Lighting device for multiple people in the aircraft

Abstract

Lighting device (10) for a passenger transport vehicle, wherein the lighting device comprises: a lighting unit (13) designed to illuminate a projection area (31) differently with a light cone (130) based on a plurality of different lighting patterns; where the lighting patterns are pixel-based image data; an interface (12) to an external system for receiving and sending lighting data; and a control unit (11) designed to control the lighting unit with respect to the different lighting patterns based on the received lighting data; characterized by the fact that the lighting unit (13) is designed to generate multiple light cones in a coverage area of ​​the lighting unit depending on the pixel-based image data, so that a light cone results in a delimited lighting area within the coverage area and only the resulting lighting area is illuminated.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting device for a passenger transport vehicle with a lighting unit designed to illuminate a projection area differently in a locally differentiated manner based on a plurality of different lighting patterns. Technological background

[0002] In passenger transport, lighting plays a crucial role in passenger comfort when designing the passenger cabin. In aircraft engineering, lighting units such as reading lights are typically integrated into a control panel above each passenger seat, known as a PSU (passenger service unit). Large aircraft require a significant number of PSUs. Especially with high seating density, compact configurations are advantageous for saving space, weight, and costs.

[0003] Typically, reading lights are separate units, meaning that four to two reading lights are installed above the passengers in each passenger unit (PSU). The individual reading lights are manually adjusted to the desired seat, depending on the seating configuration. If, for example, the class configuration changes during flight operations, the reading lights must be repositioned. The disadvantage of conventional aircraft lighting systems is that a large number of lights, usually two to four, are required to provide each passenger with optimal lighting, for example, for reading. Combining several reading lights into a single unit offers both functional and weight advantages, as it reduces the number of different functional units in the PSU ceiling duct.Therefore, it is desirable to find a solution to provide compact lighting units combined with a convenient and central alignment option.

[0004] To reduce the number of components in a passenger occupancy unit (PSU), patent US 2008 / 0112155A1 describes the integration of a reading light into a personal air outlet by arranging a ring of LEDs around the air nozzle. The housing can be mechanically rotated to direct the light beam for each passenger. By combining the air nozzles with the reading lights, the number of components required in the PSU is halved; however, one lighting unit per passenger is still necessary.

[0005] US 2003 / 0174499A1 discloses a lighting device with a plurality of LEDs forming an LED array and a control unit designed to produce predetermined light patterns by selectively activating the LEDs.

[0006] DE 20 2006 014 933 U1 describes a lighting device for a cabin of aircraft, buses, ships and similar vehicles, wherein the lighting device comprises several reading lights for several passenger seats.

[0007] US 2007 / 0236926A1 discloses a lighting device with a plurality of LEDs, wherein the LEDs are grouped into arrays and subarrays and light patterns are produced by selectively activating the arrays and subarrays.

[0008] GB 2 293 443 A shows a lighting system for an aircraft cabin with a variety of lighting units comprising one or more variable light sources for lighting provision, wherein each lighting unit can be activated independently by a control unit, so that transitions between different lighting scenarios do not occur abruptly.

[0009] DE 10 2006 030 194 A1 describes a system for displaying image elements for an aircraft seat. The system comprises a seat element with an image projection device and a projection area for displaying an image element. The image projection device is designed such that the image element can be projected onto the projection area (3).

[0010] The subsequently published German patent DE 10 2008 008 153 A1 describes a means of transport, such as an aircraft, in which a display device comprises a light source and an adaptive diaphragm. The display device is configured such that, in a first configuration of the adaptive diaphragm, a symbol can be projected onto a surface within the means of transport, and in a second configuration of the adaptive diaphragm, a surface within the means of transport can be illuminated. With the aid of such a display device, a seat row number can be projected onto the floor of an aircraft aisle, and the aisle can be illuminated as part of an emergency exit lighting system in the event of a necessary evacuation. Summary of the invention

[0011] The object of the invention is to create an improved lighting unit that is able to replace a plurality of reading lights, so that different on-board situations can be illuminated in a locally differentiated manner.

[0012] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further embodiments are embodied in the dependent claims.

[0013] The embodiments described below relate to the lighting device, the method, a corresponding computer program element, and a computer-readable storage medium.

