Aircraft Suite

Abstract

The present invention provides an aircraft suite 100, comprising an aircraft seat 110 for use by a passenger 104, the aircraft suite further comprising: a controller for controlling a plurality of output states of the aircraft suite, the controller having a logic condition receiver for receiving a logic condition input, and a distance measurement device 201, 202 for measuring a distance between a first location 104 in the suite and a second location 203 in the suite and providing the distance input to the distance receiver of the controller, wherein, in use, the controller controls at least one of the output states of the aircraft suite 100 based on both the logic condition input and the distance input. The present invention also provides a method of controlling an environment in an aircraft suite 100.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aircraft suites.

[0002] The present invention relates to an aircraft suite. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an aircraft suite comprising an aircraft seat for use by a passenger, the aircraft suite further comprising a controller for controlling a plurality of output states of the aircraft suite, the controller having a logic condition receiver for receiving a logic condition input.

[0003] The invention also relates to a method of controlling the environment within an aircraft suite. Background Art

[0004] WO 2016 / 191560 discloses an aircraft lighting system that can be adjusted based on the position of, for example, a beverage trolley. For example, when a beverage trolley approaches, the lighting around the passenger seats can be activated. The position of the trolley is detected using an RFID tag.

[0005] In other prior art aircraft suites, for example, various lighting and seat settings may be changed based on passenger activation of the lights / seats.

[0006] However, none of these examples provide different suite settings based on intelligently determining the best seat / lighting settings etc. for a given scenario (e.g. suite environment). The present invention seeks to alleviate the above problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved aircraft suite. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect, the invention provides an aircraft suite comprising an aircraft seat for use by a passenger, the aircraft suite further comprising: a controller for controlling a plurality of output states of the aircraft suite, the controller having a logic condition receiver for receiving a logic condition input; and a distance measurement device for measuring a distance between a first location within the suite and a second location within the suite and providing the distance input to the distance receiver of the controller, wherein, in use, the controller controls at least one of the output states of the aircraft suite based on both the logic condition input and the distance input.

[0008] Having a distance measuring device enables measuring the distance between a first location and a second location within the suite. This allows the measured distance (or a distance input corresponding to the measured distance) to indicate the location of the object within the suite. Thus, this distance input can be provided to the controller. In conjunction with a logic condition also provided to the controller, the controller can control at least one output state of the aircraft suite. The output state is predetermined based on the logic condition and the distance input scenario.

[0009] Preferably, the distance measuring device comprises: a signal transmitter for transmitting a signal at a first time; and a signal receiver for receiving the signal at a second time, the time lag between the first time and the second time corresponding to the distance to be measured. Thus, the time lag (elapsed time) indicates the distance and can be used to provide a distance input. The signal transmitter can transmit an infrared or ultrasonic signal. The signal receiver is adapted to receive the signal transmitted by the signal transmitter.

[0010] More preferably, the signal transmitter and the signal receiver are substantially adjacent to each other in the first position, and wherein an object in the second position will reflect a signal transmitted from the signal transmitter back to the signal receiver.

[0011] Alternatively, the signal transmitter and the signal receiver may be located at substantially different locations within the aircraft suite. For example, the signal transmitter may be located at a first location and the signal receiver may be located at a second location. For example, the signal receiver may be located on a movable object, and the distance from the movable object to the first location is the distance being measured.

[0012] Preferably, the first location within the aircraft suite is on a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite. More preferably, the first location within the aircraft suite corresponds to an exterior surface of a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite.

[0013] More preferably, the furniture is fixedly mounted within the aircraft suite.The furniture may be fixed in position relative to the aircraft suite.

[0014] Preferably, the second position within the aircraft suite corresponds to a position of at least a portion of a movable object within the aircraft suite.

[0015] The movable object may not be part of the aircraft suite, such as a passenger or luggage. Alternatively, the movable object is a movable item of furniture of the aircraft suite.

[0016] Preferably, the logical condition input relates to an aircraft status, an aircraft cabin status and / or an aircraft suite status. More preferably, the logical condition input relates to an aircraft status, and / or an aircraft cabin status.

[0017] Preferably, the logic status input may relate to an aircraft status, and wherein the aircraft status represents a status of the aircraft, such as: "boarded", "preparing for takeoff, taxi or landing (TTL)", "in flight", "encountering turbulence", "landed" and / or "life jacket check".

[0018] The logic condition input may relate to an aircraft cabin state, and wherein the aircraft cabin state represents a state of the aircraft cabin, such as: “lights dimmed at night”.

