초록 ▼

The present invention comprises systems and methods for preventing collisions between aircraft and ground vehicles. In one embodiment, a system includes a proximity detection unit and a transducer proximate to a selected structural portion of an aircraft, the proximity detection unit being operable

The present invention comprises systems and methods for preventing collisions between aircraft and ground vehicles. In one embodiment, a system includes a proximity detection unit and a transducer proximate to a selected structural portion of an aircraft, the proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the transducer and to receive reflected signals through the transducer to determine the position of an object within a ranging area adjacent to the structural portion. The system further includes an alarm device coupled to the proximity detection unit that is responsive to a signal generated by the proximity detection unit. In another embodiment, a method includes determining a distance between the ground service vehicle and a selected structural portion of the aircraft when the vehicle is positioned in a ranging area about the aircraft. The method further includes generating a proximity alarm based upon the distance.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A ground vehicle collision prevention system, comprising:an aircraft-based proximity detection unit positioned at least proximate to a stationary aircraft and coupled to at least one aircraft-based transducer proximate to at least one selected structural portion of the station

What is claimed is: 1. A ground vehicle collision prevention system, comprising:an aircraft-based proximity detection unit positioned at least proximate to a stationary aircraft and coupled to at least one aircraft-based transducer proximate to at least one selected structural portion of the stationary aircraft, the aircraft-based proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the at least one aircraft-based transducer and to receive reflected signals through the at least one aircraft-based transducer, the aircraft-based proximity detection unit being operable to generate a first proximity alarm signal when a moving ground vehicle is detected within a ranging area, the first proximity alarm signal being communicated to at least one aircraft-based alarm device; anda vehicle-based proximity detection unit positioned on the moving ground vehicle and coupled to at least one vehicle-based transducer positioned on the moving ground vehicle, the vehicle-based proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the at least one vehicle-based transducer positioned on the moving ground vehicle and to receive reflected signals through the at least one vehicle-based transducer, the vehicle-based proximity detection unit being operable to generate a second proximity alarm signal when the moving ground vehicle is within the ranging area, the second proximity alarm signal being communicated to at least one vehicle-based alarm device, at least one of the aircraft-based proximity detection unit and the vehicle-based proximity detection unit comprising an ultrasonic detection and ranging apparatus.