PED-IFE Integration for In-flight Coupon Redemption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft in-flight entertainment systems are complex for passengers to operate, and passengers often struggle to enjoy content due to the placement and operation of user controls, with issues arising from failed video entertainment sources and the difficulty in redeeming non-commercial transactions like coupons or vouchers.
Innovation Solution
A communications system integrating personal electronic devices (PEDs) with the aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, allowing PEDs to register via optical sensors and wireless transceivers to redeem in-flight coupons and access entertainment content, eliminating the need for physical coupons and enhancing user control through remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical coupons are used for non-commercial transactions, then passengers can redeem offers, but passengers may lose or forget physical coupons and the process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts physical coupons into digital representations stored on PEDs (personal electronic devices). The system captures coupon data from physical sources and creates digital copies that can be stored, displayed, and redeemed electronically on passengers' mobile devices, eliminating the risk of loss associated with physical coupons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical coupon system with an electronic/digital system. Instead of handling physical paper coupons manually, the system uses electronic storage, display, and transmission of coupon data through PEDs, automating the redemption process and improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If aircraft IFE system controls are placed overhead and on opposing seatbacks, then the system can be installed, but passengers find it difficult to operate and enjoy content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables PEDs to serve multiple functions: they act as remote controls for the IFE system, display devices for viewing content, and coupon redemption terminals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated physical controls on seatbacks and overhead panels, simplifying the overall system while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces PEDs as an intermediary device between the passenger and the IFE system. Instead of directly interacting with complex overhead and seatback controls, passengers use their familiar PEDs to control the IFE system, making the interaction simpler and more intuitive.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PEDs are integrated with aircraft IFE system via wireless communication, then passengers can control entertainment and redeem coupons, but the registration process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic registration functionality where PEDs can self-register with the IFE system without requiring complex manual configuration. The system automatically detects and pairs PEDs, and automatically registers digital coupons, eliminating the need for passengers to manually navigate complex registration procedures.
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 video entertainment source, IFE passenger seat displays, an IFE wireless transceiver, and an IFE controller. The TEE controller selectively displays video from the IFE entertainment source on the IFE passenger seat displays, and generates a respective registration token image on each IFE passenger seat display. The PED includes a PED optical sensor, a PED memory for storing an in-flight coupon to be redeemed by the passenger while in-flight, a PED wireless transceiver, and a PED controller. The PED controller communicates with the IFE wireless transceiver via the PED wireless transceiver based upon the PED optical sensor sensing the registration token image so that the PED controller is registered with the IFE controller. After registration, the PED controller provides the stored in-flight coupon to the IFE controller for redemption.