[0014] According to the invention, a lighting device for a passenger transport vehicle is provided, comprising a lighting unit, an interface, and a control unit. The lighting unit is designed to illuminate a projection area with a locally differentiated light cone based on a plurality of different lighting patterns, wherein the lighting patterns are pixel-based image data. The interface is designed to receive lighting data from an external system, while the control unit is designed to control the lighting unit with respect to the different lighting patterns based on the received lighting data.The lighting unit is designed to generate multiple light cones within a coverage area of ​​the lighting unit, depending on the pixel-based image data, so that a light cone results in a defined illumination area within the coverage area and only the resulting illumination area is lit.

[0015] In this way, a single lighting unit can illuminate multiple seats. This increases the functionality of the individual lighting unit, resulting in cost and weight savings. Simultaneously, assembly times for the lighting units during the Final Assembly Line (FAL) can be reduced, leading to further cost savings. For example, the "single" lighting unit can optimally illuminate four passengers. This allows individual reading lighting for just one passenger in a row of four seats without disturbing the other passengers.

[0016] The lighting data can include both image data and image control data. The different lighting patterns projected onto the projection area can be transmitted in the form of image data or image files. In this way, for example, pixel-based image files can be created that can represent a multitude of geometric elements as well as graphic symbols. The control unit can load this image data, for example, from internal memory or from an external source and then convert it into lighting control data. Based on the lighting control data, the lighting unit can illuminate the desired lighting patterns. The lighting patterns stored internally in the lighting device can be specifically adapted to the PSU unit. For example, the internal memory of a lighting device above a two-seat row would contain two adjacent circles or...The lighting pattern includes squares.

[0017] In addition to the lighting control data for the lighting unit itself, the operating device can be controlled based on lighting control data received externally via the interface. This allows the switching on and off of multiple lighting devices for various scenarios such as dining, reading, sleeping, or emergency situations to be centrally controlled.

[0018] Lighting data can be sent from an external system, such as the central cabin management system (CMS), to the control unit. Furthermore, the lighting status of the lighting unit can be transmitted to the external system. This allows the lighting patterns to be adapted to the required configurations. For example, when displaying the onboard menus, the lighting pattern can be switched from a small cone suitable for reading to a larger pattern adapted to the shape of a tray.

[0019] Furthermore, manual adjustment of the reading lights to the passenger seat is no longer necessary, as an external system transmits the lighting data, adapted to the specific seating configuration, to the lighting unit's control device. For example, customer-specific adjustments such as right / left (R / L) can be made without mechanical intervention. Overall, more flexible customer customization is possible, tailored to the specific layout of the aircraft.

[0020] The lighting unit can still be adjusted by the passenger. This can be done, for example, via an individual control element on the seat, which allows adjustments such as color, brightness, or reading light status.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lighting device has a storage unit designed to store a plurality of different lighting patterns, wherein the control unit is designed to control the lighting unit on the basis of the received lighting data and the stored lighting patterns.

[0022] A memory unit can store, for example, suitable presets or default settings for the lighting units for boarding, takeoff and landing times, as well as for different seating configurations. The respective default settings can be retrieved from the control unit. This allows any individual lighting unit settings that may have been made to be reversed. Thus, the lighting system has a central reset function. Furthermore, in addition to the stored presets, further setting positions can be saved in the memory via a memo function.

[0023] The memory unit can be located either inside the lighting device or externally. The advantage of an external memory unit is that it allows multiple lighting units to be centrally controlled by a single memory in conjunction with a CPU (computer processing unit) or other logic such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array). An internal memory unit, on the other hand, eliminates the need to transmit large amounts of data regarding the different lighting patterns and only requires the transmission of lighting control data.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit is designed to control a plurality of opening angles, directions (x,y,z), lighting intensities, colors and / or shapes of the lighting.

[0025] In this way, the lighting can be specifically adapted to the customer or the flight phase by varying the light intensity, angle, or color. For example, a moonlight scenario can be provided during passenger rest periods by appropriately dimming the light. Furthermore, the beam angles can be adjusted depending on the distance of each seat to the lighting unit. To ensure the same light intensity in every seat of the row, regardless of the distance to the lighting device, the intensity of the longest beam can be adjusted accordingly. Additionally, effects such as rectangular distortion can be avoided by appropriate scaling of the image data (keystone correction).

