[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application filed on February 7, 2022 and assigned serial number 63/307,551. This and all other referenced extrinsic materials are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in a reference that is incorporated by reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein is deemed to be controlling.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The field of the invention is emergency management systems and methods, and especially those for use in airport settings.

Background

[0003] The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0004] As the nation’s infrastructure continues to age, newer technologies are forcing airport managers to scrutinize legacy emergency response systems. While investment in state-of-the-art radar, meteorological equipment and advanced aircraft are all vital to modern day aviation safety, often the emergency response systems at airports continue to rely upon outdated methods and delivery systems. In certain locales, the government or other agencies have set specific response time goals for airport first responders. However, the antiquated systems often in use have become a challenge for airports to meet the response time. The resulting delays in response times can lead to loss of aircraft, property, and human life.

[0005] Government standards and requirements mandate superior performance, especially in the realm of life saving public safety and rescue. This is especially true as often every second counts during an emergency situation. A faster response can result in more lives saved. Unfortunately, most crash phone systems used at airports throughout the country are antiquated, often having aging analog copper lines that are unreliable, unmonitored, and failing at alarming rates. Airports are paying expensive, reoccurring rental fees on lines that are often decades old and unserviceable with obsolete parts.

[0006] All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0007] Thus, there is still a need for improved systems and methods that can increase response rates in emergency situations.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods for an emergency management and response system for an airport. Contemplated systems and methods described herein advantageously eliminate the difficulties of existing crash phones and other problems described above. These digital systems and methods described herein can transmit alerts to all locations at an airport within less than one second.

[0009] In addition, the systems and methods can be used to provide emergency alerts and instructions from a control tower or other location simultaneously to all crash phone locations. The systems and method are configured to provide all of the information necessary for emergency personnel to respond to an emergency in the fastest possible manner. The systems and methods can be utilized with alert tones and visual display devices located throughout a fire station or other location to give emergency personnel the key information needed to respond to the emergency.

[0010] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a flowchart for a crash phone network. [0012] Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an aircraft emergency management system.

[0013] Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a graphical user interface (GUI) that can be used with the systems and methods described herein.

Detailed Description

[0014] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0015] Throughout the following discussion, references may be made regarding servers, services, interfaces, portals, platforms, or other systems formed from computing devices. It should be appreciated that the use of such terms is deemed to represent one or more computing devices having at least one processor configured to execute software instructions stored on a computer readable tangible, non-transitory medium. For example, a server can include one or more computers operating as a web server, database server, or other type of computer server in a manner to fulfill described roles, responsibilities, or functions.

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of a sample crash phone network 100. Preferred networks may utilize voice over IP (VoIP) protocol but other protocols and communication methods could be used without departing from the scope of the invention herein. The network allows a dispatcher 102 or the control tower 104 to communicate information to one or more devices or sites via a primary call server 110. For example, the primary call server 110 can transmit a call from the dispatcher 102 to various crash phones or other devices 120A-120E, which may be located in a plurality of locations including, for example, fire stations, EMS services, ramp control, police station, operations, and other locations.

[0017] Preferably, such devices comprise portable, remote devices that can be located strategically throughout a fire house or other location to promptly notify emergency personnel of an emergency. The system can allow for a variety of customized alerting methods using various devices.

[0018] It is further contemplated that one or more of the devices can comprise an acknowledgement switch or button that, when actuated, transmits a signal to dispatch 102 to indicate that the alert was received.

[0019] Exemplary devices comprise digital crash phones, televisions, speakers, light indicators, timers indicating an amount of time elapsed since the alert was received.

[0020] The devices may also include a touchscreen display, which may be disposed in fire stations or other emergency asset locations. The devices can receive a transmission concerning an emergency sent by the dispatcher such as the Air Traffic Control Tower. Preferably, the devices have an interface with a switch or button that, when actuated, transmits a signal to dispatch 102 to allow the responding emergency personnel to acknowledge receipt of the call or transmission and provide a visual recognition that the transmission was received. The devices can be monitored full time and provide system health checks at set intervals.

[0021] The network 100 can further include a secondary call server, which can act concurrently with the primary call server 110 and/or act as a backup in case of failure of the primary call server 110

[0022] The server(s) thereby connect the dispatch to the crash phones and other devices of the fire stations and other emergency assets. The server(s) are preferably configured to monitor the equipment on the network and notify support personnel if problems are detected. The server(s) advantageously allow for communications between the parties and monitoring of receipt and transmission of each message.

[0023] The network 100 may also include a master control unit (MCU) which receives all alerts sent from the dispatch 102 and transmits the alerts to the designated crash phones or other devices, thereby station, notifying emergency personnel of the nature of the emergency and the tiered response level required. The MCU can also be configured with a fully automated text-to- speech function that automatically announces emergency units assigned to the emergency, the nature of the emergency, the location of the emergency, and any additional alert information. In addition to receiving information via a phone or speaker, emergency information can also eb displayed on the devices or printed out to provide all details necessary for the emergency response.

[0024] It is further contemplated that the MCU can change a decibel level of an alert based on a time of day. For example, during the daytime, the decibel level may be increased due to increased noise. In the nighttime, the decibel level can be decreased as emergency locations are generally quieter.

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of an airport emergency management system 200. The emergency management system 200 utilizes network connectivity to provide a communication link from the dispatch 202 to the control tower 204 as well as to various entities which may be located on or off the airport, which may include one or more fire stations 220A- 220B, fire trucks or other emergency units or personnel 220C, airport operations 220D, police and other airport agencies 220E-220F. A communication network 210 such as described in Figure 1 may be utilized with the system, for example.

