FR2886919A1 - Cargo transporting aircraft, has processor determining location of tags based on information received by readers, when tags are in compartment, and user interface providing processor output obtained from information - Google Patents

Abstract

The aircraft has a cargo compartment comprising a set of radio frequency (RF) identification tag readers (262, 264) spaced along opposed lateral walls of the compartment. Each reader receives information from wireless radio frequency (RF) identification tags. A processor is provided for determining the location of the tags based on the information received by the readers, when the tags are present in the compartment. A cargo zone user interface (266) is configured to provide a processor output derived from the information received by the readers.

Description

AIRCRAFT TRANSPORTING FREIGHT

  Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an aircraft carrying cargo.

  Background of the Invention Because of the emphasis on parcels, mail, and other identical items that must arrive at night, more and more freight is embarked by aircraft 100 (see Figure 1). While some aircraft are configured to carry only cargo (they are called cargo aircraft), others are configured to carry both passengers and cargo.

  Typically, items to be shipped are first loaded on pallets, in containers, or using other similar devices. In the air cargo industry, any of these various categories of devices are referred to as a load unit device, or Unit Load Device (ULD). In each category, CUs come in a variety of sizes, shapes and capacities, and carry markings that identify their type, maximum gross weight and empty weight, among other characteristics.

  This initial task of placing the items to be embarked in a CU can be carried out in a place located at a distance from the immediate approach of the aircraft. In due course, however, the CPU is weighed, brought to the aircraft, and sent on a ramp 106, a scissor lift, or other means, and then passes a door sill 108. Inside, the CPU is moved into the cargo compartment until it reaches its final position for the flight. As shown in FIG. 2, on any given flight, a cargo plane 200 may carry a number of CUs 202, of which the aforementioned UC 102 may be only one example, and thus additional CUs are brought on board and placed in their own positions. On some aircraft, not all CUs are in the same compartment, some being placed in the front compartment 204, while others are in the rear compartment 206. And, as seen in the front compartment 204, even CUs of the same type do not necessarily have to be close to each other. On board many aircraft also, the CUs can be placed on different vertical levels, or bridges.

  In order to facilitate the movements around the CUs in the cargo compartment, the floor of the freight compartment is provided with a number of structures with raised surfaces. These structures may take the form of parallel roller rails arranged longitudinally along the length of the floor of the cargo compartment, of panels of logs, or other similar systems. The lower surface of the UC rolls on the raised surfaces provided by the rollers and balls of these structures during movement within the compartment.

  Once the CU is in its final position, any further movement is avoided for the duration of the flight. This is to ensure that the CU will not move when the aircraft is subject to turbulence, vibration, acceleration or deceleration, or hard landings. In order to avoid the displacement of the CPU in flight, the floor and the side walls of the freight compartment can be equipped with obstacles that serve to keep the CPU stationary.

  The number of CUs, the types of CPUs to be carried, and the weight of each CU, may vary from one flight to another.

  Special care must be taken when loading the aircraft with cargo to ensure that the weight and balance of the aircraft with this loaded cargo is acceptable. This, on the one hand because an aircraft can be damaged on the ground if the distribution of the freight weight is incorrect causing an imbalance with tilt on the tail. And secondly, because in flight, the performance and maneuverability of the aircraft are affected by the limitations of total weight and center of gravity.

  An overloaded or incorrectly centered aircraft will require more power and higher fuel consumption to remain in flight, and both stability and controllability can be seriously affected. Lack of appreciation of weight and balance effects on aircraft performance, particularly when combined with performance reduction factors such as high density altitude, frost or ice on aircraft wings, low engine power, severe or uncoordinated maneuvers, and emergencies can be a major factor in aircraft accidents.

  Before loading the CUs, the switching master, or other specialist, develops a pre-established load configuration taking into account the weight and balance criteria, and the number, type and weight of the CPUs. This pre-set load configuration indicates where each of the CUs to be loaded on the aircraft should be positioned. In its simplest form, this pre-established load configuration is simply a two-column list, the first column identifying each CPU, and the second its desired final location corresponding to the aircraft. However, the pre-established load configuration is generally part of a more complete cargo loading manifest that may also include information regarding, among other things, the weight of each CPU. The aircraft loading team receives a copy of the preset load configuration and loads the cargo accordingly.

  However, a typical mainframe freighter can offer hundreds of combinations for cargo loading. For this reason, it can be difficult to ensure that the ground crew has correctly loaded the aircraft for a planned load. It is therefore desirable to provide in real time the weight and location of all cargo loaded to calculate the weight and balance of the aircraft, such as tracking the cargo when loading the aircraft, and then end of flight when unloading cargo.

  The prior art includes radio frequency identification tags (RFID or RF identification tags) and radio frequency identification readers (RFID or RFID readers). A label may be placed on an article and then read by an RF ID reader, thereby following this article. Wireless systems, such as those offered by Wherenet (www.wherenet.com) can be used to track and locate objects in a wide variety of layouts.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an aircraft having a cargo compartment equipped with a plurality of tag readers spaced along opposite side walls thereof, each tag reader being capable of receiving the information from a wireless link tag, a processor coupled to the plurality of tag readers, and configured to determine the location of the wireless link tags based on the tag information received by said tag readers, when such wireless link tags are present in the compartment, and a user interface configured to present the output of the derived processor information received by said plurality of tag readers.

