Locating items on aircraft

Abstract

To provide a method of localizing an object.SOLUTION: A method comprises deactivating a wireless system 118 in a defined zone 106 and then activating a wireless data concentrator 124 located in the defined zone 106. The wireless data concentrator 124 is electrically isolated from the wireless system 118. The wireless system 118 is activated. The wireless system 118 is electrically coupled to a circuit breaker 110 at a known location 112 in the defined zone 106. A signal from the wireless system 118 is received at the wireless data concentrator 124. The distance of the wireless system 118 from the wireless data concentrator 124 is identified based on the signal. Moreover, a location 122 is assigned to the wireless system 118 within the defined zone 106 on the basis of the distance of the wireless system 118 from the wireless data concentrator 124 and the known location 112 of the circuit breaker 110 in the defined zone 106.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] For certain items installed on an aircraft or other defined area, it is necessary to determine the location of these items within the aircraft. The process of determining a location within a defined space is also known as localization. [Background technology]

[0002] Location systems typically rely on data wiring and switches at each seat. In-flight entertainment (IFE) systems typically require wiring to each seat, which can be used to provide seat location. Depending on the aircraft's basic design, in-flight entertainment (IFE) may not be included. Therefore, there is no existing reason to wire data to every seat other than for location purposes.

[0003] It would therefore be desirable to provide a method and apparatus that takes into account at least some of the above-mentioned problems, as well as other possible problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A method for locating an object is provided, comprising: deactivating a wireless system in a specified zone; and activating a wireless data concentrator located in the specified zone and electrically isolated from the wireless system. The wireless system is activated. The wireless system is electrically connected to a circuit breaker at a known location within the specified zone. A signal is received at the wireless data concentrator from the wireless system. Based on the signal, a distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator is determined. Furthermore, a location is assigned to the wireless system in the specified zone based on the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator and the known location of the circuit breaker in the specified zone.

[0005] Further disclosed herein is a system for locating an object, the system including: a storage device configured to store program instructions; and one or more processors operatively connected to the storage device, the one or more processors configured to execute the program instructions to control the system to: activate a wireless data concentrator located in a specified zone; after activation of a wireless system connected to a circuit breaker at a known location in the specified zone, receive, at the wireless data concentrator, a signal from the wireless system in the specified zone; 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 in the specified zone based on the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator and the known location of the circuit breaker in the specified zone.

[0006] Further disclosed herein is a computer program product for locating an object, the computer program product including a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium having program instructions stored thereon for performing the steps of: activating a wireless data concentrator located in a specified zone; receiving, after activation, a signal at the wireless data concentrator from a wireless system in the specified zone connected to a circuit breaker at a known location in the specified zone; 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 in the specified zone based on the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator and the known location of the circuit breaker in the specified zone.

[0007] The above features and functions can be achieved individually in various embodiments of the present disclosure and can also be combined in other embodiments, details of which will become apparent from the following description and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] The novel features believed characteristic of the exemplary embodiments are set forth in the appended claims, and the exemplary embodiments and preferred modes of use, as well as their objects and features, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an aircraft in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating power functions of an aircraft passenger seat in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating a wireless communication system within an aircraft cabin in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an initial step of a localization procedure in an aircraft cabin in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 illustrates powering steps for location determination according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates locating seat groups in a first zone of an aircraft cabin according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 illustrates seat location assignment after determining distances according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 illustrates locating the next seat group in a cabin zone according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates a cabin zone with all seats assigned locations according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for locating seats within an aircraft in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an aircraft manufacturing and service method in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an aircraft in which an illustrative embodiment may be implemented; [Figure 13] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a data processing system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account one or more different considerations: The illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that certain items, such as seats, must be located (mapped) within an aircraft, and that locating systems such as seats typically relies on data wiring and switches at each seat.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, it is recognized and taken into account that past in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems typically required wiring to each seat and that this wiring could be used for seat location. However, some aircraft designs do not include in-flight entertainment (IFE). Therefore, there is no existing reason to run data wiring to every seat other than for location purposes.

