The Boeing Company
COMPUTING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TRACKING MOVEMENT OF OBJECTS

Abstract:

A computing device, method and computer program product track the movement of objects and identify potential collisions between object influence models of two or more objects. In a method, an object influence model is defined for a respective object with the object influence model having a shape and volume that encompasses the respective object. The object influence model extends beyond the respective object and varies in response to changes in one or more properties of the object. The method also includes receiving information from one or more sensors indicative of movement of the respective object and predicting its anticipated path of travel. The method further includes identifying a potential collision between the respective object and another object in an instance in which the object influence models of the respective object and another object intersect as the respective object is advanced along the anticipated path of travel.