DE102018105113A1 - Passenger seat pairing systems and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for pairing a personal electronic device of a passenger with a passenger seat in a vehicle using a PWM light identification and for allowing the personal electronic device to control the internal functions and features of the passenger seat. The system includes an on-board video system having an in-seat display system for installation in a vehicle. The on-board video system is configured to transmit a PWM light identification from a monitor of the in-seat display system received by an imaging device of the personal electronic device. The on-board video system receives the pairing information from the personal electronic device corresponding to the captured light identification via a wireless communication link. The on-board video system then validates the pairing information, pairing the personal electronic device and the passenger seat and authorizing the personal electronic device to control the passenger seat functions associated with the passenger seat.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to being a divisional continuation of earlier copending US Application Serial No. 14 / 693,541 filed on Apr. 22, 2015. The priority of the foregoing prior patent application is expressly claimed, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference completely included.

BACKGROUND

The field of the invention generally relates to in-seat functions and features for vehicles, and more particularly to systems and methods for pairing a personal electronic device of a passenger with a passenger seat using light identification communication such that the personal electronic device can be used to: the internal functions and features of the passenger seat such. For example, control the entertainment systems (eg, the video / audio programs), the comfort systems (eg, seat adjustment), and the environmental systems (eg, air conditioning) in the vehicles.

Many vehicles of public transport companies such. As aircraft, passenger trains, buses, cruise liners and the like have individualized functional devices dedicated to a particular passenger seat that can be used by the passenger, such. Adjustable seats, adjustable lighting controls, adjustable lighting, telephony systems, video and / or audio entertainment systems, crew communications systems, and the like. Many commercial aircraft have z. For example, there are individualized video and audio entertainment systems, often referred to as "on-board entertainment systems" or "IFE" systems.

As an example of a passenger seat function, the entertainment systems for the passenger vehicles of the transport companies, such. Commercial airlines, often have video displays installed in each passenger seat. The video ads can z. B, be provided in each passenger seat, such. On each of the seat backs of the passenger seats and / or on the cabin walls and / or on an armrest for the seats located on a partition, i. h., located in the first row of a compartment, be mounted mounted. Many of these systems allow each passenger to select from multiple video channels and / or audio channels or even to select and play individual videos from a library of videos. These video displays may also provide access to games, communication applications (eg, a telephone service, messaging, etc.), Internet browsing, and other computer applications. Sometimes such displays are called smart monitors because of the ability to deploy computer applications and process and store data internally.

To the seat functions such. For example, to operate an individualized audio / video system, controls are provided at or near the passenger seat that allow the passenger to control the seating functions. The controls may be physical buttons or on-screen, e.g. On the video display of the entertainment system. Some commercial aircraft entertainment systems have screen interfaces for both controlling a reading light, activating a crew member paging signal, and controlling audio / video entertainment.

It has become a complete normality for travelers to use personal electronic devices with a wireless communication capability such as: As mobile phones, smart phones, tablet computers, laptop computers and other portable electronic devices with you. This includes passengers who are in possession of all types of transport, including public transport companies such as: Airplanes, passenger trains, buses, cruise liners, sightseeing vehicles (eg, ships, boats, buses, cars, etc.). Many of these personal electronic devices have the ability to execute application software programs ("apps") to perform various functions including controlling other devices and systems.

Accordingly, US Patent Application Publication no. 2015/0017915, to Hennequin et al. Proposed the establishment of a communication link between a mobile electronic device of a passenger with a local base installed in the aircraft and associated with a specific seat. The mobile electronic device may then control various functional devices via the communication link using a control software application installed in the mobile electronic device. When the mobile electronic device is placed near the local base, pairing of the mobile electronic device with the local base using near-field communication ("NFC"), Bluetooth or Apple iBeacon ™ or by scanning is performed of a bar code on the local base using an optical component of the mobile electronic device. However, this method allows anyone to pair their mobile electronic device with the local base for the particular seat and control the functional devices for the seat, even if such a person is not assigned to such a seat and / or does not sit in such a seat ,

Similarly, US patent application publication no. 2015/0017915, to Ayotte, establishing a communication link between a passenger's mobile electronic device and an NFC terminal installed in a dedicated seat in the aircraft. The NFC module is connected to a central passenger communication system. The pairing of the mobile electronic device with the passenger communication system is achieved by the mobile electronic device sending a message having registration information (e.g., a PIN) to the passenger communication system via the NFC terminal. The passenger communication system then validates the registration information, such as: By comparing the PIN with an expected PIN or the PIN corresponding information stored in the passenger communication system. The mobile electronic device may then control various functional devices via the communication link using an interface having a menu or list of the services and features presented to the passenger on the mobile electronic device.

U.S. Patent No. 8,806,521 to Keen et al. proposed pairing a mobile electronic device of a passenger with an on-board entertainment system of a vehicle by displaying a bar code on the video display at a specific passenger seat and scanning the bar code with a camera in the personal electronic device of a passenger. The system is limited to providing and redeeming a to-do coupon while not controlling seat functions using the personal electronic device. Moreover, it is undesirable to use the on-board entertainment system display for pairing because it may be off, uninstalled, or otherwise unavailable (such as while displaying messages or other content).

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an innovative system for pairing a personal electronic device (also referred to as a "PED") of a passenger with a seat in a vehicle to control seat functions for the passenger using the personal electronic device , The passenger seat can be in any type of vehicle, but typically in a vehicle of a public transport company, such. As a commercial aircraft, a passenger train, a bus, a ship, a ferry, etc., are located. The personal electronic device may be any suitable electronic device, such as an electronic device. A mobile / cellular phone, a mobile / cellular phone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, a laptop computer, or other portable handheld or other suitable portable electronic device. Smartphones are particularly well-suited because they are commonplace among travelers, and typically have a large amount of functionality.

The passenger seat pairing system includes an onboard management system configured to be installed in the vehicle. In addition, of course, if the on-board management system is configured to be installed in the vehicle, it may actually be installed in the vehicle. The on-board management system includes a data server having a processor, a memory, and a data storage, a wireless onboard / vehicle communication module, and a management software application. The vehicle's wireless communication module is configured to establish a wireless communication link with a wireless communication module of the personal electronic device and to receive the information transmitted from the personal electronic device over the wireless communication link.

The system also includes a device pairing software application configured to program the personal electronic device to provide the required functionality for the overall system. The device pairing software application is stored in a non-transitory computer program carrier, such as a computer program carrier. As a hard disk, a server, a CD, a CD-ROM, a DVD, etc., stored. The device pairing software application is typically used for downloading and / or installation on personal electronics, such as personal electronics. For example, through a web site accessible via the Internet or an application store ("app" store), such as a web site. ITunes ™, or the like. The personal electronic device itself is not necessarily an element of the system, but may be part of the system, as further described below. The device pairing Software application is configured to program the personal electronic device depending on the embodiment for a particular functionality, as explained below.

In embodiments in which the system includes a passenger's personal electronic device, the personal electronic device includes a processor, a memory, a wireless communication module, and a device pairing software application. The wireless communication module is configured to establish a wireless communication link with an on-board management system installed in the vehicle. The wireless communication module can, for. A cell base module, a Wi-Fi module, an NFC module, a Bluetooth module, or any other suitable wireless communication transceiver system.

The passenger seat pairing system may also include one or more seat function controllers for controlling one or more passenger seat functions associated with the passenger's specific passenger seat. The seat function controller may, for. B. configured to the seat functions such. Controlling an on-board entertainment system (eg, the IFE), an air conditioning system, a seat lighting system, a seat adjustment system, a service call system, and the like. The seat function controller receives instructions such. An electronic signal, and controls the seating function based on the instructions.

In one embodiment, the system is configured to pair the personal electronic device and the special passenger seat occupied by the passenger using an electronic boarding pass received by and stored in the personal electronic device. A boarding pass generally includes both a special passenger seat of the passenger, such as. As a seat number or a seat, as well as passenger information, such. As the name of the passenger and travel information such. A line number (eg, a flight number), a departure date and time, a destination, a visually readable ticket code (eg, a QR code or a bar code), a passenger loyalty code or frequent flyer number, etc., or is assigned to this. In such a case, the on-board management system is configured to receive the pairing information via the wireless communication link from the personal electronic device, wherein the pairing information is a passenger seat identifier identifying the passenger seat of the passenger and an identifier of the personal electronic device containing the personal electronic Device identified included. The on-board management system is also configured to pair the electronic device and the passenger seat using the pairing information and to authorize the personal electronic device to control at least one passenger seat function associated with the passenger seat. The term "couple" and other grammatical forms, such as "Pairing" means that the personal electronic device is associated with a passenger seat such that the communications received by the onboard management system from the personal electronic device are recognized as being at that passenger seat, and / or that such communications are associated with the passenger seat Control seating functions. In some cases, the seat function is uniquely assigned to the passenger seat.

