Decentralized control panel architecture

Abstract

Systems and methods are described herein for monitoring and controlling components or (sub)systems of an aircraft or other vehicle using a decentralized control panel architecture. A controller can be used to receive information from multiple input sources and transmit commands to one or more output devices based on the received information. The received information can be of different types or formats that can be read by the controller. The controller can cause visual or physical changes to an actuator based on a command. One or more control panel entities can be communicatively coupled to the controller and used to access information regarding one or more (sub)systems of the vehicle and transmit commands as needed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 17 / 746,609, filed May 17, 2022. This and all other referenced external materials are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. If the definition or use of a term in a reference incorporated by reference does not match or is contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein shall control.

[0002] The field of the present invention is control panels, and specifically, control panels for use with various systems within a vehicle.

Background Art

[0003] The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not admitted that any of the information provided herein is prior art or that any of the publications specifically or implicitly referenced are prior art with respect to the claimed invention.

[0004] In vehicle systems, control panels are typically connected to the systems they control. For example, control panels and control elements are often "wired" to their mother systems and often serve as dedicated control panels for each system installed in a central location. The presence of dedicated control panels for each system is undesirable because each control panel requires its own physical space, the central location of all control panels reduces flexibility during design and installation, and different control panels often utilize different control methods and paradigms, thereby increasing their overall complexity.

[0005] The central location can, for example, limit access opportunities for crew members across an aircraft or other vehicle generally, and can limit operational efficiency. Additionally, in most vehicles, space is premium. Particularly in aircraft, each component increases the overall weight of the aircraft, which increases the amount of fuel required to fly the aircraft.

[0006] All published documents identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual published document or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. If the definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference conflicts with or is contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference is not applied.

[0007] Accordingly, there remains a need for systems and methods that utilize a decentralized control panel architecture for operating or managing heterogeneous subsystems or components within a vehicle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0008] The subject matter of the invention provides an apparatus, system, and method for a decentralized control panel architecture for managing and controlling various subsystems of a vehicle. The contemplated vehicles include, for example, aircraft, buses, trains, automobiles, ferries, and other boats. Through the availability of wired / wireless links and sufficient processing power, a decentralized crew panel architecture can be realized that removes many of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0009] The contemplated system and method for monitoring or controlling vehicle components may include a controller having a processor and a memory, the controller being communicatively coupled to a plurality of input devices and a plurality of output devices such that signals, queries, commands, and other data can be received and transmitted to and from the controller to at least a portion of the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices.

[0010] The processor can perform various functions, such as, for example, data collection, data interpretation, data processing and encoding of control signals, storage for later acquisition of data, rendering for display of a user interface, translation of control inputs into control commands, arbitration in case of competing control inputs, execution of access rights management, and the like.

[0011] Preferably, the plurality of input devices includes at least one input device, and more preferably, at least a first input device and a second input device. Each of the plurality of input devices is contemplated to be disposed within the vehicle. The first input device is contemplated to be a component of a first subsystem of the vehicle, and the second input device is further contemplated to be a component of a second, different subsystem of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the first input device is configured to transmit data in a first format, and the second input device is configured to transmit data in a second format different from the first format.

[0012] Preferably, at least a portion of the plurality of input devices including the first or second input device is configured to monitor at least one of an operating state of a vehicle component, a configuration state of a vehicle component, an equipment state of a vehicle component, a passenger request, and a passenger interaction.

[0013] Crucially, the controller is configured to receive and analyze data in both the first and second formats, such that a single controller can be used to monitor and control the devices of a plurality of subsystems of the vehicle without the need for a plurality of heterogeneous controllers.

[0014] In addition, the controller is intended to be accessible from various devices that may include a portable computing device such as a tablet PC or a dedicated crew panel or other components installed within a vehicle. Accordingly, its configuration enables the vehicle crew or other personnel to access information and control various vehicle systems or subsystems from multiple locations and even from outside the vehicle itself in a line-of-sight manner.

[0015] As used herein, the term "portable computing device" is defined to include laptop computers, tablet PCs, smartphones, smartwatches, GOOGLE Glass or equivalents thereof capable of displaying augmented reality elements to a user wearing glasses, such as those running APPLE iOS (trademark) or ANDROID (trademark) operating software, and all other portable devices that are connected to a network and can receive information from and / or transmit information to a server.

