Systems and methods for collision avoidance
First Claim
1. A method comprising performing ground-based service operations on an aircraft having a fuselage, nacelle and wings, the method including using a plurality of proximity warning devices on the aircraft to scan respective areas in front of selected portions of the nacelle, fuselage and wings of the aircraft while at least one ground-based service vehicle performs ground service operations on the aircraft;
- and warning a vehicle operator whose vehicle enters a scanned area and approaches a safety clearance of the aircraft.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for collision avoidance are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a proximity warning system operatively coupled to the aircraft and adapted to monitor a scanning area proximate a selected portion of the aircraft. The scanning area is monitored using the proximity warning system. A ground-based device within the scanning area is detected using the proximity warning system, and a distance between the ground-based device and the selected portion on the aircraft is determined using the proximity warning system. If the distance between the ground-based device and the selected portion does not exceed a selected minimum distance, then a warning signal is provided. In alternate embodiments, the proximity warning system provides a second warning signal distinguishable from the warning signal.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method comprising performing ground-based service operations on an aircraft having a fuselage, nacelle and wings, the method including using a plurality of proximity warning devices on the aircraft to scan respective areas in front of selected portions of the nacelle, fuselage and wings of the aircraft while at least one ground-based service vehicle performs ground service operations on the aircraft;
- and warning a vehicle operator whose vehicle enters a scanned area and approaches a safety clearance of the aircraft.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. An aircraft, comprising:
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a structural assembly including a fuselage, nacelles and wings; and a plurality of proximity warning devices operatively coupled to the aircraft for scanning respective areas in front of selected portions of the fuselage, nacelles and wings while ground-based service equipment is performing ground service operations on the aircraft, the selected portions susceptible to damage by the ground-based equipment during the ground service operations, each proximity warning device configured to determine; a first monitored distance between an object positioned in the corresponding scanning area and the selected portion, and to provide a first warning signal when the first monitored distance does not exceed a selected minimum distance; and a second monitored distance between the object and the selected portion; and
if the second monitored distance does not exceed a second selected minimum distance, to provide a second warning signal distinguishable from the first warning signal. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8)
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Specification