In the boarding card embodiment, the device pairing software application is configured to program the personal electronic device to receive the electronic boarding pass, determine the passenger seat from the electronic boarding pass, and the pairing information including the passenger seat identifier and the personal electronic device identifier to transmit via the wireless communication link to the on-board management system. The device pairing software application is also configured to program the personal electronic device to transmit a control instruction to control the at least one passenger seat function. The application can z. B. display a user interface on a display of the personal electronic device that allows the passenger to control the passenger seat function. The user interface can z. For controlling a video entertainment system having a smart monitor installed near the passenger seat in the vehicle. Thus, the user interface can provide both video selection options and video playback controls, such as video playback controls. As "play", "fast forward", "rewind", as well as volume controls, etc. included. When the passenger interacts with the interface, the personal electronic device transmits the instructions for controlling the passenger seat function based on the choices made by the passenger on the user interface. The seat function controller then controls the seat function based on the instruction.

In another feature of the system, the seat function controller may be controlled via the on-board management system. The seat function controller may, for. B. be a separate component of the on-board management component and / or may include a passenger service system separate from the on-board management system and in communication with the on-board management system. In such a case, the instruction transmitted by the personal electronic device may be received via the wireless communication link by the on-board management system. The on-board management system then sends a management system instruction to the seat function controller (eg, a passenger service system) that controls the seat function based on the instruction. In such a case, the on-board management system receives the instruction transmitted from the personal electronic device, and then sends a management system instruction based on the instruction to the seat function controller and / or the personal service system. The seat function controller and / or the passenger service system are configured to receive the management system instruction and to control the seat function based on a management system instruction received from the on-board management system based on the control instruction received from the personal electronic device. Alternatively, the seat function controller may be integrated with the on-board management system such that the on-board management system is configured to receive the instruction from the personal electronic device and control the seat function based on the instruction.

Alternatively, the instruction transmitted by the personal electronic device can be directly received by the seat function controller.

In another embodiment of the passenger seat pairing system, a passenger list is referenced to pair the personal electronic device with a particular passenger seat in the vehicle. The on-board management system is configured to receive and store the passenger list data including the identity of each passenger associated with each passenger seat for each passenger. The on-board management system is further configured to receive the pairing information including the passenger identification data and an identifier of the personal electronic device identifying the personal electronic device via the wireless communication link from the personal electronic device. The on-board management system is configured to determine the passenger identity and a passenger seat assigned to the passenger in the passenger list using the passenger identification data and the passenger list. Finally, the on-board management system may pair the electronic device and the passenger seat and authorize the personal electronic device to control at least one passenger seat function associated with the passenger seat.

The device pairing software application may be similar to the application described for the above embodiment except that it is configured to program the personal electronic device to access the passenger identification data and the pairing information including the passenger identification data and an identifier of the personal information personal electronic device to transmit over the wireless communication link to the on-board management system. The device pairing software application in this embodiment is also configured to program the personal electronic device as well as or substantially similar to the boarding pass embodiment described above to transmit a control instruction to control the at least one passenger seat function. Alternatively, the device pairing application may be a generic plant-installed application that accesses a web site in the on-board management system that allows the passenger to enter the pairing information.

The passenger list embodiment may also include the additional features and aspects of the embodiments described above, such as, for example, US Pat. These include, for example, the seat function controller, the inclusion of the personal electronic device, and the various configurations of the on-board management system, the seat function controller, and the personal service system.

In yet another embodiment, a system is provided for pairing a personal electronic device of a passenger with a passenger seat in a vehicle. The system includes an on-board management system for installation in a vehicle, wherein the on-board management system includes a server and a wireless communication module of the vehicle configured to establish a wireless communication link with the personal electronic device. The on-board management system is further configured to receive and store a passenger list including a passenger seat assigned to each passenger and the identity of each passenger. In addition, a web page is hosted by the on-board management system, being accessible by the personal electronic device via the wireless communication link, to allow the passenger to make a request to pair personal electronic device with a seat, and transmit the passenger identification data to the on-board management system.

After the on-board management system has received the request and the passenger identification data, the on-board management system determines whether the passenger is assigned a passenger seat based on the passenger identification data and the passenger list, and if so, the personal electronic device and the assigned passenger seat based on an identifier pairing the personal electronic device associated with the communications from the personal electronic device and authorizing the personal electronic device to control at least one passenger seat function associated with the assigned passenger seat.

In still another embodiment of the passenger seat pairing system, a seat identification device may be used to pair the passenger's personal electronic device and the passenger's seat. A seat identification device is configured to be located immediately at each passenger seat, and is also configured to transmit a passenger seat identification that identifies the specific passenger seat immediately adjacent to the respective seat identification device. The passenger seat identification transmitted by the passenger seat identification device may be detected by the passenger's personal electronic device. As some examples, the seat identification device may be an NFC terminal, a radio frequency identification tag ("RFID tag"), a Bluetooth module, an optically readable code, or the like. Accordingly, the device pairing software application is configured to program the personal electronic device to receive a radio signal or to read an optical code depending on the type of passenger seat identification device.

The on-board management system is configured to receive the pairing information from the personal electronic device including a passenger seat identifier based on the passenger seat identification obtained from the seat identification device and an identifier of the personal electronic device identifying the personal electronic device. The on-board management system is configured to pair the personal electronic device and the passenger seat using the pairing information, and to authorize the personal electronic device to control at least one function associated with the passenger seat.

Again, the device pairing software application is similar to the application of the embodiments described above, except that it is configured to program the personal electronic device to detect the passenger seat identification from the passenger seat identification device. Similar to the above, the device pairing software application is configured to program the personal electronic device to transmit the pairing information including a passenger seat identifier based on the passenger seat identification from the seat identification device and the identifier of the personal electronic device to the on-board wireless communication link Transfer management system. The device pairing software application in this embodiment is also configured to program the personal electronic device as well as or substantially similar to the boarding pass embodiment described above to transmit a control instruction to control the at least one passenger seat function.

The seat identifier embodiment may also include the additional features and aspects of the embodiments described above, such as: The seat function controller, the inclusion of the personal electronic device, and the various configurations of the on-board management system, the seat function controller, and the passenger service system.

In yet another embodiment of an on-board passenger seat pairing system for pairing a personal electronic device of a passenger with a seat in a vehicle to control seat functions, an innovative light identification displayed on a monitor installed in the passenger's seat may be used to facilitate pairing promote. The passenger seat pairing system includes an on-board video system (eg, an IFE system) that includes an on-board management system that is the same as or similar to that described above. The on-board video system also includes an in-seat display system installed in the seat. The on-board video system includes a video monitor and may also include a computer device for processing audio / video entertainment. The in-seat display system is in operational connection with the on-board video system, such. As a network communication or a bus communication. The vehicle can z. B. a central on-board management system in network communication with the in-seat display systems installed in each seat of the vehicle. Alternatively, the on-board management system and the in-seat display system may be integrated with each other, or there may be an on-board management system installed in each seat and operationally coupled to a respective in-seat display.

The on-board video system is configured to communicate with the monitor a light identification associated with the seat that can be captured by an imaging device of a passenger's personal electronic device. The light identification is a pulse width modulation communication that is generated by modulating a backlight of the monitor. The systems and methods for displaying pulse width modulation communication by modulating light, such as light. B. a backlight of a monitor, are in U.S. Patent No. 9,166,810 , filed May 24, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The light identification can z. B. encode a binary code corresponding to a seat code associated with the seat. The code is converted into a pulse width modulated blinking pattern of the backlight, typically in the frequency range of 1 kHz-20 kHz. The light identification communication has a number of significant advantages over the other means for transmitting a seat identification code. The light identification communication has compared to many high frequency communications such. As the Bluetooth communication, and other optical code reading methods such. As the QR codes, the bar codes and the like, a faster response time. The light identification communication generally does not require linking, pairing, or logging in with a user name and / or password, as described, for example, in US Pat. B. by Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and the like is required.

In this regard, the personal electronic device includes a device pairing software application similar to that described above, which programs the personal electronic device to display the light identification displayed on the monitor using an imaging device of the personal electronic device such as a personal electronic device. B. a camera that receives an image (images) of the light identification to receive. The personal electronic device may process the image (s) of the light identification, including decoding the light identification. The personal electronic device generates a light identification code corresponding to the light identification. The personal electronic device then sends pairing information including the light identification code corresponding to the light identification and an identifier of the personal electronic device identifying the personal electronic device to the on-board video system via the wireless communication link.

The on-board video system is configured to receive the pairing information over the wireless communication link from the personal electronic device. The on-board video system determines whether the light identification code received from the personal electronic device is valid. In other words, it determines whether the light identification code corresponds to the light identification displayed on the monitor. If the light identification code is valid, then the on-board video system pairs the personal electronic device and the seat, authorizing the personal electronic device to control at least one passenger seat function associated with the seat.

