Aircraft Seat Audio Control by Passenger Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headphone-free audio systems in vehicle seats, particularly in aircraft, generate noise that disturbs nearby passengers when the passenger is not seated or their head is not in contact with the headrest, and there is no effective control of loudspeakers based on seat occupancy or cabin conditions.
Innovation Solution
A seat with integrated detection means, such as cameras or sensors, to determine passenger presence or absence, and a control unit to adjust loudspeaker activation and sound characteristics based on passenger position and cabin conditions, ensuring optimal sound delivery and minimizing disturbance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If loudspeakers are integrated into the headrest for headphone-free audio, then sound quality and dialogue clarity are improved, but noise disturbance to nearby passengers increases when the passenger is not seated or head is not in contact with the headrest
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts loudspeaker activation and sound characteristics based on real-time detection of passenger presence and head position. Detection means (sensors, cameras) monitor whether a passenger is seated and their head is in contact with the headrest, and the control unit responds by activating or deactivating the loudspeakers accordingly, making the system adaptive rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where detection means continuously monitor passenger presence and head position, transmit this information to the control unit, which then adjusts loudspeaker activation and sound characteristics. This closed-loop control ensures the loudspeakers operate only when needed and at appropriate volume levels to prevent disturbance to other passengers
2Manufacturing precision
If loudspeaker volume is increased for clear audio delivery, then dialogue clarity is improved, but disturbance to nearby passengers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically changes sound parameters including volume level and frequency characteristics based on detected passenger conditions. When a passenger's head is not in contact with the headrest or the seat is unoccupied, the system automatically reduces volume and adjusts frequency to minimize disturbance while maintaining audio quality when proper contact is detected
3Object-generated harmful factors
If detection means and control unit are added to monitor passenger presence, then noise disturbance is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection means and control unit are integrated into the existing seat structure, allowing the seat to perform multiple functions: providing structural support, detecting passenger presence and head position, and controlling audio output. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate standalone systems and minimizes overall complexity
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
The system effectively adapts loudspeaker activation and sound characteristics to passenger presence and cabin conditions, reducing noise disturbance and ensuring clear audio delivery, including cabin announcements.
Implementation Method 1
the detection means are chosen from: a camera, a detection sensor in particular of the inductive, capacitive, piezoelectric, infrared type
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4~5a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a passenger seat (10), in particular for an aircraft cabin, comprising: - a headrest (11), - a backrest (12), - a seat member (13) and - at least one loudspeaker (18) for broadcasting a sound signal to a passenger, - the passenger seat (10) further comprising: - at least one detection means (20) for detecting the presence of the passenger or a part of the passenger's body, and - a control unit (24) configured to selectively command the activation or deactivation of the loudspeaker (18) and/or the modification of a characteristic of a sound signal broadcast by the loudspeaker (18) in accordance with at least one information item from: - an information item relating to the presence of the passenger or a part of the passenger's body determined using the detection means (20), or - an information item concerning the state of the aircraft cabin or aircraft.