Ground vehicle collision prevention systems and methods

• US 20060066470A1
• Filed: 09/30/2004
• Published: 03/30/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Anderson, David M., Renton, William J., Avery, Robert L., Banks, David L., Akdeniz, Aydin
• Granted Patent: US 7,379,165 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 342/29
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/48 for parking purposes
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/525 automatically indicating risk of collision between vehicles in traffic or with pedestrians, e.g. after risk assessment using the vehicle sensor data
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 5/006 indicating risk of collision between vehicles or with pedestrians
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 1/3055 with hinged head interface between aircraft and passenger bridge
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/931 of land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/934 on airport surfaces, e.g. while taxiing
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/9323 Alternative operation using light waves
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 5/0082 for monitoring traffic from a ground station radar or analogous systems specially adapted for traffic control G01S13/91
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 5/045 Navigation or guidance aids, e.g. determination of anti-collision manoeuvers radar or analogous systems specially adapted for anti-collision between aircraft G01S13/933
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 5/065 Navigation or guidance aids, e.g. for taxiing or rolling
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 367/909 Collision avoidance

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A ground vehicle collision prevention system, comprising:

a proximity detection unit positioned at least proximate to an aircraft and coupled to at least one transducer proximate to at least one selected structural portion of the aircraft, the proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the at least one transducer and to receive reflected signals through the at least one transducer to determine the position of an object within a ranging area adjacent to the selected structural portion; and

at least one alarm device coupled to the proximity detection unit that is responsive to a proximity alarm signal generated by the proximity detection unit.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the proximity detection unit comprises a radio frequency detection and ranging apparatus (RADAR), and the at least one transducer comprises an antenna suited for use at microwave radio frequencies.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the proximity detection unit comprises a light frequency detection and ranging apparatus (LIDAR), and the at least one transducer comprises a photo emitter and photo detector suited for use at light frequencies.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the proximity detection unit comprises an ultrasonic detection and ranging apparatus, and the at least one transducer comprises an ultrasonic transducer.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one alarm device comprises at least one of an audio alarm device and a visual alarm device.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the ranging area is subdivided into at least a first field region adjacent to the at least one selected structural portion, and the proximity detection unit is operable to generate a first alarm signal characteristic when the object is positioned within the first field region.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first alarm signal characteristic comprises a steady audible tone at a selected audio frequency.

8. The system of claim 6, further comprising a second field region adjacent to the first field region and spaced apart from the at least one structural portion, wherein the proximity detection unit is operable to generate a second alarm signal characteristic when the object is positioned within the second field region.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the second alarm signal characteristic comprises an intermittent audible tone at a selected audio frequency.

10. The system of claim 8, further comprising a third field region adjacent to the second field region and spaced apart from the first field region, wherein the proximity detection unit is operable to generate a third alarm signal characteristic when the object is positioned within the third field region.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the third alarm signal characteristic comprises an intermittent audible tone at a selected audio frequency.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the aircraft-based proximity detection unit and the vehicle-based proximity detection unit comprises a radio frequency detection and ranging apparatus (RADAR).

14. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the aircraft-based proximity detection unit and the vehicle-based proximity detection unit comprises a light frequency detection and ranging apparatus (LIDAR).

15. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the aircraft-based proximity detection unit and the vehicle-based proximity detection unit comprises an ultrasonic detection and ranging apparatus.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one aircraft-based alarm device and the at least one vehicle-based alarm device comprises at least one of an audio alarm device and a visual alarm device.

12. A ground vehicle collision prevention system, comprising:

an aircraft-based proximity detection unit positioned at least proximate to an aircraft and coupled to at least one aircraft-based transducer proximate to at least one selected structural portion of the 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 proximity alarm signal when the vehicle is detected within a ranging area, the proximity alarm signal being communicated to at least one aircraft-based alarm device; and

a vehicle-based proximity detection unit positioned on the vehicle and coupled to at least one vehicle-based transducer positioned on the vehicle, the vehicle-based proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the at least one vehicle-based transducer positioned on the 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 proximity alarm signal when the vehicle is within the ranging area, the proximity alarm signal being communicated to at least one vehicle-based alarm device.

17. A ground vehicle collision prevention system, comprising:

a proximity detection unit positioned at least proximate to an aircraft and coupled to at least one transducer proximate to at least one selected structural portion of the aircraft, the proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the at least one transducer and to receive reflected signals through the at least one transducer, the proximity detection unit being operable to generate a proximity alarm signal when the vehicle is detected within a ranging area, the proximity alarm signal further including a critical proximity alarm signal that is generated when the vehicle is positioned at a predetermined critical distance from the at least one selected structural portion of the aircraft;

a transmitter coupled to the proximity detection unit that is operable to transmit the critical proximity alarm signal to a corresponding receiver positioned in the vehicle; and

a control system coupled to the receiver that is operable to stop motion of the vehicle when the critical proximity alarm signal is received.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the proximity detection unit comprises a radio frequency detection and ranging apparatus (RADAR), and the at least one transducer comprises an antenna suited for use at microwave radio frequencies.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the proximity detection unit comprises a light frequency detection and ranging apparatus (LIDAR), and the at least one transducer comprises a photoemitter and photodetector suited for use at light frequencies.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the proximity detection unit comprises an ultrasonic detection and ranging apparatus, and the at least one transducer comprises an ultrasonic transducer.

