Aircraft Baggage Bin Laser Mapping for Real-Time Space Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft cabin baggage space management is random and time-consuming, leading to inefficiencies and passenger frustration due to the manual process of finding available space in overhead bins.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing laser sensors positioned in baggage containers to emit signals, detect reflected responses, and process outputs to map contents and determine occupied space, with processors generating data on space availability for crew and passengers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual processes are used to find open space in overhead bins, then crew members can identify available space, but the boarding process becomes time-consuming and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of crew members visually searching for space with an automated optical sensing system using laser sensors. The laser sensors emit light and detect reflected responses to automatically map and identify occupied and open spaces in overhead bins, eliminating the time-consuming manual search process while maintaining accurate space detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the overhead bin space detection to serve itself through automated laser sensing and processing. The laser sensors continuously monitor and map the contents of overhead bins without requiring human intervention, allowing the system to independently provide real-time space availability information to both crew members and passengers.
2Measurement precision
If multiple laser sensors are positioned at opposite walls to map contents, then mapping precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the overhead bin monitoring task into multiple segments by positioning laser sensors at opposite walls (first wall and second wall). Each sensor segment independently maps its field of view, and the processor integrates these segmented measurements to create a complete three-dimensional map of the overhead bin contents, improving overall mapping precision through distributed sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-point or single-line detection to three-dimensional spatial mapping by positioning sensors at multiple locations (opposite walls) and processing their combined data. This multi-dimensional approach allows the system to construct a comprehensive volumetric understanding of overhead bin contents, significantly improving mapping accuracy despite increased sensor quantity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances efficient use of cabin baggage space, improves boarding speed, and provides real-time visibility of space availability, reducing customer grievances and enhancing safety by preventing overloading.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of laser sensors configured to be positioned in a baggage container at a first wall and a second wall, and the first wall and the second wall face each other. The plurality of laser sensors emit signals within the baggage container and detect reflected responses to generate outputs
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of laser sensors emit signals within the baggage container and detect reflected responses to generate outputs
Data Source
AI summary
An example method for determining space availability in an aircraft includes receiving outputs from a plurality of laser sensors positioned in a baggage container at a first wall and a second wall, and the first wall and the second wall face each other. The plurality of laser sensors emit signals within the baggage container and detect reflected responses to generate the outputs. The example method also includes receiving images from a camera positioned on a third wall of the baggage container, wherein the third wall differs from the first wall and the second wall, mapping contents of the baggage container based on the outputs from the plurality of laser sensors, based on said mapping, outputting data indicative of occupied space in the baggage container, and associating the images from the camera with the contents of the baggage container.