Method and a system for guiding an aircraft to a docking station
US6100964A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64F1/002
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
For guiding an airplane to a docking station in an airport, a two-dimensional thermal IR image of a station approach zone is formed from a determined point close to said docking station, Entrance of an airplane into the approach zone and locations of IR features of the landing gear of the airplane are detected on arrival of an airplane. The distance between the airplane and the station is computed from stored characteristics of the landing gear of the airplane expected at the station and from the locations as well as any difference between a current path followed by the airplane and a set path for the airplane to arrive at the docking station in a determined orientation. A system for implementing the method and displaying instructions for the aircraft pilot is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.