[0019] The logical condition input may relate to an aircraft suite state, and wherein the aircraft suite state represents a state of the aircraft suite, such as: "seats in bed configuration", "lights low / off", "furniture being deployed", and / or "furniture being stowed". More preferably, the aircraft suite state represents a state of the aircraft suite, such as: "seats in bed configuration", "lights low / off", and / or "furniture being stowed".

[0020] Of course, the logic condition input may involve a combination of states. For example, the controller controls at least one of the output states of the aircraft suite based on a logic condition input and a distance input, the logic condition input being dependent on more than one state.

[0021] Preferably, the output states controlled by the controller contribute to providing a desired or required aircraft suite environment and may relate to the lighting level of the aircraft suite, the temperature of the aircraft suite or a portion of the suite, a message or warning displayed within the suite, a message or warning displayed outside the suite, and / or the deployment / stowage status of the suite furniture. The output states controlled by the controller may relate to the lighting level of the aircraft suite, the temperature of the aircraft suite or a portion of the suite, a message or warning displayed within the suite, a message or warning displayed outside the suite. The output states controlled by the controller may relate to the temperature of the aircraft suite or a portion of the suite, a message or warning displayed within the suite, a message or warning displayed outside the suite, and / or the deployment / stowage status of a piece of furniture in the suite. The output states controlled by the controller may relate to the temperature of the aircraft suite or a portion of the suite, a message or warning displayed within the suite, a message or warning displayed outside the suite.

[0022] In some examples, the first location is on a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite, and the second location is the nearest object in the deployment / stowage path of the furniture to the first location, wherein the logic condition input relates to the aircraft suite state of the deployment / stowage of the furniture item, and wherein the output state controlled is the deployment / stowage of the furniture item, such that in use, if the distance measured by the distance measuring device is shorter than expected, indicating that a passenger or luggage item may be in the deployment / stowage path and is deploying / stowing the furniture item, the controller controls the output state so that the deployment / stowage movement of the furniture item stops. This allows deployment / stowage to be controlled by a one-touch process (i.e., the passenger touches a button once, deployment / stowage starts and continues until complete or until an object in the path is detected), while still being safe and preventing objects from becoming stuck. In some examples, the first location is on a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite, and the second location is the nearest object in a stowage path of the piece of furniture to the first location, wherein the logic condition input relates to the aircraft suite state of the furniture item being stowed, and wherein the output state controlled is the stowage of the piece of furniture, such that in use, if the distance measurement device measures a shorter distance than expected, indicating that a passenger or luggage item may be in the stowage path and is stowing the piece of furniture, the controller controls the output state so that the stowage motion of the furniture item is stopped. This allows stowage to be controlled by a one-touch process (i.e., the passenger touches a button once, initiates stowage and continues until complete or until an object in the path is detected), while still being safe and preventing objects from becoming stuck.

[0023] The deployment / stowage movement of the furniture item may be resumed if / when a passenger or luggage item is no longer in the deployment / stowage path.

[0024] In some examples, the first location is on a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite, and the second location is the closest object to the first location across an open portion of the aircraft suite, wherein the logic condition input relates to an aircraft state of being ready for taxi, takeoff, or landing, and wherein the output state controlled is a message / warning light displayed to cabin crew inside and / or outside the suite, such that in use, if the distance measured by the distance measuring device is shorter than expected, indicating that the luggage item may be in the open portion of the aircraft suite, and the aircraft is in the state of being ready for taxi, takeoff, or landing, the controller controls the output state to notify passengers and / or cabin crew. When the luggage item is removed from the open portion of the aircraft suite, the output state (e.g., warning light and / or sound) that notifies passengers and / or cabin crew may be turned off.

[0025] In some examples, the first location is a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite, and the second location is the object closest to the first location in a direction toward the aircraft seat, wherein the logic condition input relates to the aircraft state of being ready for taxi, takeoff, or landing, and wherein the output state controlled is a message / warning light displayed to cabin crew inside and / or outside the suite, such that in use, if the distance measuring device measures a distance to the aircraft seat indicating that a passenger is not sitting in the aircraft seat and the aircraft is in the state of being ready for taxi, takeoff, or landing, the controller controls the output state to inform the passenger and / or cabin crew. The output state may be a warning light and / or sound. The output state may be turned off when the passenger returns to the aircraft seat.

