Mobile ground marking safety indication from aircraft and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile ground marking safety indication from an aircraft and a method. Disclosed are methods for establishing visually detectable ground markings (including in sunlight) Devices, systems, and methods are provided that provide a visually detectable ground image formed by a high intensity light energy source located onboard an aircraft to specify a visually detectable unsafe ground traffic area from a safe ground traffic area proximate to and beneath the aircraft, and to specify a visually detectable unsafe ground traffic area from a safe ground traffic area proximate to and beneath the aircraft, by providing a visually detectable ground image formed by a high intensity light energy source located onboard the aircraft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of area security marking. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the field of indicating safe passage zones in an area. Background Art

[0002] Ground markings for aircraft, such as near gates, include permanent markings indicating the desired location of the aircraft's arrival gate. Such ground markings are typically colored markings visible by daylight and further visible to ground crew and aircraft crew at night if the markings are appropriately illuminated.

[0003] Such ground markings may be used to indicate to ground personnel, including service personnel, areas where transportation is safe, and / or to warn such ground personnel and / or service personnel that damage to the aircraft may occur if, for example, a ground vehicle is transported in an unsafe area indicated by the ground markings.

[0004] The ability of ground markings to provide safety and prevent strikes from ground vehicles depends on the visibility of the ground markings and the compliance of ground crews / service personnel in observing the ground markings. The inability of ground vehicles and ground crews to reliably sense and observe ground markings can result in damage to the aircraft, aircraft structures, aircraft subassemblies (and ground vehicles charged to service the aircraft), including damage to aircraft structures located relatively close to the ground when the aircraft is on the ground.

[0005] Unless explicitly identified as such, no statement herein is admitted to be prior art merely by virtue of its inclusion in the Technical Field and / or Background sections. Summary of the invention

[0006] Aspects of the present invention relate to an apparatus for designating an unsafe ground area approaching an aircraft, the apparatus comprising a light energy array, the light energy array comprising a light energy source, the light energy array being configured to direct light energy from the light energy array onto a ground target area to form a ground target area visible image within a ground target area visible image perimeter, and the ground target area visible image perimeter image is located at a selected distance from the light energy array. The apparatus also includes: a housing configured to hold the light energy source at a selected position on an aircraft structure of the aircraft; and a power source in communication with the light energy source, and wherein the ground target area visible image perimeter is visible to human eyes in daylight, and the ground target area visible image perimeter is further visible to human eyes at night.

[0007] In another aspect, the ground target area visible image perimeter identifies a no-ground-travel zone within the ground target area visible image perimeter.

[0008] In another aspect, the power source is located onboard the aircraft.

[0009] In another aspect, the light energy array is located on the aircraft structure, the light energy array being located at a distance in a range of about 5 feet to about 20 feet from a ground target area.

[0010] In another aspect, the light energy source is a high intensity light energy source.

[0011] In another aspect, the optical energy source comprises a laser.

[0012] In another aspect, the light energy source includes a focused LED array.

[0013] In another aspect, the ground target area visible image perimeter is configured to give the appearance of movement on the ground based on a changing appearance of the ground target area visible image.

[0014] In another aspect, the ground target area visible image perimeter is configured to move relative to the ground based on a changing position of the aircraft.

[0015] In another aspect, the ground target area visible image perimeter is a continuous ground target area visible image perimeter.

[0016] On the other hand, the ground target area visible image perimeter is a discontinuous ground target area perimeter visible image.

[0017] In another aspect, the ground target area visible image perimeter is configured to change color from at least a first color to a second color.

[0018] In another aspect, the ground target area visible image perimeter includes a selected design.

[0019] In another aspect, the design is configured to give the appearance of movement.

[0020] In another aspect, the apparatus further includes a sequencer, which may be at least one of a signal sequencer and an optical sequencer, the sequencer being in communication with the optical energy array.

[0021] In another aspect, the light energy source is configured to transmit light energy from the light energy source at an intensity in a range of about 20,000 lux to about 30,000 lux measured at the ground at a distance between the ground and the light energy source in a range of about 5 feet to about 20 feet.

[0022] Another aspect of the invention relates to an aircraft structure of an aircraft, the aircraft structure including an apparatus for designating an unsafe ground area approaching the aircraft, the apparatus including a light energy array, the light energy array including a light energy source, the light energy array being configured to direct light energy from the light energy array onto a ground target area to form a ground target area visible image perimeter, and the ground target area visible image perimeter image is located at a selected distance from the light energy array. The apparatus also includes: a housing configured to hold the light energy source at a selected position on the aircraft structure of the aircraft; and a power source in communication with the light energy source, and wherein the ground target area visible image perimeter is visible to human eyes in daylight, and the ground target area visible image perimeter is further visible to human eyes at night.