Once the personal electronic device is paired and authorized, it sends control instructions to the on-board management system via the wireless communication device, wherein the on-board management system controls at least one passenger seat function based on the control instructions received from the personal electronic device. The passenger seat pairing system may e.g. B. include one or more seat function controllers that are configured to perform seat functions, such as seat functions. For example, controlling an on-board entertainment system (eg, an IFE), an air conditioning system, a seat lighting system, a seat adjustment system, a service call system, and the like may be controlled. The seat function controller receives the control commands via the on-board video system and controls the seat function based on the instructions.

In another aspect of the light identification embodiment, the on-board video system may be configured to block the use of light identification by any other personal electronic devices for pairing with the particular seat upon receiving light identification codes corresponding to the light identification displayed on the monitor. This is a security feature that prevents someone else from using the same light identification for pairing with the particular seat, such as: B. an adjacent passenger who directs the camera on his personal electronic device on the monitor of the first passenger.

In yet another aspect, the light identification embodiment may also use the passenger list to validate the pairing. In this case, the pairing information sent from the personal electronic device further includes passenger identification data such as passenger identification data. The passenger name (which may be encrypted or translated into code) stored by the device pairing software application. Consequently, the on-board video system also receives the passenger identification data over the wireless communication link from the personal electronic device. The on-board video system is also configured to store the passenger list data that includes the identity of each passenger associated with the assigned passenger seat of each passenger. The on-board video system then attempts to validate the passenger's personal electronic device for pairing with the seat prior to pairing and authorizing the personal electronic device. The on-board video system uses the passenger list to determine whether the passenger identification data and the seat associated with the light identification correspond to the passenger identity and associated assigned passenger seat in the passenger list. In other words, the system determines whether the personal electronic device attempting pairing with the specific seat belongs to the passenger having the assigned passenger seat. The system is configured to perform pairing with the personal electronic device only and to authorize the personal electronic device only to control the seat functions when the passenger identification data and the seat associated with the light identification correspond to a passenger identity and the associated assigned passenger, ie the pairing of the personal electronic device with the specific seat is validated by the passenger list. If they do not match, pairing will be denied.

Another embodiment of the present is directed to methods for pairing a personal electronic device of a passenger with a seat in a vehicle to control the seat functions using the light identification communication. In one embodiment, the method includes displaying a light identification associated with the seat via a pulse width modulation communication generated by modulating a backlight of the monitor on a monitor installed at the passenger's seat. The pairing information is received from the personal electronic device via a wireless communication link. The pairing information includes a light identification code corresponding to the light identification received by the personal electronic device, and an identifier of the personal electronic device identifying the personal electronic device. It is then determined whether the light identification code received from the personal electronic device is valid. The validity of the light identification code can, for. By determining whether the light identification code matches a seat code corresponding to the seat whose pairing is attempted. If it is determined that the light identification code received from the personal electronic device is valid, then the personal electronic device is paired with the seat, and is also authorized to control at least one passenger seat function associated with the seat. If the light identification code is invalid, pairing and authorization will be denied.

In additional aspects of the method of pairing using light identification communication, the method may include any of the additional aspects and features described herein for the onboard passenger seat pairing system system using light identification communication.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, any of the passenger seat pairing systems described herein in a vehicle, such as a vehicle, may be used in a vehicle. As an aircraft, a train, a motor vehicle, a bus or other vehicle to be installed. Although the embodiments described above are applied to the pairing of a single personal electronic device with a passenger seat for the passenger, typically the systems may perform the same functionality to a personal electronic device with the seat of a passenger for multiple passengers including up to the paired arrangement of all Passengers in a vehicle in pairs.

list of figures

• 1 ein schematischer Blockschaltplan eines Systems zum paarweisen Anordnen einer persönlichen elektronischen Vorrichtung mit einem speziellen Passagiersitz in einem Fahrzeug gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung ist;
• 2 ein schematischer Blockschaltplan eines Systems zum paarweisen Anordnen einer persönlichen elektronischen Vorrichtung mit einem speziellen Passagiersitz in einem Fahrzeug gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung ist;
• 3 ein schematischer Blockschaltplan eines Systems zum paarweisen Anordnen einer persönlichen elektronischen Vorrichtung mit einem speziellen Passagiersitz in einem Fahrzeug gemäß einer noch weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung ist;
• 4 einen beispielhaften Ablaufplan für eine Vorrichtungspaar-Paarbildungs-Software-Anwendung einer persönlichen elektronischen Vorrichtung veranschaulicht;
• 5 einen beispielhaften Ablaufplan für eine Vorrichtungspaar-Paarbildungs-Software-Anwendung eines Servers veranschaulicht;
• 6 einen beispielhaften Ablaufplan zum Ausgeben von Befehlen an einen Sitzfunktions-Controller veranschaulicht;
• 7 eine beispielhafte Web-Seite zum Betrachten durch eine persönliche elektronische Vorrichtung für die Verwendung mit einem Fahrzeug, das ein Luftfahrzeug ist, veranschaulicht;
• 8 ein schematischer Blockschaltplan eines Systems zum paarweisen Anordnen einer persönlichen elektronischen Vorrichtung und eines speziellen Passagiersitzes in einem Fahrzeug unter Verwendung der Lichtidentifikationskommunikation gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung ist; und
• 9 einen beispielhaften Ablaufplan für ein Verfahren zum paarweisen Anordnen einer persönlichen elektronischen Vorrichtung und eines speziellen Passagiersitzes in einem Fahrzeug unter Verwendung der Lichtidentifikationskommunikation veranschaulicht.

The foregoing and other aspects of the embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements and in which the description shall be applicable to like elements throughout the embodiments described, wherever relevant:

• 1 a schematic block diagram of a system for pairing a personal electronic device with a special passenger seat in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 2 Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a system for pairing a personal electronic device with a particular passenger seat in a vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
• 3 Fig. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a system for pairing a personal electronic device with a specific passenger seat in a vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention;
• 4 FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for a device pair pairing software application of a personal electronic device; FIG.
• 5 illustrates an example flowchart for a device pair pairing software application of a server;
• 6 illustrate an example flowchart for issuing commands to a seat function controller;
• 7 an exemplary web page for viewing by a personal electronic device for use with a vehicle that is an aircraft;
• 8th 12 is a schematic block diagram of a system for pairing a personal electronic device and a specific passenger seat in a vehicle using light identification communication according to another embodiment of the present invention; and
• 9 10 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for a method of pairing a personal electronic device and a specific passenger seat in a vehicle using light identification communication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to systems for pairing a personal electronic device of a passenger and a passenger seat and controlling a seat function associated with that passenger seat. In 1 Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a passenger seat pairing system 100 shown. The system 100 includes an on-board management system 102 configured to be installed in the vehicle 101. The on-board management system 102 is a computer system for performing various functions in the vehicle 101 , The on-board management system 102 can z. An audio / video entertainment system, an on-board Internet service system and / or other on-board electronic system.

The on-board management system 102 includes a server 104 , which may simply be a computer or information processing device to service the request of other programs and / or computing devices (ie, a client). The server 104 includes one or more computer processors 106 , a store 108 , one or more storage devices 110 for electronic storage of digital files, such as. A hard disk or a solid state drive (SSD), and system software 112 for programming the server 104 to the functions of the on-board management system 102 as described in more detail below.

The on-board management system 102 also includes a wireless communication module 114 of the vehicle that is connected to the server 104 operationally related, so the server 104 wirelessly with other devices, such. B. a personal electronic device 120 , can communicate. The wireless communication module 114 the vehicle may be any suitable wireless communication module, such. A Wi-Fi module, an NFC module, a Bluetooth module, a cell base module, or other suitable wireless communication transceiver system. Typically, the wireless communication module 114 the vehicle a Wi-Fi module because virtually all personal electronic devices 120 a Wi-Fi communication module for connection to a WiFi network.

Alternatively, the wireless communication module 114 the vehicle include multiple wireless communication modules, such. For example, several Wi-Fi modules, NFC modules or Bluetooth modules that are everywhere in the vehicle 101 are distributed. An NFC module can, for. B. at each passenger seat 130 inside the vehicle 101 be provided or there may be several Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules in the vehicle 101 be spaced to provide adequate signal strength to communicate with the personal electronic devices 120 communicating throughout the vehicle. An aircraft often includes one or more wireless access points (WAPs). The multiple wireless communication modules 114 of the vehicle are each operable with the server 104 , such as By a local area network or other suitable network.

The wireless communication module 114 The vehicle is configured to provide a wireless communication link 125 with the personal electronic device 120 to build up, such. B. a connection to a wireless communication module 124 the personal electronic device 120 , The wireless communication module 124 is of the same type as this and works with a compatible communication standard such as the wireless communication module 114 of the vehicle, such. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC etc.