[0016] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of output devices is disposed within the vehicle, and the plurality of output devices includes a first output device and a second output device. Output devices that are contemplated include, for example, light sources, wireless access points, HVAC subsystems, overhead displays, seat-specific displays, power supplies, passenger seats, status indicators, satellite communication systems, computing devices, and other devices of the vehicle.

[0017] The controller is preferably configured to analyze data received from the first and second input devices and transmit a first command to the first output device based on the data received from the first or second input device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] The systems and methods described herein that utilize a decentralized control panel architecture enable multiple connections to communicate with sensors, actuators, control panel entities, and other devices or components of a vehicle. The use of multiple control panel entities allows multiple users to monitor and control (sub)systems through a wired or wireless distribution system since they are not connected to fixed locations within the vehicle.

[0019] The inventive concepts described herein enable crew members to monitor and control one or more (sub)systems anywhere within the cabin or vehicle interior, for example, using a tablet PC, smartphone, or other portable computing device. This thereby improves crew member flexibility and operational efficiency.

[0020] In addition, the concepts described reduce the overall space required for control panel entities within the vehicle, enable multiple crew members to simultaneously monitor and control vehicle (sub)systems from anywhere within the vehicle, facilitate remote monitoring of (sub)systems external to the vehicle through virtualization, manage all data from various (sub)systems through a single controller instance, and so on.

[0021] Various objectives, features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like components.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Throughout the following description, numerous references are made to servers, controllers, services, interfaces, portals, platforms, or other systems formed from computing devices. It should be understood that the use of such terms is considered to represent one or more computing devices having at least one processor configured to execute software instructions stored on a computer-readable tangible persistent medium. For example, a server can include one or more computers operating as a web server, a database server, or other type of computer server in a manner that performs the described roles, responsibilities, or functions.

[0024] The terms "controller", "component", "module", "system", and similar terms used herein denote computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, software, a combination of software and hardware, or the execution of software. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a processor, a processor, an object, an execution thread, a program, and / or procedures executed within a computer. For example, both an application executed within a computing device and the computing device can be components. One or more components can reside within a processor and / or an execution thread. One component can be localized within one computer. One component can be distributed between two or more computers. Further, components can be executed by various computer-readable media in which various data structures are stored. For example, a component can communicate through local and / or remote processing in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data and / or signals transmitted from one component communicating with another component within a local system and a distributed system through a network such as the Internet to another system).

[0025] Those skilled in the art will recognize that any of the exemplary logical blocks, configurations, modules, circuits, means, logics, and algorithmic operations described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by an electronic device, by computer software, or by a combination of an electronic device and computer software. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, exemplary components, blocks, configurations, means, logics, modules, circuits, and operations are described generally above in terms of their functionality. Whether a function is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application or design constraint imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application. However, such implementation decisions should not be construed as departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] Embodiments of the invention described herein may include or utilize a special purpose or general purpose computer including one or more servers and / or other computer hardware. Each of the one or more servers can include, for example, one or more processors and system memory. The computer can also include physical and / or other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Such instructions, which facilitate the systems and methods described herein, can be stored in a persistent computer-readable medium and be executable by one or more servers or other computing devices. As an example, a processor can receive instructions from a persistent computer-readable medium and execute those instructions to perform one or more processes.

[0027] A computer-readable medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system. Examples of computer-readable media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, solid state drives, flash memory, and other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired application code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0028] Computer-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that, when executed on a processor, cause a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or special-purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. In some embodiments, the computer-executable instructions are executed on a general-purpose computer to turn that general-purpose computer into a special-purpose computer implementing the elements of the present disclosure. Computer-executable instructions can be, for example, binary, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code.

[0029] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure can be implemented in a network computing environment with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, cell phones, PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches, and the like. The present disclosure can also be implemented in a distributed system environment where local and remote computer systems, linked through a network (either by a hardwired data link, a wireless data link, or a combination of hardwired and wireless data links), both perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure including the controller described herein can be implemented within a cloud computing environment. In this description, "cloud computing" is defined as a model that enables on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources. For example, cloud computing can be adopted in the market to provide ubiquitous and convenient on-demand access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources. The shared pool of configurable computing resources can be quickly provisioned through virtualization, released with little management effort or service provider interaction, and then scaled appropriately.

