US20070214584A1

US20070214584A1 - System and method for aligning passenger boarding bridges

Info

Publication number: US20070214584A1
Application number: US11/373,977
Authority: US
Inventors: Neil Hutton
Original assignee: DEW Engineering and Development ULC
Current assignee: DEW Engineering and Development ULC
Priority date: 2006-03-14
Filing date: 2006-03-14
Publication date: 2007-09-20

Abstract

A sensor is disposed aboard an aircraft for sensing movement of a passenger boarding bridge during an automated alignment operation. Determinations are made whether the actual sensed movements of the passenger boarding bridge correspond to expected movements of the passenger boarding bridge for a current alignment operation. If the sensed movements do not correspond to the expected movements, then a transmitter aboard the aircraft is used to transmit an anti-collision signal to an automated controller of the passenger boarding bridge.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention relates generally to passenger boarding bridges, and more particularly to a system and method for aligning a passenger boarding bridge with a craft in a fully automated manner.

BACKGROUND

In order to make aircraft passengers comfortable, and in order to transport them between an airport terminal building and an aircraft in such a way that they are protected from the weather and from other environmental influences, passenger boarding bridges are used which are telescopically extensible and the height of which is adjustable. For instance, an apron drive bridge in present day use includes a plurality of adjustable modules, including: a rotunda, a telescopic tunnel, a bubble section, a cab, and elevating columns with wheel carriage. Other common types of passenger boarding bridges include radial drive bridges and over-the-wing (OTW) bridges. Manual, semi-automated and fully-automated bridge alignment systems are known for adjusting the position of the passenger boarding bridge relative to an aircraft, to compensate for different sized aircraft and to compensate for imprecise parking of aircraft.
A manual bridge alignment system requires that a human operator is present to perform the alignment operation each time an aircraft arrives. Delays occur when the human operator is not standing-by to perform the alignment operation as soon as the aircraft comes to a stop. In addition, human operators are prone to errors that result in the passenger boarding bridge being driven into the aircraft or into a piece of ground service equipment. Such collisions involving the passenger boarding bridge are costly and also result in delays. In order to avoid causing a collision, human operators tend to err on the side of caution and drive the bridge slowly and cautiously.
Semi-automated bridge alignment systems also require a human operator, but the human operator may be present at a remote location and interact with the bridge control system in a tele-robotic manner. One human operator may interact with a plurality of different passenger boarding bridges, thereby reducing the costs associated with training and paying the salaries of human operators. Alternatively, certain movements of the bridge are automated, whilst other movements are performed under the control of the human operator.
Automated bridge alignment systems provide a number of advantages compared to manual and semi-automated systems. For instance, automated bridge alignment systems do not require a human operator, and therefore the costs that are associated with training and paying the salaries of human operators are reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, an automated bridge alignment system is always standing by to control the passenger boarding bridge as soon as an aircraft comes to a stop. Accordingly, delays associated with dispatching a human operator to perform a bridge alignment operation are eliminated, particularly during periods of heavy aircraft travel.
Early attempts at automated bridge alignment systems employed imagers and sensors disposed on or about the bridge, for sensing locations of aircraft doorways and for sensing close approach of the bridge to the aircraft. More recently, automated bridge alignment systems have been developed in which beacon docking signals and/or control signals are transmitted wirelessly between an aircraft and a passenger boarding bridge, as described for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,637,063, 6,742,210, 6,757,927 and 6,907,635, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein. In such systems, the aircraft plays an active role in the bridge alignment operation, rather than a purely passive one. Other systems relying upon wireless transmission of signals between an aircraft and a passenger boarding bridge during alignment are disclosed in co-pending U.S. applications Ser. Nos. 11/149,401, 11/155,502, 11/157,934 and 11/157,938, the entire contents of all of which are also incorporated by reference herein. Unfortunately, automated bridge alignment systems also are prone to errors that result in the passenger boarding bridge being driven into the aircraft. For instance, in a system in which an aircraft wirelessly transmits a call signal for initiating an automated alignment operation of a passenger boarding bridge, it is possible that a neighboring bridge may intercept the signal and begin to move under the control of the aircraft. As a result, the neighboring bridge may collide with a different aircraft or with ground service equipment located adjacent thereto. With the growing number of automated bridge alignment systems that are in use at airports, the problem of ensuring proper communication between an aircraft and a passenger boarding bridge is becoming more of a concern.
