초록 ▼

A ground proximity warning system utilizes geographic position data to alter the warning criteria as is required by the terrain features of particular geographic areas. To determine whether the aircraft is within a particular geographic area, the world is subdivided into latitude bands that are in t

A ground proximity warning system utilizes geographic position data to alter the warning criteria as is required by the terrain features of particular geographic areas. To determine whether the aircraft is within a particular geographic area, the world is subdivided into latitude bands that are in turn subdivided into non-overlapping zones by predetermined lines of longitude, with the position of each zone being defined by the latitude and longitude coordinates of one of its corners. The zones are further defined by regions which may overlap other zones. The regions are limited in size, and their positions are also defined by the locations of one of their corners. The regions are further subdivided into one or more geographic areas that are defined by their shapes and locations within the region. Inputs from the navigational system of the aircraft are used successively to determine whether the aircraft is in a particular latitude band, zone, region and area, and adjustments to the warning criteria are made to optimize the performance of the warning system for the area in which the aircraft is flying. A “snapshot”is made over known territory to verify the validity of the barometric altitude signal before any modification to the warning criteria is made.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for determining the geographic location of a vehicle relative to predetermined geographic areas comprising the steps of: storing data representative of predetermined longitudes and latitudes; monitoring the present longitude and latitude of the vehicle; successively comparing one of the pre

A method for determining the geographic location of a vehicle relative to predetermined geographic areas comprising the steps of: storing data representative of predetermined longitudes and latitudes; monitoring the present longitude and latitude of the vehicle; successively comparing one of the present longitude or latitude with respective longitude or latitude representative data to define one of a longitude or latitude band in which the vehicle is located; after said one of said longitude or latitutde bands has been defined, successively comparing the other of the present longitude or latitude with respective stored longitude or latitude representative data within the defined band, to define the other of the longitude or latitude bands in which the vehicle is located, the intersection of said latitude band said longitude band defining a zone; retrieving stored data representative of a predetermined region in said zone; retrieving stored data representative of a predetermined area in said region; and comparing the present longitude and latitude of said vehicle with the retrieved data to determine if the vehicle is located in a region or in an area.