[0012] The illustrative embodiment recognizes and takes into account that wiring data to each seat on a commercial aircraft adds weight to the aircraft, requires space, and may require the labor of technical personnel. Additionally, data wiring limits reconfigurability.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, a method is provided for mapping seats on an aircraft that do not have wired IFE. Wireless access points (WAPs) and smart seat controllers are used to measure signal strength from nodes (seats) in the wireless IFE system in conjunction with knowledge of the aircraft's power system to identify (e.g., map) seat locations on the aircraft. A wireless system that can automatically locate itself can be dynamically and easily reconfigured, unlike a hard-wired system.

[0014] Referring now to Figure 1, a block diagram of an aircraft is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Aircraft 100 includes a passenger cabin 102 that is divided into a number of defined physical zones 104. It should be noted that while aircraft 100 is shown as an example, other examples are possible, such as vehicles, buses, vans, and automobiles.

[0015] Each zone 106 includes a predetermined number of seats 114, a predetermined number of circuit breakers 108 that control the power supply to the seats 114, and a wireless data concentrator (WDC) 124 that can function as a wireless access point for acquiring sensor data.

[0016] Each circuit breaker 110 is located at a location 112 within a corresponding zone 106. For example, the circuit breakers 110 may be located on the left or right side of the cabin 102, or may be located in the center.

[0017] Each seat 116 in the number of seats 114 in each zone 106 may be equipped with a smart seat controller (SSC) 118, which is an electronic radio system capable of wirelessly communicating with the WDC 124 to provide data about the seat 116. Each SSC 118 has a unique identifier (ID) 120 that matches the location 122 of the seat 114 it is intended for.

[0018] Additionally, the location 122 of each seat 114 corresponds to a location 112 within the zone 106 controlled by a particular circuit breaker 110 .

[0019] Aircraft 100 may also include a computer system 126. Computer system 126 may include a number of processors 128. Processor 128 may be configured to control a number of data services 130 for aircraft 100 and to execute a position location algorithm 132 for seats 114 in passenger cabin 102.

[0020] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating power features for passenger seats in an aircraft, according to an exemplary embodiment. Passenger cabin 200 may be an example of cabin 102 shown in FIG.

[0021] In this example, the cabin 200 is divided into three physical zones 202, 204, and 206. Each of the zones 202, 204, and 206 includes a number of circuit breakers 208 that control the supply of electricity to the respective seat rows within each zone.

[0022] 3 illustrates an in-cabin wireless communication system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, and illustrates the placement of wireless data concentrators (WDCs) 302, 304, and 306 within respective zones 202, 204, and 206 of aircraft cabin 200.

[0023] 3 also shows the placement of smart seat controllers (SSCs) 308 in zone 202. Each SSC 308 corresponds to a seat 310 in zone 202. In this example, for ease of illustration, only one row of seats 310 and SSCs 308 in zone 202 are shown, although similar SSCs and seats may also be placed in zones 204 and 206.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the WDCs 302, 304, and 306 receive electricity from a different power source than the SSCs 308 in each zone and are therefore not connected to the circuit breakers 208 that control the supply of electricity to each row of seats (and SSCs) in each zone 202, 204, and 206. Items on different electrical networks may also be referred to as being electrically isolated herein. For example, the WDCs 302, 304, and 306 may be powered by the aircraft data network using Power over Ethernet (PoE), where power is supplied along with data via Ethernet cables.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, seats within cabin 200 are located using WDCs and SSCs located in each zone without the need for physical data wiring.

[0026] 4 illustrates the first step of a location procedure in an aircraft cabin 200, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this first step, all circuit breakers 208 in a first zone 202 are opened, thereby interrupting the flow of power to the SSCs 308 in that zone. In simpler terms, all are initialized to the OFF position.

[0027] 5 is a diagram illustrating a powering step for location location, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this step, the WDC 302 in zone 202 is turned on and ready to receive signals from the seat SSC. The WDC 302 is powered by a separate power source from the SSC 308 in zone 202. Therefore, the WDC 302 can be turned on before the circuit breaker controlling power to the SSC 308 is opened.