It would be advantageous to provide a system and method that overcomes at least some of the above-mentioned limitations.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the instant invention there is provided a system for aligning in an automated fashion an aircraft-engaging end of a passenger boarding bridge to a doorway of an aircraft, the passenger boarding bridge equipped with a controller and a drive system, the controller for providing first control signals to the drive system for effecting a movement of the aircraft-engaging end along a direction toward the doorway of the aircraft, the system comprising: a transmitter disposed aboard the aircraft for wirelessly transmitting second control signals to the controller, the second control signals for use by the controller in determining the first control signals; a sensor disposed aboard the aircraft for sensing movement of the passenger boarding bridge during a current alignment operation; and, a processor in communication with the sensor for receiving therefrom data relating to the sensed movement of the passenger boarding bridge, and for comparing the data to other data relating to an expected movement of the passenger boarding bridge based upon the transmitted second control signals.
In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention there is provided a method for aligning in an automated fashion an aircraft-engaging end of a passenger boarding bridge to a doorway of an aircraft, the method comprising: transmitting a signal from the aircraft to an automated controller of the passenger boarding bridge, the signal for initiating a desired movement of the passenger boarding bridge during a current bridge alignment operation; during the current bridge alignment operation, using a sensor disposed aboard the aircraft to sense an actual movement of the passenger boarding bridge; comparing the actual movement to the desired movement; and, if the actual movement differs from the desired movement by more than a predetermined threshold value, using the transmitter to transmit an anti-collision signal.
In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention there is provided a method for aligning in an automated fashion an aircraft-engaging end of a passenger boarding bridge to a doorway of an aircraft, the method comprising: parking the aircraft within a parking space that is adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge; using a sensor disposed aboard the aircraft, sensing an initial position of the passenger boarding bridge relative to the aircraft for a current alignment operation; during the current alignment operation, using the sensor to sense movements of the passenger boarding bridge from the initial position along a direction toward the doorway of the aircraft; comparing the sensed movements of the passenger boarding bridge with expected movements of the passenger boarding bridge for the given initial position of the passenger boarding bridge; and, if the sensed movements differ from the expected movements by more than a predetermined threshold value, using a transmitter disposed aboard the aircraft to transmit an anti-collision signal.
In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention there is provided a method for establishing communication between a passenger boarding bridge and an aircraft, comprising: parking the aircraft within a parking space that is adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge; using a sensor disposed aboard the aircraft, sensing movements of the passenger boarding bridge; comparing the sensed movements of the passenger boarding bridge with expected movements of the passenger boarding bridge, the expected movements comprising a predetermined sequence of movements; and, when the sensed movements and the expected movements are the same to within predetermined threshold values, aligning the passenger boarding bridge with a doorway of the aircraft in an automated fashion.
In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention there is provided a method for establishing communication between a passenger boarding bridge and an aircraft, comprising: waiting for an aircraft to approach a parking space that is adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge; performing a predetermined sequence of movements of the passenger boarding bridge for providing a visually distinguishable indication that the passenger boarding bridge is in a condition for being aligned with a doorway of the aircraft; receiving a signal transmitted from the aircraft for initiating an automated bridge alignment operation, the signal for indicating that the predetermined sequence of movements conformed with expected movements to within a predetermined threshold value; in dependence upon receiving the signal from the aircraft, initiating an automated alignment operation of the passenger boarding bridge to the doorway of the aircraft.