Brief description of the drawings

  Figures la and lb show the freight loaded on board an aircraft, according to the prior art.

  FIGS. 2a and 2b show the cargo loaded on board an aircraft, according to the present invention, and FIG. 2c illustrates the interior of a cargo compartment corresponding to FIG. 2b.

  Figure 3 illustrates the content stored in a wireless link tag according to the present invention.

  Figure 4 shows a side view of a two-deck cargo aircraft of the type used in connection with the present invention.

  Figure 5 shows a section of the cargo plane of Figure 4 loaded with labeled CPUs and equipped with readers according to the present invention.

  Figure 6 shows a typical reader placement on the main (a) and freight (b) decks of the aircraft of Figure 4.

  Figure 7 shows a side view of a three-deck cargo plane of the type used in connection with the present invention.

  Fig. 8 is a block diagram of an aircraft cargo tracking system according to the present invention.

  FIGS. 9a and 9b show a flow diagram of the functionality performed by a central control unit (MCU) according to one embodiment of the present invention in order to implement the cargo tracking system.

  Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an aircraft cargo tracking system including a load cell.

  Figure 11 shows a tabular report sample from the UC database loaded on board the aircraft.

  Figure 12a shows a window sample on a screen representing real-time CPUs, when a freight deck is being loaded; Figure 12b shows a window sample on a screen representing the center of gravity in real time, when a freight deck is being loaded.

detailed description

  FIG. 2a shows an aircraft 250 according to the present invention, on board which a UC 252, also according to the present invention, is being loaded via a ramp 256, through a door sill 258, and inside a freight compartment.

  CPU 252 carries a wireless link tag 260, such as an RF identification tag. As is known to those skilled in the art, RF identification tags are small, inexpensive devices that can be programed with unique information and can be either active or passive. Preferably, the RFID tag 260 is an active tag that has its own battery and has a memory on which to read, write, and modify data. The battery life for such a label is preferably between ten and fifteen years, depending on the particular type chosen, which avoids frequent maintenance of the RF identification tags on the CPUs.

  The wall of the compartment 250 is provided with tags 262, 264, such as readers 262, 264, which RF identification readers, cargo 272 of the cargo plane plurality of readers shown in Figure 2b.

  are preferably connected together via a communication bus, described below. In a preferred embodiment, each RF ID card, or other material, is collocated with its antenna, although it is not an absolute necessity.

  In the embodiments described herein, reference is made to RF identification tags and RF ID readers. It should be understood, however, that other types of wireless technologies, protocols and the like, such as standards for wireless infrared, ultrasound, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other wireless networks (802.1x), etc. ., may also be employed, the important feature of the present invention being that the tags are wirelessly linked and that the tag readers are able to receive the information from the wireless link tags.

  Preferably, the reader 262 is a short-range reader which is associated with the door threshold 258 (door threshold reader), and detects the passage of a CPU through this door threshold 258. This is why the reader 262 is close to the door sill, until it is in close proximity to the door sill, or perhaps even in the door jamb itself. Beyond the immediate vicinity of the gate threshold 258, however, the gate threshold reader 262 is unable to read the tags.

  As seen in FIG. 2c, the omni area of the cargo compartment (i.e., the area that can move cargo in all directions) immediately within the door sill 258, can be provided with a ball mat 282 equipped with load cells 284 for weighing the CPUs as they are passed through the door threshold area.

  Beyond the gate threshold 258, a plurality of long-range readers 264 are provided on the cargo compartment wall 272 at spaced intervals through the cargo compartment. The long-range readers 264 are typically placed only on the two side walls of the cargo compartment, but may also be placed on its ceiling and / or floor 270, if necessary.

  In contrast to the short-range gate threshold reader 262, the long-range readers 264 are able to locate the label-bearing CPUs 260 at distances up to about 70 feet (23 m). In one embodiment, the short-range gate threshold reader 262 and the long-range gate threshold readers 264 are of identical construction, differing only in their effective range, as determined using a adjustable power level. In another embodiment, the short-range gate threshold reader 262 and the long-range gate threshold readers 264 are of different construction.

  Once inside the cargo compartment, the UC 252 is moved to its final location on the cargo floor 270, in accordance with the cargo loading manifest. And from its final location, the CPU 252, or more precisely its tag 260, can be detected by three or more long-range readers, which can then provide the respective arrival delay, the signal strength and other data, to a computer which, by triangulation algorithm as known to those skilled in the art, will determine the precise location of the CPU 252.

  A cargo area user interface 266 is disposed on the cargo compartment wall 272 near the door sill 258 to communicate with a cargo loading computer, as further discussed later. The cargo area user interface 266 preferably includes an LCD screen (LCD) with perhaps a key panel or a full keyboard attached thereto. An operator 290 may use this interface 266 to monitor cargo loading and enter data as needed. Although the cargo area user interface 266 is shown as a wall-mounted keypad plus display, it should be understood that it may take other forms, such as a laptop computer or wireless portable device, among others.