[0026] In some examples, the first location is on a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite and the second location is the object closest to the first location in a direction towards the aircraft seat, wherein the logic condition input relates to an aircraft condition being in flight, and wherein the output state controlled is a heating or cooling condition within the suite, such as heating of the aircraft seat, such that in use, if the distance measured by the distance measuring device is shorter than the distance to the aircraft seat, indicating that a passenger is sitting in the aircraft seat and the aircraft is in flight, then the controller controls the output state to turn on heating, cooling, air circulation and / or air conditioning within the aircraft suite.

[0027] The heating, cooling, air circulation and / or air conditioning in the aircraft suite may be turned off if / when a passenger leaves the aircraft seat.

[0028] In some examples, the first location is on a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite, and the second location is the object closest to the first location in a direction toward the aircraft seat, wherein the logic condition input relates to the aircraft state of experiencing turbulence, and wherein the output state controlled is a message / warning light displayed to cabin crew inside and / or outside the suite, such that in use, if the distance measuring device measures a distance to the aircraft seat indicating that the passenger is not sitting in the aircraft seat and the aircraft is experiencing turbulence, the controller controls the output state to inform the passenger and / or cabin crew. When the passenger returns to the aircraft seat, the output state (e.g., warning light and / or sound) that informs the passenger and / or cabin crew can be turned off.

[0029] In some examples, the first location is a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite, and the second location is the nearest object to the first location in a path for deploying / retracting a table in the aircraft suite, wherein the logic condition input relates to a state of the aircraft being ready for taxi, takeoff, or landing, and wherein the output state controlled is a message / warning light displayed to a crew member inside and / or outside the suite, such that in use, if the distance measured by the distance measuring device is shorter or longer than expected, indicating that the table is not retracted and the aircraft is ready for taxi, takeoff, or landing, the controller controls the output state to notify passengers and / or cabin crew. When the table is retracted, the output state (e.g., warning light and / or sound) that notifies passengers and / or cabin crew may be turned off.

[0030] In some examples, the first location is inside a storage container in the aircraft suite, and the second location is the closest object across the storage container to the first location, wherein the logic condition input relates to an aircraft landing state, and wherein the output state controlled is a message / warning light displayed to cabin crew inside and / or outside the suite, such that in use, if the distance measured by the distance measuring device is shorter than expected, indicating that the luggage item is inside the storage container, and the aircraft lands, the controller controls the output state to inform passengers and / or cabin crew. This prevents luggage from being left in the suite when passengers leave the aircraft.

[0031] In some examples, the first location is on a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite and the second location is the closest object to the first location across a life jacket stowage area, wherein the logic condition input relates to an aircraft status of a life jacket inspection, and wherein the output state controlled is a message / warning light displayed to cabin crew within and / or outside the suite, such that in use, if the distance measuring device measures a distance that is longer than expected, indicating that the life jacket has been removed and the aircraft is being inspected, the controller controls the output state to notify maintenance personnel and / or cabin crew.

[0032] In some examples, the first location is on a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite located to one side of an entrance to the suite, and the second location is the object closest to the first location across the entrance to the suite, wherein the logic condition input relates to a boarding status of the aircraft, and wherein the output state controlled is a message within the suite and / or a lighting level within the suite, such that in use, if the distance measured by the distance measuring device is shorter than expected, indicating that a passenger has entered the suite and the aircraft is being boarded, the controller controls the output state so that a welcome message can be displayed and / or a welcome light can be illuminated.

[0033] In some examples, the first location is on a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite and the second location is the closest object to the first location across the suite from the first location, wherein the logic condition inputs relate to a darkened aircraft cabin condition at night and / or an aircraft suite condition with low lighting levels and / or an aircraft suite condition with seats in a bed configuration, and wherein the controlled output state is the lighting level within the suite, such that in use, if the distance measured by the distance measuring device is shorter than expected, indicating that the passenger has gotten out of bed, and the lighting level in the aircraft suite and / or aircraft cabin is low, then the controller controls the output state so that a light can be turned on to help the passenger see.

[0034] In some examples, the controller receives a plurality of logic condition inputs and a plurality of distance inputs and controls a plurality of output states of the aircraft suite based on the associated logic condition and distance inputs.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of controlling an environment within an aircraft suite, the aircraft suite comprising aircraft seats for use by passengers, the method comprising the steps of: measuring a distance between a first location within the suite and a second location within the suite and providing a distance input; providing a logic condition input; and controlling a plurality of output states of the aircraft suite based on both the logic condition input and the distance input.