[0028] 6 is a diagram illustrating locating a group of seats in a first zone of an aircraft cabin according to an exemplary embodiment. When WDC 302 is powered and ready to receive signals from the SSCs, one circuit breaker in zone 202 conducts, providing power to a first group of SSCs 601. In the example shown in FIG. 6, circuit breaker 208a, which controls power on the starboard side of cabin 200, conducts, providing power to SSC 308R. WDC 302 receives a signal indicating that circuit breaker 208a is conducting. Upon receiving the signal, WDC 302 synchronizes the clock of the active SSC 308R.

[0029] The SSC308R receives power supply and transmits signals 308a - 308h to the WDC302. Each signal from each SSC includes a transmission time and a unique ID. The WDC302 records the reception time of each signal. As shown in Figure 6, each consecutive SSC in the group of SSC308Rs is located further away from the WDC302 than the previous SSC. As a result, the time of flight of each of the signals 308a - 308h from each SSC becomes longer as the SSC is located further away from the WDC302. The WDC302 uses the transmission time and reception time of each received signal to determine the distance for each SSC ID that appears after the circuit breaker 208a is turned on. It is assumed that in time units, x1 < x2 < … < x8.

[0030] The radio signal strength (RSS) also decreases as the distance increases. This strength can be measured by the WDC302. Therefore, the WDC302 can also determine the distance of each SSC ID based on the signal strength. By using the signal strength instead of or in combination with the time of flight of the signal, the distance of each SSC308R from the WDC302 can be determined.

[0031] To reduce the complexity of position calculation, as shown in Figure 6, by placing the WDC302 at the front end of the zone 202 of the cabin 200 and in front of all the SSCs308 within the zone 202, the directivity of the signal can be ignored. Alternatively, the WDC302 may be placed at the rear end of the zone 202 and behind all the SSCs308. By placing the WDC302 at either end of the zone 202, there is no need to consider the directivity of the radio signal, because the SSCs308 are on the same line with each other and perpendicular to the aircraft station line of the zone 202, while being within the same 180° field of view of the WDC302. The station line is a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal center line of the aircraft and is shown by line 600. Therefore, in position calculation, only the time of flight and the signal strength need to be considered.

[0032] 7 illustrates the seat location assignments after determining the distances, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, each SSC 308R is assigned a location 1 through 8. These locations are derived from each SSC's distance from the WDC 302 and the known location of the activated circuit breaker 208a.

[0033] Since each SSC 308R is installed in a separate seat, positions 1-8 are also the virtual positions of the corresponding seats (eg, seat 310).

[0034] 8 illustrates locating the next group of seats in cabin zone 202, according to an exemplary embodiment. After the first group of SSCs 308R in zone 202 is assigned positions 1-8, circuit breaker 208a is opened to cut power to SSCs 308R, and the other circuit breakers in zone 202 are opened.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 8, circuit breaker 208b conducts, providing power and activating SSC 308C, and for this next group of SSCs the procedures shown in Figures 6 and 7 are applied.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 9, the location process is repeated for each circuit breaker and corresponding SSC until all SSCs / seats in zone 202 have been assigned a location.

[0037] After zone 202 is completed, the same location procedure can be applied to zones 204 and 206.

[0038] 10 shows a flowchart of a process for locating seats in an aircraft, according to an example embodiment. Process 1000 is an example of the locating procedures shown in FIGS. 4-9 and is applicable to aircraft such as aircraft 100 shown in FIG.

[0039] Process 1000 begins by opening all circuit breakers for the aircraft cabin (step 1002) and then activating wireless data points in a first defined zone in the aircraft cabin (step 1004).

[0040] When the wireless data point is powered on, a first circuit breaker in the selected cabin zone conducts, providing power to the smart seat controller (SSC) electrically connected to that circuit breaker (step 1006). The wireless data point receives a signal indicating that the first circuit breaker has conducted, which results in all clocks for the system receiving power being synchronized (step 1008).