[0023] Another aspect of the invention relates to an aircraft including an aircraft structure, the aircraft structure including an apparatus for designating an unsafe ground area approaching the aircraft, the apparatus including a light energy array, the light energy array including a light energy source, the light energy array being configured to direct light energy from the light energy array onto a ground target area to form a ground target area visible image perimeter, and the ground target area visible image perimeter image is located at a selected distance from the light energy array. The apparatus also includes: a housing configured to hold the light energy source at a selected position on the aircraft structure of the aircraft; and a power source in communication with the light energy source, and wherein the ground target area visible image perimeter is visible to the human eye in daylight, and the ground target area visible image perimeter is further visible to the human eye at night.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system for designating an unsafe ground area from a safe ground area approaching an aircraft, the system comprising a light energy array including a light energy source, the light energy array being configured to direct light energy from the light energy source onto a ground target area to form a ground target area visible image having a ground target area visible image perimeter, the ground target area visible image perimeter being located at a selected distance from the light energy array. The system further comprises: a housing configured to hold the light energy array at a selected position on an aircraft structure of the aircraft; a power source in communication with the light energy source; a controller in communication with at least one of the power source and the light energy source; and a sequencer in communication with the controller, the power source and at least one of the light energy source; wherein the ground target area visible image perimeter is visible to the human eye in daylight, and the ground target area visible image perimeter is further visible to the human eye at night.

[0025] In another aspect, the system further includes a sensor in communication with at least one of the power source and the controller, the sensor configured to confirm a position of the aircraft on the ground.

[0026] In another aspect, the ground target area visible image perimeter identifies a no-ground-travel zone within the ground target area visible image perimeter.

[0027] In another aspect, the ground target area visible image perimeter includes the ground target area visible image.

[0028] In another aspect, the ground target area visible image perimeter includes a continuous ground target area visible image perimeter that remains unchanged during illumination.

[0029] In another aspect, the ground target area visible image includes a discontinuous ground target area visible image perimeter that changes appearance during illumination.

[0030] In another aspect, the ground target area visible image perimeter is configured to change color from at least a first color to a second color.

[0031] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an aircraft structure, the aircraft structure including a system for designating an unsafe ground area from a safe ground area approaching an aircraft, the system including a light energy array, the light energy array including a light energy source, the light energy array being configured to direct light energy from the light energy source onto a ground target area to form a ground target area visible image within a ground target area visible image perimeter, when the ground target area visible image is located at a selected distance from the light energy array. The system also includes: a housing configured to hold the light energy array at a selected position on the aircraft structure of the aircraft; a power source in communication with the light energy source; a controller in communication with at least one of the power source and the light energy source; and a sequencer in communication with the controller, the power source and at least one of the light energy source; wherein the ground target area visible image is visible to human eyes in daylight, and the ground target area visible image is further visible to human eyes at night.

[0032] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an aircraft, the aircraft including a system for designating an unsafe ground area from a safe ground area approaching the aircraft, the system including a light energy source array including a light energy source, the light energy source array being configured to direct light energy from the light energy source onto a ground target area to form a visible image of the ground target area, the visible image of the ground target area being located at a selected distance from the light energy source array. The system also includes: a housing configured to hold the light energy array at a selected position on an aircraft structure of the aircraft; a power source in communication with the light energy source; a controller in communication with at least one of the power source and the light energy source; and a sequencer in communication with the controller, the power source and at least one of the light energy source; wherein the visible image of the ground target area is visible to the human eye in daylight, and the visible image of the ground target area is further visible to the human eye at night.

[0033] The present invention also relates to a method for visually designating an unsafe ground area approaching an aircraft, the method comprising directing light energy from a laser located in an aircraft structure of the aircraft onto a ground target area, the laser being located in an aircraft structure of the aircraft, the ground target area being located below the aircraft structure, and the method further comprising forming a visible image of the ground target area at the ground target area.

[0034] In another aspect, the method includes indicating, at the ground target area, a no-ground-travel zone within a perimeter of a visible image of the ground target area.

[0035] In another aspect, the method further includes changing the appearance of the visible image of the ground target area.

[0036] In another aspect, the method further includes transmitting light energy from the light energy source at a distance between the ground and the light energy source in a range of about 5 feet to about 20 feet at an intensity in a range of about 20,000 lux to about 30,000 lux measured at the ground.

[0037] In another aspect, the method further includes determining that the aircraft is in contact with the ground.

[0038] In another approach, the method further includes activating the light energy source while the aircraft is on the ground.

[0039] In another aspect, the method further includes: forming a moving ground target area visible image perimeter when the aircraft moves on the ground.