  Fig. 3 shows a table 300 showing the nature of the tag information that can be stored in the memory of a tag 260 according to the present invention. It should be understood that Figure 3 is for illustrative purposes only, the memory locations not necessarily storing the description of each data item. In general, the type of tag information stored in tag 260 includes a first set of data fields 340 that is associated with a particular CPU and does not change from one flight to another (information specific to the CPU), and a second set of data fields 350 which changes from one flight to another (information not specific to the CPU).

  The first set of data fields 340 preferably belongs to a first portion of the memory that can not normally be rewritten. This can be achieved, for example, by using non-erasable memory, or the first portion of which is write-protected by software or other means.

  The second set of data fields 350, moreover, belongs to a second part of the memory that can be rewritten by a programming software used at the cargo terminal, where the CPUs are loaded with the freight and programmed tags. . In a preferred embodiment, this second part of the memory is automatically erased by the hardware and / or the software of the label itself, so that the old information does not persist in the second set of fields 350 data after the CPU has been disembarked from the aircraft and its contents discharged. Thus, automatic deletion preferably takes place after a predetermined amount of time deemed sufficient for the CPU to reach its destination and be unloaded. Thus, in one embodiment, the predetermined period of time may be set at a number of hours, such as 24 hours.

  The UC 340-specific information typically includes a unique tag number 302 that can be used to identify the tag itself (and thus the CPU simply from the tag number, assuming that the tag one is associated with the other), the type of UC 304, the empty weight of the CPU 306, and the maximum total weight 308 of the CPU.

  Non-specific information to the CPU 350 which may vary from one flight to another, may include: the total weight (in load) 312 of the CPU, the name of the airline 314 to be loaded UC, flight number 316, final destination 318 of the CU (which may help to ensure that a CU will not be disembarked at a wrong stop), flight date 320, type of aircraft 322 on which the CU is to be transported, the compartment 324 of the aircraft on which the CU will be transported, the two-dimensional location grid 326 in the compartment where the CU is to be placed, information about the contents or the owner 328 of the content, and additional comments 330 such as problems encountered with the CPU, as needed.

  The non-CPU specific information is typically entered at the cargo terminal or other stage area where the individual CUs are loaded with the cargo. The CPUs loaded with the freight are weighed, and non-specific information to the CPU 350 is loaded into the CPU through a write operation using devices known to those skilled in the art.

  Figure 4 shows a cargo plane 400 with two freight compartments, one at each level. The lower cargo compartment 420 receives the freight through a single cargo door 422 near the rear of the aircraft. The upper cargo compartment 480 receives freight through a single cargo door 482 located in front of the wings. It should be understood that a short-range door sill reader 262 is placed near each door 422, 482 inside the aircraft, while long-range readers 264 are found on the side walls. and perhaps even in the ceiling and floor of each compartment, just as in the case of the single-bay aircraft 400 of Figure 2b. It should further be understood that in a preferred embodiment, each cargo compartment 420, 480 is provided with a cargo area user interface 266 for an operator to communicate with the cargo loading computer.

  Figure 5 shows a section of the cargo plane 400 loaded with cargo. As seen in Figure 5, there are two floors or freight decks 502a, 502b, corresponding to the two cargo compartments 420, 480, respectively. The bridges 502a, 502b are provided with rollers that facilitate the movement of the UC in the compartment, as is well known to those skilled in the craft for cargo aircraft.

  In the section of FIG. 5, a number of CUs carrying wireless-link tags, and long-range readers on the sidewalls can be seen. It should be understood, however, that not all of these items are necessarily in the cutting plane, but would rather be visible from the cut.

  A pair of CPUs 252a of a first type rests on rollers 504 on the lower deck 502a which corresponds to the lower cargo compartment 420. Each CPU is provided with a wireless link tag 260a, the position of which is detected using long-range readers 264a.

  In a similar manner on the upper deck 502b, a pair of CPUs 252b of a second type rests on rollers 504 in the upper cargo compartment 480.

  Each of these CPUs has a wireless link tag 260b, whose position is detected using long-range readers 264b. As can also be seen in this figure, a long-range reader 265 is placed on the ceiling of the upper compartment 480, the lower compartment thus not being provided in this embodiment.

  In practice, a long-range reader on a bridge can receive signals from a wireless link tag attached to a CPU on a different bridge. However, this does not normally cause ambiguities in determining the position of a particular CPU for a variety of reasons.

  First, once the CPU is loaded on a particular bridge across a particular door sill, it is normally no longer moved into the aircraft to a different deck. And because of the short-range gate threshold readers, the system of the present invention knows by what gate threshold (and thus on which bridge) each CPU has entered the aircraft. The system also knows in which compartment is located each long-range reader, and its position in the compartment. Thus, when the signals received at the various long-range readers are processed in order to establish the location of a particular CPU, the system only uses the signals from the wireless link tags (and therefore corresponding CUs) which are on the same bridge as the long-range readers at which the signals are received. The dual feature of keeping track of the bridge on which a CPU is located and of ignoring or otherwise rejecting the signals from that CPU received by the long-range readers on the other bridges, is also useful when loading the CPU. aircraft and the construction of a table of charged CUs, as will be discussed later.

