Passenger Service Unit Wireless Control via Visible Light

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Passenger service units (PSUs) on aircraft, especially in twin-aisle aircraft, are often out of reach for seated passengers, particularly in center seating areas, and may not be accessible due to their height, making it difficult for passengers to control in-seat entertainment and other functions like reading lights and attendant calls without standing or reaching beyond their arm's length.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that uses electromagnetic signals, specifically Visible Light Communication (VLC) signals with pulse-width modulation, to transmit identification information from the PSU to a passenger's personal device, allowing remote control of PSU functions such as reading lights, airflow, and attendant calls through a graphical user interface, enabling passengers to control these devices without physically interacting with the PSU.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the PSU is mounted above the reaching height to accommodate center bins, then the aircraft structure is optimized, but passengers cannot reach the PSU to control devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaircraft structure optimizationVSAvoidPSU accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a personal device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) as an intermediary between the passenger and the PSU. The personal device receives control inputs from the passenger and transmits them wirelessly to the PSU, eliminating the need for direct physical contact with the PSU. This mediator approach allows the PSU to remain in its optimized high position while passengers can control it from their seated positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If the PSU is positioned out of reach for seated passengers, then more seating space is available, but passengers cannot control reading lights and attendant call devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating spaceVSAvoiddevice control accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical control system (physical buttons and switches on the PSU) with a wireless communication system. The personal device transmits control signals wirelessly to the PSU, eliminating the need for mechanical interaction. This substitution allows the PSU to be positioned optimally for seating space while maintaining full control functionality through wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If IFE controls are eliminated from the PSU, then the PSU design is simplified, but passengers lose local control capability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePSU designVSAvoidlocal control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the personal device multi-functional by using it for both IFE content consumption and PSU control. The personal device serves as both a media player and a control interface, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms on the PSU. This universal approach simplifies the PSU design while maintaining control capability through the personal device's interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables passengers to control PSU functions remotely while seated, improving accessibility and convenience, especially in situations where the PSU is out of reach, by using personal devices to receive and transmit control messages via VLC signals, ensuring easy operation of devices like reading lights and airflow controls.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting, by a passenger service unit, an electromagnetic (EM) signal that is receivable by a personal device of a passenger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Implementation Method 2

wherein transmitting the EM signal includes transmitting a visible light communication (VLC) signal that is receivable by an optical sensor of the personal device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVisible light communication:

Implementation Method 3

wherein transmitting the EM signal includes using pulse-width modulation (PWM) in the EM signal to define the identification information of the passenger service unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulse-width modulation:

Data Source

PatentUS11176810B2Wireless control of a passenger service unit

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A method for controlling a passenger service unit includes transmitting, by the passenger service unit, an electromagnetic (EM) signal that is receivable by a personal device of a passenger. The EM signal includes identification information of the passenger service unit. The method also includes receiving a control message by the passenger service unit. The control message includes an identification of one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit and a control input for the selected device. The method also includes controlling operation of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit in response to receiving the control message and based on the control input.