Method and system for positioning seats on an aircraft

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and system for locating a seat on an aircraft. A method for locating an object is provided. The method includes deactivating a wireless system in a defined area and then activating a wireless data concentrator located in the defined area, wherein the wireless data concentrator is electrically isolated from the wireless system. The wireless system is activated, wherein the wireless system is electrically coupled to a circuit breaker having a known location in the defined area. A signal from the wireless system is received by the wireless data concentrator. A distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator is determined based on the signal, and a location is assigned to the wireless system within the defined area based on the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator and the known location of the circuit breaker in the defined area.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to identifying the location of items in an aircraft. BACKGROUND

[0002] For certain items installed in an aircraft or other defined area, it is necessary to determine the location of these items within the aircraft. This process of determining location within a defined space is also referred to as localization.

[0003] Localization of the system is typically dependent on data wiring and switches of individual seats. In-flight entertainment (IFE) systems typically require wiring to each seat and this wiring can be used for localization of the seats. Some aircraft reference designs can not include in-flight entertainment (IFE). Thus, there is no existing reason to wire data to each seat in addition to localization.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to have methods and apparatus that address some of the problems discussed above, as well as other possible problems. SUMMARY

[0005] A method of localizing an object is provided. The method includes deactivating a wireless system in a defined area and then activating a wireless data concentrator located in the defined area, wherein the wireless data concentrator is electrically isolated from the wireless system. The wireless system is activated, wherein the wireless system is electrically coupled to a circuit breaker having a known location in the defined area. A signal from the wireless system is received at the wireless data concentrator. A distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator is determined based on the signal, and a location is assigned to the wireless system within the defined area based on the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator and the known location of the circuit breaker in the defined area.

[0006] A system of localizing an object is provided, as described further herein. The system includes a storage device configured to store program instructions and one or more processors, when active, connected to the storage device and configured to execute the program instructions to cause the system to activate a wireless data concentrator located in a defined area, receive a signal from a wireless system in the defined area after activating the wireless system in the defined area, wherein the wireless system is coupled to a circuit breaker having a known location in the defined area, determine a distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator based on the signal received from the wireless system, and assign a location to the wireless system within the defined area based on the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator and the known location of the circuit breaker in the defined area.

[0007] As further described herein, a computer program product for locating an object is provided. The computer program product includes a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing program instructions to perform the steps of activating a wireless data concentrator located in a defined area; receiving, at the wireless data concentrator, a signal from a wireless system after activating the wireless system in the defined area, wherein the wireless system is coupled to a circuit breaker having a known location in the defined area; determining a distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator based on the signal received from the wireless system; and assigning a location to the wireless system within the defined area based on the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator and the known location of the circuit breaker in the defined area.

[0008] The features and functionalities can be implemented independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or can be combined in other embodiments, wherein further details can be obtained with reference to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The novel features believed characteristic of the example embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The example embodiments, however, as to their organization and method of operation, together with objects, advantages, and features thereof, can best be understood by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is an example diagram of a block diagram of an aircraft in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2 illustrates a passenger seat power function diagram for an aircraft in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0012] Figure 3 illustrates a wireless communication system within a cabin of an aircraft in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0013] Figure 4 illustrates initial steps in a location process for a cabin of an aircraft in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0014] Figure 5 illustrates a power-up step for location in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0015] Figure 6 illustrates location of a set of seats in a first area of a cabin of an aircraft in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0016] Figure 7 illustrates assignment of seat locations after determining distances in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0017] Figure 8 An example illustrates positioning of a next set of seats in a cabin area according to an illustrative example;

[0018] Figure 9 An example illustrates a cabin area where positions have been assigned to all seats according to an illustrative example;

[0019] Figure 10 An example illustrates a flowchart of a process of positioning seats in an aircraft according to an illustrative example;

[0020] Figure 11 An example diagram of an aircraft manufacturing and servicing method in the form of a block diagram according to an illustrative example;

[0021] Figure 12 An example diagram of an aircraft that can implement an illustrative example in the form of a block diagram; and

[0022] Figure 13 A block diagram depicting a data processing system according to an illustrative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Illustrative examples recognize and take into account one or more different considerations. Illustrative examples recognize and take into account that certain items, such as seats, must be positioned (mapped) within an aircraft. Positioning of systems, such as seats, typically relies on data wiring connections and switches for individual seats.