The on-board management system 120 is at least partially due to the system software 112 that the system 102 programmed, configured to the pairing information 123 over the wireless communication link 125 to receive from the personal electronic device. The pairing information 123 include a passenger seat identifier that includes the passenger seat (eg, the seat 130a ) of the passenger as assigned in an electronic boarding pass through the personal electronic device 120 is accessed. The passenger seat identifier may be the actual seat number or a passenger seat 130a be assigned code. The pairing information also includes an identifier of the personal electronic device containing the personal electronic device for pairing with the passenger seat 130a identified. The identifier of the personal electronic device may, for. A passenger name of the passenger, the personal electronic device 120 by the device pairing software application 126 that in the personal electronic device 120 is executed, generated code, a sequential number or other identifying code for the personal electronic device 120 (eg, an address of wireless communication, an international mobile station device identity ("IMET"), a mobile device identifier ("MEID"), a SIM card identifier, a media access control address, etc.).

The on-board management system 102 is also configured and programmed to the personal electronic device 120 with the passenger seat identified by the passenger seat identifier 130a using the pairing information 123 to arrange in pairs. The term "couple" and other grammatical forms, such as "Pairing" as defined above means that a personal electronic device belongs to a specific passenger seat 130 is assigned, so that by the personal electronic device 120 through the on-board management system 102 received communications as on this passenger seat 130 and / or such that such communications include the seat functions associated with the particular passenger seat 130 140 Taxes.

In addition, the on-board management system authorizes 102 the personal electronic device 120 to one or more passenger seat functions 140 to control the special passenger seat 130 assigned. As some examples, the on-board management system 120 the personal electronic device 120 by accepting the instructions 122 from the personal electronic device 120 to the seat functions 140 by setting an authorization setting within the on-board management system 102 , the personal electronic device 120 , the seat functions 140 and / or the seat function controller 150 In order to allow the personal electronic device, these functions 140 to control, or by other appropriate means, to it's personal electronic device 120 to allow the passenger seat functions 140 to control, authorize. In the paired arrangement of the personal electronic device 120, the on-board passenger system 102 a pairing data record into a paired personal electronic device and a passenger seat database 109 write.

The system 100 further includes the device pairing software application 126 configured to program the personal electronic device 120. The device pairing software application 126 is in a non-transitory computer program carrier, such. As a hard disk, a CD, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a flash memory or other storage device, etc. stored. The device pairing software application 126 can z. In a storage device 172 an application store ("app store") 170, such as The one operated by Apple, Inc., under the trademark ITUNES, the application store operated by Google, Inc., under the trademark GOOGLE PLAY, or the application store marketed by Microsoft Corporation under the WINDOWS STORE trademark. Alternatively it can be a web site server for a web site 170 give, by a provider of the on-board management system 102 , such as As the manufacturer or a transport company, the vehicle 101 operated (eg a commercial airline, a railway company, a cruise line, a bus line, etc.). The device pairing software application 126 may also be in the on-board management system 102 , such as B. the storage device 110 be saved. In any case, the device pairing software application is 126 for downloading to the personal electronic device 120 made available. Once the device pairing software application 126 on the personal electronic device 120 has been downloaded, it is installed in the personal electronic device 120 with the installed version of the device pairing software application 126 in the personal electronic device 120 , such as In a storage device 162 the personal electronic device is stored.

The device pairing software application 126 is configured to the personal electronic device 120 to program the required functionality of the personal electronic device 120 as described below. In this first embodiment of the system 100, the device pairing software application is 126 configured to the personal electronic device 120 to program the electronic boarding pass 121 , such as From the operator of the vehicle 101 operates, or by a travel agent, that of the electronic boarding pass 121 assigned travel ticket has been received. The electronic boarding pass 121 typically includes both a special passenger seat of the passenger, such. As a seat number or a seat, as well as the passenger information, such. As the name of the passenger, and the travel information such. A line number (e.g., a flight number), a departure date and time, a destination, an optical readable ticket code (eg, a QR code or a bar code), a passenger loyalty code or frequent flyer number, etc. The device pairing software application 126 Can be configured to use the electronic boarding pass 121 through an authenticated communication with the issuer of the electronic boarding pass 121 to recieve. The device pairing software application 126 can it be z. For example, a user may require logon credentials (eg, a user name and / or password) that the application provides 126 to an issuer's internet web server system. The web server system verifies the credentials, with the web server system using the electronic boarding pass 121 only on verification to the device pairing software application 126 in the personal electronic device 120 sends.

The device pairing software application 126 accesses the passenger seat data that includes the passenger seat of the electronic boarding pass 121 identify. The device pairing software application 126 then transmits the passenger seat identifier, which may be the same passenger seat information accessed from the electronic boarding pass, or may be a passenger seat identification provided by the on-board management system 102 recognizable based on the passenger seat data accessed from the electronic boarding pass. The application 126 also accesses the identifier of the personal electronic device, by reading an identifier from the personal electronic device 120 or by generating an identifier of the personal electronic device.

The device pairing software application 126 is also configured to the personal electronic device 120 to program the pairing information 122 including the passenger seat identifier and the personal electronic device identifier via the wireless communication link 125 to the on-board management system 102 transferred to.

The device pairing software application 126 is also configured to the personal electronic device 120 to program the passenger seat functions 140 to control. As will be described in more detail below, the passenger seat functions are 140 a passenger seat 301 assigned and can such functions as an entertainment system 141 , a smart monitor 142 , a lighting system 143 , a companion call system 144 , a seat adjustment system 145 , a catering service system 146 , a telephony system 147, an air conditioning system 148 or another passenger comfort or convenience function. The device pairing application 126 includes a seat function control module that allows the passenger a special seat function 140 from a menu of seat functions 140 for the controller. When selecting the desired seat function 140 shows the application 126 a user interface for the selected seat function 140 at. For an entertainment system 141 shows the application 126 on the touch screen display 127 the personal electronic device 120 z. B. different control screens. The entertainment option screen may e.g. A video program (e.g., movies, TV shows, etc.) and a listening program from which the user can view the desired program using the application 126 on the personal electronic device 120 of the passenger. The application 126 may also include a screen for audio / video controls that the passenger on the touch screen display 127 (or other user input device on the personal electronic device 120 , such as A keypad, joystick, touchpad, mouse, input keys, etc.) to control audio / video playback, such B. play / pause, fast forward, rewind, Volume controls, etc. The application 126 includes a user interface that includes one or more control screens for controlling the particular seating function 140 having.

The device pairing software application 126 is configured to the personal electronic device 120 to program the control statements 122 for controlling the seat function 140 based on the passenger's operations on the user interface for a seated function. As will be described below, the system can 100 be configured in various ways so that the instructions transmitted by the personal electronic device 120 122 the seat functions 140 Taxes.

In one aspect is the system 100 configured to allow the personal electronic device 120 the control instructions 122 over the wireless communication link 125 to the on-board management system 102 transfers. The on-board management system 102 is configured to receive the control instructions 122 from the personal electronic device 120 and then receive a management system instruction for the controlled special seat function 140 to a seat function controller 150 or directly to the special seating function 140 (wherein the seat function 140 z. B. may have an integrated seat function controller or may not require a seat function controller). In another aspect, the seat function controllers 150 with the on-board management system 102 be integrated or can be the seat function controller 150 from the on-board management system 102 be separated. In the case of an on-board management system that provides a management system instruction to a seat function controller 150 transfers, then controls the seat function controller 150 the seat function 140 based on the management system statement. The management system instruction may have the same control signal as the control instruction 122 or may be another signal through the on-board management system 102 based on the control statement 122 is produced.

In another way of controlling the seat functions 140 from the personal electronic device 120 Both the personal electronic device 120 and the seat functions 140 and / or the seat function controllers 150 configured to be a wireless seat function communication link 129 directly between the personal electronic device 120 and the seat functions 140 and / or the seat function controllers 150 build. The wireless seat function communication link 129 can be any suitable wireless communication, such. As Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, cells, etc. use. In such a case, the seating functions include 140 and / or the seat function controllers 150 a wireless communication module 149 or a wireless communication module 159 ,

Each of the seat functions 140 can be operationally connected to a respective seat function controller 150 be coupled, the seat function 140 controls. The system 102 may, for. An entertainment system controller 151 , a lighting system controller 152 , a controller 153 Smart Monitor, a seat adjustment controller 154 , a companion call controller 155 , a catering service controller 146 , a telephony system controller 157 , an air conditioning system controller 158 and other controllers 150 for any other seat functions 140 exhibit. Every seat function 140 Can be a dedicated seat function controller 150 or more or even all seating functions 140 may be provided by a single seat function controller 150 be controlled. In other words, there may be two or more seat function controllers 150 into a single seat function controller 150 be integrated. The passenger service system 161 may, for. B. a seat function controller 150 for several seat functions 140 , such as B. the accompaniment call 144 , the catering service 146 and the entertainment system 149 , be.

