Method and Apparatus for Augmented Pilot Operations of Fly-by-wire Vehicles

US 9,701,398, assigned to Douglas Allen Schultz, covers a customizable system that utilizes manual systems and methods for navigation of a Fly-By-Wire vehicle in conjunction with other relevant systems and methods for navigation that are automated, and is available for sale through IPApproach.

US Patents

1 granted

Foreign Counterparts

6

Assignee

Douglas Allen Schultz

Availability

For Sale

Patents Included

• US 9,701,398↗

• CA 2931772 C
• CA 3207469 A1
• CA 3207472 A1
• DK 3109168 T3
• EP 3109168 B1
• ES 2786186 T3

Technology Highlights

• The invention relates to a fly-by-wire system that enables traditional cockpit controls to operate external flight control surfaces through an electronic or digital signal system. The system uses a processing unit to convert the pilot's manual control inputs into electronic signals, which are then transmitted to control the aircraft's flight surfaces for navigation.
• The invention includes a ground-based control system with manual controls and/or an autonomous piloting system. It also features an electronic communication system including an onboard communication unit, a ground-based communication unit, and a programmable interface that enables communication between different system components.
• The invention provides a disagreement detection system that is designed to identify unauthorized use or attempted access to the fly-by-wire (FBW) navigation controls. It detects potential hacking attempts made through the aircraft's onboard network system, which operate through either wireless or wired communication.
• The invention provides an onboard fly-by-wire (FBW) control system in which the vehicle's manual and autopilot controls are disabled by a ground-based command station during an emergency. In such situations, exclusive navigation and control of the vehicle are transferred to the ground-based command station.
• The invention operates through an apparatus that transmits the vehicle's distress signal, indicating that the onboard pilot requires an alternative ground-based control source. In such cases, the onboard pilot is not regained direct control of the vehicle, but monitors the ground-operated control systems and their operations.
• The invention uses the dual functionality of the fly-by-wire system's electronic interface to create a system of checks and balances between onboard human control and autopilot functions. It also introduces an additional mechanism that enables coordination with ground-based human operators and autonomous control systems, ensuring balanced control between navigation systems and the controlling authorities of the fly-by-wire vehicle.
• The invention operates on the premise that, in the event of unauthorized use, a Ground-Based Control Operating System (GBCOS) can remotely take control of the fly-by-wire (FBW) vehicle through a two-way communication link. When activated, the system disables power to the cockpit controls, ensuring that manual inputs cannot be sent to or processed by the FBW computer system.
• The invention enables the transfer of exclusive navigation control to a ground-based control operating system (GBCOS) that has been monitoring the vehicle. The vehicle's onboard stabilization features and flight management system is assist the GBCOS in maintaining control.
• The invention provides measures to prevent unauthorized control of a fly-by-wire (FBW) vehicle. For example, a Plexiglass panel that can only be released by the pilot or other authorized personnel that is used to block access to the vehicle's avionics system.
• The invention enables real-time data collection to improve traffic density management and optimize taxi time between runways. Additionally, the GBCOS computing system allows a single human operator to supervise the autonomous control of multiple aircraft, helping to reduce administrative costs.
• The invention stabilizes the aircraft by combining the pilot's manual inputs with automatic adjustments, preventing unintended deviations and keeping the aircraft operating at its optimal performance.

Overview

The technology disclosed provides the following advantages:

Listing updated August 21, 2026

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