[0024] Illustrative examples recognize and take into account that past in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems typically required wiring connections to individual seats, and that the wiring connections can be used for positioning of the seats. However, some aircraft designs can not include in-flight entertainment (IFE). Thus, there is no existing reason to wire data to each seat in addition to positioning.

[0025] Illustrative examples recognize and take into account that wiring data to individual seats on a commercial aircraft increases the weight of the aircraft, requires space, and can require labor of technicians. In addition, the data wiring connections limit reconfigurability.

[0026] For example, illustrative examples provide a method of mapping aircraft seats that do not have IFE wiring. Wireless access points (WAPs) and smart seat controllers are used to measure signal strength from nodes (seats) in a wireless IFE system in conjunction with knowledge of the aircraft power system to position (e.g., map) seat locations within the aircraft. Wireless systems that can automatically position themselves are dynamic and more easily reconfigurable than wiring connections.

[0027] Turning now to Figure 1 , Figure 1is an example diagram of a block diagram of an aircraft according to an illustrative example. The aircraft 100 includes a passenger cabin 102 divided into a plurality of defined physical zones 104. While the aircraft 100 is shown, other examples are possible, such as a vehicle, bus, van, car, etc.

[0028] Each zone 106 includes a plurality of seats 114, a plurality of circuit breakers 108 responsible for controlling the supply of power to the seats 114, and a wireless data concentrator (WDC) 124 that can act as a wireless access point for sensor data collection.

[0029] Each circuit breaker 110 has a location 112 within its zone 106. For example, the circuit breaker 110 can be on the left, right, or middle of the cabin 102.

[0030] Each seat 116 of the plurality of seats 114 in each zone 106 can be equipped with a smart seat controller (SSC) 118 that is an electronic wireless system that can communicate wirelessly with the WDC 124 to provide data related to the seat 116. Each SSC 118 has a unique identifier (ID) 120 that coincides with the location 122 of the seat 114 in question.

[0031] Furthermore, the location 122 of each seat 114 coincides with the location 112 in the zone 106 controlled by the particular circuit breaker 110.

[0032] The aircraft 100 can also include a computer system 126. The computer system 126 can include a plurality of processors 128. The processors 128 can be configured to control a plurality of data services 130 of the aircraft 100 to perform a localization algorithm 132 for the seats 114 in the passenger cabin 102.

[0033] Figure 2 A passenger seat power function diagram within an aircraft cabin according to an illustrative example is illustrated. The passenger cabin 200 can be an example of the cabin 102 in Figure 1

[0034] In this example, the cabin 200 is divided into three physical zones 202, 204, 206. Each of the zones 202, 204, 206 includes a plurality of circuit breakers 208 that control the supply of power to respective columns of seats within each zone.

[0035] Figure 3 A wireless communication system within an aircraft cabin according to an illustrative example is illustrated. Figure 3 Placement of wireless data concentrators (WDCs) 302, 304, and 306 within respective zones 202, 204, and 206 of an aircraft cabin 200 is depicted.​

[0036] Figure 3 The placement of smart seat controllers (SSCs) 308 in the zone 202 is also shown. Each SSC 308 corresponds to a seat 310 in the zone 202. For ease of illustration, only one row of seats 310 is shown and only SSCs 308 for the zone 202 are shown in this example, but similar SSCs and seats can also be located in the zone 204 and the zone 206.

[0037] In the illustrative example, the WDCs 302, 304, and 306 receive power from a different power source in each zone than the SSCs 308, so the WDCs 302, 304, and 306 are not coupled to the breakers 208 that supply power to the respective rows of seats (and SSCs) within each zone 202, 204, 206. As used herein, items located on different power grids can be referred to as being electrically isolated. For example, the WDCs 302, 304, and 306 can be powered by the aircraft data network through the use of Power over Ethernet (PoE), in which power is provided along with data on an Ethernet cable.

[0038] The illustrative example utilizes the presence of WDCs and SSCs in each zone to perform the positioning of seats in the cabin 200 without the need for physical data wiring connections.

[0039] Figure 4 An initial step in the positioning process in the aircraft cabin 200 according to the illustrative example is illustrated. In this first step, all of the breakers 208 in the first zone 202 are opened, which cuts off the flow of power to the SSCs 308 in that zone. In short, all of the devices are initially set to an off position.