21. The system of claim 17, further comprising at least one of an audio alarm device and a visual alarm device configured to receive the proximity alarm signals.

22. The system of claim 17, wherein the vehicle includes an electrical energy source coupled to an electric motor, and the control system is operable to interrupt a current between the electrical energy source and the electric motor when the critical proximity alarm signal is received.

23. The system of claim 17, wherein the vehicle includes a fuel source coupled to an internal combustion engine, and the control system is operable to interrupt a fuel flow between the fuel source and the engine when the critical proximity alarm signal is received.

24. The system of claim 17, wherein the vehicle includes an ignition system that receives electrical energy from an electrical energy source, and provides ignition energy to an internal combustion engine, and the control system is operable to interrupt the electrical energy to the ignition system when the critical proximity alarm signal is received.

25. The system of claim 17, wherein the vehicle includes a vehicle braking system and the control system is operable to actuate the braking system when the critical proximity alarm signal is received.

26. A ground vehicle collision prevention system, comprising:

a proximity detection unit positioned at least proximate to an aircraft and coupled to at least one transducer proximate to at least one selected structural portion of the aircraft, the proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the at least one transducer and to receive reflected signals through the at least one transducer, the proximity detection unit being operable to generate a proximity alarm signal when the vehicle is detected within a ranging area adjacent to the selected structural portion;

a first transceiver coupled to the proximity detection unit and operable to exchange information with a second transceiver positioned on the vehicle;

a first processor coupled to the proximity detection unit operable to store selected aircraft information; and

a second processor coupled to second transceiver operable to store selected vehicle information.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the proximity detection unit comprises a radio frequency detection and ranging apparatus (RADAR), and the at least one transducer comprises an antenna suited for use at microwave radio frequencies.

28. The system of claim 26, wherein the proximity detection unit comprises a light frequency detection and ranging apparatus (LIDAR), and the at least one transducer comprises a photoemitter and photodetector suited for use at light frequencies.

29. The system of claim 26, wherein the proximity detection unit comprises an ultrasonic detection and ranging apparatus, and the at least one transducer comprises an ultrasonic transducer.

30. The system of claim 26, wherein the selected aircraft information includes at least one of an aircraft model and selected aircraft dimensional information.

31. The system of claim 26, wherein the selected vehicle information includes at least one of a vehicle model, selected vehicle dimensional information and an identity of a vehicle operator.

32. The system of claim 26, further comprising at least one of an audio alarm device and a visual alarm device configured to receive the proximity alarm signals.

33. A ground vehicle collision prevention system, comprising:

a proximity detection unit positioned at least proximate to an aircraft and coupled to a first ground positioning receiver operable to receive a ground position of the aircraft and further coupled to a first transceiver operable to communicate the aircraft ground position, and a second transceiver positioned on the vehicle and configured to communicate with the first transceiver, the second transceiver being coupled to a second ground positioning receiver operable to receive a ground position of the vehicle, the proximity detection unit being further operable to process the ground position of the aircraft and the ground position of the vehicle to determine a distance between a selected aircraft structural portion and the vehicle and generate a proximity alarm signal when the vehicle is positioned within a ranging area; and

at least one alarm device coupled to the proximity detection unit that is responsive to the proximity alarm signal generated by the proximity detection unit.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein the first ground positioning receiver and the second ground positioning receiver further comprise GPS receivers.

35. The system of claim 33, wherein the at least one alarm device comprises at least one of an audio alarm device and a visual alarm device.

36. The system of claim 33, wherein the ranging area is subdivided into at least a first field region adjacent to the at least one selected structural portion, and the proximity detection unit is operable to generate a first alarm signal characteristic when the object is positioned within the first field region.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein the first alarm signal characteristic comprises a steady audible tone at a selected audio frequency.

38. The system of claim 36, further comprising a second field region adjacent to the first field region and spaced apart from the at least one structural portion, wherein the proximity detection unit is operable to generate a second alarm signal characteristic when the object is positioned within the second field region.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein the second alarm signal characteristic comprises an intermittent audible tone at a selected audio frequency.

40. The system of claim 38, further comprising a third field region adjacent to the second field region and spaced apart from the first field region, wherein the proximity detection unit is operable to generate a third alarm signal characteristic when the object is positioned within the third field region.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein the third alarm signal characteristic comprises an intermittent audible tone at a selected audio frequency.

