The article deals with the estimation of information quality (IQ) in information and communication technologies (ICT) systems. A number of recent publications were analyzed, as well as ISO standards concerning quality and information quality. Due to the limitations of the known methods of estimating IQ, the authors present their own proprietary concept based on multidimensional and multi-layer modeling using methods of estimating uncertainty. The modeling proposed in this publication uses sixteen dimensions of quality known from the literature. The features of dimensions are taken into account as another layer and information states as successive steps in the IQ model. An example of calculations is also presented in which the mathematical evidence method used in estimating the uncertainty is extended to the modeling of dependent elements. The article also presents a simulation based on the presented example. This simulation shows the assumed dependencies between the output and input values.

Image acquisition from autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is useful for mapping objects on the seabed. However, there are few studies on the interpretation of data collected with side-scan sonar during autonomous underwater vehicle missions. By recording the seabed with 3D multibeam sonar, a large number of survey points can be obtained. The collected data are processed using applications based on remote sensing image processing. The data collected during AUV missions (or other sonar carriers) needs to be pre-processed to reach the proper effectiveness level. This process includes corrections of signal amplification (Time Varying Gain, or TVG) and geometric distortions of sonar images (Slant Range Corrections). It should be mentioned that, when carrying out the interpretation process for structures on the sea floor, sonar users need to understand the process of visualising seabed projections and depressions, as well as the resolution limitations of the sonar sensors.

The increase in the role of companion robots in everyday life is inevitable, and their safe communication with the infrastructure is one of the fundamental challenges faced by designers. There are many challenges in the robot’s communication with the environment, widely described in the literature on the subject. The threats that scientists believe have the most significant impact on the robot’s communication include denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, satellite signal spoofing, external eavesdropping, spamming, broadcast tampering, and man-in-the-middle attacks. In this article, the authors attempted to identify communication threats in the new robot-to-infrastructure (R2I) model based on available solutions used in transport, e.g., vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), taking into account the threats already known affecting the robot’s sensory systems. For this purpose, all threats that may occur in the robot’s communication with the environment were analyzed. Then the risk analysis was carried out, determining, in turn, the likelihood of potential threats occurrence, their consequence, and ability of detection. Finally, specific methods of responding to the occurring threats are proposed, taking into account cybersecurity aspects. A critical new approach is the proposal to use communication and protocols so far dedicated to transport (IEEE 802.11p WAVE, dedicated short-range communications (DSRC)). Then, the companion’s robot should be treated as a pedestrian and some of its sensors as an active smartphone.

Introduction: Although aviation is considered the safest mode of transportation, the annual number of pilots blinded by laser light cannot be understated. An analysis of the available statistics indicates that it is a widespread phenomenon. The stories told by the pilots show the consequences of these incidents, ranging from temporary sight loss to months of vision problems. The article also describes the current penalties for dazzling a pilot by laser light. Moreover, limited research has been conducted on the intensity of laser light of different wavelengths passing through the fairing and through standard glasses used by pilots. Understanding the effects of laser glare on pilots can help reduce adverse events and improve the ability of safety managers to develop safety procedures. Correctly designed transport systems enable effective route planning and order processing. Methods: Two types of easily available laser pointers, drawn at different distances from the aircraft, were analyzed and the intensity of the transmitted light was examined. Results: The results showed that the intensity decreases with distance and that the intensity is too low to harm the eye. In addition, it should not be forgotten that the light propagates in a cone which strengthens the illumination effect in the cabin and causes pilots to lose orientation. Practical application of the findings: They enable the identification of areas around the airport where the use of lasers should be prohibited. Practical Application: The possibility of determining the transition of laser light through the windscreen of the aircraft as well as its intensity under near real-life conditions.

The article describes the method of predicting the reliability and durability of an aircraft commutator, which is a primary source of electric energy in helicopters. Tests were conducted for 10 starter-generators. From this research it follows that the technical condition of brushes and bearings has a significant impact on the reliability of starter-generators. The reliability of starter-generators was determined based on the method consisting of two stages that was adopted: the first stage involved determining the density function of changes in diagnostic parameter depending on the operating time, but the second stage included the assessment of the reliability of bearings of the starter-generator taking into account the real flight profile. The first stage of the adopted method consisted of defining the dynamic model of changing the length of the starter-generator’s brush, which became the probabilistic model. Subsequently, based on differential equations, Fokker–Planck partial differential equation was derived, which describes the process of increasing the brush wear in a probabilistic way. This method enables the prediction of the residual durability of the helicopter’s starter-generator due to the change in a diagnostic parameter which is the wear of brushes during starter-generator operation. The second stage of this method allows determining the durability of starter-generator’s bearings building upon the average helicopter’s flight profile. Owing to the difficulty in measuring the wear of bearings, the relation between the durability of bearings and the temperature of surroundings can be applied by replacing the flight altitude with temperature. The reliability of the helicopter’s starter-generator was determined based on the serial-type reliability structure.