[0031] The cloud computing model can also expose various service models, such as Software as a Service ("SaaS"), Platform as a Service ("PaaS"), and Infrastructure as a Service ("IaaS"). The cloud computing model can be deployed using different deployment models, such as private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, etc. In this description and the claims, "cloud computing environment" is the environment in which cloud computing is adopted.

[0032] The systems and methods described herein may utilize various communication protocols, including, for example, data transmission media, communication devices, Transmission Control Protocol ("TCP"), Internet Protocol ("IP"), File Transfer Protocol ("FTP"), Telnet, Hypertext Transfer Protocol ("HTTP"), Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure ("HTTPS"), Session Initiation Protocol ("SIP"), Simple Object Access Protocol ("SOAP"), Extensible Markup Language ("XML") and its variants, Simple Mail Transfer Protocol ("SMTP"), Message Queuing Telemetry Transport ("MQTT"), Real-time Transport Protocol ("RTP"), User Datagram Protocol ("UDP"), Global System for Mobile Communications ("GSM") technology, Code Division Multiple Access ("CDMA") technology, Time Division Multiple Access ("TDMA") technology, Short Message Service ("SMS"), Multimedia Message Service ("MMS"), Radio Frequency ("RF") signal transmission technology, Long Term Evolution ("LTE") technology, wireless communication technology, in-band and out-of-band radio signal transmission technology, and other suitable communication networks and technologies.

[0033] The following description provides many example embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention. Each embodiment represents a single combination of elements of the invention, but the subject matter of the present invention is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment includes elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment includes elements B and D, the subject matter of the present invention is considered to include the other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a system 100 that includes a control panel architecture for monitoring or controlling components or subsystems of a vehicle, and may include a controller 110 having a memory 104 and a processor 106. A preferred system eliminates the need for a centralized physical control panel by utilizing a decentralized control panel architecture. The memory 104 preferably includes a persistent computer-readable storage medium for monitoring or controlling components or subsystems of the vehicle that includes the controller 110. The persistent computer-readable storage medium preferably includes a computer program that includes instructions for facilitating the monitoring or control of components or subsystems of the vehicle.

[0035] It is contemplated that the processor 106 and / or the memory 104 can be disposed within a single physical unit, such as a server, that functions as the controller 110, or can be disposed within separate locations and collectively include the controller 110. Additionally, the processor 106 and / or the memory 104 can be physically or virtually deployed (e.g., on other hardware, inside or outside the vehicle). Virtualization enables the controller 110 to be hosted "in the cloud" as described above, and thus the controller can be accessed virtually from anywhere. The decentralized configuration of the controller 110 described herein enables the controller 110 to be virtualized and deployed anywhere, which opens up use cases for monitoring and controlling the (sub)systems of a vehicle from inside or outside an aircraft or other vehicle.

[0036] Contemplated subsystems of the vehicle include, for example, in-flight or in-vehicle entertainment, connectivity, cabin control, and the like.

[0037] The controller 110 is configured to collect data from sensors and (sub)systems through a wired or wireless connection. After the data is collected, the controller 110 can use the processor 106 to interpret and process the data and, if necessary, store the data in the memory 104 or in a separate server. The stored data can then be used for performance evaluation or predictive maintenance purposes, which can be performed by the controller 110. The controller 110 can also be configured to control actuators and (sub)systems through a wired or wireless connection.

[0038] The controller 110 is communicatively coupled to a plurality of devices, which may include a plurality of input devices 120 and a plurality of output devices 130. Preferably, each of the plurality of input devices 120 is disposed within the vehicle. In some embodiments, the plurality of input devices 120 includes a first input device 120A and a second input device 120B. Since the input devices 120 may be associated with different (sub)systems of the vehicle, the first input device 120A may be configured to transmit data in a first format, and the second input device 120B may be configured to transmit data in a second format different from the first format. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the first input device 120A is a component of a first subsystem of the vehicle and the second input device 120B is a component of a second, different subsystem of the vehicle. Conventionally, this would require separate controllers to monitor and control each (sub)system. Advantageously, by using the inventive concepts described herein, the controller 110 is capable of receiving and analyzing information in various different formats and transmitting commands to a plurality of different output devices 130.