As explained above, the personal electronic device is 120 not necessarily an element of the system 100 but in certain embodiments they are an element of the system 100 can be. The personal electronic device 120 may be any suitable electronic device that is sufficiently portable so that it can carry a passenger into the vehicle and use it while in the seat 301 of the passenger. The electronic device 120 also needs for wireless communication using a wireless communication module 124 with the on-board management system 102 and / or in some embodiments, the seating functions 140 and / or the seat function controllers 150. As some examples, the personal electronic device 120 a cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, a laptop computer or other suitable hand-held or portable electronic device. The personal electronic device 120 includes a processor 128 , a store 160 (eg, a RAM, a DRAM, a ROM, etc.), a memory device 162 (eg a hard disk, flash memory, SSD, etc.) and a display 127 (eg an LCD display, an LED display, an OLED display, etc.), an input device (s) 127 (eg, a touch screen, a mouse, a touchpad, a keypad, keys, etc.). The personal electronic contraption 120 may also be in addition to the wireless communication module 124 the wireless communication modules 164 , such as As an NFC module, a Bluetooth module, a cell base module, a Wi-Fi module, etc., included. The personal electronic device 102 is through the device pairing software application 126 configured and programmable to perform the functions described here.

In 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a passenger pair formation system 200 shown. In the embodiment according to 2 becomes a passenger list 105 , by the on-board management system 102 is accessed by the on-board management system 102 is stored, used to personal electronic device 120 and a special passenger seat 301 in the vehicle 101 to arrange in pairs. The system 200 is similar to system 100 described above and includes many of the same components having the same or similar configuration and functionality. Accordingly, the description of the elements of the system 100 that have the same reference numbers as the system 200 have on the system 200 applicable unless it is not applicable or otherwise described. Accordingly, the on-board management system 102 at least partially through the software program 112 configured to a passenger list 105 to receive and store. The passenger list 105 contains the identity of each passenger for a trip in the vehicle 101 assigned to the passenger seat 301 of the passenger assigned for the journey. The on-board management system 102 can the passenger list 105 in any suitable manner, such as By electronic downloading from the carrier operating the vehicle via a communication network or data transmission from a storage device (eg, a flash memory device, a CD, a DVD, a storage disk, an SSD, etc.) or another system on board the vehicle 101 , received. The on-board management system 102 saves the passenger list 106 in the storage device 110 ,

The on-board management system 102 is also at least partially through the software program 112 that the system 102 programmed, configured to the pairing information 122 via the wireless communication link 125 from the personal electronic device 120 to recieve. The pairing information 122 include the passenger identification data (eg, the passenger name, the identification number or other data for which there may be a cross-reference to a passenger identity in the passenger list) and an identifier of the personal electronic device containing the particular personal electronic device 120 which is paired with the passenger seat 130a. This is to the system 100 Similarly, except that instead of a passenger seat identifier, the pairing information includes the passenger identification data. The ID of the personal electronic device may be as above regarding the system 100 has been described.

The on-board management system 102 is configured to the passenger identity in the passenger list 105 using the passenger identification data. The on-board management system 102 can z. B. configured to search for and identify the passenger identity associated with those in the pairing information 122 received passenger identification data matches or best matches. The on-board management system 102 also determines the passenger seat assigned to the passenger 130a using the passenger list 105 because the passenger identity is the passenger seat 103a in the passenger list 105 assigned.

The on-board management system 102 is also configured and programmed to the personal electronic device 120 with the passenger seat 130a pair and authorizes the personal electronic device 120 to perform one or more passenger seat functions 140 that the special passenger seat 130 are assigned to control as above for the system 100 has been described.

The device pairing software application 126 for the system 200 is to the application 126 for the system 100 similar except that it is configured to do the pairing information 122 containing the passenger identification data instead of the passenger seat identifier. Thus, the device pairing software application is 126 configured to access the passenger identification data. The device pairing software application 126 can access the passenger identification data by any suitable method, e.g. For example, the passenger enters the personal information data of the passenger (eg, the passenger name, the passenger identification information such as a user name, an identification number) even by the on-board management system 102 are usable to provide them with a passenger identity in the passenger list 105 to compare and identify, or the device pairing software application 126 analyze and / or process to access the passenger identification data and / or generate the passenger identification data. The passenger can z. B. a name and / or other personal Information in the device pairing software application 126 and register a user name and password. If the passenger wants the personal electronic device 102 to arrange in pairs, then requests the application 126 the passenger to log in with the user name and password. Then, if the user name and password through the device pairing software application 126 be authenticated, the application attacks 126 to the passenger identification data, wherein they receive the pairing information to the on-board management system 102 transfers. Alternatively, the device pairing software application 126 just like that or similar to what is configured for the system 100 has been described. The application 126 receives an electronic boarding pass 121 as described above, then looks at the passenger identification data (e.g., the passenger name, etc.) from the electronic boarding pass 121 accesses.

The other features of the system 200 are the same as the ones above for the system 100 including and without limitation of the personal electronic device 120 , the seat functions 140 , the seat function controller 150 and their configuration and operation for controlling seat functions 140 ,

In 3 FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a passenger pairing system. FIG 300 shown. In the embodiment according to 3 becomes a seat identification device 131 used to the personal electronic device 120 and arrange a special passenger seat 130 for the passenger in pairs. Again, the system is 300 to the systems described above 100 and 200 similarly, containing many of the same components that have the same or similar configuration and functionality. Accordingly, the description of the elements of the systems 100 and 200 that have the same reference numbers as the system 300 have on the system 300 applicable unless it is not applicable or otherwise described.

In the system 300 is a seat identification device 131 . 131b . 131c and configured 131d so that they are located directly at each passenger seat 130a . 130b , 130c and 130d, respectively. The seat identification device 131 is configured to be a passenger seat identification that the special passenger seat directly to the respective seat identification device 131 identifies, transfer. The seat identification device may, for. An NFC terminal, a Radio Frequency Identification Label ("RFID" tag), a Bluetooth module, an optically readable code or other suitable device that may be used by the personal electronic device 120 is detectable. Preferably, this can be done by a special passenger seat identification device 131 transmitted passenger seat identification alone by the personal electronic device 120 be detected without other identifications from other passenger seat identification devices 131 to detect. This can be done by configuring the passenger seat identification device 131 be achieved to transmit only the seat identification within a very small environment, so that the personal electronic device 120 very close to the device 131 has to be arranged to receive the passenger seat identification or to transmit only the seat identification when an input is received to do so (eg, from a knock on the personal electronic device) 120 or a pushbutton).

In the system 300 is the on-board management system 102 at least partially through the software program 112 configured to receive the pairing information 122 over the wireless communication link 125 from the personal electronic device 120 to recieve. The pairing information 122 include a passenger seat identifier located on that of the seat identification device 131 received passenger seat identification based, and an identifier of the personal electronic device, the personal electronic device 120 identified with the passenger seat 130a arranged in pairs. This is to the system 100 similar except that the passenger seat identification is on the seat identification device instead of an electronic boarding pass 121 based passenger seat identification is based. The ID of the personal electronic device may be as above regarding the system 100 has been described.

The on-board management system 102 is also configured and programmed to the personal electronic device 120 using the pairing information 123 with the passenger seat 130a pair and authorize the personal electronic device 120 to one or more passenger seat functions 140 that the special passenger seat 130a are assigned to control as above for the system 100 has been described.

The device pairing software application 126 for the system 300 is to the application 126 for the system 100 Similar except that it is also configured to provide passenger seat identification from the seat identification device 131 and then detecting the passenger seat identifier based on the passenger seat identification from the seat identifier 131 over the wireless communication link 125 to the on-board management system 102 transferred to. Thus, the device pairing software application is 126 configured to the personal electronic device 120 to program the passenger seat identification from the seat identification device 131 to detect. In the case where the seat identification device 131 transmits a radio signal, the personal electronic device is 120 and the application 126 configured to receive the radio signal and to obtain the passenger seat identification. For an optically readable seat identification device 131 indicates the personal electronic device 120 a camera or other optical sensor for detecting the device 131 and getting the passenger seat identification. For a QR code or a bar code, the personal electronic device and / or the application 126 include e.g. A code reader program for reading the code. The device pairing software application 126 then processes the passenger seat identification into a passenger seat identifier (which may be the same as the passenger seat identification or from the passenger seat identification) associated with the on-board management system 102 is transmitted.

The system 300 may also be configured to pair the personal electronic device 120 and the passenger seat 130a to authenticate, such as Using the passenger list 109 and / or electronic boarding pass 121 to verify the pairing. The device pairing software application 126 is further configured to access the passenger seat data identifying an assigned passenger seat assigned to the passenger. The device pairing software application may e.g. For example, the assigned passenger seat of one through the personal electronic device 120 received electronic boarding pass as above for the system 100 has been described. The device pairing software application 126 transmits an assigned passenger seat identifier identifying the assigned passenger seat over the wireless communication link 125 to the on-board management system 102 , The on-board management system is further configured to receive the assigned passenger seat identifier and to determine whether the assigned passenger seat matches the passenger seat associated with the passenger seat identifier. Then the on-board management system 102 configured to the personal electronic device 120 and to arrange the passenger seat only in pairs and / or to authorize the personal electronic device only to the seat functions associated with the passenger seat 140 if the passenger seat coincides with the assigned passenger seat.