[0026] Preferred systems utilize a wired communication network and a voice over IP protocol to digitally communicate with non-mobile entities due to the greater reliability of wired connections. However, a loss of network connectivity from tower 204 to the entities 220A-220C and dispatch 202 could render the system 200 inoperative when it is needed most. Thus, it is contemplated that the system 200 may comprise a secondary network comprising a wireless network that acts as a backup for system 200. In the event of a loss of wired communication from the control tower 204 to the first responders (e.g., 220A-220C) or other parties 220D-200F, the wireless backup network provides communications of audio, video, or other data to first responders e.g., 220C) located on an airfield, for example. The wireless backup network advantageously does not depend on any network connectivity to send the alert throughout the airfield.

[0027] One or more of the entities 204 and 220A-220F may have VoIP crash phones, which are connected to the network 210 and able to receive communications from the dispatch 202, for example. [0028] Figure 3 illustrates one embodiment of a graphical user interface 300 (GUI) that can be used with the systems and methods described above. Preferred interfaces are touch screen driven As shown in Figure 3, a tower operator or dispatcher can select various criteria for an emergency situation including, for example, an alert type 302 (e.g., inflight emergency or ground emergency), fuel remaining on the aircraft 304 (e.g., less than 15 minutes, 15-30 minutes, 30-60 minutes, 60-90 minutes, or more than 90 minutes), estimated time of arrival (ETA) of the aircraft 306 (e.g., immediate, 5 minutes, 30 minutes, greater than 30 minutes), personnel on board 308 (e.g., one, two, or more than two), an emergency type 310, an aircraft type 312, a runway, ramp, and/or taxiway 314.

[0029] Exemplary emergency types 310 can include, for example, an accident, a barrier engagement, a bird strike, a blown tire small or large frame, a cracked canopy, a crash, an electrical problem, an engine problem, an EPU activation, a fire, a fire-EPU, a flight control problem, a fuel leak, a fuel problem, a gear problem, a squawk 7700, hot brakes, a hung gun, a hung ordinance, a hydrazine leak, a jammed gun, a lightning strike, a medical emergency, not specified, smoke in aircraft, an unauthorized landing, and unsafe munitions. It is contemplated that the specific type of emergencies listed can vary depending on the airport (e.g., military or civilian), and can be updated over time as needed.

[0030] Exemplary aircraft types 312 can include, for example, A-10, F-15 A/B/C/D, F-15E, F-16 C/D, F-35A/B/C, 737, C-130 E/H/J, C-17A, C-32A (757), C-5 A/B/C/M, CV-22, DC-9, F-18 C/D, F-18 E/F, F-22A, KC-10A (DC- 10), KC-135 (707), MD-80, UH- IN, UH-72A, small frame aircraft, large frame aircraft, or unknown. It is contemplated that the specific type of aircraft listed can vary depending on the airport (e.g., military or civilian), and can be updated over time as needed.

[0031] In some embodiments, the GUI 300 may be utilized with an AES Alerting Tower Screen, which is the data collection and transmitting equipment that can be located in the Air Traffic Control Tower or other dispatch location. The Tower Screen or interface is used by air traffic controllers or other dispatchers using the GUI 300 to send aircraft emergency details (transmissions) to the Alerting End Points (e.g., crash phones and other devices) located in fire stations or other emergency assets. [0032] The GUI 300 is preprogrammed with the specific airfield response and aircraft details that are preferably visually displayed in a touchscreen configuration. The GUI 300 can also be preprogrammed with the emergency assets to be contacted depending on the emergency, the devices associated with each emergency asset, and the communication protocol(s) to be used to contact each device. Using the GUI 300, the air traffic controller or other dispatcher can immediately notify emergency assets regarding details of the emergency with a very quick movement across the screen, reducing verbal communication difficulties. By inputting information about the emergency using the GUI 300, it is contemplated that the systems and methods described herein can automatically (i) receive information about an emergency from a dispatch unit, (ii) select a subset of a plurality of emergency assets based on the received information (i.e., one or more of the selected criteria), and (iii) automatically transmit an alert to each of the emergency assets of the subset who should be contacted.

[0033] For example, once the criteria are inputted and submitted such as by using the send button 320, an alert message or instructions can be automatically created or manually recorded or otherwise inputted. Once created or inputted, the message can be automatically transmitted by the system to crash phones or other devices of each emergency asset. Examples of such devices 322 are shown in the bottom left corner of the GUI 300. The GUI 300 therefore allows for instant visual and verbal notification of an emergency to all response facilities. Using the emergency system having dedicated crash phones, communications from a control tower or other location can be automatically and simultaneously provided to all designated crash phones 322 on the network, which relay critical details of the emergency. Such systems thereby reduce emergency response time and ensure the proper emergency assets are promptly notified about the emergency.

[0034] In addition, the systems and methods herein allow a dispatcher or other user to immediately see using the GUI 300 shown in Figure 3 which crash phones or other devices 322 have been picked up and then transmit the emergency notification/information once all of the designated crash phones or other devices have been picked up/answered. Alternatively, the message can be transmitted to each designated crash phone or other device individually as each device is picked up/answered. [0035] It is contemplated that communications between the dispatcher and emergency assets can be recorded. If a crash phone or other device is not picked up/answered, the system can automatically attempt to reach the emergency asset via a second communication channel for redundant alerting, which may include, for example, a two-way radio, an analog phone, or other communication devices. Using a digital connection between the dispatcher and the crash phones provides for clear audio communication and can eliminate delays that can occur using analog systems.

[0036] The systems and methods described herein offer many advantages over prior art system including, for example, reduced response times, lowered stress levels of emergency personnel, ramped, visual alerting, automated dispatch and text-to-speech, redundancy, and networked- based alerting via crash phones, texts, emails, and/or pagers.

[0037] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.

[0038] Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.

[0039] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0040] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value with a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0041] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0042] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C .... and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.