Stephen E Pratt

US Patent:

20090088916, Apr 2, 2009

Filed:

Jun 4, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/133321

Inventors:

Michael R. Elgersma - Plymouth MN, US
Samar Dajani-Brown - Blaine MN, US
Stephen G. Pratt - St. Louis Park MN, US
Kingsley O.C. Fregene - Sicklerville NJ, US
Kartik B. Ariyur - Minneapolis MN, US

Assignee:

HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC. - Morristown NJ

International Classification:

B60W 40/04
G06F 17/14
G01C 21/00
G01C 21/26

US Classification:

701 23

Abstract:

Method and systems of traversing through a domain is provided. One method comprises getting a set of widely spaced waypoints, assigning the next waypoint to be the goal, then using a Laplacian path planner to construct a desired finely detailed path towards the goal, through the domain that avoids boundaries and objects in the domain. Assigning a potential value of v(r)=0 for r on boundaries and obstacles. Assigning a potential value of v(r)=−1 for r on a goal region, wherein the goal is a point on a planned path. Obtaining a numerical solution to the desired path with a Laplace's equation by gridding up the domain with a multi-sized cell grid, wherein the cells near an object are denser then the cells away from the objects. Iteratively setting a potential at each interior point equal to the average of its nearest neighbors and following the numerical solution provided by the Laplace's equation to the goal region.

US Patent:

20050043934, Feb 24, 2005

Filed:

Aug 22, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/645705

Inventors:

Gary Hartmann - Fridley MN, US
Stephen Pratt - St. Louis Park MN, US

International Classification:

G06F017/10

US Classification:

703002000

Abstract:

The accuracy of flight management systems, based on mathematical prediction models calculated from aircraft specific data, are improved by adding engine sensor data to the calculations, checking sensor and pilot entered data, and comparing data measured from redundant sensors. A thrust estimate, calculated from available engine sensors, is added to the thrust-minus-drag aircraft model allowing prediction parameters to be accurately calculated even in a cruise condition. Sensor data and pilot entered data used in calculating predication parameters are checked to improve accuracy. Redundant sensor data is compared to determine the level of agreement. Redundant sensor data is also compared with a valid data range to find the sensor with the most accurate data.