[0036] Of course, it will be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the invention. For example, the method of the invention may incorporate any features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic diagram, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of two adjacent aircraft suites according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 Shown with Figure 1 a schematic diagram of a sensor arrangement for use with the aircraft suite of the other drawings;

[0040] Figure 3a shows a side view of a portion of an aircraft suite according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the view showing the seat in an upright (seat) configuration;

[0041] Figure 3b Shown in tilted (partial bed) configuration Figure 3a A side view of a seat in FIG.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an aircraft suite according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a portion of an aircraft suite according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 A perspective view of an aircraft suite according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0045] Figure 7a shows a perspective view of an aircraft suite according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 7b shows a plan view of an aircraft suite according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a portion of an aircraft suite according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Fig. 9 A plan view of an aircraft suite according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0049] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a control arrangement for use in any of the aircraft suites described above is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Figure 1 A perspective view of two adjacent aircraft suites 100a, 100b is shown according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Each suite 100a, 100b (generally 100) includes a seat 110 including a seat pan 111 and a backrest 112. A life jacket container 114 is also provided below the seat 110. Figure 1 Not shown in the figure, is a footrest 113, which is located opposite the seat 110 and provides a footrest function for the passenger sitting on the seat 110. The footrest 113 can also constitute a part of the bed surface when the seat 110 is moved to the bed configuration.

[0051] The seat 110 is housed in a substantially oval shroud 121 that defines the boundaries of the aircraft suite 100. The shroud 121 extends around the seat 110. The shroud 121 has a gap at which an entry / exit area 101 to the suite 100 is provided. The entry / exit 101 leads to an open area 102 in front of the seat 110 and between the seat 110 and the footrest 113.

[0052] Each suite 100 also has a privacy screen 122 that acts as a removable partition to the shield 121. Each suite also contains at least one passenger storage area 131 and a table 123.

[0053] The suite 100 is also provided with a heating / cooling system 143 , a lighting system 141 , and a warning / message light system 142 .

[0054] The suite contains a control unit (not shown) which is connected to the heating / cooling system 143, the lighting system 141, and the warning / message light system 142. It is also connected to the deployment / stowage mechanism (not shown) of the seat. The controller is capable of controlling the heating / cooling system 143, the lighting system 141, the warning / message light system 142, and the deployment / stowage mechanism (not shown) of the seat 110.

[0055] The suite also includes a sensor assembly (200, not shown in Figure 1 shown in Figure 2 . The sensor assembly measures the distance within the suite (between two locations within the suite) and provides a distance input (representing the measured distance) to a distance input receiver of the controller.

[0056] The controller controls the system based on the logic condition received from the logic condition receiver of the controller and the distance input received from the distance input receiver of the controller.

[0057] Figure 2 Shown with Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a sensor arrangement 200 for use with an aircraft suite of the other figures. The sensor arrangement 200 includes a signal transmitter 201 and a signal receiver 202 mounted adjacent to each other on a first surface 204 within the aircraft suite 100. The signal transmitter transmits an infrared signal 205 that is reflected by an object 203 and returns to the signal receiver 202 as a reflected signal 206. The signal transmitter 201 and the signal receiver 202 make it possible to know the time lag between signal transmission and reception. This time lag corresponds to the distance 207 being measured (from the sensor device 200 to the object 203), and the sensor arrangement 200 is then able to provide a distance input (corresponding to the measured distance 207) to the distance input receiver of the controller.

[0058] In the following figures, specific examples of the control functions of various aircraft suites 100 will be given. These examples are used to Figure 1 The design of the suite 100 in the aircraft is different from that of the suite 100 in FIG. However, unless otherwise specified, the features of the suites are similar and will therefore be described with reference to the same reference numerals. In each example, a sensor (or sensor arrangement) is indicated by reference numeral 200 (or 200a, 200b if multiple sensors are provided in the suite). This corresponds to Figure 2 The sensor arrangement 200 in FIG.

[0059] Figure 3aA side view of a portion of an aircraft suite 100 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown, showing a seat 110 in an upright (seat) configuration. A portion of a seat cover 121 is located behind the seat 110. An ottoman 113 is located in front of the seat 100.

[0060] As can be seen from the figure, there are two sensors 200a, 200b. One 200a is located on the shield 121, which is located behind the seat 110 and whose height corresponds to the height of the headrest of the seat 110. It measures the distance from the shield 121 to the object closest to it in the direction of the headrest. The other 200b is located near the footrest 113. It measures the distance from the sensor 200b to the object closest to it in the direction of the footrest 113.

