PED Registration via Optical Token Images for Aircraft IFE Systems
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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 for both entertainment and commercial transactions.
Innovation Solution
A communications system that allows PEDs to act as commerce devices by using optical sensors to select advertisements, wirelessly communicate with aircraft IFE systems to initiate transactions, and register with IFE controllers using registration token images, enabling passengers to easily purchase products and services advertised during flights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional aircraft IFE systems are used, then viewing content can be provided to passengers, but the systems are complicated to operate and difficult to enjoy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces PEDs (personal electronic devices) as intermediary devices between passengers and the aircraft IFE system. These PEDs serve as remote controls that simplify operation by providing intuitive interfaces for content selection and control, eliminating the need for complex physical controls located in inconvenient positions on the aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes PEDs multi-functional by enabling them to serve both as remote controls for the IFE system and as entertainment sources themselves. The PEDs can receive content from the aircraft system, display it locally, and provide control functions, consolidating multiple functions into a single device that passengers already possess.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PEDs are integrated with aircraft IFE systems, then passenger entertainment options are enhanced, but registration and integration processes become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service registration where PEDs automatically detect and register with the aircraft IFE system through wireless communication. The system autonomously handles the registration process, assigning unique identifiers and establishing communication channels without requiring manual passenger intervention or complex setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring PEDs with necessary communication protocols and identifiers before the flight. The registration token images are prepared in advance, and the system is pre-programmed to automatically recognize and pair with PEDs upon entry into service mode, eliminating the need for complex real-time registration procedures.
3Ease of operation
If traditional IFE systems are used, then viewing content is provided, but content selection and control are difficult due to awkward placement and operation of user controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses PEDs as intermediary control devices that passengers already possess and are comfortable with. These devices provide intuitive touch interfaces for content selection, replacing the awkward physical controls located on seatbacks or overhead panels with familiar smartphone or tablet interfaces that passengers can easily operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions control from physical spatial dimensions (buttons located at specific positions on seatbacks) to digital interaction dimensions (touchscreen interfaces on PEDs). This dimensional shift allows passengers to interact with content selection through intuitive touchscreen gestures rather than navigating complex physical control mechanisms in inconvenient locations.
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 system simplifies the operation of in-flight entertainment and commerce by allowing passengers to easily select and purchase advertised products and services using their PEDs, enhancing passenger experience and streamlining transactions.
Implementation Method 1
The PED includes an optical sensor for sensing a displayed registration token image
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for registering personal electronic devices (PEDs) with an aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. Some methods include generating a different token image for each IFE passenger seat display, each generated token image comprising unique information for registering the PEDs with the IFE system. Different ones of the generated token images are communicated to different ones of the IFE passenger seat displays for display to passengers. A request comprising a captured image of the generated token image that is displayed on one of the IFE passenger seat displays is received. The at least one PED is registered with the IFE system by associating the unique identification information of the generated token image received in the request from the at least one PED. A communication link is established with the PED using the unique information.