In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention there is provided a method for establishing communication between a passenger boarding bridge and an aircraft, comprising: waiting for an aircraft to approach a parking space that is adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge; performing a predetermined sequence of movements of the passenger boarding bridge for providing a visually distinguishable indication that the passenger boarding bridge is in a condition for being aligned with a doorway of the aircraft; receiving a signal transmitted from the aircraft for initiating an automated bridge alignment operation, the signal for indicating that the predetermined sequence of movements conformed with expected movements to within a predetermined threshold value; in dependence upon receiving the signal from the aircraft, initiating an automated alignment operation of the passenger boarding bridge to the doorway of the aircraft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the following drawings, in which similar reference numerals designate similar items:
FIG. 1 a is a simplified top view of a passenger boarding bridge in a stowed position relative to a nose-in parked aircraft;
FIG. 1 b is a simplified top view of the passenger boarding bridge of FIG. 1 a in an intermediate position relative to the nose-in parked aircraft;
FIG. 1 c is a simplified top view of the passenger boarding bridge of FIG. 1 a in an aircraft engaging condition relative to the nose-in parked aircraft;
FIG. 2 is a partial side view of an aircraft equipped with a sensor according to an embodiment of the instant invention;
FIG. 3 is a simplified flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the instant invention;
FIG. 4 is a simplified flow diagram of another method according to an embodiment of the instant invention;
FIG. 5 is a simplified flow diagram of a method for establishing communication between a passenger boarding bridge and an aircraft according to an embodiment of the instant invention;
FIG. 6 is a simplified flow diagram of another method for establishing communication between a passenger boarding bridge and an aircraft according to an embodiment of the instant invention; and,
FIG. 7 is a simplified flow diagram of a method for aligning in an automated fashion an aircraft-engaging end of a passenger boarding bridge to a doorway of an aircraft, according to an embodiment of the instant invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
Referring to FIG. 1 a, shown is a simplified top view of a passenger boarding bridge in a stowed position relative to a nose-in parked aircraft. The passenger boarding bridge 2 comprises a rotunda 4, which is connected to a terminal building 6 and from which extends a passageway 8. The passageway 8 ends with a pivotable cabin 10 and includes inner 12 and outer 14 passageway elements, wherein the inner element 12 is telescopically received within the outer element 14 such that the length of the passageway 8 is variable. Of course, each passageway element includes a left sidewall, a right sidewall, a floor member and a ceiling member. Optionally, a number of passageway elements other than two are provided. An automated controller 16 is provided in communication with a not illustrated drive system of the passenger boarding bridge. The automated controller provides first control signals to the drive system for extending the length of the passageway 8, for adjusting the height of the passageway 8, for angularly adjusting the passageway 8 and for pivoting the pivotable cabin 10. Also shown in FIG. 1 is an aircraft 18 with a door 20, for instance a front left door of the aircraft, to which the passenger boarding bridge 2 is to be connected. The aircraft 18 is equipped with a sensor 22, a processor 24, and a transmitter 26.
According to the instant embodiment, the sensor 22 is an imager, optionally one of a digital still camera and a digital video camera. Optionally, a different type of sensor, such as for instance a laser range finder, is provided in place of the imager or in addition to the imager. The transmitter 26 is a wireless transmitter, such as for instance one of a radio-frequency (RF) transmitter and an optical transmitter. The transmitter 26 is for transmitting signals from the aircraft 18 to a not illustrated receiver that is in communication with the automated controller 16 of the passenger boarding bridge 2. The sensor 22 is in communication with the processor 24 for providing data thereto, the data relating to sensed positional information of the passenger boarding bridge 2 for a current alignment operation. For instance, the sensor 22 in the form of a digital video camera captures a video segment of passenger boarding bridge 2 movements, and video data is provided to the processor 24. The processor 24 processes the video data to extract information relating to the bridge movement, using image processing techniques that are known to one of skill in the art. Alternatively, the processing is performed for a series of at least two still images, which are obtained at a known interval of time.
Alternatively, the sensor 22 is an individual aboard the aircraft. The individual is prompted to watch the bridge and determine whether the bridge moves in an expected manner. Optionally, the individual provides bridge control commands via a user interface, and then watches the bridge to confirm that the bridge moves as commanded. Optionally, the individual simply watches for the a predetermined series of movements of the passenger boarding bridge, which are performed in response to sensing the aircraft within the parking space adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge.
