbal. An exemplary embodiment is configured to rotate a rotational member of the gimbal system about an axis, wherein a stator of a rotary power transformer affixed to the rotational member rotates about the axis, and wherein an end of an electrical connection coupled to a power connector of a rotor winding of the rotary power transformer remains substantially stationary as the stator of the rotary power transformer rotates about the axis.
Abstract:
Systems and methods differentiate weather, such as storm cells and/or turbulence regions, based on location relative to a planned flight path of an aircraft. An exemplary embodiment compares a location of the weather with a location of a region of space corresponding to the planned flight path of the aircraft. In response to the location of the weather region being outside of the region of space, an icon is presented on a display corresponding to the weather using a first icon format. In response to location of the weather being within the region of space, the icon corresponding to the weather is presented on the display using a second icon format, the second icon format different from the first icon format.
Abstract:
A dual analog-to-digital (A/D) converter circuit having two separate channels coupled to receive a single analog input signal, each of the two channels includes a means for converting an analog input signal to a digital signal at respective sample times that are adjustable to be substantially simultaneous; a means for adjusting the gain of the two channels to differ by a predetermined factor; a means for detecting a channel overflow condition in one of the two channels having a higher gain; and a means for merging the two channels into a continuous output stream.