[0039] It is contemplated that a portion of the device may include both an input device and an output device. For example, a portable computing device can be used to communicate with a controller 110 by sending commands to the controller (input) and receiving information (output) from the controller 110 regarding one or more (sub)systems of a vehicle.

[0040] The plurality of output devices 130 preferably includes a first output device 130A and a second output device 130B. Each of the plurality of output devices 130 is preferably disposed within the vehicle, although it is contemplated that one or more of the plurality of output devices 130 may be remotely connected to the controller 110 and disposed outside the vehicle.

[0041] The controller 110 is contemplated to be coupled to the plurality of input devices 120 and the plurality of output devices 130 via a wired or wireless connection(s) that may include the network 140 as a whole. The connection(s) may include any transport medium or protocol known in the art or derived therefrom. Examples include short-range communication, Bluetooth (trademark) and other short-range wireless communication standards (e.g., "Wi-Fi") or protocols, infrared, optical wireless, mobile communication standards such as those developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), MQ Telemetry Transport (MQTT), Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Rest API, serial interface, HTML, digital I / O, as well as proprietary protocols. Thus, a portion of the input device and / or output device may be wirelessly connected to the controller 110, while others may be connected by a wired connection or a hybrid (wired / wireless) connection.

[0042] At least one of the input devices may include a sensor, which is intended to monitor the environment or (sub)systems of the vehicle and transmit signals or other information to the controller 110. The input devices may include sensors and other devices across various (sub)systems of the vehicle. For example, aircraft and other vehicle (sub)systems can generate a number of data sets from a number of devices and other components, which are transmitted to the controller 110 for analysis and / or storage. Such data may include, for example, operating states (e.g., malfunctions, errors, etc.), configuration states (e.g., Wi-Fi channels), equipment states (e.g., seat positions, seat belt positions, TTL readiness, etc.), BIT / BITE states of one or more components of the vehicle, wear and tear data (e.g., counters, predictive maintenance data), passenger requests and interactions (e.g., meal service), etc.

[0043] The controller 110 is configured to receive data from each of a plurality of input devices 120 including a first input device 120A and a second input device 120B, analyze the received data, and transmit a first command to at least a first output device 130A among the plurality of output devices 130 based on the data received from the first input device 120A or the second input device 120B. It is further contemplated that the first command, different commands, or information can be transmitted to the second output device 130B or other ones of the plurality of output devices 130. In other words, the controller 110 can collect information from one or more of the plurality of input devices 120, which may include status information, setting information, test information, etc. Using this information, the controller 110 can then directly or indirectly control actuators and other ones of the plurality of output devices 130, which may include lighting systems, in-flight entertainment systems, HVAC systems, seats, indicator lights or signage, etc. For example, the system 100 may integrate one or more HVAC systems into a single control panel architecture using the controller 110. This may advantageously eliminate the use of multiple control panels for multiple systems.

[0044] In addition, the controller 110 is configured to process and prepare (received or generated) data in such a way that two or more control panel entities 150A-150N can access the data via the network 160. As used herein, the term "control panel entity" means a portable computing device or dedicated hardware installed within a vehicle that may have dedicated indicators or controls (e.g., switches, LEDs, etc.), both of which can be used to access data regarding one or more of the vehicle's (sub)systems. The network 160 can generally include one or more wired or wireless connections that exist between the controller 110 and the control panel entities 150A-150N. Although the network 160 is shown as being different from the network 140, it is contemplated that a single network, rather than separate networks, can be used to communicate with all of the components being referred to.

[0045] The use of or ability to use multiple control panel entities 150A-150N allows for multiple instances of the control panel to exist simultaneously and further allows each of the control panel functions to be adjusted based on the user and / or its purpose. Accordingly, multiple users can monitor or control the vehicle's (sub)systems, as needed, individually and independently of each other simultaneously, providing additional flexibility and higher operating efficiency than is recognized in the prior art known to the applicant.

[0046] It is further contemplated that the controller 110 can receive commands or queries from one or more of the control panel entities 150A-150N, which can be encoded as control commands for one or more of the plurality of output devices 130 or other components of the vehicle. In such an embodiment, the controller 110 can also be configured to perform arbitration if competing control commands are received from a plurality of the control panel entities 150A-150N.