[0040] The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various aspects or may be combined in yet other aspects, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Having thus generally described variations of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aircraft according to the present aspect;

[0043] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a light energy array according to the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 is a bottom view from below of a portion of an aircraft structure in the form of an aircraft wing according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 4A is a top plan view of an aircraft on the ground including a light energy array illuminating a target ground area according to the present invention;

[0046] Figure 4B is a top plan view of an aircraft on the ground including a light energy array illuminating a target ground area according to the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4C is a top plan view of an aircraft on the ground including a light energy array illuminating a target ground area according to the present invention;

[0048] Figure 5 is a side view of an aircraft on the ground including a light energy array illuminating a target ground image according to the present aspect;

[0049] Figure 6 is a block diagram outlining a system according to the present aspect;

[0050] Figure 7 is a flow chart outlining a method according to the present aspect;

[0051] Figure 8 is a flow chart outlining a method according to the present aspect;

[0052] Fig. 9 is a flow chart outlining a method according to the present aspect; and

[0053] Fig.10 is a flow chart outlining a method according to the present aspect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] As explained herein, a vehicle approaching an aircraft on the ground to service the aircraft may inadvertently collide with the aircraft, including striking aircraft structures, aircraft subassemblies, etc. This aspect relates to significant safety enhancements that increase the safety of ground personnel and provide a significantly enhanced safety environment that can avoid aircraft and vehicle damage when the aircraft is moving (e.g., on the ground at low speeds) and / or when the aircraft is stationary on the ground. This aspect also relates to the selected arrangement and selected appearance of temporary ground markings (equivalently referred to herein as "markings") that can be visually perceived by personnel on the ground approaching the aircraft, including personnel operating ground vehicles when the aircraft is stationary on the runway, at a gate, etc., and when the aircraft is moving on the ground (including, for example, when under power, during pushback, during taxiing, etc.).

[0055] Rather than relying on permanent stationary ground markings at or near gates that are provided to guide aircraft to safe locations and to warn or alert ground personnel of the risk of collision when ground vehicles are approaching aircraft, various aspects of the present invention are directed to improved mobile and stationary ground markings that are visually detectable by the human eye during the day and at night and are generated by light sources positioned on the aircraft. Other aspects of the present invention are directed to light-generated ground markings and safety markings that can travel with an aircraft to mark safe areas or areas close to aircraft structures from unsafe areas or unsafe areas close to aircraft structures (e.g., markings that distinguish unsafe "no" ground transportation zones or "paths" from safe "go" ground transportation zones or "paths", etc., where "no" ground transportation zones are equivalently referred to herein as "restricted areas", "no transportation zones", "no ground traffic zones", and / or "no traffic zones").

[0056] Failure of ground personnel (including ground personnel operating ground vehicles) to accurately and / or timely perceive prohibited areas within ground target areas in the vicinity of an aircraft may result in collisions, or otherwise cause damage to the aircraft structure and ground vehicles, devices moved by the ground vehicles (e.g., portable escalators, tanks, containers, etc.). Such damage to an aircraft due to collisions of ground vehicles with aircraft structures may require extensive aircraft repairs, which may place the aircraft out of service for an extended period of time, resulting in expensive and time-consuming repairs, and may complicate aircraft flight assignments and flight scheduling, for example.

[0057] Furthermore, for example, permanent ground markings (e.g., painted, etc.) or barriers or temporary ground markings or barriers (e.g., cones, barrels, etc.) that are commonly used as warnings to ground personnel of non-transit areas may be universally applied to aircraft types or "models" of different sizes that may have varying sizes but occupy the same gate. Additionally, confusing ground markings or ground markings based on multiple variations for each aircraft type that may be assigned to a common area, gate, space, etc. may further confuse ground personnel or may be misused, for example, through ground personnel error, etc.

[0058] Conventional light sources (which may already be present on an aircraft structure or affixed to a gate, and may visually mark a particular ground target area (but only at night)) may also encompass an area that is too large, or create a no ground transportation zone or areas that are too large and / or unnecessarily large, and may inhibit air transportation efficiency, especially when aircraft gate areas are expensive. Furthermore, even if a conventional lighting system at the gate area were feasible, such a conventional lighting system would be ineffective and otherwise useless for illuminating the ground target area during the day, so as to create a visually perceptible and visually detectable "no ground transportation zone" during the day.

[0059] Figure 1 1 is a diagram of an aircraft 10, which includes a fuselage 11, a wing assembly 12, an engine assembly 14, a vertical stabilizer 16a, a horizontal stabilizer 16b, a tail section 17, and a nose 18. The wing assembly 12 also includes an aircraft winglet 12a and a winglet light housing 12b. The nose 18 also includes a head light housing 18a, and the tail section 17 also includes a tail light housing 17a. Figure 1 Also shown is a light housing 14a that can be positioned on the engine assembly 14 and can also be positioned on an aircraft structure proximate to an aircraft engine assembly (e.g., a wing assembly) so that, for example, the "engine" light housing 14a can transmit a visually detectable beam of light to a ground target area located below the aircraft engine assembly. Therefore, although not limited to a location on the engine assembly 14, the light housing 14a is equivalently referred to herein as an engine assembly light housing 14a.