[0061] As the seat is deployed to move toward its bed configuration, a "logic condition" input for the aircraft suite state of "furniture being deployed" is sent to the logic condition input of the controller. If the distance measured by sensor 200a corresponds to the expected distance of the headrest, the distance input sent to the distance input receiver of the controller should cause the controller to not stop the deployment motion. However, if, for example, a passenger arm is placed between the back of the headrest and the shield 121, the measured distance will be less than the expected distance, and the distance input sent will cause the controller to stop the deployment action through the deployment mechanism of the seat 110. Then, if the arm or other object is removed from the path of the sensor 200a, the deployment action can be restarted.

[0062] Figure 3b Shown in tilted (partial bed) configuration Figure 3a 110 . Here, it can be seen that the legs of the seat 110 are approaching the footrest 113. As the seat is deployed to move further toward its bed configuration, a "logic condition" input of the aircraft suite state of "furniture being deployed" is sent to the logic condition input of the controller. If the distance measured by the sensor 200b corresponds to the expected distance of the footrest, the distance input sent to the distance input receiver of the controller should cause the controller to not stop the deployment action. However, if, for example, a passenger's foot is placed between the back of the footrest 113 and the sensor 200b, the measured distance will be less than the expected distance and the distance input sent causes the controller to stop the deployment action through the deployment mechanism of the seat 110. If the foot or other object is then removed from the path of the sensor 200b, the deployment action can be restarted.

[0063] Figure 4A perspective view of an aircraft suite 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, a piece of luggage 203 is located in the open area 102 of the suite 100. A sensor 200 (not shown) is used to measure the distance 207 of the luggage 203 from the location below the table 123 (where the sensor 200 is located). Since the sensor 200 will then detect a distance that is less than expected, this distance input is sent to the distance input receiver of the controller. Since the aircraft is in the aircraft state of "Ready TTL" at the time, this logic condition input is sent to the logic input receiver of the controller. In the case of these two inputs, the controller is programmed to ensure that the warning light / message system 142 displays a warning light or message. This alerts the passengers to the fact that they should place the luggage 203 elsewhere.

[0064] Figure 5 A perspective view of a portion of an aircraft suite 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, a passenger 203 is located on a seat 110. A sensor 200 is used to measure the distance from a position above a footrest 113 opposite the seat 110 (where the sensor 200 is located) to the seat 110. Because there is a passenger 203 in the seat 110, the sensor 200 will detect a distance 207 that is less than expected, so this distance input is sent to the distance input receiver of the controller. Since the aircraft is in the "in flight" state at the time, this logic condition input is sent to the logic input receiver of the controller. In the scenario of these two inputs, the controller is programmed to provide heating or cooling functions through the heating / cooling system 143.

[0065] Figure 5 The arrangement may also be used to detect when a passenger is seated or not seated for different purposes. For example, if a passenger is not seated and the logic condition input is in an aircraft state of "preparing for TTL" or "experiencing turbulence" (possibly combined with an input indicating that the seat is reserved for flight), a warning light or message may be displayed within suite 100.

[0066] Figure 6A perspective view of an aircraft suite 100 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, the table 123 is deployed. A sensor 200 (not shown) is used to measure the distance 207 from the position above the footrest 113 opposite the seat 110 (where the sensor 200 is located) to the table 123. Because of the deployed configuration of the table 123, the sensor 200 will detect that the distance 207 is less than expected, so this distance input is sent to the controller's distance input receiver. Since the aircraft was in the "Ready TTL" aircraft state at the time, this logic condition input is sent to the controller's logic input receiver. In the case of these two inputs, the controller is programmed to ensure that the warning light / message system 142 displays a warning light or message. This alerts the passengers to the fact that they should put away the table 123.

[0067] Figure 7a A perspective view of an aircraft suite 100 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, there is nothing in the storage area 133 below the footrest 113. A sensor 200 is located within the storage area 133 for measuring a distance 207 from the sensor 200 on one side of the area 133 to the other side of the storage area 133. When the sensor 200 detects the expected distance 207 (i.e., no luggage / other objects are in the path), this distance input is sent to the distance input receiver of the controller. Since the aircraft was in the aircraft state of "landing" at the time, this logical condition is sent to the logic input receiver of the controller. In the event that the logical condition is "landing" and the distance 207 is less than the expected value (e.g., because the luggage 204 is in the area 133), the controller is programmed to ensure that the warning light / message system 142 displays a warning light or message. This reminds passengers of the fact that they should remember to unload their luggage when deplaning. In the event that there is no luggage in the area 133 despite the logical condition input being "landing", no warning light or message is displayed.