Two types of automated boarding bridge alignment systems are now considered. In a first system, the processor 24 determines instructions for use by the automated controller 16 during a current alignment operation. In particular, the instructions are for moving the pivotable cabin 10 located at the aircraft-engaging end of the passenger boarding bridge 2 toward doorway 20 of aircraft 18. To this end, the sensor 22 senses an initial position of the passenger boarding bridge relative to the aircraft 18 for the current alignment operation. The processor 24 determines instructions for initiating movements of the passenger boarding bridge 2 toward the doorway 20, and provides data relating to the determined instructions to transmitter 26. Transmitter 26 transmits the determined instructions, in the form of second control signals, to the not illustrated receiver in communication with the automated controller 16. The automated controller 16 receives the second control signals, and determines or otherwise provides first control signals to the not illustrated drive system of passenger boarding bridge 2. Referring now to FIG. 1 b, the sensor 22 continues to sense positional information as the passenger boarding bridge 2 moves along “path A”, and provides data relating to sensed bridge movement to the processor 24. The processor compares the data relating to sensed bridge movement with data relating to an expected movement of the passenger boarding bridge for the given initial position of the passenger boarding bridge. If the sensed bridged movement differs from the expected movement by more than a predetermined threshold value, then processor 24 provides an anti-collision signal for transmission via transmitter 26 to the not-illustrated receiver in communication with the automated controller 16. By way of non-limiting example, the anti-collision signal is optionally one of an emergency stop signal and a retract bridge signal for being executed by the automated controller. Optionally, the anti-collision signal bypasses the automated controller 16 and powers down the passenger boarding bridge 2 directly. In the latter case, a collision is avoided even if there is a problem with the automated controller's 16 ability to correctly implement the instructions that are provided from processor 24.
Of course, if the sensed bridge movement approximates the expected movement, then the alignment operation continues with the passenger boarding bridge 2 moving along “path B” as shown in FIG. 1 c. The sensor 22 continues to sense positional information as the passenger boarding bridge 2 moves along “path B”, and the processor 24 continues to compare the sensed bridge movement with expected movement, until the pivotable cabin 8 engages the aircraft 18 and the bridge drive system is partially powered down or placed in a standby state.
In a second system, the transmitter 26 transmits a beacon signal to the not illustrated receiver in communication with the automated controller 16. The automated controller 16 provides first control signals to the not illustrated drive system for “homing-in” on the beacon signal. During use, the aircraft 18 is parked adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge 2, and the sensor 22 senses an initial position of the passenger boarding bridge 2 relative to the aircraft 18. The transmitter 26 begins transmitting a beacon signal, which initiates automated alignment of the passenger boarding bridge 2 with doorway 20 of aircraft 18. Based upon the initial position of the passenger boarding bridge 2 relative to the aircraft 18, the processor 24 determines expected movement of the passenger boarding bridge 2 for the current alignment operation. Referring now to FIG. 1 b, the sensor 22 continues to sense positional information as the passenger boarding bridge 2 moves along “path A”, and provides data relating to sensed bridge movement to the processor 24. The processor compares the data relating to sensed bridge movement with data relating to expected movement of the passenger boarding bridge for the given initial position of the passenger boarding bridge. If the sensed bridged movement differs from the expected movement by more than a predetermined threshold value, then processor 24 provides an anti-collision signal for transmission via transmitter 26 to the not-illustrated receiver in communication with the automated controller 16. By way of non-limiting example, the anti-collision signal is optionally one of an emergency stop signal and a retract bridge signal for being executed by the automated controller. Optionally, the anti-collision signal bypasses the automated controller 16 and powers down the passenger boarding bridge 2 directly. In the latter case, a collision is avoided even if there is a problem with the automated controller's 16 ability to correctly implement the instructions that are provided from processor 24.
Of course, if the sensed bridge movement approximates the expected movement, then the alignment operation continues with the passenger boarding bridge 2 moving along “path B” as shown in FIG. 1 c. The sensor 22 continues to sense positional information as the passenger boarding bridge 2 moves along “path B”, and the processor 24 continues to compare the sensed bridge movement with expected movement, until the pivotable cabin 8 engages the aircraft 18 and the bridge drive system is partially powered down or placed in a standby state.
Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is partial side view of an aircraft equipped with a sensor according to an embodiment of the instant invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor 22 is optionally disposed proximate the doorway 20. By way of non-limiting example, the sensor 22 is mounted within the space normally occupied by a lamp for illuminating the area around the doorway 20. Optionally, the sensor 22 is mounted inside the aircraft cabin adjacent to a window surface. Preferably, the sensor is mounted as close to doorway 22 as possible, such that the sensor may follow the movement of the pivotable cabin 8 all the way up until the point the aircraft is engaged.
Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is a simplified flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the instant invention. At step 300 a signal is transmitted from the aircraft to an automated controller of the passenger boarding bridge, the signal for initiating a desired movement of the passenger boarding bridge during a current bridge alignment operation. At step 302, during the current bridge alignment operation, a sensor disposed aboard the aircraft is used to sense an actual movement of the passenger boarding bridge. At step 304 a processor disposed aboard the aircraft compares the actual movement to the desired movement. At step 306 a determination is made whether the actual movement differs from the desired movement by more than a predetermined threshold value. If it is determined that the actual movement differs from the desired movement by more than a predetermined threshold value, then a transmitter aboard the aircraft is used to transmit an anti-collision signal to an automated controller of the passenger boarding bridge. By way of non-limiting example, the anti-collision signal is optionally one of an emergency stop signal and a retract bridge signal for being executed by the automated controller. Optionally, the anti-collision signal bypasses the automated controller and powers down the passenger boarding bridge directly.
Referring now to FIG. 4, shown is a simplified flow diagram of another method according to an embodiment of the instant invention. At step 400 the aircraft is parked within a parking space that is adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge. At step 402 a sensor disposed aboard the aircraft is used to sense an initial position of the passenger boarding bridge, relative to the aircraft, for a current alignment operation. At step 404 the sensor is used during the current alignment operation to sense movements of the passenger boarding bridge from the initial position, along a direction toward the doorway of the aircraft. At step 406 the sensed movements of the passenger boarding bridge are compared with expected movements of the passenger boarding bridge, the expected movements based upon the sensed initial position of the passenger boarding bridge and the known position of the doorway of the aircraft relative to the sensor. At step 408 a determination is made whether the sensed movements differs from the desired movement by more than a predetermined threshold value. If it is determined that the sensed movements differ from the desired movement by more than the predetermined threshold value, then a transmitter aboard the aircraft is used to transmit an anti-collision signal to an automated controller of the passenger boarding bridge. By way of non-limiting example, the anti-collision signal is optionally one of an emergency stop signal and a retract bridge signal for being executed by the automated controller. Optionally, the anti-collision signal bypasses the automated controller and powers down the passenger boarding bridge directly.
Referring now to FIG. 5, shown is a simplified flow diagram of a method for establishing communication between a passenger boarding bridge and an aircraft according to an embodiment of the instant invention. At step 500 the aircraft is parked within a parking space that is adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge. At step 502, a sensor that is disposed aboard the aircraft is used to sense movements of the passenger boarding bridge. At step 504 the sensed movements of the passenger boarding bridge are compared with expected movements of the passenger boarding bridge, the expected movements comprising a predetermined sequence of movements. At step 506, when the sensed movements and the expected movements are the same to within predetermined threshold values, the passenger boarding bridge is aligned with a doorway of the aircraft in an automated fashion. Optionally, a signal is transmitted from the aircraft to an automated bridge controller for initiating an automated bridge alignment process, in dependence upon the sensed movements and the expected movements being the same to within predetermined threshold values. Alternatively, the automated bridge controller initiates the automated alignment process unless the aircraft transmits a signal for aborting the automated alignment process.
The predetermined sequence of movements is for providing a visually distinguishable indication that the passenger boarding bridge is in a condition for being aligned with the doorway of the aircraft. In other words, the predetermined sequence of movements is a “visual handshake” between an automated bridge controller of the passenger boarding bridge and the aircraft. Optionally, a person disposed aboard the aircraft is observes the predetermined sequence of movements and determines whether or not to allow the automated alignment process to proceed.