[0041] The wireless data point then receives a signal from each active SSD that includes that SSD's unique ID (step 1010). The wireless data point measures the time of flight and / or wireless signal strength of each signal received from each SSC (step 1012).

[0042] The radio data points determine the distance of each SSDID based on the time of flight and / or signal strength of each SSC signal (step 1014) and assign a location within the cabin to each SSC / seat based on the defined distance (step 1016).

[0043] After all SSCs / seats connected to the first circuit breaker have been assigned locations, process 1000 opens the current circuit breaker (thereby cutting power to the first group of SSCs) (step 1018) and determines whether there are any other circuit breakers in the first selected cabin zone that are not yet conducting (step 1020).

[0044] If there are more circuit breakers in the zone, the process 1000 returns to step 1006 and the next circuit breaker is made conductive.

[0045] After all circuit breakers in a defined zone are open and all SSCs / seats in that defined zone have been assigned locations, process 1000 cuts power to the wireless data points in the current defined zone (step 1022) and determines whether there are any other zones in the aircraft cabin that require location determination (step 1024).

[0046] If there are other cabin zones that require location, process 1000 returns to step 1004 and powers on the wireless data points in the next zone within the cabin. If no more zones require location, process 1000 ends.

[0047] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be described with reference to aircraft manufacturing and service method 1100 shown in Figure 11 and aircraft 1200 shown in Figure 12. Referring initially to Figure 11, an aircraft manufacturing and service method is illustrated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As a pre-production step, aircraft manufacturing and service method 1100 may include specification and design 1102 and material procurement 1104 of aircraft 1200 shown in Figure 12.

[0048] During production, processes include component / subassembly manufacturing 1106 and system integration 1108 of the aircraft 1200. The aircraft 1200 then goes through certification and delivery 1110 and enters service 1112. While in customer service 1112, the aircraft 1200 undergoes routine maintenance and service 1114, which may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, or other maintenance and service.

[0049] Each process of aircraft manufacturing and service method 1100 may be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and / or an operator. In these examples, the operator may be a customer. Note that the system integrator may include, but is not limited to, the aircraft manufacturer and any number of major system subcontractors. The third party may include, but is not limited to, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers. The operator may be an airline, a leasing company, a military entity, a service organization, etc.

[0050] Referring now to Figure 12, an example aircraft is shown in which illustrative embodiments may be implemented. In this example, aircraft 1200 is manufactured according to aircraft manufacturing and service method 1100 shown in Figure 11 and may include airframe 1202 with a number of systems 1204 and interior 1206. Examples of systems 1204 include one or more of propulsion system 1208, electrical system 1210, hydraulic system 1212, and environmental system 1214, as well as any number of other systems. Additionally, while an aerospace application is shown as an example, various illustrative embodiments may be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry.

[0051] Apparatus and methods embodied herein may be employed during at least one stage of aircraft manufacturing and service method 1100. One or more illustrative embodiments may be manufactured or used during at least one of component / subassembly manufacturing 1106, system integration 1108, in-service 1112, or maintenance and service 1114 as shown in FIG. 11 .

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 13, a block diagram illustrating a data processing system is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Data processing system 1300 may be an example of computer system 126 shown in FIG. 1. Data processing system 1300 may also be a component of wireless data concentrator 124 shown in FIG. 1. Data processing system 1300 may be used to implement one or more computers that perform the process steps shown in FIGS. 4-10. In this exemplary embodiment, data processing system 1300 includes a communications framework 1302 that facilitates communications between processor unit 1304, memory 1306, persistent storage 1308, communications unit 1310, input / output unit 1312, and display 1314. In this example, communications framework 1302 may take the form of a bus system.

[0053] Processor unit 1304 functions to execute instructions from software that can be loaded into memory 1306. Processor unit 1304 may be a number of processors, a multi-processor core, or other types of processors, depending on the particular implementation. In one example, processor unit 1304 includes one or more conventional general-purpose central processing units (CPUs). In another example, processor unit 1304 includes a number of graphics processing units (GPUs).

