Aircraft IFE System PED Optical Commerce Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-flight entertainment systems on aircraft are complex to operate and often fail to provide enjoyable content to passengers, and there is a need for improved integration of personal electronic devices (PEDs) with aircraft systems and for convenient initiation of commercial transactions onboard.
Innovation Solution
A communications system that allows PEDs to communicate with aircraft IFE systems using optical sensors to select and purchase advertised products or services, with a purchase acceptance controller facilitating transactions via wireless transceivers and data links, enabling seamless integration and commerce functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional aircraft IFE systems use physical controls and overhead displays, then content can be provided to passengers, but the system becomes complicated to operate and difficult to enjoy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a PED (personal electronic device) as an intermediary between the passenger and the aircraft IFE system. The PED acts as a remote control device that communicates wirelessly with the IFE system, allowing passengers to control entertainment content without dealing with complex physical controls on the seatback. The PED receives control signals from the passenger and transmits them to the IFE system, simplifying the user interface while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical control system (physical buttons and controls on the seatback) with an electronic wireless communication system. The PED uses wireless transceivers to communicate with the IFE system, eliminating the need for physical mechanical controls. This substitution reduces the complexity of the user interface while maintaining full control functionality.
2Ease of operation
If aircraft IFE systems use overhead and opposing seatback displays, then content can be displayed, but viewing becomes difficult and content access is limited if the IFE video entertainment source fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the PED serve multiple functions: it acts as a remote control for the IFE system, a video entertainment source that can be displayed on the seatback display, and a backup entertainment source that can be viewed directly on the PED itself. This multi-functionality ensures that passengers always have access to entertainment content regardless of IFE system status.
Solution Approach 2:
The PED allows passengers to use their own personal devices for entertainment purposes. The system enables passengers to play their own video content from the PED on either the seatback display or directly on the PED screen, making the entertainment system self-sufficient and independent of the aircraft's central IFE video entertainment source.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PEDs are integrated with aircraft IFE systems for content viewing and remote control, then passenger experience improves, but registration and communication protocols become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses token images (such as QR codes or barcodes) displayed on the seatback display that the PED's camera scans to automatically register the PED with the IFE system. This copying mechanism allows the system to identify and register the PED without complex manual input or configuration, simplifying the integration process while maintaining adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If commercial transactions are enabled onboard aircraft, then passenger convenience improves, but transaction processing and payment security become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables passengers to initiate and complete commercial transactions using their own PED devices. The PED captures token images, processes payment information, and communicates with the aircraft's purchase acceptance controller. This self-service approach allows passengers to handle transactions independently without requiring complex onboard payment infrastructure or manual processing.
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 the operation of in-flight entertainment systems, enhances passenger experience by enabling easy content selection and purchase, and facilitates convenient commercial transactions onboard, improving the overall passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The PED includes a camera, and the camera is configured to sense the advertisement token image displayed on the seatback display
Data Source
AI summary
A communications system for an aircraft includes an aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system and at least one personal electronic device (PED) carried by an aircraft passenger. The aircraft IFE system includes an IFE advertisement source, IFE passenger seat displays, an IFE wireless transceiver, an IFE controller, and a purchase acceptance controller. The PED includes a PED optical sensor, a PED wireless transceiver, and a PED controller for communicating with the IFE wireless transceiver via the PED wireless transceiver based upon the PED optical sensor sensing a selected advertisement token image. The purchase acceptance controller cooperates with the IFE controller to accept purchase of the selected advertisement token image.