Referring now to FIG. 6, shown is a simplified flow diagram of a method for establishing communication between a passenger boarding bridge and an aircraft according to an embodiment of the instant invention. Step 600 is a step of waiting for an aircraft to approach a parking space that is adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge. At step 602, a predetermined sequence of movements of the passenger boarding bridge is performed. The predetermined sequence of movements is for providing a visually distinguishable indication that the passenger boarding bridge is in a condition for being aligned with a doorway of the aircraft. In other words, the predetermined sequence of movements is a “visual handshake” between an automated bridge controller of the passenger boarding bridge and the aircraft. At step 604 a signal transmitted from the aircraft is received using a receiver disposed aboard the passenger boarding bridge. The signal transmitted from the aircraft is for initiating an automated bridge alignment operation. The signal is transmitted in dependence upon the predetermined sequence of movements conforming with expected movements to within a predetermined threshold value. At step 606, in dependence upon receiving the signal from the aircraft, an automated alignment operation is initiated for aligning the passenger boarding bridge to the doorway of the aircraft.
Referring now to FIG. 7, shown is a simplified flow diagram of a method for aligning in an automated fashion an aircraft-engaging end of a passenger boarding bridge to a doorway of an aircraft, the method comprising. At step 700 the aircraft is parked within a parking space that is adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge. Using a sensor disposed aboard the aircraft, at step 702 an initial position of the passenger boarding bridge is sensed relative to the aircraft for a current alignment operation. At step 704, during the current alignment operation, the sensor is used to sense movements of the passenger boarding bridge from the initial position along a direction toward the doorway of the aircraft. At step 706, based upon the sensed movements of the passenger boarding bridge, a value is determined relating to a probability of a collision involving the passenger boarding bridge and the aircraft during the current alignment operation. At step 708, if the determined value is outside a range of predetermined threshold values, a signal for aborting the current alignment operation is transmitted from the aircraft. If the determined value is within the range of predetermined threshold values, then the current alignment operation continues and the passenger boarding bridge is aligned with the doorway of the aircraft in an automated manner.
The embodiments of the instant invention have been described using the specific and non-limiting example of an apron drive bridge being aligned with a doorway forward of the wing of an aircraft. However, other types of passenger boarding bridges including radial drive bridges, over-the-wing (OTW) bridges and dual boarding bridges optionally are aligned with one or more doorways either forward of, above, or aft of the wing of the aircraft according to the instant invention. Furthermore, a sensor in the form of an imager has been described, but optionally other types or additional types of sensors are included. For instance, according to an optional embodiment of the instant invention a distance-measuring laser range finder is provided in addition to an imaging device.
The embodiments of the instant invention have been described in terms of using a sensor disposed aboard the aircraft for sensing movements of the passenger boarding bridge while the passenger boarding bridge is actually moving toward an aircraft-engaging position. However, optionally the sensed movements are not for moving the passenger boarding bridge along a direction toward the aircraft doorway. For instance, optionally the passenger boarding bridge performs a predetermined series of movements prior to beginning the alignment operation. Examples of movements include pivoting the cabin from side-to-side, raising and lowering the passenger boarding bridge, or driving the passenger boarding bridge angularly across the apron. Optionally, the movements are performed when a parked aircraft is sensed adjacent to the bridge, or in response to a signal being transmitted from the aircraft to the passenger boarding bridge. The predetermined series of movements is a visual hand-shake between the bridge and the aircraft, to ensure that the correct bridge is attempting to align with the aircraft. For instance, the aircraft parks within a parking space adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge and transmits a call signal for initiating an automated alignment operation. The passenger boarding bridge performs at least a predetermined movement, while the aircraft uses a sensor to scan the bridge for movement. If the sensor detects the predetermined movement, then correct communication is confirmed and the alignment operation may proceed. Optionally, the movement is not predetermined. In this latter case the call signal transmitted from the aircraft includes a command to perform a movement. If the sensor aboard the aircraft senses the correct movement of the passenger boarding bridge within a predetermined period of time, then correct communication is confirmed and the alignment operation may proceed.
Numerous other embodiments may be envisaged without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for aligning in an automated fashion an aircraft-engaging end of a passenger boarding bridge to a doorway of an aircraft, the passenger boarding bridge equipped with a controller and a drive system, the controller for providing first control signals to the drive system for effecting a movement of the aircraft-engaging end along a direction toward the doorway of the aircraft, the system comprising:

a transmitter disposed aboard the aircraft for wirelessly transmitting second control signals to the controller, the second control signals for use by the controller in determining the first control signals;

a sensor disposed aboard the aircraft for sensing movement of the passenger boarding bridge during a current alignment operation; and,

a processor in communication with the sensor for receiving therefrom data relating to the sensed movement of the passenger boarding bridge, and for comparing the data to other data relating to an expected movement of the passenger boarding bridge based upon the transmitted second control signals.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the processor is for providing an anti-collision signal for transmission by the transmitter if the sensed movement differs from the expected movement by more than a predetermined threshold value.

3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the anti-collision signal comprises an emergency-stop command.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises an imager for capturing an image of the passenger boarding bridge during the current alignment operation.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a digital video camera for capturing a video segment of the passenger boarding bridge during the current alignment operation.

6. A system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a digital still camera for capturing a series of images of the passenger boarding bridge during the current alignment operation.

7. A system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter is for transmitting the second control signals in the form of bridge movement instruction signals for the current alignment operation.

8. A system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter is for transmitting the second control signals in the form of a beacon signal.

9. A system according to claim 1, comprising a user interface disposed aboard the aircraft for receiving from a user an input signal relating to a desired bridge movement instruction for the current alignment operation, and for providing an output signal to the transmitter for transmission thereby, the output signal relating to the desired bridge movement, the output signal for inclusion in the second control signals.

10. A method for aligning in an automated fashion an aircraft-engaging end of a passenger boarding bridge to a doorway of an aircraft, the method comprising:

transmitting a signal from the aircraft to an automated controller of the passenger boarding bridge, the signal for initiating a desired movement of the passenger boarding bridge during a current bridge alignment operation;

during the current bridge alignment operation, using a sensor disposed aboard the aircraft to sense an actual movement of the passenger boarding bridge;

comparing the actual movement to the desired movement; and,

if the actual movement differs from the desired movement by more than a predetermined threshold value, using the transmitter to transmit an anti-collision signal.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the anti-collision signal comprises an emergency-stop signal.

12. A method according to claim 10, wherein the anti-collision signal comprises a retract bridge signal.

13. A method according to claim 10, wherein the anti-collision signal comprises a power-down signal.

14. A method according to claim 10, wherein sensing the actual movement of the passenger boarding bridge comprises capturing an image of the passenger boarding bridge.

15. A method according to claim 10, wherein the desired movement is for confirming a communication link between the aircraft and the automated controller.

16. A method according to claim 10, wherein the sensor is an individual aboard the aircraft and wherein transmitting a signal from the aircraft comprises the individual providing a command via a user interface, the command for initiating the desired movement of the passenger boarding bridge.