[0047] In some embodiments, the controller 110 can be configured to render a user interface to one or more of the control panel entities 150A-150N, such as through a web server. This advantageously can reduce the computational power and functionality required by the control panel entity. In this way, different interfaces can be dynamically generated by the controller 110 that can be tailored to specific uses that can be determined by a particular control panel entity and the user accessing that control panel entity. Thus, a control panel entity can display a subset of functions for one purpose (e.g., HVAC control), as opposed to different subsets of functions for different purposes (e.g., in-flight entertainment control). Rendering of state / control information from a common source also facilitates a common control paradigm and principles, thereby removing inefficiencies resulting from the various implementations of control functions that can occur between multiple systems and their associated learning curves.

[0048] In some embodiments, the controller 110 can also be configured to perform access rights management to associate data with access rights to limit which state / control elements are accessible to each user, each output device, and / or each control panel entity 150A-150N.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a system 200 that includes a control panel architecture for monitoring or controlling vehicle components or (sub)systems. The system 200 includes a decentralized controller 210 that includes a memory 204 and a processor 206. It is preferred that the system 200 utilize a decentralized control panel architecture, thereby eliminating the need for a centralized physical control panel. The memory 204 preferably includes a persistent computer-readable storage medium for monitoring or controlling vehicle components or subsystems that include the controller 210. The persistent computer-readable storage medium preferably includes a computer program that includes instructions for facilitating the monitoring or control of vehicle components or subsystems.

[0050] Processor 206 and / or memory 204 can be arranged within a single physical unit, such as a server, that functions as controller 210, or can be arranged at separate locations and can be contemplated to collectively include controller 210. Additionally, processor 206 and / or memory 204 can be deployed physically or virtually (e.g., on other hardware, inside or outside the cabin). As previously described with respect to system 100, virtualization enables controller 210 to be hosted "within the cloud" as described above, and thus the controller can be accessed virtually from anywhere. The decentralized configuration of controller 210 described herein enables controller 210 to be virtualized and deployed anywhere, which opens up use cases for monitoring and controlling the (sub)systems of a vehicle from inside or outside an aircraft or other vehicle.

[0051] The contemplated subsystems of the vehicle include, for example, in-flight or in-vehicle entertainment, connectivity, cabin control, etc.

[0052] Controller 210 is configured to collect data from at least a first subsystem 220 and a second subsystem 230 of the vehicle.

[0053] The first subsystem 220 preferably includes a first input device 222A communicatively connected to controller 210 via network 240, and network 240 can include one or more wired and / or wireless connections (s) or combinations thereof. Exemplary connections include those described above. Preferably, the first input device 222A includes sensors configured to (i) monitor the state of the first subsystem 220 of the vehicle and (ii) generate data to be transmitted to controller 210. It is contemplated that the first input device 222A can be configured to monitor at least one of the operating state of the vehicle components, the configuration state of the vehicle components, the equipped state of the vehicle components, passenger requests, and passenger interactions.

[0054] The second subsystem 230 preferably includes a second input device 222B communicatively connected to the controller 210 via a network 240, which may include one or more wired and / or wireless connections or combinations thereof. Exemplary connections include those described above. It is contemplated that the first input device 222B may be configured to monitor at least one of the operating state of a vehicle component, the configuration state of a vehicle component, the equipped state of a vehicle component, a passenger request, and a passenger interaction.

[0055] Since the input devices are associated with different subsystems of the vehicle, the first input device 222A may be configured to transmit data in a first format, and the second input device 222B may be configured to transmit data in a second format different from the first format. Advantageously, by using the inventive concepts described herein, the controller 210 can receive and analyze information in various different formats from the first input device 222A and the second input device 222B and transmit commands to the first output device 224A and the second output device 224B.

[0056] In some embodiments, it is contemplated that one of the first input device 222A and the second input device 222B includes a control panel entity configured to receive input from a user and transmit data to the controller 210 based on the input. In such embodiments, the control panel entity may also include the first output device 224A or the second output device 224B, and the first output device 224A or the second output device 224B is contemplated to be configured to display information based on a first command received from the controller 210.

[0057] The controller 210 is configured to collect data from the first input device 222A and the second input device 222B. The controller can use the processor 206 to interpret, encode, analyze, and / or process the data and, if necessary, store the data in the memory 204 or in a separate memory. As described above, the stored data can then be used for performance evaluation or predictive maintenance purposes, which can be performed by the controller 210.