[0068] Figure 7b FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an aircraft suite 100 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Here, there are two storage areas 131, 132, each having a sensor 200a and 200b associated therewith. These sensors 200a, 200b and control functions are similar to those described above with respect to FIG. Figure 7a The described method works in a similar way.

[0069] Figure 8A perspective view of a portion of an aircraft suite 100 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, a sensor 200 is located in a life jacket compartment 114 beneath a seat 110. The sensor 200 is used to measure the distance 207 from the location on one side of the life jacket compartment to the other side. If no life jacket is present in the compartment 114, the sensor 200 will detect a longer distance than expected, and this distance input is sent to the controller's distance input receiver. Since the aircraft was in an aircraft state of "life jacket check" at the time, this logic condition is sent to the controller's logic input receiver. In the case of these two inputs, the controller is programmed to ensure that the warning light / message system 142 displays a warning light or message. This alerts the inspector to the fact that there is no life jacket in the compartment 114.

[0070] Fig. 9 A plan view of an aircraft suite 100 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, there are two sensors 200a, 200b both located on one side of the entrance / exit 101 of the suite 100. They detect the distance from their location to the nearest object on the other side of the entrance / exit 101. Thus, when a passenger crosses the entrance / exit, the distance input receiver receives an input indicating that the passenger has done so. If the logic condition input relates to the aircraft status of "boarding" of the aircraft, the controller is programmed to control the display of a welcome message or a welcome lighting display.

[0071] Having two sensors 200a, 200b enables the controller to calculate whether a passenger is entering or leaving the suite 100. The controller may only display a welcome message / lighting when a passenger enters.

[0072] Fig. 9 The arrangement can also be used to detect when a passenger leaves or enters a suite during the nighttime phase of flight. The controller can then provide dim lighting to allow the passenger to easily find their way in and out of the suite. The logic condition inputs used in this example could be a cabin state of "dim lights at night", a suite state of "seats in bed configuration", or a suite state of "low / off lights", or a combination of all three.

[0073] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a control arrangement for use in any of the aircraft suites described is shown.

[0074] The control arrangement contains multiple inputs (on the left side of the figure), a controller (in the middle), and multiple outputs (on the right side).

[0075] A plurality of distance sensors (1 to n) (reference numeral 200) provide distance inputs to a distance receiver of the controller. Logical status inputs (aircraft status, cabin status, or suite / seat status) are provided to a logical status receiver of the controller. An inspection panel may provide aircraft status. A crew panel may provide aircraft status and / or cabin status.

[0076] The control unit of the controller is programmed to provide a specific output signal based on the distance input received by the distance receiver and the logic condition input received by the logic condition receiver.

[0077] The output signal is sent to any of a number of actuators or lights, such as lighting system 141 and / or warning / message light system 142, or a passenger control unit, a suite comfort system (such as heating / cooling system 143), a suite display, and / or an aircraft network. The aircraft network may provide the output signal to a crew information panel or an inspection panel.

[0078] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically described herein. By way of example only, some possible variations will now be described.

[0079] The controller may be connected to a warning light / warning message display system external to the aircraft suite 100, for example, such warnings etc. may be displayed to aircraft crew or inspection personnel on a central panel displaying relevant warnings etc. for a number of different aircraft suites.

[0080] The signal transmitter 201 and the signal receiver 202 of the sensor 200 may be located on different surfaces within the suite, rather than being mounted adjacent to each other on the same surface 204 .

[0081] The transmitted and received signal can be an ultrasonic signal, not an infrared signal. Instead, it can be any suitable frequency signal.

[0082] The heating / cooling system 143 may include an air conditioning system, a heating device, a cooling device, a circulation system, or any combination of these.

[0083] In the foregoing description, when reference is made to an integral or element with known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, these equivalents are incorporated herein as if set forth separately. The true scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the claims, which should be interpreted as covering any such equivalents. The reader will also understand that the integral or features of the invention described as preferred, advantageous, convenient, etc. are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. In addition, it should be understood that, although there may be benefits in some embodiments of the invention, such optional integral or features may not be desired in other embodiments and therefore may not exist.

[0084] It should be noted that throughout the specification, "or" should be interpreted as "and / or".

