RF-Updated Seat Placards for Faster Passenger Seat Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The uncertainty and delay in locating reserved seats in venues such as theaters, airplanes, and trains due to confusing seat configurations, non-identifiable markers, and forgotten seat numbers lead to increased turn-times and passenger dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A placard system combining electronic updateable static displays, such as photonic ink, with RF-tag technology, allowing seat numbers and passenger names to be wirelessly updated and displayed on seat shoulder mounts, eliminating the need for direct power sources and wiring, and enabling quick identification of reserved seats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional static seat labeling is used, then the system is simple and reliable, but passengers experience delays and uncertainty in locating their reserved seats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static seat labels to dynamic electronic displays that can change content based on real-time booking data. The seat placards use electronic paper technology that can be remotely updated via RFID communication, allowing the displayed passenger names and seat numbers to dynamically reflect current reservations without requiring physical replacement of labels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical seat label replacement with an electronic information field system. Instead of manually changing physical labels when reservations change, the system uses RFID-triggered wireless communication to remotely update electronic paper displays, substituting mechanical label-changing operations with electromagnetic field-based information transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic displays with direct power sources and wiring are used, then real-time updates are possible, but the system becomes complex and requires extensive installation infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the seat placards to autonomously update their displayed information when triggered by RFID tags. As passengers approach their seats or as reservations change, the RFID system automatically triggers wireless updates to the electronic paper displays without requiring manual intervention, centralized power management, or complex wiring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID technology as an intermediary that enables wireless communication between the central reservation system and the seat placards. The RFID tags serve as mediators that trigger and transmit update commands wirelessly, eliminating the need for direct electrical connections or wired power transmission to each individual seat display.
3Loss of information
If detailed seat information is displayed to help passengers locate seats quickly, then seat identification improves, but the display consumes more energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using electronic paper technology that maintains high information display capability locally at each seat while consuming minimal energy. The electronic paper displays can show detailed passenger names, seat numbers, and other identification information with excellent readability, yet they only consume energy during state changes rather than during continuous display, achieving local information richness without proportional energy increase.
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 reduces uncertainty and delays in seat location, enhancing the efficiency of boarding processes and passenger satisfaction by providing a customizable, wireless, and power-independent means of displaying seat information.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitor is coupled to the receiver. The capacitor is capable of being charged by the signal
Implementation Method 2
The electronic paper may change an image upon a display when a power source is available and will hold the image upon the display when a power source is unavailable. The ink's mode for displaying an image depends upon a process called diffraction.
Data Source
AI summary
A placard for displaying a customer specific message includes a receiver, a capacitor, and an electronic updateable static display. The receiver has a memory storing an identification code and an antenna for receiving a signal. The capacitor is coupled to the receiver and capable of being charged by the signal. The electronic updateable static display is coupled to the receiver, is powered by the capacitor and is capable of displaying customer specific messages when a portion of the signal matches the identification code of the placard. The coupling means are conventional and the methods for affixing them are well known in to those skilled in the art. A method of using the placard for displaying a customer specific message is also provided.