Abstract: Navigation methods and devices are described, in particular for use in vehicle navigation systems. If alternative recommendation is needed, essentially only the information ( 40 ) necessary for driving an alternative section of the original route is transmitted from a traffic control center to the vehicle navigation system. This information represents essentially only deviations from the route calculated in the vehicle navigation system.

Abstract: Typically, Enhanced Vision (EV) systems consist of two main parts, sensor vision and synthetic vision. Synthetic vision usually generates a virtual out-the-window view using databases and accurate navigation data, e. g. provided by differential GPS (DGPS). The reliability of the synthetic vision highly depends on both, the accuracy of the used database and the integrity of the navigation data. But especially in GPS based systems, the integrity of the navigation can't be guaranteed. Furthermore, only objects that are stored in the database can be displayed to the pilot. Consequently, unexpected obstacles are invisible and this might cause severe problems. Therefore, additional information has to be extracted from sensor data to overcome these problems. In particular, the sensor data analysis has to identify obstacles and has to monitor the integrity of databases and navigation. Furthermore, if a lack of integrity arises, navigation data, e.g. the relative position of runway and aircraft, has to be extracted directly from the sensor data. The main contribution of this paper is about the realization of these three sensor data analysis tasks within our EV system, which uses the HiVision 35 GHz MMW radar of EADS, Ulm as the primary EV sensor. For the integrity monitoring, objects extracted from radar images are registered with both database objects and objects (e. g. other aircrafts) transmitted via data link. This results in a classification into known and unknown radar image objects and consequently, in a validation of the integrity of database and navigation. Furthermore, special runway structures are searched for in the radar image where they should appear. The outcome of this runway check contributes to the integrity analysis, too. Concurrent to this investigation a radar image based navigation is performed without using neither precision navigation nor detailed database information to determine the aircraft's position relative to the runway. The performance of our approach is demonstrated with real data acquired during extensive flight tests to several airports in Northern Germany.

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to use a function of the navigation system more effectively in comparison with the conventional system, when it is applied to a route guidance for example, relating to a navigation system, a navigation method and a program of the navigation system. SOLUTION: Information is obtained from the response to a question that to a user, and the corresponding service is provided to the user. COPYRIGHT: (C)2002,JPO

Abstract: This paper describes the design and development of an experimental GIS prototype that may be used to assist experienced pilots, student pilots and flight instructors for post-flight evaluation of navigation performance. The system is developed as a GIS experimental application which employs geographical data derived from the Digital Chart of the World integrated with airspace data derived from the ICAO 1:500,000 Aeronautical Chart. Real-time data are collected and integrated within a monitoring computing environment from external sensors which include GPS, altitude and relative motion sensors. This enables the generation of multi-layered digital maps and navigation data capable of being rapidly re-configured to enhance visualization by abstraction. The integration of real time navigation data with geographical data facilitates airborne decision-making, cockpit management, and makes a valuable contribution to flight safety.

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a navigation support equipment which enables realization of economical air transportation, maintaining safety, an aircraft on which this navigation support equipment is mounted, a navigation supporting method, and to provide a navigation support processing program. SOLUTION: An estimated time of arrival (ETA) at a target point is calculated, and its difference from a required time of arrival (RTA) at the target is found. By a time error obtained from this, the speed of the aircraft is multiplied, and the time error is converted into a distance error. The distance error is displayed as a symbol of ΔPTIME in a display portion 3. Consequently, the time error relating to the flight of the aircraft is visualized and displayed as a distance error. Moreover, an alarm such as a display message, audio message, or the like is raised, if the distance error exceeds a predetermined threshold value. COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Abstract: The availability of the Global Positioning System (GPS) for airborne applications is driven by the accuracy, integrity, and continuity of the system. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS) for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) describe these requirements for each phase of flight [ICAO, 2000]. The availability requirement is provided as a range of values instead of one specific number so there is flexibility for the intended operation, traffic density, complexity of airspace, and availability of alternative navigation aids. Individual countries need to determine what level of implementation of satellite navigation is acceptable for their airspace. This paper examines the various options available for GNSS, ranging from standalone use of the signal to augmentation systems involving the use of differential corrections.This paper also discusses systems that the U.S. and several other countries have implemented to disseminate information regard...