[0058] Based at least in part on the received data, the controller 210 is preferably configured to transmit control commands to at least one of the first output device 224A and the second output device 224B via the network 240. In some embodiments, the first output device 224A includes an actuator and can thus be controlled by the controller 210 through a wired or wireless connection. In such embodiments, the first output device 224A or the actuator is intended to cause a visual or physical change to the first output device 224A or the subsystem 220 based on the command received from the controller 210. Such changes can include, for example, turning a light source on or off, changing a status indicator, turning on the HVAC unit, turning a wireless network or a wireless access point of a network on or off.

[0059] As a simple example, the first input device 222A can include a thermometer indicating the temperature inside a vehicle, and the controller 210 can send a command to the first output device 224A, which can include a thermostat or other actuator of the HVAC subsystem. Other contemplated output devices can include, for example, a light source, a wireless access point, an HVAC subsystem, an overhead display, a seat-specific display, a power source, a passenger seat, a status indicator, or other components of an aircraft or other vehicle.

[0060] The controller 210 can be communicatively coupled to one or more control panel entities 250A, 250B via a wired or wireless connection of the network 240. For example, the first control panel entity 250A can be a portable computing device that can be used to interact with the controller 210 by sending commands to the controller (input) and receiving information (output) from the controller 210 regarding one or more (sub)systems of the vehicle.

[0061] The use of or the ability to use multiple control panel entities 250A, 250B allows multiple instances of the control panel to exist simultaneously and further allows each of the control panel functions to be adjusted based on the user and / or its purpose. Thus, multiple users can monitor or control the (sub)systems of the vehicle, as needed, individually and independently of each other, simultaneously, providing additional flexibility and higher operating efficiency than is recognized in the prior art known to the applicant.

[0062] The controller 210 receives data from the first input device 222A and the second input device 222B, analyzes the received data, and transmits a first command to the first output device 224A based on the data received from the first input device 222A or the second input device 222B. It is further contemplated that a first command, a different command, or information can be transmitted to the second output device 224B. The information can include status information, setting information, test information, or other relevant information. Using this information, the controller 210 can then directly or indirectly control actuators and other output devices, which can include, for example, a lighting system, an in-flight entertainment system, an HVAC system, seats, indicator lights, or signage.

[0063] The controller 210 can receive commands or queries from at least one of the control panel entities 250A, 250B. In some embodiments, the controller 210 can be configured to render a user interface to one or both of the control panel entities 250A, 250B, such as through a web server. This advantageously can reduce the computational power and functionality required by the control panel entity. In this way, different interfaces can be dynamically generated by the controller 210 that can be tailored to specific uses that may be determined by a particular control panel entity and the user accessing that control panel entity.

[0064] As described above, the controller 210 can also be configured to perform access rights management to associate data with access rights to limit which state / control elements are accessible to each user, each output device, and / or each control panel entity 250A, 250B.

[0065] As used herein and unless otherwise indicated in its context, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (where two elements coupled to each other are in contact with each other) and indirect coupling (where at least one additional element is disposed between the two elements). Accordingly, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously.

[0066] In some embodiments, numbers representing component amounts, properties such as concentrations, reaction conditions, etc., used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the present invention should be understood as being modified in some cases by the term "about." Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters recited in the specification and the appended claims are approximate values that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the reported number of significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the present invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the present invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective test measurements.

[0067] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all ranges defined herein should be construed to include their endpoints, and open-ended ranges should be construed to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered to include intermediate values unless otherwise indicated to the contrary.