[0026] Furthermore, the projection angle and other parameters can be fine-tuned. These adjustments can be made centrally via the Cabin Management System or individually at each PSU unit. The optimal adjustment data can then be stored as configuration files in the memory unit.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit is designed to electronically control a plurality of different light cones.

[0028] In this way, four or more adjacent seats can be illuminated by a single lighting device, each with its own individual lighting. The number of positions to be illuminated depends on the cabin layout, with the corresponding cabin configuration files being retrieved by the control unit via the central cabin management system.

[0029] According to the invention, the lighting patterns are pixel-based image data.

[0030] In this way, any two-dimensional shape can be projected onto a seat or wall surface with spatial differentiation. The shape of the adjustable light cone, such as a polygon, hexagon, rectangle, or circle, depends solely on the underlying image file. A grid method, similar to that used in laser projection, can be applied to create different light cones.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the lighting unit comprises light sources consisting of a group comprising LEDs, OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes), fiber optic light guides, laser beams and gas discharge lamps.

[0032] Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs for short, possess great potential in the field of lighting technology. Compared to conventional light sources such as incandescent bulbs, LEDs are characterized, among other things, by their rapid switching and modulation capabilities. White LEDs or LEDs in the primary colors red, green, and blue (RGB) can be used. Furthermore, compact, flat LED lighting units can be installed on the underside of the luggage compartment, replacing the function of up to four conventional lights.

[0033] Alternatively, fiber optic light guides can be used for illumination. A fiber optic cable with a suitable end optic allows for a shallow installation depth and the adjustment of different lighting patterns. This effectively saves costs and weight. Another advantage of fiber optics over conventional incandescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes is that power cables are unnecessary, and the light guides themselves meet the high safety standards of aviation. Furthermore, fiber optic technology can be combined with discharge lamps and laser technologies.

[0034] Furthermore, different lighting patterns can be generated from laser beams. A laser projector can thus write an image file line by line onto any projection surface. For example, the primary colors red, green, and blue (RGB) can be used and their brightness modulated to create any desired color. The line deflection of the lighting units occurs at a speed imperceptible to the human eye. Therefore, each passenger has the impression of continuous illumination.

[0035] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the lighting unit can have a controllable lens.

[0036] In this way, the light from the light source can be directed in the desired directions, creating a cone of light that illuminates the projection area, such as three reading planes, as homogeneously as possible with a defined brightness level. The lens can comprise a combination of lenses that are adjustable relative to each other. Furthermore, the light from the light source can strike a flexible lens or a diffuser. Miniature deflecting mirrors can also be used as positioning systems for the lighting unit, deflecting LEDs in the x, y, and z directions with respect to different lighting patterns. These miniature positioning systems can be electronically controlled, eliminating the need for manual lamp adjustment.

[0037] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the lighting unit can have an electronically controllable filter.

[0038] In this way, for example, a white LED unit that shines through an optical filter can be electronically controlled. The optical filter settings required for the lighting patterns in aircraft operation are stored in the memory unit according to the illuminated area, its orientation, color, and intensity.

[0039] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit can have a multiplex device designed to control the lighting unit multiple times with respect to the different light cones.

[0040] The control method used in this system is comparable to the line deflection used in laser projectors. The line deflection of the lighting units occurs at frequencies between approximately 50 and 200 Hz, which are imperceptible to the human eye. This creates the impression of continuous illumination for each passenger.

[0041] According to the invention, an aircraft has a lighting device, a system designed to output lighting data to the interface.

[0042] In this way, for example, the information about which positions need to be illuminated can be centrally transmitted to the lighting devices via the Cabin Management System (CMS).

[0043] According to the invention, an illumination method comprises the following process steps: Sending and receiving illumination data from an external system via an interface, controlling the illumination unit with respect to the different illumination patterns based on the received illumination data by a control unit, illuminating a projection area with a light cone by an illumination unit with respect to the different illumination patterns based on a plurality of different illumination patterns, projection of illumination patterns depending on pixel-based image data, and generating several light cones depending on the pixel-based image data in a coverage area of ​​the illumination unit, so that a light cone results in a delimited illumination area within the coverage area and only the resulting illumination area is illuminated.

