Abstract:
The invention proposes a new device and method that allows scanning and downloading the content of a portable storage device (i.e., USB drive) from any computer with a portable storage device plug and a browser without the risk of having the computer infected by virus or malware resident in the portable storage device. The device can be manufactured in a small and portable device.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for positioning aircraft based on images of mobile targets are disclosed. An example method includes identifying, by executing first instructions via a processor, a mobile target in an image obtained by a camera mounted on a first aircraft and obtaining, by executing second instructions via the processor, current coordinates of the first aircraft. The example method includes determining, by executing third instructions via the processor, coordinates of the mobile target based on the coordinates of the first aircraft and the image. The coordinates of the mobile target are within an area of uncertainty. The example method includes determining, by executing fourth instructions via the processor, a first position for the first aircraft that reduces the area of uncertainty of the coordinates of the mobile target.
Abstract:
A method of extending the operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed. The method comprises detecting that an energy storage device on board the UAV is depleted below a threshold level, landing the UAV at a base station, and initiating operation of the base station to cause a replacement mechanism thereof to remove the energy storage device on board the UAV from the UAV and to replace this with another energy storage device.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a system and method for determining the runway configuration of an airport. The method may include retrieving recorded surveillance data including instances of aircraft positions at an airport; determining a plurality of three-dimensional surveillance cells at each end of one or more runways of the airport; computing a count of the number of aircraft positions within each surveillance cell; and determining a current configuration for each runway based on the count computed for the surveillance cells of the runway. The predicted runway configuration of the airport can be used for updating the flight plan of an aircraft to reduce the total flight duration and minimize fuel consumption.
Abstract:
System and method to protect the privacy of ADS-B messages transmitted by aircraft. The system includes one or more ground stations with a ground station control unit and a ground ADS-B transponder for receiving an ADS-B message. The ground station control unit includes an aircraft position determination module for retrieving an aircraft position included in the ADS-B message; an operating conditions module for determining the fulfillment of operating conditions including determining if the aircraft position is an actual aircraft position; and a fake aircraft position generator for computing one or more fake aircraft positions. The ground station control unit broadcasts one or more fake ADS-B messages including the fake aircraft positions if the operating conditions are met. With this system only trusted receivers can obtain the real position of the aircraft.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for positioning aircraft based on images of mobile targets are disclosed. An example method includes identifying, by executing first instructions via a processor, a mobile target in an image obtained by a camera mounted on a first aircraft and obtaining, by executing second instructions via the processor, current coordinates of the first aircraft. The example method includes determining, by executing third instructions via the processor, coordinates of the mobile target based on the coordinates of the first aircraft and the image. The coordinates of the mobile target are within an area of uncertainty. The example method includes determining, by executing fourth instructions via the processor, a first position for the first aircraft that reduces the area of uncertainty of the coordinates of the mobile target.
Abstract:
A method for detecting and reporting an aircraft diversion event includes receiving a continuous real-time surveillance stream via a server from a real-time surveillance system. The surveillance stream describes respective flight trajectories a population of aircraft in a defined three-dimensional (3D) airspace. The method also includes accessing historical flight information, via a processor, regarding past flight trajectories in the 3D airspace, and accessing navigation data. Additionally, the method includes calculating, via the server using the surveillance stream, historical flight information, and navigation data, at least one probability of diversion (POD) metric indicative of a probability that a subject aircraft in the population of aircraft is experiencing the aircraft diversion event. The method includes transmitting a diversion alert signal to one or more user devices when the POD metric exceeds a calibrated POD threshold limit, the diversion alert signal being indicative of the aircraft diversion event.
Abstract:
And aircraft recharging station is provided for recharging an aircraft provided with a rechargeable battery. The recharging station includes a parking surface with conductive tiles selectively connected to an electrical power supply. The recharging station also includes a controller configured to determine a position of the aircraft on the parking surface by connecting, including being configured to iteratively connect a different pair of tiles to the electrical power supply to provide a circuit including positive and negative tiles connected thereto, and test an electrical circuit condition of the circuit, until a closed circuit condition is determined, thereby indicating that the aircraft is positioned on the positive and negative tiles, and that the battery is thereby rechargeable by the electrical power supply.
Abstract:
A mobile UAV infrastructure and management system for control and management of one or more unmanned aerial vehicles including at least one landing platform to facilitate operational readiness of the unmanned aerial vehicle, radio beacons for localization of the unmanned aerial vehicle, a command and control station in communication with the unmanned aerial vehicle, and an unmanned ground vehicle for deploying the landing platform, the radio beacons and the command and control station.
Abstract:
A mobile UAV infrastructure and management system for control and management of one or more unmanned aerial vehicles including at least one landing platform to facilitate operational readiness of the unmanned aerial vehicle, radio beacons for localization of the unmanned aerial vehicle, a command and control station in communication with the unmanned aerial vehicle, and an unmanned ground vehicle for deploying the landing platform, the radio beacons and the command and control station.