  Figures 6a and 6b show a plan view of the CPUs loaded in the lower cargo compartments 420 and 480, respectively. The lower cargo compartment 420 has a first short-range door threshold reader 262a near the lower cargo door 422, while the upper cargo compartment 480 has a second short-range door threshold reader 262b near the door. upper cargo ship 482. A plurality of long-range readers 264a, 264b is arranged along the side walls of the two compartments. Preferably, the long-range readers are not separated by more than 50 to 70 feet (17 to 23 m) along each sidewall, the long-range readers on a sidewall being offset from the long-range readers on the other side wall. This helps to ensure that each wireless link tag on a CPU can be read by three long-range readers to help locate each such tag, and thus the associated CPU.

  Figure 7 shows a cargo plane 700 with three levels and four freight compartments. The upper deck has an upper cargo compartment 710 which receives cargo through a cargo door 712, and the main deck has a main cargo compartment 720 which receives cargo through a cargo door 722. The lower deck comprises a front cargo lobe 730a which is loaded through a cargo door 732a, and a rear cargo lobe 730b which is loaded through a cargo door 732b. In this example, the front and rear cargo loads are separated using structures inside the fuselage supporting the wings 734. It should be understood that a short-range door sill reader 262 is placed near the each cargo door 712, 722, 732a and 732b inside the aircraft 700, while there are long-range readers 264 on the side walls and even possibly on the ceiling and / or on the floor of each compartment and lobe. It should further be understood that in a preferred embodiment, each of these compartments is equipped with a cargo area user interface 266 for an operator to communicate with the cargo loading computer.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an aircraft cargo tracking system 800 that can be used in conjunction with the cargo aircraft 700 of FIG. 7. The aircraft cargo tracking system 800 comprises components on each of the three decks. It should be understood that a comparable system can be established for an aircraft 400 having only two decks, or even for an aircraft 250 having only one bridge.

  The heart of the aircraft cargo tracking system 800 is a Master Control Unit (MCU) 810. The central control unit 810 can be any type of general purpose computer capable of storing and to execute software programs, and thus includes a processor, a volatile and nonvolatile memory and other similar devices. Preferably, the central control unit 810 is made robust, and meets the various standards and requirements for onboard computers on aircraft. The central control unit 810 is preferably located on the main cargo deck, although this is not absolutely necessary.

  The non-volatile memory of the central control unit stores, among other things, the information concerning weight and balance calculations appropriate to the aircraft. Among these, there is the empty mass in order of operation of the aircraft (OWE), preferably known with great certainty, and its center of gravity (CG) empty, such as before loading the aircraft. freight. As known to those skilled in the art, the center of gravity of an aircraft is a point located in a three-dimensional space, almost invariably inside the fuselage for most designed aircraft. Each aircraft also has a three-dimensional operational volume of the CG, or CG envelope, within which the center of gravity for the safe operation of the aircraft during loading, take-off, flight, landing, unloading, and other activities. The central control unit 810 is also aware of this GC envelope, according to which it can compare the centering calculations made during the loading and unloading operations.

  The central control unit 810 is connected to a number of different subsystems of the aircraft via the main aircraft bus 802. Conveniently with the present invention, the central control unit 810 communicates with the user interface in the cockpit 804, the fuel system interface 806, and a communications interface 808, via the main aircraft bus 802.

  The cockpit user interface 804 preferably presents any information desired by the crew that is available from the central control unit 810, or at any user interface in the cargo area 266. cockpit user interface 804, such as the cargo area user interface 266, can provide advanced capabilities such as text-based or center-of-focus information reports for a given flight on the CPUs. embedded, as well as information specific to each CU on this flight, among other things. The cockpit user interface 804 may be the main operator interface for an aircraft cargo loading system and may, for some aircraft, obviate the need for a cargo area user interface 266.

  The fuel system interface provides the central control unit 810 with information on the actual fuel condition of the aircraft, such as the actual amount and / or the actual weight of the onboard fuel and the fuel distribution in the tanks. , useful information for centering calculations.

  Finally, the communications interface 808 can be used to receive and send, via wireless link, the cargo and centering information.

  Thus, before loading, the central control unit 810 can receive the cargo loading manifest, which contains the information concerning each CPU to be loaded, including its tag number, its weight, its future location in the aircraft, And so on. During loading, the central control unit 810 can send information to the cargo terminal with respect to the current weight and centering conditions of the aircraft.

  In addition, upon landing, the communications interface 808 may wirelessly transmit information regarding the CUs to the destination cargo terminal prior to unloading the aircraft. In this regard, the communications interface 808 may send information via an Internet server (not shown), which may provide information about the contents of the CUs to the authorized portions on the Web. This information can be used not only to facilitate the unloading process, but also to notify freight owners, or other consignees, that their freight is about to arrive. Other information, such as ownership of CUs by individual owners, may also be provided to facilitate cargo pick-up at the terminal.

  The central control unit 810 is connected to the various readers 262, 264 via a separate subnet from the central control unit device, generally shown as 820. The subnet 820, having branches 822, 824, 826, and 828 in the various compartments, preferably consists of an Ethernet type network or a CAN network.