Another way of authenticating the pairing uses the passenger list 105 , The device pairing software application 126 is further configured to access the passenger identification data as above for the system 200 has been described. The device pairing software application 126 transmits the passenger identification data over the wireless communication link to the on-board management system. The on-board management system 102 is further configured to receive and store the passenger list data including the identity of each passenger associated with each assigned passenger seat for each passenger, as above for the system 200 has been described. The on-board management system 102 also receives the passenger identification data and determining the passenger identity in the passenger list using the passenger identification data, as also above for the system 200 has been described. The on-board management system then determines whether the assigned passenger seat matches the passenger seat associated with the passenger seat identifier. The on-board management system 102 is configured to the personal electronic device 120 and to arrange the passenger seat only in pairs and / or to authorize the personal electronic device only to the seat functions associated with the passenger seat 140 if the passenger seat coincides with the assigned passenger seat.

The other features of the system 300 are the same as the ones above for the systems 100 and 200 including without limitation the personal electronic device 120 , the 140 seat function, the seat function controller 150 and their configuration and operation for controlling seat functions 140 ,

In 8th is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a passenger pair formation system 800 shown. This in 8th shown passenger seat pairing system 800 uses the light identification communication to the personal electronic device 120 the passenger with a special passenger seat 130 to arrange in pairs for the passenger. Again, the system is 800 to the systems described above 100 . 200 and 300 similarly, including many of the same components having the same or similar configuration and functionality. Accordingly, the description of the elements of the systems 100 . 200 and 300 that have the same reference numbers as the system 800 exhibit, on the system 800 applicable unless they are incompatible or otherwise described.

The system 800 has an on-board video system 802 This is an on-board management system 102 to the on-board management system 102 of the system 100 . 200 and 300 is similar except as it is further configured and programmed as described below. The on-board video system 802 also includes an in-seat display system 804 , in conjunction with the on-board management system 102 is operable. An in-house display system 804 can in every seat 130 of the vehicle 101 be installed as in 8th is shown. As one example, the on-board display system 802 may include an IFE or other on-board entertainment system for providing video and audio entertainment to the passengers in each passenger seat 130 be.

Each in-house display system 804 contains a computer device 806 and a monitor 808 , such as As an LCD, LED, OLED or other display, and an audio output interface for outputting sound, such. B. a headphone jack, which is operatively coupled to the computing device. The in-house display system 804 can z. B. be an intelligent monitor, which is a computer device 806 and a monitor 808 having.

The on-board management system 102 and the in-house display system 804 stand together operationally, such. Via a communications network (eg, an Ethernet network, a Wi-Fi network, a wireless USB network, etc.) or a data bus communication. In the in 8th In the embodiment shown, the on-board management system 102 be a centralized management system with each of the in-house display systems 804 that in every seat 130 are installed, is connected to the network. Alternatively, the on-board management system 102 and the in-house display system 804 be integrated with each other. An intelligent monitor can, for. B. all functionality of the on-board management system 102 and the in-seat display system. In yet another alternative embodiment, the on-board video system 802 an on-board management system 102 include, which is installed in each seat and operationally to a corresponding in-seat display system 804 is coupled.

The on-board video system 802 is configured to the personal electronic device 120 of the passenger using the light identification communication with the passenger's seat in the vehicle and arranging it of the personal electronic device 120 to allow at least one seat function to be controlled for the seat. The on-board video system 802, the on-board management system 102 and the in-seat display system is configured to provide a light identification (eg, a pulse width modulation pattern of flashing light) associated with the particular seat 130 associated with the personal electronic device 120 arranged in pairs, on the monitor 808 display. The light identification is a pulse width modulation communication obtained by modulating a backlight of the monitor 808 is produced. The light identification may be by an imaging device 166 the personal electronic device 120 be recorded. As described above, systems and methods for displaying pulse width modulation communication by modulating light, such as light. B. a backlight of a monitor, in U.S. Patent No. 9,166,810 , filed on May 24 2013 , described.

In one embodiment, the on-board video system 802 a seat code attached to the seat 130 assigned. The on-board video system 802 translates the seat code into a binary code corresponding to a seat code associated with the seat and then translates the binary code into a pulse width modulated blinking pattern of the monitor's backlight 808 , typically in a frequency range of 1 kHz-20 kHz. This light identification transmission of a pairing code has significant advantages over alternative means for transmitting a seat identification code. The light identification communication has compared to many high frequency communications such. As a Bluetooth communication, and other optical code reading methods such. As QR codes, bar codes and the like, a faster response time. The light identification communication generally does not require linking, pairing, or logging in with a user name and / or password, as described, for example, in US Pat. B. by Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and the like is required.

The personal electronic device 120 is to the personal electronic device 120 as described above, similar except that the device pairing software application 126 as well as the personal electronic device 120 programmed for light identification pairing. The personal electronic device 120 is at least partially due to the device pairing software application 126 configured to the on the monitor 808 displayed light identification using the camera 166 (or other imaging device) of the personal electronic contraption 120 to recieve. The camera 166 takes one or more images of the light identification as they appear on the monitor 808 is shown. The personal electronic device 120 processes the image (s) of the light identification including the decoding of the light identification. The device pairing software application 126 can z. B. decode the images of the light identification and determine the binary code that the on-board video system 802 used to generate the light identification. The personal electronic device 120 generates a light identification code corresponding to the light identification (eg corresponding to the decoded binary code). The personal electronic device 120 then sends the pairing information including the light identification code corresponding to the light identification and an identifier of the personal electronic device containing the personal electronic device 120 identified, contained, over the wireless communication link 125 to the on-board video system 802 ,

The on-board video system 802 receives the pairing information via the wireless communication link 125 from the personal electronic device 120 , The on-board video system 802 then processes the pairing information, including determining whether the light identification code received from the personal electronic device is valid, and also identifying the seat associated with the light identification code. The on-board video system 802 determines whether the light identification code corresponds to the light identification displayed on the monitor. In the case that of the personal electronic device 120 transmitted light identification code is a binary code from the decoding of the light identification, the validity can be determined by simply checking whether the light identification code matches the original binary code. If the light identification code is any other code generated from processing the image (s) of the light identification, then the on-board video system decodes 802 the light identification code, determining whether it matches the seat code used to generate the light identification. The on-board video system 802 identifies the seat 130 assigned to the light identification code by determining which seat is associated with the decoded light identification code.

If the on-board video system 802 determines that the light identification code received from the personal electronic device is valid, then the onboard video system pairs the personal electronic device and the seat, authorizing the personal electronic device to control at least one passenger seat function associated with the seat, as described above has been.

Once the personal electronic device 120 arranged in pairs and for the seat 130 authorized, allows the on-board video system 802 the personal electronic device 120 , the seat functions 140 to control. The personal electronic device 120 sends using the device pairing software application 126 the control commands over the wireless communication link to the on-board video system 802 , where the on-board video system 802 receives the control instructions and controls one or more seat functions based on the control instructions. As described above, the passenger seat pairing system 800 one or more seat function controllers 150 included, which are configured to the seat functions 140 to control.

The system 800 may also be configured to pair the personal electronic device 120 with the passenger seat 130 using the electronic boarding pass 121 to authenticate / validate as described above. Then the on-board management system 102 of the video system 802 configured to the personal electronic device 120 with the passenger seat 130 to arrange only in pairs and / or to authorize the personal electronic device only to the passenger seat 130 associated seat functions 140 to control, if the passenger seat 130 coincides with the assigned passenger seat.

The system 800 can also be configured to be similar to the one above with respect to the system 300 passenger list validation described the pairing using the passenger list 105 to authenticate / validate to validate pairing. The through the personal electronic device 120 sent pairing information also includes passenger identification data such. The passenger name (which may be encrypted or converted into code) generated by the device pairing software application 126 get saved. Consequently, the on-board video system receives 802 also the passenger identification data over the wireless communication link 125 from the personal electronic device 120 , The on-board video system 802 saves the passenger list data 105 containing the identity of each passenger to which the assigned passenger seat of each passenger is assigned. The on-board video system 802 then attempts to personal electronic before pairing and authorizing the personal electronic device contraption 120 of the passenger for pairing with the seat 130 to validate. The on-board video system 802 uses the passenger list 105 to determine whether the passenger identification data and the seat associated with the light identification correspond to a passenger identity and the assigned assigned passenger seat in the passenger list 105 correspond. The on-board video system 802 is configured to the personal electronic device 120 only in pairs and order the personal electronic device 120 only to authorize the seat functions 140 when the passenger identification data and the seat associated with the light identification correspond to a passenger identity and an associated assigned passenger, ie, the pairing of the personal electronic device with the specific seat is validated by the passenger list. If they do not match, pairing will be denied.