42. An aerospace vehicle, comprising:

a fuselage;

a propulsion system operatively coupled to the fuselage; and

a ground vehicle collision prevention system including;

a proximity detection unit positioned on the aerospace vehicle and coupled to at least one transducer proximate to at least one selected structural portion of the aerospace vehicle, the proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the at least one transducer and to receive reflected signals through the at least one transducer to determine the position of an object within a ranging area adjacent to the selected structural portion; and

a response unit coupled to the proximity detection unit that is responsive to a proximity alarm signal generated by the proximity detection unit, the response unit including at least one of an alarm device adapted to transmit a warning signal to an operator of a ground vehicle and a control signal generator adapted to transmit a control signal to a control system of the ground vehicle.

43. The aerospace vehicle of claim 42, wherein the proximity detection unit comprises a radio frequency detection and ranging apparatus (RADAR), and the at least one transducer comprises an antenna suited for use at microwave radio frequencies.

44. The aerospace vehicle of claim 42, wherein the proximity detection unit comprises a light frequency detection and ranging apparatus (LIDAR), and the at least one transducer comprises a photoemitter and photodetector suited for use at light frequencies.

45. The aerospace vehicle of claim 42, wherein the proximity detection unit comprises an ultrasonic detection and ranging apparatus, and the at least one transducer comprises an ultrasonic transducer.

46. The aerospace vehicle of claim 42, wherein the at least one alarm device comprises at least one of an audio alarm device and a visual alarm device.

47. The aerospace vehicle of claim 42, wherein the ranging area is subdivided into at least a first field region adjacent to the at least one selected structural portion, and the proximity detection unit is operable to generate a first alarm signal characteristic when the object is positioned within the first field region.

48. The aerospace vehicle of claim 47, wherein the first alarm signal characteristic comprises a steady audible tone at a selected audio frequency.

49. The aerospace vehicle of claim 47, further comprising a second field region adjacent to the first field region and spaced apart from the at least one structural portion, wherein the proximity detection unit is operable to generate a second alarm signal characteristic when the object is positioned within the second field region.

50. The aerospace vehicle of claim 49, wherein the second alarm signal characteristic comprises an intermittent audible tone at a selected audio frequency.

51. The aerospace vehicle of claim 49, further comprising a third field region adjacent to the second field region and spaced apart from the first field region, wherein the proximity detection unit is operable to generate a third alarm signal characteristic when the object is positioned within the third field region.

52. The aerospace vehicle of claim 51, wherein the third alarm signal characteristic comprises an intermittent audible tone at a selected audio frequency.

62. The method of claim 59, aerospace vehicle of claim 49, wherein the second alarm signal characteristic comprises an intermittent audible tone at a selected audio frequency.

53. A method of preventing a collision between an aircraft and a ground service vehicle, comprising:

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; and

generating at least one of a proximity alarm to an operator of the vehicle, and a control signal to a control system of the vehicle, based upon the distance.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein determining a distance between the ground service vehicle and a selected structural portion of the aircraft further comprises determining the distance using a radio frequency detection and ranging apparatus (RADAR).

55. The method of claim 53, wherein determining a distance between the ground service vehicle and a selected structural portion of the aircraft further comprises determining the distance using a light frequency detection and ranging apparatus (LIDAR).

56. The method of claim 53, wherein determining a distance between the ground service vehicle and a selected structural portion of the aircraft further comprises determining the distance using an ultrasonic detection and ranging apparatus.

57. The method of claim 53, wherein determining a distance between the ground service vehicle and a selected structural portion of the aircraft further comprises determining the distance using a ground positioning system (GPS).

58. The method of claim 53, wherein generating a proximity alarm based upon the distance further comprises generating at least one of an audible alarm and a visible alarm.

59. The method of claim 53, wherein generating a proximity alarm based upon the distance further comprises subdividing the ranging area into at least a first field region adjacent to the at least one selected structural portion, and generating a first alarm signal characteristic when the vehicle is positioned within the first field region.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein generating a first alarm signal characteristic further comprises generating a steady audible tone at a selected audio frequency.

61. The method of claim 59, wherein subdividing the ranging area into at least a first field region adjacent to the at least one selected structural portion further comprises subdividing the ranging area into a second field region adjacent to the first field region and spaced apart from the at least one structural portion, and generating a second alarm signal characteristic when the vehicle is positioned within the second field region.

63. The method of claim 61, wherein subdividing the ranging area into a second field region adjacent to the first field region further comprises subdividing the second field region into a third field region adjacent to the second field region and spaced apart from the first field region, and generating a third alarm signal characteristic when the vehicle is positioned within the third field region.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein generating the third alarm signal characteristic comprises generating an intermittent audible tone at a selected audio frequency.

65. A ground vehicle collision prevention system for use with an aircraft, comprising:

a proximity detection unit adapted to be positioned at least proximate to the aircraft and including a sensor adapted to emit at least one ranging signal and to receive at least one reflected signal to determine the position of an object within a ranging area proximate the aircraft; and

a response unit coupled to the proximity detection unit, the response unit including at least one of an alarm device adapted to transmit a warning signal, and a controller adapted to transmit a control signal to a control system of the ground vehicle, in response to the at least one reflected signal.