[0040] Figure 5 A power-up step for positioning according to the illustrative example is illustrated. In this step, the WDC 302 in the zone 202 is enabled and is ready to receive signals from the SSCs in the seats. Because the WDC 302 is powered by a separate power source from the SSCs 308 in the zone 202, the WDC 302 can be enabled before the breakers that supply power to the SSCs 308 are engaged.

[0041] Figure 6 Positioning of a group of seats in the first zone of an aircraft cabin according to the illustrative example is illustrated. After the WDC 302 is powered up and ready to receive signals from the SSCs, one of the breakers in the zone 202 is engaged to supply power to the first group of SSCs 601. In this example, the first group of SSCs 601 includes the SSCs 308 for the first row of seats 310 in the zone 202. Figure 6In the illustrated example, the breaker 208a controlling the right-hand side power supply to the nacelle 200 is engaged to supply power to the SSC 308R. When the WDC 302 receives a signal that the breaker 208a has been engaged, the WDC 302 synchronizes the clock in the active SSC 308R.

[0042] The SSC 308R powers up and sends a signal 308a-308h to the WDC 302. Each signal from each SSC includes a transmission time and a unique ID. The WDC 302 records the time of receipt of each signal. As Figure 6 As illustrated, each successive SSC in the set of SSCs 308R is farther from the WDC 302 than the preceding SSC. Thus, the longer the respective flight time of the signal 308a-308h from each SSC, the farther the SSC in question is from the WDC 302. Using the respective transmission time and the time of receipt of each received signal, the WDC 302 determines the distance for each SSC ID that occurs after the breaker 208a is engaged. This assumes that xi < x2<... < x8 in units of time.

[0043] The radio signal strength (RSS) also decreases with distance, which can be measured by the WDC 302. Thus, the WDC 302 can also determine the distance for each SSC ID based on the strength of the signal. The signal strength can be used in place of or in combination with the signal flight time to define the distance of each SSC 308R from the WDC 302.

[0044] To reduce the complexity of the position calculation, the directionality of the signals can be ignored by placing the WDC 302 in front of all the SSCs 308 in the area 202 at the front end of the area 200, as Figure 6 Alternatively, the WDC 302 can be located behind all the SSCs 308 at the back of the area 202. Positioning the WDC 302 at either end of the area 202 eliminates the need to consider the directionality of the radio signals because the SSCs 308 are collinear with each other and perpendicular to the aircraft station line of the area 202 while being within the same 180° field of view of the WDC 302. The station line is a plane perpendicular to the aircraft longitudinal centerline and is represented by the line 600. Thus, the position calculation only needs to consider the flight time and the signal strength.

[0045] Figure 7 The assignment of seat positions after determining the distances according to the illustrative example is exemplified. As Figure 7 illustrated, each SSC 308R is assigned a respective position 1-8 that is derived from the distance of each SSC from the WDC 302 and the known position of the engaged breaker 208a.

[0046] Because each SSC 308R in the SSC 308R is installed in a separate seat, positions 1-8 are also actual positions of the corresponding seat (e.g., seat 310).

[0047] Figure 8 The positioning of the next set of seats in the cabin area 202 according to the illustrative example is exemplified. After assigning positions 1-8 to the first set of SSCs 308R in the area 202, the breaker 208a is disengaged to cut power to the SSCs 308R and another breaker in the area 202 is engaged.

[0048] In Figure 8 In the illustrated example, the breaker 208b is engaged, which provides power to activate the SSCs 308C. Figure 6 And Figure 7 The process illustrated applies to this next set of SSCs.

[0049] As Figure 9 illustrated, the positioning process is iteratively performed for each breaker and corresponding SSC until all SSCs / seats in the area 202 have been assigned a position.

[0050] After completing the area 202, the same positioning process can be applied to the area 204 and the area 206.

[0051] Figure 10 A flowchart of a process of positioning seats in an aircraft according to the illustrative example is exemplified. The process 1000 is an example of the positioning process illustrated in Figures 4 to 9 and can be applied to an aircraft such as the aircraft 100 in Figure 1 .

[0052] The process 1000 begins by disengaging all breakers of an aircraft cabin (step 1002) and then enabling wireless data points in a first defined area of the aircraft cabin (step 1004).

[0053] After the wireless data points are powered on, a first breaker in the selected cabin area is engaged, which provides power to a smart seat controller (SSC) electrically coupled to the breaker (step 1006). The wireless data points receive a signal that the first breaker has been engaged, which synchronizes all clocks of the systems receiving power (step 1008).