Claims

1. An aircraft suite comprising an aircraft seat for use by a passenger, the aircraft suite further comprising: - a controller for controlling a plurality of output states of the aircraft suite, the controller having a logic condition receiver for receiving a logic condition input, and - a distance measuring device for measuring the distance between a first location within the suite and a second location within the suite and providing a distance input to a distance receiver of the controller, in, In use, the controller controls at least one of the output states of the aircraft suite based on both the logic condition input and the distance input, wherein the distance measurement device comprises: A signal transmitter, used to transmit a signal at the first time; and a signal receiver, for receiving the signal at a second time, a time lag between the first time and the second time corresponding to a distance to be measured, wherein the signal transmitter and the signal receiver are substantially adjacent to each other at the first location, and wherein an object at the second location will reflect a signal transmitted from the signal transmitter back to the signal receiver, wherein the first location within the aircraft suite is on a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite, wherein the furniture is fixedly mounted within the aircraft suite, wherein the second location within the aircraft suite corresponds to a position of at least a portion of a movable object within an open portion within the aircraft suite, and wherein the movable object is a movable furniture item, a passenger, or luggage of the aircraft suite; wherein when the logic condition input relates to the state of the aircraft being ready for taxi, take-off or landing, and wherein the output state controlled is a message / warning light displayed to cabin crew within and / or outside the suite, such that in use, if the distance measured by the distance measuring device is shorter than expected, indicating that a luggage item may be in an open portion of the aircraft suite, and the aircraft is ready for taxi, take-off or landing, then the controller controls the output state to inform passengers and / or cabin crew.

2. The aircraft suite according to claim 1, wherein: The logical condition inputs relate to an aircraft status, an aircraft cabin status, and / or an aircraft suite status.

3. The aircraft suite according to claim 2, wherein: The logic condition input relates to an aircraft state, and wherein the aircraft state represents a state of an aircraft.

4. The aircraft suite according to claim 3, wherein: The status of the aircraft is "boarded", "in flight", "experiencing turbulence", "landed" and / or "life jacket checked".

5. The aircraft suite according to claim 2, wherein: The logical status input relates to an aircraft cabin state, and wherein the aircraft cabin state is representative of a state of the aircraft cabin.

6. The aircraft suite according to claim 5, wherein: The state of the aircraft cabin is "dim lights at night".

7. The aircraft suite of claim 2, wherein: The logic condition input relates to an aircraft suite status, and wherein the aircraft suite status represents a status of the aircraft suite.

8. The aircraft suite according to claim 7, wherein: The aircraft suite status is "seats in bed configuration", "lights low / off", "furniture being deployed", and / or "furniture being stowed".

9. The aircraft suite of claim 1, wherein: The output states controlled by the controller help provide a desired or required aircraft suite environment and may relate to lighting levels in the aircraft suite, the temperature of the aircraft suite or a portion of the suite, a message or warning displayed within the suite, a message or warning displayed outside the suite, and / or the deployment / stowage status of a piece of furniture in the suite.

10. The aircraft suite of claim 1, wherein: The first location is a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite and the second location is the object closest to the first location in a direction towards the aircraft seat, wherein the logic condition input relates to a state of the aircraft being ready for taxi, take-off or landing, and wherein the output state controlled is a message / warning light displayed to cabin crew within and / or outside the suite, such that in use, if the distance measuring device measures a distance to the aircraft seat indicating that a passenger is not sitting in the aircraft seat and the aircraft is ready for taxi, take-off or landing, the controller controls the output state to inform the passenger and / or cabin crew.

11. The aircraft suite of claim 1, wherein: The first location is on a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite and the second location is the object closest to the first location in a direction towards the aircraft seat, wherein the logic condition input relates to an aircraft condition in flight, and wherein the output state controlled is a heating or cooling condition within the suite, such that in use, if the distance measured by the distance measuring device is shorter than the distance to the aircraft seat, indicating that a passenger is seated in the aircraft seat and the aircraft is in flight, then the controller controls the output state to turn on heating, cooling, air circulation and / or air conditioning within the aircraft suite.

12. The aircraft suite of claim 1, wherein: The controlled output state is the heating of an aircraft seat.

13. The aircraft suite of claim 1, wherein: The first location is a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite and the second location is the object closest to the first location in a direction towards the aircraft seat, wherein the logic condition input relates to a condition of the aircraft experiencing turbulence, and wherein the output state controlled is a message / warning light displayed to cabin crew within and / or outside the suite, such that in use, if the distance measuring device measures a distance to the aircraft seat indicating that a passenger is not seated in the aircraft seat and turbulence is occurring in the aircraft, the controller controls the output state to inform the passenger and / or cabin crew.