[0068] As used throughout the description herein and in the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0069] The recitation of a range of values herein is merely intended to provide a convenient method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value within a range is incorporated herein as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly indicated by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein with respect to certain embodiments is merely intended to make the invention easier to understand and does not otherwise limit the scope of the claimed invention. No term in this specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0070] The grouping of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein should not be construed as a limitation. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually, or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in or deleted from the group for convenience and / or for reasons of patentability. Any such inclusion or deletion, when it occurs, is considered to have modified the group as specified herein and thus to satisfy the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0071] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more changes are possible without departing from the inventive concept described herein, in addition to those already described. Therefore, the subject matter of the present invention is not limited, except as to the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in the interpretation of both the specification and the claims, all terms should be construed as broadly as possible in accordance with the context. In particular, the terms "comprise" and "comprising" should be construed as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the recited elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps not expressly recited. In the specification claims, when referring to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C... and N, the text should be construed as requiring only one element from that group, rather than A+N, or B+N, etc.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring or controlling the components of a vehicle, wherein the system is A controller having a processor and memory, wherein the controller is communicatively coupled to a plurality of input devices and a plurality of output devices, Equipped with, Each of the plurality of input devices is located inside the vehicle, and each of the plurality of input devices comprises a first input device and a second input device, the first input device is configured to transmit data in a first format, and the second input device is configured to transmit data in a second format different from the first format. The first input device is a component of the first subsystem of the vehicle, and the second input device is a component of a second, different subsystem of the vehicle. Each of the plurality of output devices is located inside the vehicle, and the plurality of output devices comprises a first output device and a second output device. A system in which the controller is configured to analyze the received data in the first format and the second format from the first input device and the second input device, respectively, and to transmit a first command in the first format to the first output device based on the data received from the first input device or the second input device.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first input device comprises a sensor configured to (i) monitor the state of the vehicle subsystem and (ii) generate the data.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first input device is configured to monitor at least one of the operating state of the vehicle components, the configuration state of the vehicle components, the equipment state of the vehicle components, passenger requests, and passenger interactions.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to transmit a second command to the first input device based on data received from the first input device or the second input device.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first input device comprises a portable computing device or control panel for the vehicle, configured to receive input from a user and transmit data to the controller based on the input.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the first output device comprises a portable computing device or control panel of the vehicle, and the first output device is configured to display information based on a first command received from the controller.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first output device comprises an actuator, the actuator causes a visual or physical change to the first output device based on a first command received from the controller.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the first output device comprises at least one of a light source, a wireless access point, an HVAC subsystem, an overhead display, a seat-specific display, a power supply, a passenger seat, and a status indicator.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of input devices is connected to the controller so as to be able to communicate via a wired or wireless connection.

10. A control panel architecture for controlling two or more systems within a vehicle, wherein the control panel architecture comprises: A processor communicatively coupled to memory, wherein the processor is configured to receive input from at least a first input device and a second input device, the first input device is configured to transmit data in a first format, and the second input device is configured to transmit data in a second format different from the first format. Equipped with, The first input device is a component of the first subsystem of the vehicle, and the second input device is a component of a second, different subsystem of the vehicle. The processor is configured to analyze the input received from the first input device or data in the first format and the input received from the second input device or data in the second format, and to send a first command to the first output device based on the data received from the first input device or the second input device. A control panel architecture comprising a first output device and an actuator configured to cause a visual or physical change to the first output device based on a first command received.

11. The control panel architecture according to claim 10, wherein the first input device comprises a sensor configured to (i) monitor the state of the first subsystem of the vehicle and (ii) generate the data.

12. The control panel architecture according to claim 10, wherein the first input device is configured to monitor at least one of the operating state of the vehicle components, the configuration state of the vehicle components, the equipment state of the vehicle components, passenger requests, and passenger interactions.

13. The control panel architecture according to claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to transmit a second command to the first input device based on data received from the first input device or the second input device.

14. The control panel architecture according to claim 10, wherein the first input device comprises a portable computing device or control panel fixed in a suitable location within the vehicle, configured to receive input from a user and transmit the data to the controller based on the received input.

15. The control panel architecture according to claim 14, wherein the first output device comprises a portable computing device or control panel for the vehicle, and the first output device is configured to display information based on the received first command.

16. The control panel architecture according to claim 10, wherein the first output device comprises at least one of a light source, a wireless access point, an HVAC subsystem, an overhead display, a seat-specific display, a power supply, a passenger seat, and a status indicator.

17. The control panel architecture according to claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of input devices is connected to the controller via a wired or wireless connection for communication.

18. The control panel architecture according to claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to cause information relating to the status of a first subsystem of the vehicle to be displayed on a display or control panel of a portable computing device fixed in a suitable location within the vehicle.

19. The control panel architecture according to claim 18, wherein the state of the first subsystem comprises at least one of an operating state, a configuration state, and an equipped state.

20. The control panel architecture according to claim 10, wherein the processor is wirelessly connected to the first input device and the second input device.

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