[0054] The wireless data points then receive a signal from each active SSC, which includes a unique ID of the SSC (step 1010). The wireless data points measure a time of flight and / or a radio signal strength of each signal received from each SSC (step 1012).

[0055] Based on the corresponding flight time and / or signal strength of each SSC signal, the wireless data point determines the distance for each SSCID (step 1014), and assigns the position in the cabin to each SSC / seat based on the defined distance (step 1016).

[0056] After all SSCs / seats connected to the first circuit breaker have been assigned positions, process 1000 disconnects the current circuit breaker (thus cutting off the power to the first group of SSCs) (step 1018) and determines whether there are any other circuit breakers that have not yet been engaged in the first selected cabin area (step 1020).

[0057] If there are more circuit breakers in the area, process 1000 returns to step 1006 and engages the next circuit breaker.

[0058] After all circuit breakers in the defined area have been engaged and positions have been assigned to all SSCs / seats in the defined area, process 1000 shuts off power to the wireless data points in the current defined area (step 1022) and determines whether there are any other areas in the aircraft cabin that need to be located (step 1024).

[0059] If other cabin areas require location tracking, process 1000 returns to step 1004 and activates the wireless data point in the next area of ​​the cabin. If no remaining areas require location tracking, process 1000 ends.

[0060] It can be like Figure 11 The aircraft manufacturing and maintenance method 1100 shown, and as such Figure 12 The exemplary examples of this disclosure are described in the context of the aircraft 1200 shown. First turn to... Figure 11 An illustrative diagram of an aircraft manufacturing and maintenance method is depicted based on an exemplary example. During pre-production, the aircraft manufacturing and maintenance method 1100 may include... Figure 12 The specifications and design of the aircraft 1200 in the middle 1102 and the procurement of materials 1104.

[0061] During production, the manufacturing of components and sub-assemblies of aircraft 1200 is carried out 1106, as well as system integration 1108. Afterward, aircraft 1200 may undergo certification and delivery 1110 for entry into service 1112. Upon entry into service by the customer 1112, aircraft 1200 is scheduled for routine maintenance and repair 1114, which may include modifications, reconfigurations, refurbishments, or other maintenance and repairs.

[0062] Various processes in the process of aircraft manufacturing and service method 1100 can be performed or implemented by a system integrator, a third party, and / or an operator. In these examples, the operator can be a customer. For the purposes of this specification, a system integrator can include, but is not limited to, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major-system subcontractors; a third party can include, but is not limited to, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator can be an airline, lease company, military entity, service organization, and so on.

[0063] Referring now to Figure 12 , an example diagram of an aircraft in which example embodiments can be implemented is depicted. In this example, the aircraft 1200 is produced by the aircraft manufacturing and service method 1100 and can include a fuselage 1202 having a plurality of systems 1204 and an interior 1206. Examples of systems 1204 include one or more of a propulsion system 1208, an electrical system 1210, a hydraulic system 1212, and an environmental system 1214. Any number of other systems can be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, different example embodiments can be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry. Figure 11

[0064] The apparatus and methods embodied herein can be employed during at least one of the stages of the aircraft manufacturing and service method 1100. The apparatus and methods embodied herein can be employed during any one or more of the stages of the aircraft manufacturing and service method 1100. Figure 11 One or more example embodiments can be manufactured or used during at least one of the stages of the aircraft manufacturing and service method 1106, system integration 1108, flight, maintenance and service 1110, and retirement 1112.

[0065] Turning now to Figure 13 , an example diagram of a block diagram of a data processing system is depicted in accordance with an example embodiment. The data processing system 1300 can be an example of the computer system 126 in Figure 1 . The data processing system 1300 can also be a component of the wireless data concentrator 124 in Figure 1 . The data processing system 1300 can be used to implement one or more computers to perform process steps as shown in Figures 4 to 10 . In this example embodiment, the data processing system 1300 includes a communication framework 1302 that provides communications between a processor unit 1304, a memory 1306, a persistent storage 1308, a communication unit 1310, an input / output unit 1312, and a display 1314. In this example, the communication framework 1302 can take the form of a bus system.

[0066] ​The processor unit 1304 is configured to execute instructions for software that can be loaded into the memory 1306. Processor unit 1304 can be a plurality of processors, multi-processor cores, or some other type of processor, depending on the particular implementation. In an example, processor unit 1304 includes one or more conventional general-purpose central processing units (CPUs). In an alternative example, processor unit 1304 includes a plurality of graphics processing units (GPUs).