[0060] Figure 2 is a box diagram showing a light energy array 20 according to the present invention, which light energy array 20 can be combined with Figure 1 any lamp housing position shown, and as Figure 2 The illustrated light energy array 20 includes a housing 22 that communicates with a first light energy source 24 and additionally includes and combines the first light energy source 24, which can be, for example, a conventional lamp having a conventional light intensity; and a second light energy source 26, which can be a high-intensity light energy source, which can include, for example, a laser or other high-intensity light energy source. According to this aspect, and as explained herein, the high-intensity second light energy source 26 differs from the first light energy source 24 in that the second light energy source is configured to transmit a light energy beam at an intensity that is visible (e.g., visually detectable by the human eye) at a ground target area or region during the day (e.g., in daylight) and at night (e.g., low ambient light conditions). That is, in contrast to the second light energy source 26, the first light energy source 24 (if present) can generate and transmit a light beam to a ground target area that is only visually detectable at night.

[0061] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of an aircraft wing assembly 12 showing an aircraft winglet 12 a including a light energy array 20 , which also includes a first light energy source 24 and a second light energy source 26 . Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C is a top plan view of an aircraft 10 located on the ground, which may be, for example Figure 1The aircraft type shown in FIG. 1 and includes various light housings collectively referred to as “light energy arrays 20 ” that house first and second light energy sources 24 and 26 , respectively; although Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C As shown, the focus is on the second light energy source 26 (equivalently referred to herein as "high intensity light energy source"), but it should be understood that the light energy array 20 can also include the first light energy source 24, which can be conventional light having a conventional intensity. Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C Each of the further illustrates the aircraft 10 in a position above the ground, although Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C The aircraft 10 in FIG. 1 may represent an aircraft 10 that is in a stationary position on the ground or that is moving on the ground.

[0062] like Figure 4A As shown, the aircraft 10 includes a plurality of light energy arrays 20 located on the aircraft structure, and according to one example, the light energy arrays 20 are positioned on the aircraft structure location, which can be on the underside of the aircraft, as long as the light energy arrays 20 include a light energy source (which is equivalently referred to herein as a second light energy source 26), which is a high-intensity light energy source, which is configured to generate a high-intensity light energy beam from the high-intensity light energy source and otherwise transmit the high-intensity light energy beam to a ground target area. The distance from the high-intensity light energy source to the ground target area can vary, for example, depending on the type of aircraft structure under consideration (and, for example, protected by creating a "no-go" zone in the ground target area by a current visually detectable high-intensity light image). For example, the distance from the aircraft winglet 12a (or from a light energy array located at or within the aircraft winglet 12a) to the ground target area 30 can be a distance of about 8 feet to about 12 feet (and, in another example, about 10 feet); however, for example, the distance from the bottom of the engine assembly 14 (or from a light energy array located at or near the bottom of the engine assembly 14) to the ground target area 30 can be a distance in the range of from about 3 feet to about 5 feet (and in another example, about 4 feet).

[0063] The light intensity of the high-intensity light energy source is selected to transmit an image that is visually detectable at the ground target area (which is visually detectable in daylight). Therefore, as discussed herein, according to the present aspect, the light intensity of the high-intensity light energy source can be greater when the distance from the light energy source to the ground target area is greater, depending on the selected effect of providing and establishing the visually detectable image at the ground target area.

[0064] Back to Figure 4AWhen the high-intensity light energy source (i.e., the second light energy source 26) within the light energy array 20 is powered on, a high-intensity light beam 26a is emitted from the light energy source (i.e., the second light energy source 26), and the high-intensity light beam 26a is directed to the ground target area 30, and the high-intensity light beam 26a is configured to focus (e.g., shape, adjust, etc.) the light beam on the ground target area and form a visible image perimeter 32 of the ground target area, for example, through applied and / or incorporated optical elements. Although the visible image perimeter 32 of the ground target area is Figure 4A , but aspects of the invention contemplate forming a ground target area "perimeter" of any selected regular geometric shape (triangle, rectangle, octagon, polygon, etc.) or irregular shape, limited only by optical components (e.g., filters, apertures, reflectors, amplifiers, etc.) associated with the light energy array, selected for use in the light energy array and / or incorporated into the light energy array to adjust the light beam or otherwise "shape" the light beam.

[0065] The ground target area visible image perimeter 32 can be visually detectable during the day or at night (e.g., by the human eye) and can be formed to convey to, for example, ground personnel the understanding that the area within the ground target area visible image perimeter represents a "no-go zone" 34 that is not to be entered by such personnel and / or vehicles particularly operated by ground personnel.