[0054] Memory 1306 and persistent storage 1308 are examples of storage 1316. Storage is any hardware capable of storing information, such as, but not limited to, data, program code in functional form, or other suitable information on a temporary, permanent, or temporary and permanent basis. Storage 1316, in these examples, may also be referred to as a computer-readable storage device. Memory 1306, in these examples, may be, for example, a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage 1308 may take various forms, depending on the particular implementation.

[0055] For example, persistent storage 1308 may comprise one or more components or devices. For example, persistent storage 1308 may be a hard drive, a flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or combination of these. The media used by persistent storage 1308 may also be removable. For example, a removable hard drive could be used for persistent storage 1308. Communications unit 1310, in these examples, provides for communications with other data processing systems or devices. In these examples, communications unit 1310 is a network interface card.

[0056] Input / output unit 1312 allows for the input and output of data with other devices that may be connectable to data processing system 1300. For example, input / output unit 1312 may provide a connection for user input through a keyboard, a mouse, or other suitable input device. Additionally, input / output unit 1312 may send output to a printer. Display 1314 provides a mechanism for displaying information to a user.

[0057] Instructions for at least one of the operating system, applications, or programs may be stored in storage device 1316, which is in communication with processor unit 1304 through communications framework 1302. The processes of the various embodiments may be performed by processor unit 1304 using computer-implemented instructions, which may be stored in a memory, such as memory 1306.

[0058] These instructions are referred to as program code, computer usable program code, or computer readable program code that can be read and executed by a processor in processor unit 1304. The program code in the different embodiments may be embodied on different physical or computer readable storage media, such as memory 1306 or persistent storage medium 1308.

[0059] Program code 1318 is stored in a functional form on selectively removable computer readable media 1320 and may be loaded onto or transferred to data processing system 1300 for execution by processor unit 1304. Program code 1318 and computer readable media 1320, in these examples, form computer program product 1322. In one example, computer readable media 1320 may be computer readable storage media 1324 or computer readable signal media 1326.

[0060] In these examples, computer readable storage media 1324 is not a medium for propagating or transmitting program code 1318, but rather a physical or tangible storage device used to store program code 1318. Alternatively, program code 1318 may be transmitted to data processing system 1300 using computer readable signal media 1326.

[0061] Computer readable signal medium 1326 may be, for example, a propagated data signal containing program code 1318. For example, computer readable signal medium 1326 may be an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, or any other suitable type of signal. These signals may be transmitted over communications links such as wireless communications links, optical fiber cable, coaxial cable, a wire, or any other suitable type of communications link.

[0062] The different components illustrated for data processing system 1300 are not intended to provide architectural limitations to the manner in which different embodiments may be implemented. Various illustrative embodiments may also be implemented in data processing systems including components in addition to or instead of those illustrated for data processing system 1300. Other components illustrated in FIG. 13 may vary from the illustrated illustrative embodiments. Various embodiments may be implemented using any hardware device or system capable of running program code 1318.

[0063] As used herein, when a first component is "connected" to a second component, this means that the first component can be directly or indirectly connected to the second component. That is, there may be additional components between the first and second components. When there are one or more additional components between the two components, the first component is considered to be indirectly connected to the second component. When there are no additional components between the two components, the first component is directly connected to the second component.

[0064] As used herein, the phrase "a predetermined number" means one or more. As used herein, the phrase "at least one," when used in conjunction with a list of elements, means that one or more of the listed elements may be used in various combinations, or that only one of the listed elements may be required. That is, "at least one" means that any number of the listed elements may be used in any combination, but not all of the listed elements may be required. An element may be a particular object, thing, or category.

[0065] For example, without limitation, "at least one of element A, element B, or element C" can include element A, element A and element B, or element C. This example could also include element A, element B, and element C, or element B and element C. Of course, any combination of these elements is possible. In some exemplary embodiments, "at least one" could mean, for example, without limitation, two elements A, one element B, and ten elements C, or four elements B and seven elements C, or any other suitable combination.

[0066] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the above-described different embodiments illustrate the structure, functionality, and processing of some possible implementations of the apparatus and methods in the exemplary embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts and block diagrams may represent at least one of a module, segment, function, or part of a process or step. For example, one or more of these blocks may be implemented as program code.