[0067] Memory 1306 and persistent storage 1308 are examples of storage devices 1316. A storage device is any hardware that is capable of storing information such as, but not limited to, at least one of temporary, persistent, or both, data, program code in the form of functions, or other suitable information. In these illustrative examples, storage devices 1316 can also be referred to as computer readable storage devices. In these examples, memory 1306 can be, for example, a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage 1308 can take various forms depending on the particular implementation.

[0068] For example, persistent storage 1308 can contain one or more components or devices. For example, persistent storage 1308 can be a hard disk drive, a flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or some combination of the above. The media used by persistent storage 1308 can also be removable. For example, a removable hard drive can be used for persistent storage 1308. In these illustrative examples, communication unit 1310 provides communication between data processing system 1300 and some other data processing system or device. In these illustrative examples, communication unit 1310 is a network interface card.

[0069] Input / output unit 1312 allows for input and output of data with other devices that can be connected to data processing system 1300. For example, input / output unit 1312 can provide a connection for user input through a keyboard, a mouse, or some other suitable input device. Further, input / output unit 1312 can send output to a printer. Display 1314 provides a mechanism to display information to a user.

[0070] Instructions for at least one of the operating system, the application, or the program can be located in storage devices 1316, which are in communication with processor unit 1304 through communication framework 1302. The processes of different examples can be performed by processor unit 1304 using computer implemented instructions, which can be located in a memory, such as memory 1306.

[0071] These instructions, termed computer code, computer programs, or computer readable program code, when read and executed by the processor unit 1304, cause the data processing system 1300 to perform the actions indicated in the instructions. The computer readable program code can be stored in a computer readable memory 1306, such as the system memory 1308, inside the data processing system 1300. In alternative embodiments, hard wired circuitry can be used in place of, or in combination with, computer readable program code to implement the functions described by the instructions.

[0072] The program code 1318 can be embodied in the functional form of a computer readable medium 1320, which can be selectively removed or transported by the users as described above. The computer readable medium 1320 can be a computer readable storage medium 1324 or a computer readable signal medium 1326.

[0073] In these illustrative examples, the computer readable storage medium 1324 can be a physical or tangible storage device utilized to store the program code 1318 therein. As used herein, the term tangible storage medium includes one or both of a computer readable storage physical medium and a computer readable storage volatile medium.

[0074] In some embodiments, the computer readable storage physical medium includes one or more of a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device, a biologically

[0075] The different components illustrated for the data processing system 1300 are not meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in which different embodiments can be implemented. The different illustrative embodiments can be implemented in a data processing system including components in addition to or in place of those illustrated for the data processing system 1300. Figure 13 The other components illustrated for the data processing system 1300 can be present and can affect the operation of the data processing system 1300. For example, one or more components can be configured to replicate data across multiple data processing systems or to enable a user to interact with the data processing system 1300.

[0076] As used herein, the term "coupled" or "connected" means a direct or indirect connection between components. In other words, a first component can be connected to a second component, or a first component can be connected to a second component by way of a third component. In some embodiments, a first component can be directly connected to a second component, or a first component can be directly connected to a second component by way of a third component. In some embodiments, a first component can be indirectly connected to a second component by way of a third component.

[0077] As used herein, the phrase "plurality" means one or more. When used with a list of items, the phrase "at least one" means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items can be used, and only one item from each of the individual items in the list can be required. In other words, "at least one" means that any combination of items from the list can be used, in any amount, but not necessarily all of the items in the list are required. The items can be specific objects, things, or categories.

[0078] For example, but not by way of limitation, "at least one of: item A, item B, or item C" can include A; A and B; or C. The example can also include A, B, and C; or B and C. Of course, any combination of these items can be present. In some illustrative examples, "at least one" can be, but is not limited to, two of A; one of B; and ten of C; four of B and seven of C; or other suitable combinations.

[0079] The flow diagrams and block diagrams in the various examples illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operations of possible implementations of apparatuses and methods in the illustrative examples. In this regard, each block in the flow diagrams or block diagrams can represent at least one of a module, segment, function, or portion of a part of the program codes. For example, one or more of the blocks can be implemented as program codes.

[0080] In some alternative implementations of the illustrative examples, the function or functions noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Also, other blocks can be added in addition to the ones shown in a flow diagram or block diagram.

