Neuromorphic sensor implementation in aircraft cabin environments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional smart devices in aircraft cabins rely solely on proximity detection, which limits their ability to track the global context of passenger activities, leading to inadequate situational awareness and functionality.

Innovation Solution

Integration of neuromorphic sensors with smart devices to detect object movements beyond the range of proximity sensors, coupled with a controller to coordinate and enhance the operation of smart devices based on comprehensive environmental data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional proximity sensors are used in smart devices, then the device can detect objects in close proximity, but the device cannot track global context of passenger activities beyond immediate range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesituational awarenessVSAvoiddetection range

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides detection coverage into two segments: local proximity detection by sensors on smart devices, and global area monitoring by neuromorphic sensors positioned throughout the cabin. This segmentation allows each sensor type to operate within its optimal range while collectively providing comprehensive situational awareness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Neuromorphic sensors act as intermediaries between passengers and smart devices. These sensors detect passenger presence and movement patterns in the broader cabin environment, then relay this information to smart devices through a network, enabling devices to respond to global context without requiring extended-range sensors on each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If neuromorphic sensors are added to expand detection range, then global context tracking improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglobal context awarenessVSAvoidsensor network complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The neuromorphic sensors serve multiple functions: detecting passenger presence, tracking movement patterns, and providing data for multiple smart devices simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors for each smart device, thereby managing system complexity while expanding global awareness capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller automatically coordinates information from multiple neuromorphic sensors and smart devices without requiring manual configuration or intervention. The system self-organizes the sensor network, dynamically routing information between sensors and devices based on current operational needs, which simplifies deployment and reduces operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are integrated to improve situational awareness, then detection accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger movement detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor network energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The neuromorphic sensors operate in periodic sampling mode rather than continuous monitoring, activating at intervals to detect passenger presence and movement. This periodic operation maintains detection accuracy for triggering smart devices while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces traditional continuous-power sensors with neuromorphic event-based sensors that consume power only when detecting changes in the environment. This substitution maintains measurement precision for passenger movement detection while dramatically reducing baseline energy consumption of the sensor network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12428153B2Neuromorphic sensor implementation in aircraft cabin environments

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 BE AEROSPACE INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for implementing neuromorphic sensor technology in aircraft cabin environments including smart devices to improve and/or expand the use and functionality of the smart devices. In some embodiments, neuromorphic sensors and smart devices are communicatively coupled to a controller operative to analyze object movements and instruct smart devices to operate according to preprogrammed instructions. Non-limiting examples include detecting passenger movements in passenger seating areas and lavatories associated with smart devices, detecting movements of smart devices configured to traverse aircraft aisles, etc. The neuromorphic sensors are incapable of capturing visually recognizable passenger identities and therefore satisfy privacy concerns.