[0067] In some alternative implementations of the exemplary embodiments, one or more functions shown in the blocks may be executed in an order different from that shown in the figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown as successive blocks may be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. Also, additional blocks may be added to the blocks shown in the flowcharts or block diagrams.

[0068] The descriptions of various exemplary embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Moreover, exemplary embodiments may exhibit different characteristics than other exemplary embodiments. The selected embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical applications of the embodiments and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications suited to the particular applications envisioned. <Additional Notes>

[0069] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes examples according to the following appendices.

[0070] Appendix 1. A method for locating an object, comprising: Stopping operation of the wireless system in the specified zone; activating a wireless data concentrator located in the defined zone and electrically isolated from the wireless system; activating the wireless system electrically connected to a circuit breaker at a known location within the defined zone; determining a distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator based on signals received by the wireless data concentrator from the wireless system; assigning a location to the wireless system in the defined zone based on the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator and known locations of the circuit breakers in the defined zone.

[0071] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the wireless system includes a smart seat controller.

[0072] Clause 3. The method of clause 1, wherein when the wireless system is turned on, the respective clocks in the wireless system and the wireless data concentrator are synchronized.

[0073] Clause 4. The method of clause 1, wherein the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator is determined according to a time-of-flight of the signal received from the wireless system.

[0074] Clause 5. The method of clause 4, wherein the time of flight is calculated from a transmission time contained in the signal and a reception time recorded by the wireless data concentrator.

[0075] Clause 6. The method of clause 1, wherein the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator is determined according to a radio signal strength of the signal received from the wireless system.

[0076] Appendix 7. The method of Appendix 1, wherein stopping the operation of the wireless system includes opening the circuit breaker, and operating the wireless system includes closing the circuit breaker.

[0077] Clause 8. The method of Clause 1, wherein the wireless data concentrator is not electrically connected to the circuit breaker.

[0078] Appendix 9. The method of Appendix 1, wherein the object is an aircraft seat.

[0079] Clause 10. A system for locating an object, comprising: a storage device configured to store program instructions; one or more processors operatively connected to the storage device, wherein the one or more processors execute the program instructions such that the system: Activating a wireless data concentrator located in a specified zone; receiving, at the wireless data concentrator, a signal from a wireless system in the specified zone after activation of the wireless system connected to a circuit breaker at a known location in the specified zone; determining a distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator based on the signal received from the wireless system; a control system configured to assign a location to the wireless system in the defined zone based on a distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator and a known location of the circuit breaker in the defined zone.

[0080] Clause 11. The system of clause 10, wherein the wireless system includes a smart seat controller.

[0081] Clause 12. The system of clause 10, wherein when the wireless system is operational, the respective clocks in the wireless system and the wireless data concentrator are synchronized.

[0082] Clause 13. The system of Clause 10, wherein the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator is determined according to a time of flight of the signal received from the wireless system.

[0083] Clause 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.

[0084] Clause 15. The system of clause 10, wherein the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator is determined according to a radio signal strength of the signal received from the wireless system.

[0085] Clause 16. The system of clause 10, wherein activating the wireless system includes closing the circuit breaker.

[0086] Clause 17. The system of Clause 10, wherein the wireless data concentrator is not electrically connected to the circuit breaker.

[0087] Clause 18. The system of clause 10, wherein the object is an aircraft seat.

[0088] Clause 19. A computer program product for locating an object, comprising: a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium having program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions comprising: activating a wireless data concentrator located in a prescribed zone; receiving, at the wireless data concentrator, a signal from a wireless system in the defined zone after activation of the wireless system connected to a circuit breaker at a known location in the defined zone; determining a distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator based on the signal received from the wireless system; assigning a location to the wireless system in the defined zone based on the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator and the known locations of the circuit breakers in the defined zone.

[0089] Clause 20. The computer program product of Clause 19, wherein the wireless system includes a smart seat controller.

[0090] Clause 21. The computer program product of Clause 19, wherein, when the wireless system is activated, respective clocks in the wireless system and the wireless data concentrator are synchronized.