[0044] The control unit can send the lighting status to the external system, where the status data is compared with the required lighting patterns. If the required configuration is already met based on the status, this lighting unit does not need to be changed until the next reconfiguration.

[0045] According to the invention, a computer program element is provided which, when executed by a processor, is designed to execute the method according to the invention.

[0046] According to the invention, a computer-readable storage medium is specified on which the computer program element according to the invention is stored.

[0047] Furthermore, it should be noted that the above characteristics or procedural steps can also be combined. The combination of the above characteristics or steps can also lead to interacting effects and impacts that go beyond the individual effect of the respective characteristics, even if this is not explicitly described in detail.

[0048] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following drawings. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows a view of a state-of-the-art PSU system. Fig. Figure 2 shows a lighting unit according to an embodiment of the invention for three seats arranged side by side. Fig. Figure 3 shows a side view a) and top view b) of three single lighting units according to an exemplary embodiment for three rows of seats arranged one behind the other in an aircraft. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the lighting device. Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of another exemplary embodiment of the lighting device. Fig. Figure 6 shows exemplary embodiments of lighting patterns that are realized by round light cones. Fig. Figure 7 shows further exemplary embodiments of lighting patterns. Fig. Figure 8 shows exemplary lighting patterns for illuminating the individual trays of three seats arranged side by side. Fig. Figure 9 shows an aircraft with lighting devices according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a method for illuminating a projection area. Detailed description of the drawings

[0049] Fig. Figure 1 shows the state of the art, where three reading lights are arranged in a PSU system. The outer reading lights are directed outwards to better illuminate, for example, a window or aisle seat. The housing of the lighting unit can be manually rotated for this purpose. The lights can be switched on and off by individual passengers using switches.

[0050] Fig. Figure 2 shows a PSU unit with a lighting device according to the present invention, designed to optimally illuminate three adjacent seats. The lighting units 13 and 13a are integrated into the PSU channel 40. The coverage area of ​​the lighting unit comprises the light cones 130 and 130a. The projection surfaces and reading planes are in Fig. The trays 31, 32, and 33 represent the positions shown. Each of these can be individually illuminated by light cones 131, 132, and 133, which are adapted to the tray shape. Each light cone can be switched on or off individually. The number of positions to be illuminated can be centrally controlled by a cabin management system.

[0051] Fig. Figure 3a shows a side view of three "single" lighting units according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention for an aircraft cabin. Each of the seat rows a, b, and c, arranged one behind the other, is assigned a single lighting unit 13a, 13b, and 13c. The dashed lines represent the coverage area or light cones 130a, 130b, and 130c. The top view of the Fig. Figure 3b illustrates that three seats and their corresponding trays 31, 32, and 33 are illuminated. The coverage areas of the individual light cones 130a, 130b, and 130c overlap. Based on suitable control data, the lighting units can be controlled, for example, so that only the trays themselves are illuminated.

[0052] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a lighting device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The lighting device consists of a lighting unit 13, which is designed to illuminate a projection area 31 with a locally differentiated light cone 130. The lighting unit 13 is controlled by the control unit 11. A microprocessor 15 integrated in the control unit can acquire and process control data via the interface 12 and then control the lighting unit. The interface can be designed as a PSU interface. Furthermore, the interface can be connected to an external system 20. This central system can, for example, be the cabin management system.

[0053] Furthermore, the lighting device 10 has a storage unit 15 designed to store different lighting patterns. Based on the received and stored lighting patterns, the control unit can control the lighting unit 13.

[0054] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the lighting device 10. In this embodiment, the storage unit 15 is arranged externally. The storage medium containing the various lighting patterns and configuration files is connected to the external system 20. This has the advantage that only a single storage unit 15 is required for multiple lighting devices. The status of the "single" lights from the lighting units 13a, 13b, and 13c can also be sent to the cabin management system. For example, if no changes are made to the presets during flight and the "default" setting is subsequently reported as the status to the central system, it is unnecessary to reset the lighting device to the default status before the landing phase begins.Another piece of information stored in the central system could be suitable emergency lighting for emergency situations. In this way, color-coded arrows could indicate the prescribed escape route.