  The central control unit 810 is also connected to the cargo area user interface 266 via the subnet 820, and this interface 266 may, as discussed above, be replicated in each compartment. In an alternative embodiment, the central control unit 810 may communicate with the cargo area user interface 266 via a dedicated communication link 830, which may be wireless.

  The cargo area user interface 266 may be the main interface for the system 800, which means that it will present the outputs on behalf of the central control unit 810, and relay the operator's commands to the controller. 810. When such a cargo area user interface 266 is present on each bridge, each of these interfaces can act as a main interface for its corresponding bridge. During normal operation, the cargo area UI 266 will show the cargo compartment system loading status, and will provide a real-time feedback with respect to the cargo loading manifest or the cargo mass. the aircraft and the order sheets (i.e., the pre-planned load configuration) according to the loaded configuration, as detected by the readers 262, 264. The various information can be viewed as text and graph (in case of localization). The cargo area user interface 266 may also be used as a local maintenance terminal for the weight and balance calculation system of the aircraft, if an onboard maintenance system terminal is not readily available.

  The number of long-range readers 264 connected to each branch of the subnet depends on such factors as the type and range of readers, the length of the corresponding compartment, and the desired accuracy of CPU positioning. Typically, there are no less than three long-range readers placed in any of the compartments, while at least eight may be placed in a compartment 200 feet (67 m) long, four on each side wall separated from each other. About 50 feet (17 m), the readers on one side being preferably offset from the readers on the other side.

  While the aircraft is being loaded, the short-range door sill readers 262 retrieve all the information in each label 260, and relay it to the central control unit 810 via the cable or bus 820. This information is then stored in the memory of the central control unit for the upcoming flight 810 in the form of recoverable database. This database can be queried or accessed otherwise via the airplane bus 802 or the subnet 820, and is thus available at the user interface at the flight deck 804, the user interfaces in the cargo area, and perhaps other utilities connected to the airplane bus, or even wirelessly via the 808 communications interface.

  Both during loading, and even after all CPUs have been loaded, the labels 260 on the CPUs cooperate with the long-range readers in each compartment to provide the central control unit 810 with sufficient information to determine, with a reasonable level of accuracy, the position of each CU in each cargo compartment.

  This is made possible by the fact that the central control unit 810 knows the position of each of the long-range readers, and can thus use triangulation methods known to those skilled in the art, based on the time delay of the arrival of the various signals from the tags 260 at the various long-range readers 264. This location information in each cargo compartment is thus added to the database.

  In one embodiment, tags 260 are active, and each tag transmits a signal at a predetermined time interval. The signal includes the tag number, and perhaps other information as well. The time interval may be set at the time of manufacture of the label and thereafter no longer vary, or may be adjustable by the user within a predetermined range, such as from less than a few seconds to several hours.

  In another embodiment, each wireless link tag is passive, and responds only upon interrogation of a reader, in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

  Figure 11 shows a tabular report 1100 showing some of the information available from the database thus prepared. In general, the database is a relational database that has a record for each labeled CPU 252. The database is fully recoverable and classifiable using the various categories of information or data in each category, and is configured to produce reports as needed. In the tabular report 1100, the categories listed include the unique label number 1102, the type of CPU 1104, the compartment 1106 in which each CPU has been loaded, the location grid inside compartment 1108, the final destination of each UC 1110, its total weight 1112, and its content and owner 1114. It should be understood that reports with other categories may also be produced. It should further be understood that a wide variety of other issues such as identifying all CUs weighing more than 300 kg going to Berlin can also be addressed. In addition, because of the architecture of system 800, authorized platforms other than user interfaces 266, 804 may be able to obtain information about things such as compartment, content, destination, etc., of each CU on board the aircraft.

  Further, during the loading process, the central control unit 810 can compare the actual location of the reader-determined tag of each CPU with the information present in the cargo loading manifest, such as the load configuration. pre planned that was scheduled for the flight. Any difference between the two can be presented on a user interface in cargo area 266, on a user interface in cockpit 804, or on another device, thereby notifying staff that it seems to deviate from the original plan , and making any necessary changes before continuing loading.

  As stated above, during the loading process, the central control unit 810 obtains information about the weight of each CPU based on the information from its label 260.

  This can happen in one or two ways. First, in these examples where the tag memory stores the total weight information of the CPU in the data field 312, the total weight information can be relayed to the central control unit. 810 via the door sill reader. Then, in these examples where the tag 260 does not store the total weight information, but the cargo loading manifest includes the information that associates the total weight of each CPU with its label number, the 810 central control can use the tag number, relayed by the door threshold reader, to recover the weight of this CPU. A third path allowing the central control unit to recover the total weight of a CPU using the gate mat 282 with load cells 284 is discussed below.

  Regardless of how the central control unit recovers the weight of the CPU, this total weight information, coupled with the calculated position information of each CPU, the information from the fuel system interface 806 , and knowledge of the empty weight in order of operation and empty centering of the aircraft, allows the central control unit 810 to calculate the total weight of the aircraft and also the actual centering of the aircraft .