[0066] In one example, the no-go zone 34 (and / or the ground target area 30) may be partially, completely, or substantially completely illuminated during the day (e.g., in daylight) and at night (e.g., in the absence of daylight). In another example, the no-go zone 34 within the ground target area perimeter 32 may not be illuminated; only the ground target area visible image perimeter 32 is illuminated as an illuminated "border" that surrounds the no-go zone 34 within the ground target area visible perimeter. As described herein, the actual area selected to be illuminated will be a function of the selected optics employed within or associated with the high-intensity light source within the light energy array. According to the present aspect, the establishment of an enhanced safety zone indicated by forming a ground target area visible image perimeter is considered to be equally effective in marking a no-go zone when: 1) the entirety of the no-go zone is illuminated and partially or completely visually detectable; and / or 2) only the ground target area visible image perimeter is illuminated and visually detectable.

[0067] According to other aspects of the invention, visually detectable light images on a ground target area during daytime as well as at nighttime may be visually detectable light-based images that may take on a variety of non-limiting forms and configurations, including but not limited to color changes, solid lines and / or solid line areas, dashed lines (e.g., line segments), and pulsed light sequences or mechanically interrupted light beams that give the appearance of movement of visually detectable light energy along and around the ground target area, for example, including an image perimeter visible at the ground target area.

[0068] Furthermore, light filtering and screening may be implemented within or outside the light energy array to produce moving and / or stationary images, which may include advertisements, notices (which include, for example, the words "Danger," "Warning," "Do Not Enter," etc., or repeating sequences of selected words and phrases. Furthermore, the selected image visually detectable on the ground target area may be or include a sign, scene, etc.

[0069] Figure 4B and Figure 4C is a top view of the aircraft 10 on the ground, which may be Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4A The aircraft shown in . Figure 4B As shown, the aircraft 10 includes Figure 4A In addition, Figure 4B , it is shown that the visually detectable light imaging occurring at the ground target area 30 is now shown as appearing as a "broken" or "discontinuous" line segment about the ground target area visible image perimeter 40 (whereas Figure 4A , visually detectable light imaging occurring at a ground target area 30 is shown as being presented as an "unbroken" or "continuous" line segment about a ground target area visible image perimeter 32). Figure 4B As shown, the area within the visible image perimeter 40 of the ground target area represents a "forbidden" passage zone 34 that can coexist with the ground target area 30 in the entire area, wherein the "forbidden" passage zone 34 represents an area and / or zone that ground personnel are not allowed to enter and / or pass through; in particular, vehicles operated by ground personnel.

[0070] Figure 4C Another example is shown in which the aircraft 10 includes a number of Figure 4A and Figure 4B Like numbered components in Figure 4C , the visually detectable light imaging occurring at the ground target area 30 is shown as appearing as a "broken" or "discontinuous" line segment around the ground target area visible image perimeter 42. However, in Figure 4CIn the embodiment of the present invention, additional concentric "dashed" line segments are presented to the ground target area in the form of a plurality of "dashed" light image "rings" occupying an area of ​​the ground target area 30 within the ground target area visible image perimeter 42. The substantially concentric "dashed" ring light images may have varying diameters to present a greater number of light images within the ground target area visible image perimeter, for example, to better illuminate, mark and "fill in" an area of ​​the "no-go" zone 34. Figure 4C As shown, the area within the visible image perimeter 42 of the ground target area represents a "prohibited" passage zone 34, which can coexist or substantially coexist with the ground target area 30 over the entire area. The "prohibited" passage zone 34 represents areas and / or areas where ground personnel (especially vehicles operated by ground personnel) are not allowed to enter and / or pass through.

[0071] Although the visible image boundaries 40, 42 of the ground target area are Figure 4B and Figure 4C , respectively, are shown as being substantially circular, but aspects of the invention contemplate forming a ground target area "perimeter" 40, 42 of any selected regular geometry (triangular, rectangular, octagonal, polygonal, etc.) or irregular shape, limited only by selected optical components (e.g., filters, apertures, reflectors, amplifiers, etc.) associated with and selected for and incorporated into the light energy array to condition or otherwise "shape" the light beam.

[0072] The visible image perimeter of the ground target area, established by a high intensity light beam that is visually detectable by the human eye during the day or at night, is selected to have visually detectable dimensions on the ground such that contact between ground vehicle traffic and aircraft structures located above ground markings cannot occur as long as ground vehicle traffic does not enter the perimeter of the image. That is, according to this aspect, the area outside the visible image perimeter of the ground target area either has no portion of an aircraft above the ground markings, or the height of any aircraft structure or portion of an aircraft located above and outside the perimeter markings has a distance from the ground (e.g., height above the ground, etc.) that safely exceeds the height of any ground vehicle or device moved by the ground vehicle, such that any contact between the ground vehicle and the aircraft structure is not possible.

[0073] It should be understood that by visibly marking the "no" travel zone on the ground, the area outside the no-travel zone is a safe zone for transmission (e.g., a "go" zone). In this way, not only does the restricted area emerge from the illuminated and visually detectable marking area established, but the area outside the perimeter of the restricted area can be considered a "go" zone that is safe for vehicles to pass through for transmission.