[0081] The description of the different illustrative examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the examples disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, different illustrative examples can provide different features to provide different advantages. The selected examples or multiple examples are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the examples, the practical application, and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure for various examples with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0082] Further, the present disclosure includes examples in accordance with the following clauses:

[0083] 1. A method of positioning an object, the method comprising:

[0084] deactivating a wireless system in a defined area;

[0085] activating a wireless data concentrator located in the defined area, wherein the wireless data concentrator is electrically isolated from the wireless system;

[0086] activating the wireless system, wherein the wireless system is electrically coupled to a circuit breaker having a known location in the defined area;

[0087] determining a distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator based on a signal received by the wireless data concentrator from the wireless system; and

[0088] assigning a location to the wireless system within the defined area based on the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator and the known location of the circuit breaker in the defined area.

[0089] 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the wireless system comprises a smart seat controller.

[0090] 3. The method of clause 1, wherein respective clocks in the wireless system and the wireless data concentrator are synchronized when the wireless system is activated.

[0091] 4. The method of clause 1, wherein the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator is determined from a time of flight of the signal received from the wireless system.

[0092] 5. The method of clause 4, wherein the time of flight is calculated from a transmission time included in the signal and a reception time recorded by the wireless data concentrator.

[0093] 6. The method of clause 1, wherein the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator is determined from a radio signal strength of the signal received from the wireless system.

[0094] 7. The method of clause 1, wherein:

[0095] deactivating the wireless system comprises opening the circuit breaker, and activating the wireless system comprises closing the circuit breaker.

[0096] 8. The method of clause 1, wherein the wireless data concentrator is not electrically coupled to the circuit breaker.

[0097] 9. The method of clause 1, wherein the object is a seat on an aircraft.

[0098] 10. A system for locating an object, the system comprising:

[0099] a storage device configured to store program instructions; and

[0100] one or more processors, operatively connected to the storage device, and configured to execute the program instructions to cause the system to:

[0101] activate a wireless data concentrator located in a defined area;

[0102] after activating the wireless system in the defined area, receive a signal at the wireless data concentrator from the wireless system, wherein the wireless system is coupled to a circuit breaker having a known location in the defined area;

[0103] determine a distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator based on the signal received from the wireless system; and

[0104] assign a location to the wireless system within the defined area based on the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator and the known location of the circuit breaker in the defined area.

[0105] 11. The system of clause 10, wherein the wireless system comprises a smart seat controller.

[0106] 12. The system of clause 10, wherein respective clocks in the wireless system and the wireless data concentrator are synchronized when the wireless system is activated.

[0107] 13. The system of clause 10, wherein the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator is determined from a time of flight of the signal received from the wireless system.

[0108] 14. The system of clause 13, wherein the time of flight is calculated from a transmission time included in the signal and a reception time recorded by the wireless data concentrator.

[0109] 15. The system of clause 10, wherein the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator is determined from a radio signal strength of the signal received from the wireless system.

[0110] 16. The system of clause 10, wherein activating the wireless system comprises closing the circuit breaker.

[0111] 17. The system of clause 10, wherein the wireless data concentrator is not electrically coupled to the circuit breaker.

[0112] 18. The system of clause 10, wherein the object is a seat on an aircraft.

[0113] 19. A computer program product for locating an object, the computer program product comprising:

[0114] a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing program instructions to perform the steps of:

[0115] activating a wireless data concentrator located in a defined area;

[0116] after activating the wireless system in the defined area, receiving a signal from the wireless system at the wireless data concentrator, wherein the wireless system is coupled to a circuit breaker having a known location in the defined area;

[0117] determining a distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator based on the signal received from the wireless system; and

[0118] assigning a location to the wireless system within the defined area based on the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator and the known location of the circuit breaker in the defined area.

[0119] 20. The computer program product of clause 19, wherein the wireless system comprises a smart seat controller.

[0120] 21. The computer program product of clause 19, wherein respective clocks in the wireless system and the wireless data concentrator are synchronized when the wireless system is activated.

[0121] 22. The computer program product of clause 19, wherein the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator is determined from a time of flight of the signal received from the wireless system.

[0122] 23. The computer program product of clause 22, wherein the time of flight is calculated from a transmission time included in the signal and a reception time recorded by the wireless data concentrator.

[0123] 24. The computer program product of clause 19, wherein the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator is determined from a radio signal strength of the signal received from the wireless system.

[0124] 25. The computer program product of clause 19, wherein activating the wireless system comprises closing the circuit breaker.