17. A method for aligning in an automated fashion an aircraft-engaging end of a passenger boarding bridge to a doorway of an aircraft, the method comprising:

parking the aircraft within a parking space that is adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge;

using a sensor disposed aboard the aircraft, sensing an initial position of the passenger boarding bridge relative to the aircraft for a current alignment operation;

during the current alignment operation, using the sensor to sense movements of the passenger boarding bridge from the initial position along a direction toward the doorway of the aircraft;

comparing the sensed movements of the passenger boarding bridge with expected movements of the passenger boarding bridge for the given initial position of the passenger boarding bridge; and,

if the sensed movements differ from the expected movements by more than a predetermined threshold value, using a transmitter disposed aboard the aircraft to transmit an anti-collision signal.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the anti-collision signal comprises an emergency-stop signal.

19. A method according to claim 17, wherein the anti-collision signal comprises a retract bridge signal.

20. A method according to claim 17, wherein the anti-collision signal comprises a power-down signal.

21. A method according to claim 17, wherein sensing movements of the passenger boarding bridge comprises capturing an image of the passenger boarding bridge.

22. A method for establishing communication between a passenger boarding bridge and an aircraft, comprising:

using a sensor disposed aboard the aircraft, sensing movements of the passenger boarding bridge;

comparing the sensed movements of the passenger boarding bridge with expected movements of the passenger boarding bridge, the expected movements comprising a predetermined sequence of movements; and,

when the sensed movements and the expected movements are the same to within predetermined threshold values, aligning the passenger boarding bridge with a doorway of the aircraft in an automated fashion.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the predetermined sequence of movements is for providing a visually distinguishable indication that the passenger boarding bridge is in a condition for being aligned with the doorway of the aircraft.

24. A method according to claim 23, comprising providing a processor disposed aboard the aircraft and in communication with the sensor, wherein the processor is for comparing the sensed movements of the passenger boarding bridge with expected movements of the passenger boarding bridge.

25. A method according to claim 22, wherein aligning the passenger boarding bridge with the doorway of the aircraft comprises transmitting a command from the aircraft to an automated bridge controller, the command for initiating an automated alignment process.

26. A method for establishing communication between a passenger boarding bridge and an aircraft, comprising:

waiting for an aircraft to approach a parking space that is adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge;

performing a predetermined sequence of movements of the passenger boarding bridge for providing a visually distinguishable indication that the passenger boarding bridge is in a condition for being aligned with a doorway of the aircraft;

receiving a signal transmitted from the aircraft for initiating an automated bridge alignment operation, the signal for indicating that the predetermined sequence of movements conformed with expected movements to within a predetermined threshold value;

in dependence upon receiving the signal from the aircraft, initiating an automated alignment operation of the passenger boarding bridge to the doorway of the aircraft.

27. A method according to claim 26, wherein the predetermined sequence of movements is performed in response to receiving a call signal from the aircraft.

28. A method according to claim 26, comprising using a sensor disposed aboard the passenger boarding bridge to sense the approach of the aircraft within the parking space that is adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge.

29. A method according to claim 28, wherein the predetermined sequence of movements is performed in response to sensing the approach of the aircraft within the parking space that is adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge.

30. A method according to claim 26, wherein receiving a signal transmitted from the aircraft is performed using a receiver disposed aboard the passenger boarding bridge and in communication with an automated bridge controller.

31. A method for aligning in an automated fashion an aircraft-engaging end of a passenger boarding bridge to a doorway of an aircraft, the method comprising:

based upon the sensed movements of the passenger boarding bridge, determining a value relating to a probability of a collision involving the passenger boarding bridge and the aircraft during the current alignment operation; and,

if the determined value is outside a range of predetermined threshold values, transmitting from the aircraft a signal for aborting the current alignment operation.

32. A method according to claim 31, wherein sensing movements of the passenger boarding bridge comprises capturing images of the passenger boarding bridge during the current alignment operation.

33. A method according to claim 31, wherein transmitting a signal for aborting the current alignment operation comprises transmitting an optical signal.

34. A method according to claim 31, wherein transmitting a signal for aborting the current alignment operation comprises transmitting a radio frequency signal.