[0074] Figure 51 is a side view of an aircraft 10 positioned on the ground, showing the wing assembly 12 of the aircraft including an aircraft winglet 12 a, wherein the underside of the aircraft winglet 12 a includes a light energy array 20, the light energy array 20 including a light energy source including a high intensity light energy source (e.g., a “second” light energy source 26, such as a laser, etc.) and a first light energy source 24, such as a conventional wing or winglet light ( Figure 5 Although conventional lights can illuminate the ground area below the aircraft winglet 12a at night, Figure 5 It can be applied to an aircraft on the ground during the day, wherein the high-intensity light source (i.e., the second light energy source 26) is configured to illuminate a ground target area in a visually detectable manner, and to create an image of the ground target area as a visually detectable image, and the ground target area visible image perimeter 32 can represent a no-travel zone 34 existing within the ground target area visible image perimeter 32 of the ground target area 30.

[0075] Figure 5 Also shown are a number of aircraft components, including an aircraft engine assembly 14, an aircraft tail section 17, and an aircraft nose 18. Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C As shown, each of these aircraft components (eg, aircraft structures, etc.) may include a light energy array 20 similar to the light energy array incorporated into the aircraft winglet 12a. Although not shown in Figure 5 , a ground target area 30 that may be illuminated to display a visually detectable no-go zone 34 may be configured to appear beneath selected aircraft structures, wherein the passage of ground vehicles beneath such aircraft structures may impact the aircraft structure and damage the aircraft structure and / or ground vehicles impacting the aircraft structure.

[0076] The light energy source of the present invention may be a laser configured and otherwise adjusted to display a desired no-go zone image on a ground target area, including and particularly during daylight. The intensity of the high intensity light source (e.g., may be high intensity light generated from a laser) has a safety level that is "safe" for use around workers and that does not damage the target surface or injure parts of the human eye when the laser is visually detectable by the human eye.

[0077] The intensity of such a high intensity light source may be selected to have sufficient light energy to focus or otherwise produce a selected visually detectable image on the ground, wherein the high intensity light energy source is positioned on the aircraft structure at a defined distance from the ground. That is, according to this aspect, it will be appreciated that once the desired image to appear on the ground is selected, and when the distance of the light energy source on the ground of the aircraft (e.g., on the underside of an aircraft winglet) from the ground is calculated, the required light energy intensity may be calculated. It should also be appreciated that the various aircraft components protected by establishing a no-go zone beneath these aircraft components may each have varying distances from the ground, which may require the use of different energy sources of different intensities at different locations on the aircraft; or the light energy source may have a variable intensity output capability, which is selected based on the distance of the light energy source from the ground target area and the light effect selected for the ground target area.

[0078] Light energy sources suitable for the present device and system can be light energy sources called high-intensity light energy sources, which in the case of lasers (e.g., "3R") can be placed in a high-intensity light energy source array with a safety rating. In addition, the high-intensity light energy source and high-intensity light energy source array of the present invention include the following light energy: at a distance between a ground target area and the light energy source in the range of about 5 feet to about 20 feet, light energy from a light energy source (which can include, for example, a laser, a focused LED array, etc.) is transmitted at an intensity ranging from about 20,000 lux to about 30,000 lux measured at the ground target area.

[0079] According to other aspects of the present invention, the light energy array of the present invention (e.g., including a high-intensity light energy source, etc.) can be installed on an aircraft structure to be protected that is directly located "above" or approximately above a "restricted area" by emitting light energy generally downward from a mounting position on an aircraft structure location that is located above or above a "restricted" area. In addition, in another current example, the light energy source can be located at an aircraft structure location that is not directly above the restricted area, or substantially above or above the restricted area, but the light energy beam can be directed, for example, from a light energy source at a location on the aircraft fuselage (to a selected ground target area to illuminate or otherwise "mark" the restricted area within the ground target area), and the light is directed to mark or otherwise indicate a ground target area below a winglet, below an engine, below a tail, below a nose, etc.

[0080] In other words, light energy can be directed to protect an aircraft structure at one location (e.g., a winglet, wing, engine, tail, nose, etc.) by shining light energy substantially downward from an approaching aircraft structure, which may not originate from the winglet, wing, engine, tail, nose, etc., but the resulting ground area image protects the desired aircraft structure located above the illuminated ground target area and forms a visually detectable "no go" zone in the ground target area.

[0081] Figure 5 The distances of various aircraft structures from the ground are also shown. For example, Figure 5 Shown are the distance "D1" extending from the aircraft winglet to the ground; the distance "D2" extending from the aircraft engine assembly (e.g., the bottom of the aircraft engine assembly) 14 to the ground; the distance "D3" extending from the tail 17 to the ground; and the distance "D4" extending from the aircraft nose to the ground. For example, depending on the aircraft model, "D1" can be a distance from about 8 ft to about 12 ft. "D2" can be a distance in the range of from about 3 ft to about 5 ft. "D3" and "D4" can be distances of about 15 feet to about 20 feet.