  In addition, these calculations can be performed in real time, when the aircraft is loaded with freight. If any of the parameters are outside the allowable range, an alarm (visual, audible, etc.) can be triggered to draw attention to this condition.

  In addition, a signal may be sent to disable or otherwise suspend the cargo loading system to ensure that a tipping condition (i.e., the aircraft tilting on its tail) does not appear. not. In such a case, any further loading is avoided until an appropriate remedial action, such as removal or repositioning of at least some of the CUs, is undertaken.

  In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the total weight of the aircraft is checked at predetermined intervals and entered as calibration data via the cargo area user interface 266, the flight deck user interface 804 , or other means of entry.

  In addition, when the CPUs are being loaded, the cargo area user interface 266 and / or the flight deck user interface 804 can be used to graphically display in real time information about things such as the position of the CUs and the centering of the aircraft.

  As can be seen in FIG. 12a, a window can be used to represent a particular bridge 1202 of the aircraft, with the CPUs loaded thereon indicated by icons 1204, 1208. In this figure, a newly loaded CPU 1204 entering the aircraft through the door sill 258, is being moved in the direction of the arrow 1206 to its final position. Previously loaded CPUs 1208 are also shown on the screen. Preferably, the CPUs that have not yet reached their final position are differentiated on the screen of the CPUs which have reached their position. Once a newly loaded CPU 1204 reaches its final location on the bridge, the central control unit 810 checks whether the location of the CPU, as determined by the information from the label readers (not shown on Figure 12a) on this bridge intersects with the final location information from the cargo loading manifest. If there is coincidence, the CPU icon changes its appearance in a certain way to signify on the screen that it has actually reached its final location. Thus, as seen in Fig. 12a, a newly loaded CPU 1204 is shown with a first pattern drawn while the previously loaded CPUs 1208 are shown with a second pattern drawn. It should be understood that different forms of icons, icon colors, icon sizes, etc. can be used instead to provide this distinction. Preferably, the window includes a secondary window 1210 presenting information about the newly loaded CPU 1204 being moved. The secondary window 1210 may have some or all of the information transported by the tag (see FIG. 3) on the newly loaded CPU 1204. Similar information regarding any of the previously loaded CPUs 1208 may be obtained. by moving a cursor on the CPU of interest, thereby providing the operator with information regarding any of the CPUs on that bridge. In addition, as can also be seen in FIG. 12a, the operator is equipped with a bridge button 1220 for selecting the bridge to be viewed, a window button 1222 for switching another window on the screen, and a button view 1224 to change the way information is represented.

  As can be seen in FIG. 12b, another window can be used to represent in real time the information associated with the center of gravity. For this, a perspective view of the contour of the aircraft 1252 is provided. The CG 1254 envelope is superimposed on the contour of the aircraft 1252, and the actual center of gravity is represented using a center of gravity icon 1256. When the aircraft is loaded with additional CUs, the position of the center of gravity icon 1256 may change, but normally only within the confines of the CG 1254 envelope. Preferably, a secondary window 1260 is provided to present the information regarding the maximum total weight of the aircraft, actual weight, fuel weight, total freight weight, and other similar data. Information about the center of gravity, such as its actual position in X, Y, Z coordinates, its distance from GC envelope boundaries, margin of safety information, and other similar information, may also be provided in the secondary window 1260. In addition, as seen in FIG. 12b, the operator is equipped with a window button 1272 to switch to another window on the screen of the user interface in the cargo area 266, and a button 1274 view to rotate the contour of the aircraft 1252 to change the perspective view.

  Although it is the outline of the aircraft 1252 which is presented in the preferred embodiment, it will be understood that instead, it is possible to simply show the icon representing the CG in an area representing the envelope of the CG.

  The central control unit 810 also communicates with the cockpit via the aircraft bus 802 as necessary, in order to present the centering information to the crew on the flight deck user interface 804. Central Control Unit 810 can also use a wireless network protocol such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16, and so on. (collectively, 802.1x), to communicate either with the cargo terminal, with a wireless handheld device, or with a laptop computer carried by the operating master (ie, the person responsible loading of the aircraft) to determine all necessary loading information and to confirm the final loaded position of all CUs.

  As mentioned above, the short-range gate threshold readers 262 are used to detect each CU as it enters the associated compartment with a particular door sill, and this is where the weight information and cargo detail is obtained by the door sill reader, and sent to the central control unit 810. Only after a door sill reader 262 signals to the central control unit 810 that a particular CPU is on board, that the central control unit recognizes the information from any of the long range readers 264 regarding that CPU. In this way, the central control unit 810 ignores or otherwise rejects any information collected by the long-range readers on a given bridge concerning the CUs that are either outside the aircraft or on other this same aircraft. And when coupled with the cargo loading manifest information about the pre-planned load configuration sent to the central control unit 810 before starting any load, this feature can immediately prevent the loading of an incorrect CPU, thereby eliminating the need to unload an entire cargo hold to remove a single CU and correct the situation later.

  To confirm the weight information that may have been preprogrammed on each CPU 260 tag, or to provide centering information when an aircraft is operating in an area without wireless tags on the CUs or without support for writing on the wireless links when the individual CPUs are loaded with the cargo, load cells 284 (Fig. 10) can be used to determine the weight of the CPUs 252 when they are brought on board the aircraft.