[0055] Fig. Figure 6 shows exemplary embodiments of lighting patterns. Up to four circular lighting areas (circles) can be implemented within the depicted coverage area (hatched area). By selectively using only one light cone, individual lighting for a single passenger can be ensured. The aim is to avoid dazzling the eyes of the passenger or those sitting next to them. This can be achieved through suitable electronic control and a combination with a glare protection device.

[0056] Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows further adjustable light cones. The various polygon shapes, such as parallelogram (rhomboid), rectangle, or hexagon, are shown in the individual sub-figures. Two rectangles can also be arranged offset from each other. The adjustable light cones depend solely on the saved image file, and thus there are no limits to the geometric possibilities. However, to prevent rectangle distortion or inhomogeneous lighting intensities for seats further away, the image files are adapted to the respective conditions and seating arrangements.

[0057] Fig. Figure 8 shows a lighting configuration that is particularly suitable when passengers have unfolded their seatback trays. This might be the case, for example, during service hours and the distribution of in-flight meals or drinks. While on the left side of the Fig. Figure 8 shows the coverage area of ​​a "single" lighting unit, which is marked by a dot-dash line and depicts three trays within this area. The image on the right shows the image file used for this configuration. This ensures optimal illumination of the trays.

[0058] Fig. Figure 9 shows an aircraft 900 with lighting fixtures for each row of seats 13a, 13b, and 13c, located above the passenger seats in the PSU duct. All lighting units can be centrally controlled by a cabin management system (not shown).

[0059] Fig.Figure 10 shows the process steps for illuminating a projection area. The process begins in step 101. In the second process step, 102, illumination data is sent and received via an interface to an external system. In the next process step, 103, the lighting unit is controlled by a control unit with respect to the different illumination patterns based on the received illumination data. In the final process step, 104, the projection area is illuminated by a lighting unit with respect to the different illumination patterns. In this way, a multiple of different illumination patterns can be implemented, and thus at least four reading lights can be replaced by a single lighting unit.

Claims

[1] Lighting device (10) for a passenger transport vehicle, wherein the lighting device comprises: a lighting unit (13) designed to illuminate a projection area (31) differently with a light cone (130) based on a plurality of different lighting patterns; where the lighting patterns are pixel-based image data; an interface (12) to an external system for receiving and sending lighting data; and a control unit (11) designed to control the lighting unit with respect to the different lighting patterns based on the received lighting data; characterized by , that the lighting unit (13) is designed to generate multiple light cones in a coverage area of ​​the lighting unit depending on the pixel-based image data, so that a light cone results in a delimited lighting area within the coverage area and only the resulting lighting area is illuminated. [2] Lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device (10) has a storage unit (15) designed to store a plurality of different lighting patterns, wherein the control unit (11) is designed to control the lighting unit (13) on the basis of the received lighting data and the stored lighting patterns. [3] Lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (11) is designed to control a plurality of opening angles, directions (x,y,z), lighting intensities, colors and / or shapes of the lighting. [4] Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit (11) is designed to electronically control a plurality of different light cones (131, 132, 133). [5] Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lighting device is a laser projector designed to write the image data line by line onto a projection surface. [6] Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lighting unit comprises light sources, from a group consisting of: LEDs; OLEDs; fiber optic light guides; Laser beams; and Gas discharge lamps. [7] Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lighting unit (13) has a controllable lens. [8] Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lighting unit (13) has an electronically controllable filter. [9] Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit (11) has a multiplex device designed to control the lighting unit (13) multiple times with respect to the different light cones (131, 132). [10] Aircraft with a lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the aircraft has a system (20) designed to output lighting data to the interface (12). [11] Method for illumination using a lighting device (10), wherein the method comprises: Sending and receiving lighting data via an interface to an external system (12); Control of the lighting unit (13) with respect to the different lighting patterns based on the received lighting data by a control unit (11); Illuminating a projection area (30) with a light cone (130) by a lighting unit (13) with respect to the different lighting patterns based on a plurality of different lighting patterns; Projection of lighting patterns based on pixel-based image data; and Generating multiple light cones depending on the pixel-based image data in a coverage area of ​​the lighting unit, so that a light cone results in a defined illumination area within the coverage area and only the resulting illumination area is lit. [12] Computer program element which, when executed by a processor (14), is designed to execute a method according to claim 11. [13] Computer-readable storage medium on which the computer program element according to claim 12 is stored.

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