[0082] The structure used to accommodate the high-intensity light source in the present light energy array can be dedicated to the high-intensity light source. In addition, for example, in the case of at least an aircraft winglet, the lighting structure used to accommodate and power a conventional light located at the winglet can be modified to accommodate conventional lighting and current high-intensity light sources (e.g., lasers, etc.), so that when the aircraft is equipped to incorporate the currently disclosed light energy array, no additional or very little additional weight is added to the aircraft. In addition, if desired, the light energy array of the present invention can be configured to replace conventional lighting, and weight savings are achieved by incorporating the light energy array of the present invention.

[0083] Other aspects of the invention relate to a system for distinguishing "safe" ground traffic areas from "unsafe" ground traffic areas around an aircraft and below the ground, wherein the system of the invention including the light energy array of the invention and including a high intensity light energy source is configured to provide illuminated ground markings that are visually detectable even in daylight, wherein the resulting ground image is selected to change appearance, flash, change color, or otherwise change shape, including giving the appearance of movement. The system may also include power supplies and optics selected to produce the selected visible image on the ground, and the system also includes a sequencer (e.g., a signal sequencer, a light sequencer, etc.), a controller, software, hardware, etc. that communicates with the light energy array. This aspect also includes sensors and controllers in communication with the present system, which can automatically activate the light energy array, or otherwise trigger the operation of the light energy array, when the following circumstances occur: 1) When the aircraft is "sensed" or confirmed to be in contact with the ground; 2) When the aircraft is determined and / or confirmed in a selected flight phase (for example, landing, taxiing, and ground movement such as following the aircraft to a stationary position), wherein a ground vehicle may be near the aircraft, or may soon be near the aircraft. Other aspects of the present invention contemplate that "no" passage zones can "move" or "shift" when the aircraft moves, and provide "movement warnings" to ground vehicles when ground target areas continue to "move" or "shift" due to the movement of the aircraft.

[0084] Figure 6 is a diagram summarizing a system according to the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, the system 50 includes a power source 28, which may be a dedicated power source or may be an existing power source provided on the aircraft. The power source 28 communicates with the light energy array 20, which may include a high-intensity light energy source (i.e., the second light energy source 26), which may be, for example, a laser. As shown in the system 50, the light energy array 20 is also in communication with a controller 46. The controller 46 may communicate with the power source 28, and the controller 46 may also communicate with a sequencer 44 (e.g., a signal sequencer, an optical sequencer, etc.), which may be a separate component or (in combination with) the controller 46 or the light energy array 20. Figure 6 The system 50 also includes a sensor 48 , which is shown in communication with the power source 28 and also in communication with the controller 46 .

[0085] According to this aspect, in operation, the system 50 can control the activation of the light energy array so that the sensor 48 can determine the flight phase of the aircraft and / or can detect when the aircraft contacts the ground when landing or about to land. The sensor 48 can send a signal to at least one of the power supply 28 and the controller 46 to activate the light energy array 20 to transmit a high-intensity light energy beam from a high-intensity light energy source to the ground target area and form a visually detectable illuminated image including during daytime (e.g., in daylight) and form a visual image perimeter of the ground target area representing the no-go zone. Figure 6 As shown, the high intensity light energy source can communicate with a sequencer 44, which can be a signal generating sequencer for adjusting the light energy beam and changing or altering a visually detectable light image in a ground target area in terms of light pattern, light color, light image that appears to have movement and / or motion, etc.

[0086] Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 is a flow chart outlining a method according to the present aspect. Figure 7 A method 100 is shown according to the present aspect for visually designating safe and unsafe ground areas approaching an aircraft on the ground, the method 100 comprising: directing 102 light energy from a light energy source onto a ground target area. In one example, the light energy source may be located within a light energy source array positioned on an underside of an aircraft, an underside of an aircraft assembly, an underside of an aircraft subassembly, etc., wherein light energy is directed from the light energy source to a ground target area located below an aircraft structure. The method 100 further comprises: forming 104 a visually detectable ground target area visible image perimeter configured to be visually detectable in daylight; and indicating 106 a no-go zone within the ground target area visible image perimeter.

[0087] Figure 8 is a flow chart outlining another method 200 for visually designating safe and unsafe ground areas approaching an aircraft on the ground according to the present aspect, wherein the method 200 includes directing 102 light energy from a light energy source onto a ground target area and forming 104 a visually detectable ground target area visible image perimeter configured to be visually detectable in daylight. According to the present aspect, the method 200 also includes: changing 202 an appearance of the visually detectable ground target area visible image perimeter and indicating 106 a no-go zone within the ground target area visible image perimeter.