  In one embodiment, the omni area (i.e., areas that allow cargo to be moved in all directions) immediately within the door sill 258, may be equipped with a mat ball bearing 282 equipped with load cells 284 for weighing the CPUs as they are passed through the door threshold area, as seen in FIGS. 2c and 10.

  FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of an aircraft cargo locating system 1000 comprising load cells 284 associated with a ball mat 282. The system 1000 comprises gate threshold control units 1002 which interfacing with the sensors of the load cells 284. The gate threshold control units 1002 (one for each compartment) will pass the information to the central control unit 810 via the connection 1004, which may also be of the Ethernet type, for then used in weight calculations. The gate threshold control units 1002 may be general purpose computers having a processor and memory, and other conventional features.

  In order to provide the centering information in the system 1000, the central control unit 810 will track the position of each CPU 252 using the unique tag number as in the system 800, but the weight information will be maintained internally by the central control unit 810, since the information would not be available on the tag 260. However, weight and balance information, CG information, etc., can still be calculated as previously described.

  In a preferred embodiment, prior to loading the CPUs, a memory associated with the central control unit 810 is loaded with the cargo loading manifest information. This cargo loading manifest information includes, among other things, the tag number and the total weight of each CU, the total weight having been previously determined when loading the CU with the cargo items at the air terminal. freight, or other place. Further, as discussed above, when a CPU passes through a gate threshold 258, the gate threshold reader 262 detects at least the tag number, which is transmitted to the central control unit 810, as well. And when this CPU is brought on board, the load cells 284 provide a newly determined weight of the CPU, which is also transmitted to the central control unit 810. Thus, the central control unit 810 can use the number label detected to reference the previously determined weight of the CPU in the cargo loading manifest information, and compare the previously determined weight with the newly determined weight provided by the load cells 284. If there is coincidence, no problem. If, however, there is no coincidence, the central control unit 810 then outputs a signal to indicate the existence of a gap.

  Thus, the 800 and 1000 systems both allow for verification of agreement with the weight measurements and the programming of the wireless link tag completed at the cargo terminal. This redundancy, together with the immediate feedback provided to the master controller at user interfaces 266, 804, provides the system with a significant safety improvement to determine if the cargo has not been removed from the aircraft. a CU (stolen, for example), or added cargo (unauthorized or unlawful, for example).

  Fig. 9 is a flowchart 900 showing the functionality of the CPU loading software process executed by the central control unit 810, according to an embodiment of the present invention. This particular software process is more or less a continuous loop that runs throughout the entire loading process. It should be understood, however, that the functionality described here may be performed using hardware, or any combination of hardware and software.

  It should further be understood that other software processes, such as the process that triggers an alarm if a failover condition is imminent, or the process that controls the cargo loading system, can also be executed simultaneously on the cargo unit. central control 810. It should also be understood that these various software processes can share data with each other, through dynamic data exchange (DDE), linking and embedding objects (OLE technology), or other protocols known to those skilled in the art.

  At decision point 902, it is determined whether the cargo loading manifest information (i.e., pre-scheduled load configuration) has been loaded into the central control unit 810 and stored in memory. This information can be received by the central control unit via a wired or wireless network, or by any other method.

  If this information has not been loaded, it is then loaded at step 904 to the central control unit from the stored data.

  At step 906, a scan of each compartment of the aircraft is performed using all the tag readers. The scan searches for the new CUs, that is, the CUs that have not been previously recorded by a door sill reader, or have reached their final location in the aircraft.

  At decision point 908, it is determined whether a new CPU has been acquired by a gate threshold reader 262.

  If the answer to step 908 is no, then decision point 910 is determined whether a new CPU has been acquired by a non-threshold gate reader 264.

  If the answer to decision point 910 is no, no new CPUs have been acquired, and the flow returns to block 906 to continue scanning.

  If the answer to decision point 910 is yes, then step 912 determines whether the newly acquired CPU has been scanned by the door threshold reader 262 corresponding to the compartment where the non-threshold door reader is located.

  If the answer to step 912 is no, the information acquired in step 910 is then rejected because the CPU is still outside the aircraft or in a different hold. The stream then returns to block 906 to continue scanning.

  If the answer to step 912 is yes, then decision point 916 is determined whether the detected CPU belongs to the aircraft, and the particular compartment.

  If the answer at step 916 is no, the information is then sent at step 918 to the user interface 266 indicating that the container should be removed. At this point, either the central control unit 810 itself, or the operator at the user interface 266, can suspend the loading system until corrective action is taken. The stream then returns to step 906 to continue scanning.

  If the return response at step 908 is yes (that the new CPU has actually been acquired by a door threshold reader), the control then flows to step 909 where the information on the tag 260 is obtained and stored. in the database at the central control unit 810. Then the flow moves to the decision point 916.

  If the answer to step 916 is yes, an algorithm (for example, a triangulation algorithm) is executed in step 920 to determine the location of the CPU in the aircraft. In step 922, this location is presented to the operator at the user interface 266.

