Aircraft Near-Field Communication Interface for Automated Passenger Billing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems in aircraft face inefficiencies in passenger-device interactions, particularly in payment processes and service allocation, due to the need for manual intervention and the handling of multiple currencies, which complicates the billing and delivery of electronic services.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with a near-field communication interface that allows passengers to digitally interact with aircraft-fixed devices, enabling secure, seat-specific communication and payment processes without the need for manual intervention, using a communication device with a near-field communication interface that is insensitive to mechanical effects and can be easily installed, and integrated with a central data processing system for efficient management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual payment processes with cash or card readers are used in the aircraft cabin, then payment transactions can be performed, but the process becomes unwieldy and inefficient due to multiple currencies, manual signature comparison, and cabin crew involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical payment processes (cash handling, card reading, signature comparison) with an automated electronic system. The call button integrates a communication interface that directly connects to the billing system, automatically identifying the passenger and processing payments electronically without manual intervention from cabin crew.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service payment processing where the passenger's interaction with the call button automatically triggers identification, service billing, and payment processing. The system self-identifies the passenger through the communication interface and handles the entire payment workflow without requiring manual signature comparison or cabin crew involvement in the payment process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless network access points are used for in-flight entertainment, then passengers can access digital content, but manual feedback to electronic systems is necessary to assign payment processes to corresponding passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The call button system establishes a direct feedback loop between the passenger's seat and the billing system. When a passenger uses in-flight entertainment or other electronic services, the system automatically receives feedback through the communication interface, identifies the passenger, and assigns the payment process without manual intervention, creating an automated closed-loop system.
Solution Approach 2:
The call button is designed as a multi-functional device that serves both as a traditional call button for cabin crew communication and as a communication interface for automated billing and payment processing. This universal device handles multiple functions including service requests, passenger identification, and electronic payment transactions through integrated communication capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If cash payments are used in the aircraft cabin, then payment can be made, but it requires limiting to a few currencies and cabin crew must have appropriate change, making the process unwieldy for international travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cash handling system with an electronic payment system. The call button communicates with a billing system that processes electronic payments, eliminating the need for physical cash, currency conversion, and change management. This electronic system can handle multiple currencies and payment methods automatically.
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
This solution simplifies payment processes, allows for efficient allocation of services, and enhances operational reliability by enabling secure, contactless communication and payment transactions directly at the passenger's seat, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving the overall efficiency of service delivery.
Implementation Method 1
the communication device has a near-field communication interface which is set up for communication with a passenger device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a communications system (1) in an aircraft, which system enables communication to take place between a passenger (2) and an onboard communications arrangement (3). The communications arrangement (3) comprises a near-field communications interface (4) which is arranged for communication with a passenger appliance (5) and/or a passenger transponder element (6).