[0088] Fig. 91 is a flow chart outlining another method 300 for visually designating safe and unsafe ground areas approaching an aircraft on the ground according to the present aspect, the method 300 comprising: determining 302 an aircraft position and / or flight phase and / or contact with the ground, and activating a high intensity light energy source within a light energy array. The method 300 also comprises: directing 102 light energy from the light energy source onto a ground target area. In one example, the light energy source may be within a light energy source array positioned on the underside of the aircraft, the underside of an aircraft assembly, the underside of an aircraft subassembly, etc., wherein the light energy source is directed from the light energy source to a ground target area located below an aircraft structure. The method 100 also comprises: forming 104 a visually detectable visible image perimeter of the ground target area configured to be visually detectable in daylight; and indicating 106 a no-go zone within the visible image perimeter of the ground target area.

[0089] Fig.10 is a flow chart outlining another method 400 for visually designating safe and unsafe ground areas approaching an aircraft on the ground according to the present aspect, wherein the method 400 includes: directing 402 light energy from a light energy source on the aircraft onto a ground target area to form a moving or changing ground target area while the aircraft is in motion; forming 404 a moving ground target area visible image perimeter; and indicating 406 a no-go zone within the moving ground target area visible image perimeter.

[0090] Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The approach outlined in Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The devices and systems shown in and described herein.

[0091] The term "substantially" as used herein means that a specific characteristic, parameter or value need not be achieved precisely. Instead, deviations or variations (including, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement precision limitations) and other factors known to those skilled in the art may occur in an amount that does not eliminate the effect that the feature is intended to provide.

[0092] Of course, without departing from the essential features of the present disclosure, the present aspect may be implemented in other ways than those specifically set forth herein. The present aspect is considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes falling within the meaning and equivalent range of the appended claims are intended to be included therein.

Claims

1. A device for marking a prohibited passage zone approaching an aircraft, the device comprising: at least one light energy array, the at least one light energy array comprising a light energy source, the at least one light energy array being configured to direct light energy from the at least one light energy array onto a ground target area to form a ground target area visible image perimeter, the ground target area visible image perimeter being located at a selected distance from the at least one light energy array; a housing configured to retain the light energy source at a selected location on an aircraft structure of the aircraft; a power source, the power source communicating with the light energy source; wherein the visible image perimeter of the ground target area is visible to human eyes in daylight, and the visible image perimeter of the ground target area is further visible to human eyes at night; and The visible image perimeter mark of the ground target area is a prohibited passage area within the visible image perimeter of the ground target area.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The power source is located on board the aircraft.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one light energy array is located on the aircraft structure, the at least one light energy array being located at a distance within a range of about 5 feet to about 20 feet from the ground target area.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The light energy source includes at least one of a laser and a focused LED array.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The ground target area visible image perimeter is configured to move relative to the ground based on a changing position of the aircraft.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The visible image perimeter of the ground target area is a continuous visible image perimeter of the ground target area.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The visible image perimeter of the ground target area is a discontinuous visible image perimeter of the ground target area.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The ground target area visible image perimeter is configured to change color from at least a first color to a second color.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The ground target area visible image perimeter is configured to create the appearance of movement.

10. An aircraft structure comprising the device according to claim 1.

11. An aircraft comprising the device according to claim 1.

12. A system for designating an unsafe ground area in proximity to an aircraft, the system comprising: a light energy array, the light energy array comprising a light energy source, the light energy array being configured to direct light energy from the light energy source onto a ground target area to form a ground target area visible image within a ground target area visible image perimeter, the ground target area visible image being located at a selected distance from the light energy array; a housing configured to retain the light energy array at a selected location on an aircraft structure of an aircraft; a power source, the power source communicating with the light energy source; a controller in communication with at least one of the power source and the light energy source; a sequencer in communication with at least one of the controller, the power supply, and the light energy source; and The visible image of the ground target area is visible to human eyes in daylight, and the visible image of the ground target area is further visible to human eyes at night.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a sensor in communication with at least one of the power source and the controller, the sensor configured to confirm that an aircraft position is in contact with a position on the ground.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The ground target area visible image perimeter marks a prohibited passage area within the ground target area visible image perimeter.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein: The light energy source is at least one of a laser and a focused LED array.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein: The light energy source is configured to transmit light energy from the light energy array to the ground target area at a distance of about 5 feet to about 20 feet between the ground target area and the light energy array at an intensity in the range of about 20,000 lux to about 30,000 lux measured at the ground target area.

17. An aircraft comprising the system according to claim 12.

18. A method for visually designating an unsafe ground area in proximity to an aircraft, the method comprising: directing light energy from a light energy source, the light energy source being located in an aircraft structure, toward a ground target area, the ground target area being located below the aircraft structure; forming a visible image perimeter of a ground target area at the ground target area; as well as A no-go zone is indicated within the perimeter of the ground target area, the no-go zone being visible to human eyes in daylight.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: The appearance of the visible image perimeter of the ground target area is changed.

20. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: determining that the aircraft is in contact with the ground; When the aircraft is on the ground, activating the light energy source; as well as When the aircraft moves in a position in contact with the ground, a moving visible image perimeter of the ground target area is formed.

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