  In step 924, other aircraft-specific calculations are made, such as determining the centering of the aircraft, based on the weight and location of the new CPU.

  At decision point 926, it is determined whether the new CU has reached its intended location in the aircraft. If this is not the case, the information regarding the planned location of the new CPU is then, in step 928, presented on the user interface 266, then the flow returns to block 906 to continue scanning.

  If the answer to decision point 926 is that the new CPU has really reached its final destination, the information indicating that the CPU is in the intended and correct location is then, in step 928, presented on the user interface 266, then the flow goes to step 932.

  At step 932, a check is made to see if all CUs have been shipped and placed in their final position in accordance with the cargo loading manifest (indicating, therefore, that the loading procedure is complete). If this is not the case, the flow returns to block 906 to continue scanning. If, on the other hand, step 932 determines that all CUs are

  in their final position, a message is then, in step 934, sent to the user interface 266, thereby notifying the operator that all the CPUs have been correctly loaded. At the end of loading, a message or other similar signal indicating successful completion may be sent via the communications interface, either under operator control, or automatically to the cargo terminal.

  As described, the embodiments of the present invention utilize tags and wireless link readers to implement a real-time freight location system on an aircraft. The system can be used to track and confirm cargo information after loading on an aircraft, including, but not limited to, information on the actual location of cargo, the expected location of freight, the contents, the weight, the planned transport aircraft, and the transit of the source and destination of the cargo. Since the weight and location of cargo loaded on board the aircraft is known with relatively high accuracy, the system can also be used as part of an aircraft centering system. The system is also able to confirm that all loaded cargo has been loaded into the correct locations on the aircraft. In addition, the embodiments of the invention will be able to obtain any information concerning the freight that has been loaded through a presentation system, and these embodiments are able to interface with the location systems. real-time airport and cargo terminal via wireless network or other network methods.

  The various components of the system and invention described above may be installed at the time of construction of the aircraft, or may be added on an existing aircraft. In the latter case, the apparatus in question can be retrofitted with the appropriate readers 262, 264 and their associated antennas, the one or more user interfaces 266, the communications wiring, the central control unit 810, together with all software necessary for the central control unit and / or the user interfaces 266. The ball carpet 282, the load cells 284, and the door threshold control unit 1002 can also be installed thereafter .

  It will be understood, however, that the hardware capabilities provided by the central control unit 810 may already exist in one or more of the embedded computers, which only need to be loaded with the software necessary to implement the present invention. , and connected to readers. The user interfaces 266 and the readers 262, 264 themselves may be ready-to-use equipment, such as cabling.

  In view of the foregoing, it is contemplated that the present invention may be marketed just as software on a computer reading medium, such as a CD or DVD, with the appropriate instructions, the system integrator having a to obtain the various ready-to-use equipment (COIS) on the market and to carry out their installation. Alternatively, the invention may be provided as a complete assembly with not only the software, but also the necessary hardware, including a central control unit 810, one or more user interfaces 266, tag readers (the number of each of the types depending on the aircraft to be retrofitted), the wiring, and even the ball pads 282, the load cells 284, and the door threshold control unit 1002. It is obvious that various combinations can also be offered, depending on the needs of the consumer.

  From all of the foregoing, it has been seen that a system according to the present invention can be configured to perform a number of tasks or functions. These include the ability to locate, track, and confirm cargo loaded on an aircraft. The system is also able to calculate the weight and center of gravity of the aircraft, thereby providing an alternative to relying on the load cells placed on the wheel assemblies and / or the landing gear. to help gauge the weight of the aircraft and also predict the imminence of a tipping condition.

  Several embodiments of the present invention are specifically illustrated and / or described herein. However, it will be appreciated that the modifications and variations of the present invention are encompassed by the above teachings and within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scope of the invention.

Claims (8)

  An aircraft carrying freight characterized in that it comprises: a cargo compartment equipped with a plurality of tag readers spaced along the opposite side walls thereof, each tag reader being capable of receiving the information from a wireless tag; a processor coupled to said plurality of tag readers and configured to determine the location of the wireless link tags based on the tag information received by said tag readers, when said wireless link tags are present in said compartment; and a user interface configured to present the processor output derived from the information received by said plurality of tag readers.   An aircraft according to claim 1, wherein a first type of tag reader is near a door sill of the aircraft, and a second type of tag reader is located remote from said sill gate. ; the first type of tag reader is able to receive the information from the tags up to a first distance away, and the second type of tag reader is able to receive the information from the tags up to a second distance away; and the second distance is greater than the first distance.   3. Aircraft according to claim 1, which further comprises at least one load cell provided in an omni area of the cargo compartment.   4. Aircraft according to claim 1, wherein the user interface is located in a cargo area of the aircraft.   An aircraft according to claim 1, wherein the user interface is located in the cockpit of the aircraft.   Aircraft according to claim 1, wherein the user interface is configured to graphically represent the real-time position of the aircraft's center of gravity.   An aircraft according to claim 1, wherein the processor is programmed to determine at least one of the weight and center of the aircraft.   An aircraft according to claim 7, wherein the processor is programmed to determine at least one of the weight and balance of the aircraft based at least in part on the actual condition of the aircraft fuel.