[0125] 26. The computer program product of clause 19, wherein the wireless data concentrator is not electrically coupled to the circuit breaker.

[0126] 27. The computer program product of clause 19, wherein the object is a seat on an aircraft.

Claims

1. A method of positioning seats on an aircraft, the aircraft comprising a plurality of seats, the plurality of seats being located in a defined area and the plurality of seats being arranged in columns such that the plurality of seats are collinear with each other, wherein, Each of the plurality of seats is equipped with an electronic wireless system configured to wirelessly communicate with a wireless data concentrator to provide data related to the seat, wherein each electronic wireless system has a unique identifier that is consistent with a location of the seat, the method comprising: deactivating each wireless system of the plurality of seats in the defined area; activating the wireless data concentrator located in the defined area, wherein the wireless data concentrator is electrically isolated from the each wireless system, and wherein the wireless data concentrator is not electrically coupled to a circuit breaker having a known location in the defined area; activating each wireless system of the plurality of seats, and after activating the wireless systems, receiving a signal at the wireless data concentrator from each wireless system in the defined area, wherein each wireless system is electrically coupled to the circuit breaker, wherein the location of the seat is consistent with a location in the defined area controlled by the circuit breaker; determining, by the wireless data concentrator, a distance of each wireless system from the wireless data concentrator based on a signal strength of the signal received by the wireless data concentrator from the wireless system; and assigning, by the wireless data concentrator, a location to each wireless system within the defined area based on the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator and the known location of the circuit breaker in the defined area, wherein the defined area is located in a passenger cabin of the aircraft, and wherein the wireless data concentrator is located at a front end of the defined area in front of all wireless systems in the defined area or at a rear end of the defined area behind all wireless systems in the defined area.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The wireless system includes a smart seat controller.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, Clocks in the wireless systems and a corresponding clock in the wireless data concentrator are synchronized when the wireless systems are activated.

4. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator is also determined from a time of flight of the signal received from the wireless system.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The time of flight is calculated from a transmission time included in the signal and a reception time recorded by the wireless data concentrator.

6. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein: deactivating the wireless system includes opening the circuit breaker, and activating the wireless system includes closing the circuit breaker.

7. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The wireless data concentrator is not electrically coupled to the circuit breaker.

8. A system for locating seats on an aircraft, the system comprising: a storage device configured to store program instructions; a wireless data concentrator; a plurality of seats located in a defined area and arranged in a column such that the plurality of seats are collinear with each other, wherein each of the plurality of seats is equipped with an electronic wireless system configured to wirelessly communicate with a wireless data concentrator to provide data related to the seat, wherein each electronic wireless system has a unique identifier that is consistent with a location of the seat; a circuit breaker located in the defined area for controlling power supply to the plurality of seats; and one or more processors, in operation, connected to the storage device and configured to execute the program instructions to cause the system to: deactivate each wireless system of the plurality of seats in the defined area; activate the wireless data concentrator located in the defined area, wherein the wireless data concentrator is electrically isolated from each wireless system, and wherein the wireless data concentrator is not electrically coupled to the circuit breaker having a known location in the defined area; activate each wireless system of the plurality of seats, and after activating each wireless system in the defined area, receive a signal from each wireless system at the wireless data concentrator, wherein each wireless system is coupled to the circuit breaker, and wherein the location of the seat is consistent with a location in the defined area controlled by the circuit breaker; determine, by the wireless data concentrator, a distance of each wireless system from the wireless data concentrator based on a signal strength of the signal received from the wireless system; and assign, by the wireless data concentrator, a location to each wireless system within the defined area based on the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator and the known location of the circuit breaker in the defined area, wherein the defined area is located in a passenger cabin of the aircraft, and wherein the wireless data concentrator is located at a front end of the defined area in front of all wireless systems in the defined area or at a rear end of the defined area behind all wireless systems in the defined area.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein, The wireless system includes a smart seat controller.

10. The system of claim 8 or 9, wherein, When the wireless system is activated, a clock in the wireless system and a corresponding clock in the wireless data concentrator are synchronized.

11. The system of claim 8 or 9, wherein, The distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator is further determined according to a time of flight of the signal received from the wireless system.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein, The time of flight is calculated according to a transmission time included in the signal and a reception time recorded by the wireless data concentrator.

13. The system of claim 8 or 9, wherein, Activating the wireless system includes closing the circuit breaker, wherein the wireless data concentrator is not electrically coupled to the circuit breaker.

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