14. The aircraft suite of claim 1, wherein: The first location is a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite and the second location is the nearest object to the first location in a path for deploying / stowing a table in the aircraft suite, wherein the logic condition input relates to the aircraft status of being ready for taxi, take-off or landing, and wherein the output state controlled is a message / warning light displayed to cabin crew in and / or outside the suite, such that in use, if the distance measured by the distance measuring device is shorter or longer than expected, indicating that the table is not stowed and the aircraft is ready for taxi, take-off or landing, the controller controls the output state to inform passengers and / or cabin crew.

15. The aircraft suite of claim 1, wherein: The first location is inside a storage container in the aircraft suite and the second location is the closest object across the storage container to the first location, wherein the logic condition input relates to an aircraft landing status, and wherein the output state controlled is a message / warning light displayed to cabin crew within the suite and / or outside, such that in use, if the distance measured by the distance measuring device is shorter than expected, indicating that the luggage item is within the storage container, and the aircraft has landed, the controller controls the output state to inform passengers and / or cabin crew.

16. The aircraft suite of claim 1, wherein: The first location is on a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite and the second location is the closest object to the first location across a life jacket stowage area, wherein the logic condition input relates to an aircraft status of a life jacket inspection, and wherein the output state controlled is a message / warning light displayed to cabin crew within and / or outside the suite, such that in use, if the distance measuring device measures a distance that is longer than expected, indicating that a life jacket has been removed and the aircraft is being inspected, the controller controls the output state to notify maintenance personnel and / or cabin crew.

17. The aircraft suite of claim 1, wherein: The first location is on a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite located to one side of an entrance to the suite, and the second location is the object closest to the first location across the entrance to the suite, wherein the logic condition input relates to a boarding status of the aircraft, and wherein the output state controlled is a message within the suite and / or a lighting level within the suite, such that in use, if the distance measured by the distance measuring device is shorter than expected, indicating that a passenger has entered the suite and the aircraft is being boarded, the controller controls the output state so that a welcome message may be displayed and / or a welcome light may be illuminated.

18. The aircraft suite of claim 1, wherein: The first location is on a piece of furniture in the aircraft suite and the second location is the closest object to the first location across the suite from the first location, wherein the logic condition inputs relate to a darkened aircraft cabin condition at night and / or an aircraft suite condition with low lighting levels and / or an aircraft suite condition with seats in a bed configuration, and wherein the controlled output state is the lighting level within the suite, such that in use, if the distance measurement device measures a shorter distance than expected, indicating that a passenger has gotten out of bed, and the aircraft suite and / or aircraft cabin has low lighting levels, then the controller controls the output state so that a light may be turned on to aid the passenger in seeing.

19. A method of controlling the environment within an aircraft suite, the aircraft suite comprising aircraft seats for use by passengers, the method comprising the steps of: - measuring the distance between a first location in the suite and a second location in the suite and providing a distance input, - Provides logic status input, and - controlling a plurality of output states of the aircraft suite based on both the logic condition input and the distance input, - wherein the distance is measured using a distance measuring device, the distance measuring device comprising a signal transmitter for transmitting a signal at a first time and a signal receiver for receiving the signal at a second time, the time lag between the first and second times corresponding to the measured distance, - wherein the signal transmitter and the signal receiver are located substantially adjacent to each other at the first location, and wherein an object at the second location will reflect a signal transmitted from the signal transmitter back to the signal receiver, - wherein said first position within said aircraft suite is on a piece of furniture in said aircraft suite, - wherein the furniture is fixedly mounted in the aircraft suite, - wherein said second position within said aircraft suite corresponds to a position of at least a portion of a movable object within an open portion within said aircraft suite, - wherein the movable object is movable furniture, passengers or luggage of the aircraft suite; in, When the logic condition input relates to the aircraft status of being ready to taxi, take off or land, and wherein the output state controlled is a message / warning light displayed to cabin crew within and / or outside the suite, such that in use, if the distance measured by the distance measuring device is shorter than expected, indicating that a luggage item may be in an open portion of the aircraft suite, and the aircraft is ready to taxi, take off or land, then the controller controls the output state to inform passengers and / or cabin crew.

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