The on-board video system 802 may also have a security feature to prevent more than one personal electronic device with a particular seat from being paired. The on-board video system 802 is configured to prevent or block the use of light identification by any other personal electronic devices to communicate with the particular seat after receiving a light identification code corresponding to that on the monitor 808 displayed light identification corresponds to the first personal electronic device 120 to form a couple. This prevents someone else (eg, an adjacent passenger or someone looking over the passenger's shoulder) from pointing the camera of their personal electronic device at the monitor 808 aimed and tries to use the same light identification to pair with the special seat. Furthermore, each light identification is unique and can only be used once. The unique light identifications can be determined by known techniques, such. B. using time stamps in combination with other information such. A seat number, an IP address, or a MAC number of a computing device, as an illustrative, non-limiting example.

In 9 now becomes a procedure 900 for using the system 800 for pairing a personal electronic device 120 with the seat 130 of a passenger and the authorization of the personal electronic device 120 to the seat functions 140 for the seat 130 to control the passenger described. It is recognized that the procedures 400 and 500 for the operation of the personal electronic device 120 and the on-board management system 102 described above within the method 900 can be executed.

In step 902 has the in-seat video system 802 a seat code attached to a special passenger seat 130 equivalent. In step 904 creates the on-board video system 802 a light identification pattern (eg, a binary code) corresponding to the seat code. In step 906 the on-board video system shows the light identification on the monitor 808 of the in-house reporting system 804 at. In step 908 takes the personal electronic device 120 a picture (pictures) of the light identification using the camera 166 on. In step 910 decodes the personal electronic device 120 the light identification recorded in the image (s), producing a light identification code using the decoded light identification. In step 912 sends the personal electronic device 120 Pairing information including the light identification code and the identifier of the personal electronic device via the wireless communication link 125 to the on-board video system 802 ,

In step 914 receives the on-board video system 802 the from the personal electronic device 120 over the wireless communication link 125 sent pairing information. In step 916 determines the on-board video system 802 whether the light identification code is valid. If the light identification code is valid, then the on-board video system orders 802 in step 918 the personal electronic device 120 and the seat 130 in pairs, being the personal electronic device 120 authorized, the seat control functions 140 for the seat 130 to control. If the light identification code is not valid, the on-board video system may 802 an error message on the monitor 808 Show. In step 920 can the procedure 900 optionally, the boarding pass and / or passenger list authentication / validation processes prior to the step 918 use.

In step 922 The on-board video system blocks the use of the monitor 808 displayed light identification by any other personal electronic device 120 to try with the seat 130 to form a couple.

In step 924 sends the personal electronic device 120 Control instructions to the seat functions 140 for the seat 130 to control over the wireless communication link 125 to the on-board video system 802 , In step 926, the on-board video system receives 802 the control instructions over the wireless communication link 125 from the personal electronic device 120 , In step 928 controls the on-board video system 802 the seat functions 140 based on the control instructions received from the personal electronic device 120.

In another aspect, each of the systems 100 . 200 and or 300 configured to accommodate a passenger swapping seats from his / her assigned passenger seat as set forth in a boarding pass or in the passenger list, or due to incorrect assignments. In one embodiment, the on-board management system includes 102 a cabin crew terminal 107 and a cabin software application (using the software program 112 integrated or may be a separate application), which is a cabin crew user interface for viewing the registered (eg, in pairs) personal electronic devices 120 and optionally the paired passenger seats indicates. The cabin software application is configured to allow an authorized crew member to select a registered personal electronic device and to pair and authorize the personal electronic device with a special passenger seat. The cabin software application may also be configured to allow an authorized crew member to release the authentication described above so that a passenger's personal electronic device may be paired and authorized for a passenger seat other than the passenger's assigned passenger seat.

4 illustrates an example flowchart for a method 400 for the operation of the device pair pairing software application 126 the personal electronic device 120 , After the application 126 has been started or started, as by the start symbol 402 is specified, the application waits in the block 404 on a pairing request. If no pairing request is received, as in the decision symbol 406 is specified, the application continues to wait for an input of a request. The waiting process as described herein may be a polling process, whereupon the logic checks at a predetermined interval for receipt of a pairing request, or it may be event driven.

If a pairing request is received, the processing logic then queries whether the necessary information is available and valid as in the decision symbol 408 is specified. Preferably, an electronic ticket is to the personal electronic device 120 has been transferred from which the software application 126 the necessary information, eg. B. the seat number, the flight or line number, a confirmation number and the identifying passenger information extracted.

If the necessary information is not available or invalid, the software application asks 126 in the block 410 the information from the passenger. The passenger may use a camera on the personal electronic device 120 to read a bar code or a quick-response code (QR code) on a printed ticket to provide the missing information. Alternatively, the user may enter the information either manually or using a voice input in the software application 126 Enter the displayed input fields. As yet another alternative, the passenger may use the personal electronic device 120 in the area of an NFC terminal in a seat to the seat number for the software application 126 to deliver. Instead of an NFC terminal, the seat information may be transmitted to the personal electronic device via a Bluetooth communication, an RFID tag, or an Apple iBeacon ™ at the passenger's seat. After entering the information in the block 410 the logic again determines if the necessary information is available and valid as in the decision symbol 408 is specified. If so, the logic sends the necessary information to the server 104 of the on-board management system 102 as in a processing block 412 is specified.

After that, the logic is waiting in the block 415 upon receiving an authorization authorization from the server 104 , If the approval is received, as in the decision icon 416 is indicated, shows the software application 126 the controls for interacting with the seat function controllers 140 or 150 and to transmit commands to them as in the block 418 is specified. The control commands can be obtained directly from the personal electronic device 120 to the seat function controllers 140 or 150 or first to the on-board management system 102 then transmit the appropriate command to the seat function controller 140 or 150 sends. Alternatively, the display of the controls and the transmission of the commands may be performed by another software application after the authorization for pairing has been received.

The software application 126 also checks to see if the authorization has been removed, as by the decision icon 420 is specified. In some flights, passengers may wish to change to another seat, with a crew member of the vehicle hosting the server 104 can cause a previous authorization repealed. Checking for cancellation may be in the form of monitoring for a cancellation message from the server 104 or an application running in the seat function controllers 140 or 150. If the authorization is canceled, the software application shows 126 a message to, as in the block 422 is specified to inform the passenger. Thereafter, the logic returns to block 404 to wait for another pairing request. If the authorization has not been removed, the software application shows 126 continue to control the controls, transmitting the commands as entered by the passenger. The authorization is normally canceled when the trip or flight is completed and the seat is made available to another passenger. As here regarding the 4 to 6 described, the waiting or the monitoring can be performed by polling at a predetermined interval or as an event-driven process.

5 illustrates an example flowchart for a method 500 for the operation of the device pairing software application 177 of the server 104. After the application 126 has been started or started, as by the start symbol 502 is specified, the application waits in the block 504 on a pairing request. The pairing request may be from that in the personal electronic device 120 installed device pairing software application 126 come. Alternatively, the pairing request may be via a web page 700 be submitted as in 7 is shown.

In particular, the on-board management system hosts 102 preferably a web page 700 for the passengers using the device pairing software application 126 did not install on their personal electronic device. 7 illustrates an example web page 700 for the particular case of a vehicle that is an aircraft. Passengers can use a browser in their personal electronic device 120 on the web page 700 access to enter the passenger identification. Because the web page 700 through the on-board management system 102 hosted, the on-board management system has access to data indicating the flight number, departure, destination and other information, giving some of this information on the web page 700 can show. The passenger enters his identification information in the data input fields 702 . 704 . 706 and or 708 the web page 700 and submit the data via the input / submit field 710 or by pressing Rewind or typing on a keyboard. The logic operated by the on-board management system 5 accepts the submitted data as the passenger identification information and a pairing request.

Through the web page 700 minimum information is required to identify the passenger, such as: As the name and another identifying piece of information such. A confirmation frequent flyer of the loyalty number to reduce the passenger's data entry load. In other embodiments, more or less identification information may be required from the passenger. The website 700 is preferably through the server 104 hosted as a site optimized for mobile devices to use for viewing the web page on small screens, such as a mobile phone. On mobile phones, as easy as possible. The website 700 can automatically come up as a portal page when a passenger first with his personal electronic device 120 with the wireless communication module 114 of the vehicle, z. A WAP, or may require the passenger to enter a web address.

If back in 5 no pairing request is received, the device pairing application waits 127 of the server 104 continue to input a request, as in the decision icon 506 is specified. If a pairing request has been received, the logic next queries whether the request is from a passenger rather than a crew member of the vehicle, as by the decision symbol 508 is specified. If the pairing request originates from a passenger, the logic then queries whether the number for the seat of the pairing request matches the information for that passenger, as by the decision symbol 510 is specified. If that the server 104 indicate that the requested seat is assigned to another passenger for that trip or flight, the logic transmits a message to the passenger as in the block 512 is specified. Thereafter, the logic returns to block 504 to wait for another pairing request.

