US6076042A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Altitude sparse aircraft display
Assignee: Sun Microsystems Inc
•
Filing: 1998-10-16
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Granted: 2000-06-13
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Expires: 2018-10-16
Abstract
Abstract A system, method, apparatus, and computer program product for avoiding aircraft collisions with stationary obstacles. The aircraft is provided with a simplified uncluttered onboard display of all objects which are in or proximate to the projected path of the aircraft at its particular altitude plus or minus a predetermined increment, such as 100 feet constituting a hazard zone. The display presents the hazards in that zone in geographical relationship to the position and path of the aircraft. In addition to the obstacles in the hazard zone the display may also present topographical features of the underlying terrain. This information is in the form of a muted presentation of a topographical moving map. As the aircraft approaches a hazard in the hazard zone the presentation of the obstacles or hazards within the zone is enhanced to draw increasing attention of the pilot. When the aircraft arrives at the periphery of a predetermined hazard avoidance maneuver area where evasive action is imperative, the display undergoes a dramatic change. A further feature of the system may give an audible warning in addition to audible directions as to the action to be taken to avoid collision.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce Tognazzini
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 12:14
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08G; G08G5/00; G08G5/20; G08G5/21; G08G5/50; G08G5/53; G08G5/55; G08G5/70; G08G5/74; G08G5/80
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 36
Claim 1
Independent Claim
172 words
A hazard avoidance system for use by an aircraft in flight, comprising: a display; sensors configured to provide data indicative of an altitude of the aircraft, a course of the aircraft, and a position of the aircraft; and a computer system including a processor and a generator configured to provide moving map data indicative of a topography of an area surrounding the position of the aircraft; wherein said computer system is configured to perform the steps of: determining a hazard zone based on the course of the aircraft and the altitude of the aircraft; generating a display of hazards within the hazard zone based on the moving map data in a first display mode; detecting a proximate hazard from among the hazards within the hazard zone at a predetermined distance from the aircraft and in or dangerously proximate to the course of the aircraft; and altering, in response to the detecting, the display of hazards to create a visual change in appearance of the proximate hazard contrasting to other of the hazards.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
172 words
A hazard avoidance system for use by an aircraft in flight, comprising: a display; sensors configured to provide data indicative of an altitude of the aircraft, a course of the aircraft, and a position of the aircraft; and a computer system including a processor and a generator configured to provide moving map data indicative of a topography of an area surrounding the position of the aircraft; wherein said computer system is configured to perform the steps of: determining a hazard zone based on the course of the aircraft and the altitude of the aircraft; generating a display of hazards within the hazard zone based on the moving map data in a first display mode; detecting a proximate hazard from among the hazards within the hazard zone at a predetermined distance from the aircraft and in or dangerously proximate to the course of the aircraft; and altering, in response to the detecting, the display of hazards to create a visual change in appearance of the proximate hazard contrasting to other of the hazards.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The hazard avoidance system of claim 1, wherein said altering the display of hazards includes removing the other of the hazards from the display.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The hazard avoidance system of claim 1, wherein said altering the display of hazards includes display the proximate hazard in a second display mode that is more emphasized than the first display mode.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The hazard avoidance system of claim 1, wherein the computer system is further configured to perform the step of generating a display of features of topography beneath the hazard zone in a second de-emphasized display mode contrasting to the first display mode.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
The hazard avoidance system of claim 4, wherein the computer system is further configured to perform the step of removing from the display of the features, in response to the detecting, information indicative of at least one feature of the features.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
60 words
The hazard avoidance system of claim 1, wherein: the sensors are further configured to provide data indicative of a speed of the aircraft; and the detecting the proximate hazard includes detecting the proximate hazard based further on the speed of the aircraft and the position of the proximate hazard at which a hazard avoidance action by the aircraft is desirable.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The hazard avoidance system of claim 6, wherein the computer is further configured to perform the steps of: determining a course of action to avoid the proximate hazard; and communicating the course of action to the observer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The hazard avoidance system of claim 7, wherein communicating the course of action includes audibly communicating the course of action.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
173 words