[0091] Clause 22. The computer program product of Clause 19, wherein the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator is determined according to a time of flight of the signal received from the wireless system.

[0092] Clause 23. The computer program product of Clause 22, wherein a time of flight is calculated from a transmission time included in the signal and a reception time recorded by the wireless data concentrator.

[0093] Clause 24. The computer program product of Clause 19, wherein the distance of the wireless system from the wireless data concentrator is determined according to a radio signal strength of the signal received from the wireless system.

[0094] Clause 25. The computer program product of Clause 19, wherein activating the wireless system includes closing the circuit breaker.

[0095] Clause 26. The computer program product of Clause 19, wherein the wireless data concentrator is not electrically connected to the circuit breaker.

[0096] Clause 27. The computer program product of Clause 19, wherein the object is an aircraft seat.

Claims

1. 1. A method for locating an object, comprising: deactivating a plurality of groups of wireless systems in a specified zone, wherein each group of wireless systems is electrically connected to a circuit breaker corresponding to the group and associated with a known position of the corresponding circuit breaker; activating a wireless data concentrator disposed in the predetermined zone and electrically isolated from the plurality of groups of wireless systems; activating a group of wireless systems among the plurality of groups of wireless systems via a circuit breaker corresponding to the group; determining a distance from the wireless data concentrator to each wireless system in the one group based on signals received by the wireless data concentrator from each wireless system in the one group; assigning a location to each wireless system in the group within the defined zone based on the distance of each wireless system in the group from the wireless data concentrator and the known location of the corresponding circuit breaker in the defined zone.

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

3. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein when a wireless system in the one group is turned on, the clocks of the wireless systems in the one group and the wireless data concentrator are synchronized.

4. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the distance from the wireless data concentrator to each wireless system in the group is determined according to a time-of-flight of the signal received from each wireless system in the group.

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

6. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the distance from the wireless data concentrator to each wireless system in the group is determined according to the wireless signal strength of the signal received from each wireless system in the group.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein stopping the operation of the plurality of groups of radio systems includes opening the circuit breaker, and operating the one group of radio systems includes closing the corresponding circuit breaker.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the wireless data concentrator is not electrically connected to the circuit breaker.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the object is an aircraft seat.

10. 1. A system for locating an object, comprising: a storage device configured to store program instructions; one or more processors operatively connected to the storage device, wherein the one or more processors execute the program instructions such that the system: deactivating a plurality of groups of wireless systems in a specified zone, wherein each group of wireless systems is electrically connected to a circuit breaker corresponding to the group and associated with a known position of the corresponding circuit breaker; activating a wireless data concentrator disposed in the predetermined zone and electrically isolated from the wireless systems of the plurality of groups; activating a group of wireless systems among the plurality of groups of wireless systems via a circuit breaker corresponding to the group; receiving, at the wireless data concentrator, signals from each wireless system in the one group in the specified zone; determining a distance from the wireless data concentrator to each wireless system in the group based on the signals received from each wireless system in the group; a control unit configured to assign a location to each wireless system in the group in the specified zone based on the distance of the wireless system in the group from the wireless data concentrator and the known location of the corresponding circuit breaker in the specified zone.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein each wireless system in each group includes a smart seat controller.

12. 12. The system of claim 10 or 11, wherein when each wireless system in the one group is turned on, the respective clocks in each wireless system in the one group and in the wireless data concentrator are synchronized.

13. 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the distance from the wireless data concentrator to each wireless system in the group is determined according to a time of flight of the signal received from that wireless system.

14. The system described in claim 13, wherein the flight time is calculated from the transmission time contained in the signal and the reception time recorded by the wireless data concentrator.

15. 15. The system of claim 10, wherein a distance from the wireless data concentrator to each wireless system in the group is determined according to a wireless signal strength of the signal received from each wireless system in the group, and activating the wireless system in the group includes closing the corresponding circuit breaker, the wireless data concentrator is not electrically connected to the circuit breaker, and the object is an aircraft seat.

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