If the seat is assigned to this passenger, ie the information matches, the software application authorizes 126 of the server 104 the pairing in the block 513 , This is also the situation if the pairing request is submitted by a crew member. As discussed earlier, passengers may wish to change seats. A crew member of the vehicle can do this by inputting a pairing request to the information in the server 104 to agree that another passenger has been assigned to this seat. The crew member can the Request by a crew panel connected to the server 104 or by a mobile device available only to the crew members of the vehicle and to the server 104 enter. Alternatively, the mobile device may be a personal electronic device 102 operated by a crew member, but having an installed software application available only to the crew members.

The server software application 126 monitors when the trip or flight is completed, as in the decision block 514 is specified. If the flight is over, the authorization for the couple will be in the block 516 canceled. As discussed earlier, the authorization is normally canceled when the trip or flight is completed and the seat is made available to another passenger. Otherwise, the server software application monitors 126 continuing to terminate the journey or flight and another pairing request. The cancellation of the authorization at the termination of the voyage or flight may alternatively be implemented as a manual command entered by a crew member of the flight.

6 FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for issuing commands to the seat function controllers 140 or 150 , The schedule is for a logic by the server 104 , the seat function controller 140 and 150 or both can be performed. After the software application has been started or started, as by the start symbol 602 is specified, the logic waits in the block 604 on a command from a personal electronic device 120 , The command can be directly from the personal electronic device 120 can be received or can by the server 104 be received indirectly.

After that, the logic determines in the decision block 606 whether the command came from a personal electronic device paired with the seat. The logic uses z. To the database 109 of the server 104 to determine which seat the personal electronic device 120 is paired with. If the personal electronic device 120 that has produced the command is not arranged in pairs with the seat, the command is in the block 608 declined. This may be the notification of the personal electronic device 120 contain that the command has been rejected.

If the personal electronic device 120 With the seat paired, the command is transmitted or executed, as in the block 610 is specified. The logic can z. In a smart monitor 149 or 159 be executed, wherein the intelligent monitor can execute the command directly, such. For example, interrupting video playback if the command was for interrupting video playback. Alternatively, the logic may be through the server 104 be executed, the appropriate command, such. B. to a seat function controller 140 or 150 z. B. for a seat adjustment transmits. As still another alternative, the command from the personal electronic device 120 may go directly to a seat function controller 140 or 150 be transferred if the logic after 6 is executed therein.

Although particular embodiments have been shown and described, it should be understood that the above description is not intended to limit the scope of these embodiments. While the embodiments and variations of the many aspects of the invention have been disclosed and described herein, such disclosure is provided for explanatory and illustrative purposes only. Thus, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. There are z. For example, not all of the components described in the embodiments may be required, which invention may include any suitable combination of the described components, the general shapes and relative sizes of the components of the invention may be modified. Accordingly, the embodiments are provided to illustrate alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may fall within the scope of the claims. Therefore, the invention should not be limited except for the following claims and their equivalents.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 8806521 [0009]
• US 9166810 [0029, 0075]

Claims (10)

A system for pairing a personal electronic device (PED) of a passenger with a seat in a vehicle and for controlling a seated function for the seat, the system comprising: an on-board video system configured to be installed in a vehicle, the on-board video system comprising an on-board management system and an in-seat display system in network communication with the on-board management system; in which the on-board management system comprises a server and a wireless communication module of the vehicle configured to establish a wireless communication link with the PED; the in-seat display system comprises a video monitor installed at the seat in the vehicle; wherein the on-board video system is configured to transmit, using the monitor, a light identification associated with the seat via a pulse width modulation communication generated by modulating a backlight of the monitor, via the wireless communication link, pairing information including a light identification code corresponding to the light identification received by the PED, and a PED identifier identifying the PED includes receiving from the PED, determining whether the light identification code received from the PED is valid, and if the light identification code received from the PED is valid then pair the PED with the seat and authorize the PED to control at least one passenger seat function associated with the seat. System after Claim 1 comprising at least one of the following features: a) the light identification corresponds to a seat code assigned to the seat and the light identification code received from the PED is a translation of the light identification received from the personal electronics into the seat code and the onboard video system determined by determining whether the Light identification code matches the seat code, if the light identification code is valid; b) the on-board video system is configured to block, after receiving a light identification code corresponding to the light identification from a first PED, the use of the light identification to pair with the seat by each other PED; c) the on-board video system is configured to assign a seat code to the seat and to generate the light identification based on the seat code; d) a device pairing software application stored in a non-transitory computer program carrier and configured to program the PED to receive the light identification using an imaging device in the PED, translate the light identification into a light identification code, the pairing information, including the light identification code and the PED identifier, to transmit via the wireless communication link to the on-board management system and to transmit a control instruction to control the at least one passenger seat functions; e) the on-board video system is further configured to: receive the passenger identification data over the wireless communication link from the PED; store the passenger list data including the identity of each passenger located at each assigned passenger seat; determine, using the passenger list, whether the passenger identification data and the seat associated with the light identification correspond to a passenger identity and an associated assigned passenger; arrange the PED with the seat in pairs only and authorize the PED only to control at least one passenger seat function associated with the seat when the passenger identification data and the seat associated with the light identification correspond to a passenger identity and an associated assigned passenger; f) the monitor is an intelligent monitor configured to perform at least one passenger seat function based on a control instruction transmitted from the personal electronic device; g) the PED of the passenger, the PED comprising a processor, a memory, a storage device, an imaging device, a wireless communication module configured to establish a wireless communication link with the on-board management system, and a device pairing software application described in U.S. Pat the PED is installed and configured to program the PED to receive the light identification using the imaging device, translate the light identification into a light identification code, the pairing information including the light identification code and the PED identifier over the wireless communication link to the PED on-board management system and a control instruction to control the at least one passenger seat function to transmit; h) the on-board video system is further configured to control a seat function based on a control instruction received over the wireless communication link from the PED; i) the at least one seating function comprises at least two or more of the following: a an on-board entertainment system, an air conditioning system, an illumination system, a telephony communication system, an on-board beverage or meal service request system, an attendant call system, a passenger status system, and a seat adjustment system. System according to one of Claims 1 or 2 , which further comprises a seat function controller installed in the vehicle and configured to control the at least one passenger seat function based on a control instruction transmitted from the PED, the seat function controller comprising a passenger service system coupled to the on-board management system in The passenger service system is configured to control the at least one passenger seat function based on a management system instruction received from the on-board management system based on the control instruction received from the personal electronic device. A method of pairing a personal electronic device (PED) of a passenger with a seat in a vehicle and controlling a seated function for the seat, the method comprising: Transmitting from a monitor installed at the seat of the passenger a light identification associated with the seat via a pulse width modulation communication generated by modulating a backlight of the monitor; Receiving pairing information including a light identification code corresponding to the light identification received from the PED and a PED identifier identifying the PED over a wireless communication link from the PED; Determining whether the light identification code received from the PED is valid; and, if the light identification code received from the PED is valid, then pairing the PED with the seat and authorizing the PED to control at least one passenger seat function associated with the seat. Method according to Claim 4 comprising at least one of the following steps: a) the light identification corresponds to a seat code associated with the seat, and the light identification code received by the PED is a translation of the light identification received from the personal electronics into the seat code, wherein determining whether the light identification code is valid determining whether the light identification code matches the seat code; b) after pairing the PED with the seat, block any other PED using light identification to pair with the seat. Method according to Claim 4 or 5 further comprising: upon receiving a light identification code corresponding to the light identification from a first PED, blocking each other PED using the light identification to pair with the seat. Method according to one of Claims 4 to 6 further comprising assigning a seat code to the seat and generating the light identification based on the seat code. The method of claims 4 to 7, further comprising: Receiving passenger identification data from the PED via the wireless communication link; Storing passenger list data including the identity of each passenger associated with each assigned passenger seat; Determining, using the passenger list, whether the passenger identification data and the seat associated with the light identification correspond to a passenger identity and an associated assigned passenger; only arrange the PED and the seat in pairs and only authorize the PED to control at least one passenger seat function associated with the seat when the passenger identification data and the seat associated with the light identification correspond to a passenger identity and an associated assigned passenger. Method according to one of Claims 4 to 8th further comprising: receiving control instructions from the PED over the wireless communication link; and controlling the at least one passenger seat function based on the control instructions received from the PED. Method according to one of Claims 4 to 9 wherein the at least one seat function comprises at least two or more of: an onboard entertainment system, an air conditioning system, an illumination system, a telephony communication system, an on-board beverage or meal service request system, an attendant call system, a passenger status system, and a seat adjustment system.

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