A hazard avoidance apparatus for use by an aircraft in flight, comprising: a display; a sensor port for receiving data indicative of an altitude of the aircraft, a course of the aircraft, and a position of the aircraft; and a computer system including a processor and a generator configured to provide moving map data indicative of a topography of an area surrounding the position of the aircraft; wherein said computer system is configured to perform the steps of: determining a hazard zone based on the course of the aircraft and the altitude of the aircraft; generating a display of hazards within the hazard zone based on the moving map data in a first display mode; detecting a proximate hazard from among the hazards within the hazard zone at a predetermined distance from the aircraft and in or dangerously proximate to the course of the aircraft; and altering, in response to the detecting, the display of hazards to create a visual change in appearance of the proximate hazard contrasting to other of the hazards.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
173 words
A hazard avoidance apparatus for use by an aircraft in flight, comprising: a display; a sensor port for receiving data indicative of an altitude of the aircraft, a course of the aircraft, and a position of the aircraft; and a computer system including a processor and a generator configured to provide moving map data indicative of a topography of an area surrounding the position of the aircraft; wherein said computer system is configured to perform the steps of: determining a hazard zone based on the course of the aircraft and the altitude of the aircraft; generating a display of hazards within the hazard zone based on the moving map data in a first display mode; detecting a proximate hazard from among the hazards within the hazard zone at a predetermined distance from the aircraft and in or dangerously proximate to the course of the aircraft; and altering, in response to the detecting, the display of hazards to create a visual change in appearance of the proximate hazard contrasting to other of the hazards.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The hazard avoidance apparatus of claim 9, wherein said altering the display of hazards includes removing the other of the hazards from the display.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
The hazard avoidance apparatus of claim 9, wherein said altering the display of hazards includes display the proximate hazard in a second display mode that is more emphasized than the first display mode.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
42 words
The hazard avoidance apparatus of claim 9, wherein the computer system is further configured to perform the step of generating a display of features of topography beneath the hazard zone in a second de-emphasized display mode contrasting to the first display mode.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
41 words
The hazard avoidance apparatus of claim 12, wherein the computer system is further configured to perform the step of removing from the display of the features, in response to the detecting, information indicative of at least one feature of the features.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
57 words
The hazard avoidance apparatus of claim 9, wherein: the sensors further receives data indicative of a speed of the aircraft; and the detecting the proximate hazard includes detecting the proximate hazard based further on the speed of the aircraft and the position of the proximate hazard at which a hazard avoidance action by the aircraft is desirable.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
37 words
The hazard avoidance apparatus of claim 14, wherein the computer is further configured to perform the steps of: determining a course of action to avoid the proximate hazard; and communicating the course of action to the observer.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
The hazard avoidance apparatus of claim 15, wherein communicating the course of action includes audibly communicating the course of action.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
142 words
A hazard avoidance method by an aircraft in flight, comprising: receiving data indicative of an altitude of the aircraft, a course of the aircraft, and a position of the aircraft; providing moving map data indicative of a topography of an area surrounding the position of the aircraft; determining a hazard zone based on the course of the aircraft and the altitude of the aircraft; generating a display of hazards within the hazard zone based on the moving map data in a first display mode; detecting a proximate hazard from among the hazards within the hazard zone at a predetermined distance from the aircraft and in or dangerously proximate to the course of the aircraft; and altering, in response to the detecting, the display of hazards to create a visual change in appearance of the proximate hazard contrasting to other of the hazards.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
142 words
A hazard avoidance method by an aircraft in flight, comprising: receiving data indicative of an altitude of the aircraft, a course of the aircraft, and a position of the aircraft; providing moving map data indicative of a topography of an area surrounding the position of the aircraft; determining a hazard zone based on the course of the aircraft and the altitude of the aircraft; generating a display of hazards within the hazard zone based on the moving map data in a first display mode; detecting a proximate hazard from among the hazards within the hazard zone at a predetermined distance from the aircraft and in or dangerously proximate to the course of the aircraft; and altering, in response to the detecting, the display of hazards to create a visual change in appearance of the proximate hazard contrasting to other of the hazards.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The hazard avoidance method of claim 17, wherein said altering the display of hazards includes removing the other of the hazards from the display.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
33 words
The hazard avoidance method of claim 17, wherein said altering the display of hazards includes redisplaying the proximate hazard in a second display mode that is more emphasized than the first display mode.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
The hazard avoidance method of claim 17, further comprising generating a display of features of topography beneath the hazard zone in a second de-emphasized display mode contrasting to the first display mode.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
34 words
The hazard avoidance method of claim 20, further comprising the step of removing from the display of the features, in response to the detecting, information indicative of at least one feature of the features.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
55 words
The hazard avoidance method of claim 17, further comprising receiving data indicative of a speed of the aircraft; wherein said detecting the proximate hazard includes detecting the proximate hazard based further on the speed of the aircraft and the position of the proximate hazard at which a hazard avoidance action by the aircraft is desirable.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
28 words
The hazard avoidance method of claim 22, further comprising: determining a course of action to avoid the proximate hazard; and communicating the course of action to the observer.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
The hazard avoidance method of claim 23, wherein said communicating the course of action includes audibly communicating the course of action.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
171 words
A computer program product for implementing hazard avoidance by an aircraft in flight, comprising: a computer readable medium; and a computer program stored in the medium including: instructions for receiving data indicative of an altitude of the aircraft, a course of the aircraft, and a position of the aircraft; instructions for providing moving map data indicative of a topography of an area surrounding the position of the aircraft; instructions for determining a hazard zone based on the course of the aircraft and the altitude of the aircraft; instructions for generating a display of hazards within the hazard zone based on the moving map data in a first display mode; instructions for detecting a proximate hazard from among the hazards within the hazard zone at a predetermined distance from the aircraft and in or dangerously proximate to the course of the aircraft; and instructions for altering, in response to the detecting, the display of hazards to create a visual change in appearance of the proximate hazard contrasting to other of the hazards.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
171 words
A computer program product for implementing hazard avoidance by an aircraft in flight, comprising: a computer readable medium; and a computer program stored in the medium including: instructions for receiving data indicative of an altitude of the aircraft, a course of the aircraft, and a position of the aircraft; instructions for providing moving map data indicative of a topography of an area surrounding the position of the aircraft; instructions for determining a hazard zone based on the course of the aircraft and the altitude of the aircraft; instructions for generating a display of hazards within the hazard zone based on the moving map data in a first display mode; instructions for detecting a proximate hazard from among the hazards within the hazard zone at a predetermined distance from the aircraft and in or dangerously proximate to the course of the aircraft; and instructions for altering, in response to the detecting, the display of hazards to create a visual change in appearance of the proximate hazard contrasting to other of the hazards.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer program product of claim 25, wherein the instructions for altering the display of hazards includes instructions for removing the other of the hazards from the display.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
37 words
The computer program product of claim 25, wherein the instructions for altering the display of hazards includes instructions for redisplaying the proximate hazard in a second display mode that is more emphasized than the first display mode.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
34 words
The computer program product of claim 25, further comprising instructions for generating a display of features of topography beneath the hazard zone in a second de-emphasized display mode contrasting to the first display mode.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
33 words
The computer program product of claim 28, further comprising instructions for removing from the display of the features, in response to the detecting, information indicative of at least one feature of the features.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
62 words
The computer program product of claim 25, further comprising instructions for receiving data indicative of a speed of the aircraft; wherein the instructions for detecting the proximate hazard includes instructions for detecting for the proximate hazard based further on the speed of the aircraft and the position of the proximate hazard at which a hazard avoidance action by the aircraft is desirable.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computer program product of claim 30, further comprising: instructions for determining a course of action to avoid the proximate hazard; and instructions for communicating the course of action to the observer.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer program product of claim 31, wherein the instructions for communicating the course of action includes instructions for audibly communicating the course of action.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-06-13 | 2003-12-13 | 2004-06-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-06-13 | 2007-12-13 | 2008-06-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-06-13 | 2011-12-13 | 2012-06-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |