WO2012162381A1 - Procédés, appareils et articles manufacturés pour fournir des données de préférences de passagers à des systèmes de divertissement en vol - Google Patents

Procédés, appareils et articles manufacturés pour fournir des données de préférences de passagers à des systèmes de divertissement en vol Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012162381A1
WO2012162381A1 PCT/US2012/039118 US2012039118W WO2012162381A1 WO 2012162381 A1 WO2012162381 A1 WO 2012162381A1 US 2012039118 W US2012039118 W US 2012039118W WO 2012162381 A1 WO2012162381 A1 WO 2012162381A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
passenger
barcode
preference data
seat
airline
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/039118
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Chetan Yogendra THAKAR
Christopher K. Mondragon
Jr. Kenneth A. Brady
Original Assignee
Thales Avionics, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/156,467 external-priority patent/US20120298737A1/en
Application filed by Thales Avionics, Inc. filed Critical Thales Avionics, Inc.
Publication of WO2012162381A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012162381A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/30—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor of unstructured textual data
    • G06F16/38—Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually
    • G06F16/381—Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually using identifiers, e.g. barcodes, RFIDs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/0015—Arrangements for entertainment or communications, e.g. radio, television
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/0015—Arrangements for entertainment or communications, e.g. radio, television
    • B64D11/00155—Individual entertainment or communication system remote controls therefor, located in or connected to seat components, e.g. to seat back or arm rest
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/40—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor of multimedia data, e.g. slideshows comprising image and additional audio data
    • G06F16/43—Querying
    • G06F16/435—Filtering based on additional data, e.g. user or group profiles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/21—Server components or server architectures
    • H04N21/214—Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel, hospital
    • H04N21/2146—Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel, hospital located in mass transportation means, e.g. aircraft, train or bus
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/414—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
    • H04N21/41422—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance located in transportation means, e.g. personal vehicle
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/475—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data
    • H04N21/4755—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data for defining user preferences, e.g. favourite actors or genre
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/53—Arrangements specially adapted for specific applications, e.g. for traffic information or for mobile receivers
    • H04H20/61—Arrangements specially adapted for specific applications, e.g. for traffic information or for mobile receivers for local area broadcast, e.g. instore broadcast
    • H04H20/62—Arrangements specially adapted for specific applications, e.g. for traffic information or for mobile receivers for local area broadcast, e.g. instore broadcast for transportation systems, e.g. in vehicles

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates generally to passenger service systems, including in-flight entertainment systems, and, more particularly, to methods, apparatuses and articles of manufacture to provide passenger preference data to inflight entertainment systems.
  • Itineraries include multiple flight segments on different aircraft. It may be desirable for a passenger to be able to view such itineraries as one long flight with seamless services provided across the multiple segments. To accomplish this, passenger-specific information and passenger preference data from one flight needs to be available on subsequent flights. For example, a passenger may have watched part of two movies and created a detailed playlist of audio programs during one flight segment. The passenger may want to continue watching the movies or listen to the audio programs on subsequent flight segments. While today's in-flight entertainment systems are capable of collecting and providing this "state" information during a flight, there are currently no methods of moving this data to subsequent flights.
  • Example methods, apparatuses and articles of manufacture to provide passenger preference data to in-flight entertainment systems are disclosed herein.
  • an in-flight entertainment system refers to any system by which services such as food, drink, audio, video, Internet, etc. are provided to passengers during a flight.
  • passenger generated and controlled barcodes are used to provide passenger preference data to in-flight entertainment systems and to transfer passenger preference data between in-flight entertainment systems of different aircraft. Privacy is substantially increased by having the passenger control, choose or select what information is included in a particular barcode and decide whether to scan a barcode. Compared to present and previously
  • barcodes or other easily reproducible, graphical, symbolic, optically viewable, and portable medium to convey passenger preference data or passenger-specific information.
  • barcodes are highly mobile and compact, and, because the barcode is machine-readable only (i.e., not
  • a passenger may generate a barcode from any location at which they can access a barcode generator or a barcode server via, for example, the Internet.
  • a disclosed example method includes operating a user interface to enable a passenger to generate a barcode including a representation of passenger preference data, and operating an in-flight entertainment system in an airplane to enable the passenger to optically scan the barcode to provide the passenger preference data to the in-flight entertainment system.
  • a disclosed example system includes a server to enable a passenger to generate a barcode including a representation of passenger preference data, and an in-flight entertainment system including a scanner to enable the passenger to optically scan the barcode to provide the passenger preference data to the in-flight entertainment system.
  • a disclosed example apparatus includes a user interface to enable an airline passenger to provide passenger preference data, and a barcode generator to generate a barcode including a representation of the passenger preference data, the barcode optically scannable by the passenger within an airplane to provide the passenger preference data to an in-flight entertainment system of the airplane.
  • Another disclosed example method includes presenting a user interface to enable an airline passenger to provide passenger preference data, and generating a barcode including a representation of the passenger preference data, the barcode optically scannable by the passenger within an airplane to provide the passenger preference data to an in-flight entertainment system of the airplane.
  • a disclosed example tangible article of manufacture stores machine-readable instructions that, when executed, cause a machine to at least present a user interface to enable an airline passenger to provide passenger preference data, and
  • a barcode including a representation of the passenger preference data, the barcode optically scannable by the passenger within an airplane to provide the passenger preference data to an in-flight entertainment system of the airplane.
  • a disclosed example airline passenger seat includes an optical device to optically scan a barcode presented by a passenger associated with the airline passenger seat, the barcode generated by the passenger and including a representation of passenger preference data, a display device to enable the passenger to review the passenger preference data, and a communication module to provide the passenger preference data to an in-flight entertainment system.
  • Yet another disclosed example method includes optically scanning at a passenger seat a barcode presented by a passenger associated with the passenger seat, the barcode generated by the passenger and including a
  • Another disclosed example article of manufacture stores machine- readable instructions that, when executed, cause a machine to at least optically scan at a passenger seat a barcode presented by a passenger associated with the passenger seat, the barcode generated by the passenger and including a
  • representation of passenger preference data present a user interface to enable the passenger to review the passenger preference data, and communicate the passenger preference data to an in-flight entertainment system.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates of an example system to provide passenger preference data to in-flight entertainment systems
  • FIG. 2 is a pictorial perspective diagram that illustrates an example implementation of the example in-flight entertainment console of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a data structure diagram that illustrates example passenger preference data that may be included in a barcode
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example process that may be carried out to implement the example barcode server of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts illustrating example processes that may be carried out to implement the example in-flight entertainment console of FIG. 1 .
  • USB universal serial bus
  • USB memory sticks specifically for the purpose of storing and transfer personal information into and between aircraft. This requires the airline to invest in the USB memory sticks, replace the USB memory sticks when they are lost or misplaced, and impose on the passenger to remember to carry and use this device for this purpose.
  • At-the-gate communication systems can avoid the effort and logistically issues associated with the use of USB memory sticks. It also permits the data to be quickly and electronically transferred to the aircraft systems for more effective use during the flight. However, it requires each airport or airport gate to be fitted with communication equipment compatible with the aircraft. If an airport does not have the communication equipment, the enhanced features would not be available to the passengers and crew. Additionally, the aircraft must be fitted with communication equipment capable of operating at each location the aircraft lands. For short-range aircraft running domestic routes this may not be a serious problem but for long-range international carriers this may be problematic because of inconsistent regulations and technologies used internationally for wireless
  • any of the approaches where the airline systems collect, track and transfer information to the aircraft are also subject to passenger privacy concerns. For example, how is the data obtained, where is it stored, who has access to the data, how can the passenger effect removal of data from the airlines systems may be issues of concern to passengers. These issues may represent legitimate passenger concerns that may place an airline in a compromised position when dealing with passengers. The more apparent it is that the airline is collecting, distributing, and using data specific to each passenger, the more difficulty the airline may have with passenger complaints and potential legal action.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 that may be used by a passenger to provide passenger preference data or passenger-specific information to in-flight entertainment systems, one of which is designated at reference numeral 105 and crew members 1 10 of an aircraft. Moreover, the system 100 may be used by the passenger to transfer passenger preference data or passenger-specific information between in-flight entertainment systems of different aircraft.
  • the example barcode 1 15 may be a two-dimensional barcode, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , or a one-dimensional barcode. As shown in FIG. 1 , the barcode 1 15 may be printed on a piece of paper 121 , a boarding pass, an itinerary, etc., or displayed on an electronic device 122 such as a handheld computer, a laptop, a smartphone, a game console, a netbook, a tablet computer, an electronic book reader, a camera, etc.
  • the barcode 1 15 may be generated by the passenger by using or accessing a barcode server 125 or a barcode generator 126 of the in-flight entertainment system 105.
  • the barcode 115 can be used to convey passenger preference data and passenger-specific information from ground to aircraft and from aircraft to aircraft.
  • barcodes optically or graphically represent or convey data intended for consumption by an electronic device equipped with an optical reader, camera, or scanner. Even though electronic device(s) produce and consume the data conveyed by a barcode, the actual transfer of the data is optical rather than electrical (wired or wireless). While conventional one and two-dimensional barcodes are used in examples disclosed herein, it should be appreciated that any other form of graphical, symbolic, easily reproducible, optically viewable, printable, and/or transportable medium could be used to convey passenger-specific information and passenger preference data.
  • the barcode 1 15 can be created by the passenger on the ground either in the privacy of the passenger's home or place of business, at an airport, during check-in at a gate or, more generally, at any location at which the passenger has communicative access to the example barcode server 125 or the example barcode generator 126, which may include while the passenger is located in an aircraft.
  • the barcode 1 15 can include a wide range of information that is entered, selected or approved by the passenger. Privacy is maintained by having the passenger choose or select what information is included in the barcode 115 and decide whether to scan the barcode 1 15. Accordingly, compared to present and previously contemplated systems, numerous advantages are realized by use of the barcode 1 15 to convey passenger preference data or passenger-specific
  • barcodes are highly mobile and compact, and, because the barcode is machine-readable only (i.e., not understandable by humans), there is inherent security and privacy, etc.
  • the system 100 includes the example barcode server 125.
  • the barcode server 125 may be any type of computer, server or workstation implementing a web-based interface accessible via a network such as the Internet 130. Accordingly, the barcode server 125 may be implemented by one or more Intel®, AMD®, or ARM® microprocessors (not shown). Of course, other processors from other processor families or manufacturers are also appropriate.
  • the processor(s) executes coded instructions present in memory (not shown) of the barcode server 125, stored on a computer-readable storage device (not shown) such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a FLASH drive, a hard disk drive, a network-attached storage device, a server- based storage device, etc.
  • the processor(s) may execute, among other things, the example machine-readable instructions of FIG. 4.
  • the barcode server 125 provides one or more web-based user interfaces that enable a passenger to a) identify or authenticate herself, b) enter, select or choose passenger-specific information or passenger preferences, and c) generate a barcode including a representation of the entered, selected or chosen passenger-specific information or passenger preferences.
  • the passenger may use any number or type(s) of electronic device(s) to access or utilize the barcode server 125.
  • the passenger may use a personal computer 135, workstation, a kiosk, an automated airline check-in terminal, a set-top box, a laptop, a netbook, or the handheld device 122 (e.g., a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a game console, etc.) to access the barcode server 125.
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • the barcode server 125 Based on the passenger-specific information or passenger preferences entered, selected or chosen by a passenger, the barcode server 125 generates the barcode 1 15.
  • the barcode server 125 translates the passenger's selected information into alphanumeric codes based on information stored in a database 140. For example, the database 140 may identify that a first alphanumeric code is associated with jazz music, and a second alphanumeric code is associated with a particular movie.
  • the barcode server 125 combines the alphanumeric codes to form a text string representing the passenger's selected information.
  • the barcode server 125 graphically encodes the text string to form the barcode 1 5.
  • the text string may be encoded or encrypted prior to generation of the barcode 1 15 to enhance security.
  • Example passenger preference data that may be included in the barcode 1 15 is described below in connection with FIG. 3. While not depicted in FIG. 1 , a passenger may generate different barcodes 1 15 representing different sets of passenger selected information for different types of travel itineraries, different flights, different aircraft types, etc. While the barcode 1 15 may be associated with a particular seat assignment, flight or reservation, the information represented by the barcode 1 15 is independent of such ancillary information. That is, the barcode 115 may be used at any seat and on any flight regardless of its associated with a particular seat or flight.
  • the barcode server 125 provides the barcode 1 5 to the computer 135 or the handheld device 122.
  • the barcode 1 15 may be printed on the paper 121 , an itinerary or a boarding pass for transport.
  • a user interface presented at the computer 135 by the barcode server 125 may be used to print the barcode 1 15 on a printer (not shown) coupled to the computer 135.
  • the barcode 1 15 may be stored in the handheld device 122 for subsequent transport, display and scanning.
  • the barcode 15 may be electronically mailed to the passenger for subsequent transport, display and scanning on the handheld device 122 or any other device associated with the passenger.
  • the computer 35 may display the barcode 1 15 on an associated display device to enable a passenger to take a photograph of the barcode using, for example, a digital camera or a smartphone including a digital camera.
  • Information may be stored in the database 140 using any number or type(s) of data structure(s), table(s) and database entry(-ies).
  • the database 140 may be implemented using any number or type(s) of volatile and non-volatile memory(- ies), memory device(s) and storage device(s).
  • the passenger can provide their passenger-specific information or passenger preferences to the in-flight entertainment system 105 by optically scanning the barcode 1 15.
  • the passenger uses an optical scanner 141 associated with an in-flight entertainment console 140 located in, for example, a seat back in front of the passenger.
  • An example implementation of the in-flight entertainment console 140 is illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • the in- flight entertainment console 140 activates, turns on or enables the optical scanner 141.
  • the barcode 115 may include information to identify or
  • the barcode 1 15 may further include passenger account information such as billing account information, credit card information, travel award point information, drink coupon balance, travel upgrade balance, etc.
  • the example scanner 141 begins capturing images of the barcode 115.
  • the scanner 141 may be a digital camera or webcam configured to capture in-focus images of close objects (i.e., objects placed 2 to 6 inches in front of the scanner 141 ).
  • the scanner 141 may be positioned at a downward angle for convenience and privacy.
  • the scanner 141 may be configured to be severely out- of-focus at greater distances to provide further privacy.
  • the scanner 141 may include a passenger-operable cover to enable the passenger to manually enable and disable the scanner 141.
  • the optical scanner 141 may be implemented as a module such as that described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13/109,143 filed on May 17, 201 1 , which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • the in-flight entertainment console 140 may include a decoder 143.
  • the example decoder 143 attempts to decode the captured images of the barcode 1 15. In the absence of focus errors or decoding errors, the decoder 143 decodes at least one the captured images to obtain the text string generated by the barcode server 125.
  • the decoder 143 may be implemented by executing machine-readable instructions on a processor such as a controller 144 of the in-flight entertainment console 140.
  • the in-flight entertainment console 140 may include a parser 145.
  • the example parser 145 parses the decoded text string into its constituent alphanumeric codes, and translates each of the constituent alphanumeric codes into corresponding passenger preference data by querying a database 150 hosted by an in-flight entertainment server 155.
  • the database 150 may be implemented in conjunction with the in-flight entertainment console 140.
  • the decoder 143 may be implemented by executing machine-readable instructions on the controller 144.
  • the parser 145 may be implemented by the in-flight entertainment server 155.
  • Information may be stored in the database 150 using any number or type(s) of data structure(s), table(s) and database entry(-ies).
  • the database 150 may be implemented using any number or type(s) of volatile and non-volatile memories), memory device(s) and storage device(s).
  • the database 150 may be updated when an aircraft including the database 150 is at an airport, is being service, or is in flight via any number or type(s) of terrestrial, non-terrestrial, wired, wireless and satellite communication system(s). In contrast to prior art systems, the database 150 need not be populated with passenger-specific information or passenger preference data prior to the aircraft leaving the gate, taking off, or the passenger scanning their barcode 115.
  • the in-flight entertainment console 140 is communicatively coupled to the in-flight entertainment server 155 via a communication module 146 of the inflight entertainment console 140 and an in-flight entertainment communication network 160.
  • the in-flight entertainment console 140 may be communicatively couple to ground-based communication systems (not shown) via a terrestrial communication system (e.g., a wireless local area network, a cellular network) or a non-terrestrial communication system (e.g., a satellite communication system).
  • a terrestrial communication system e.g., a wireless local area network, a cellular network
  • a non-terrestrial communication system e.g., a satellite communication system
  • the terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication system(s) may be used to allow a passenger to make telephone calls and access the barcode server 125 via the Internet 130.
  • the in-flight entertainment console 140 may optionally include an additional communication module 147 such as a Bluetooth communication module or USB interface to enable the in-flight entertainment console 140 to communicate or transfer a barcode from the in-flight entertainment console 140 to an electronic device (e.g., the handheld device 122) associated with a passenger.
  • an additional communication module 147 such as a Bluetooth communication module or USB interface to enable the in-flight entertainment console 140 to communicate or transfer a barcode from the in-flight entertainment console 140 to an electronic device (e.g., the handheld device 122) associated with a passenger.
  • the in-flight entertainment console 140 includes the example controller 144.
  • the controller 144 provides the decoded passenger-specific information or passenger preference data to the in-flight entertainment server 155.
  • a portion of the decoded passenger-specific information or passenger preference data e.g., meal preferences, drink selection, meal selections, etc. may be forwarded by the inflight entertainment server 155 to the crew 1 10.
  • the controller 144 may be implemented by one or more Intel, AMD, or ARM microprocessors (not shown). Of course, other processors from other processor families and manufacturers are also appropriate.
  • the controller 144 executes machine-readable instructions present in memory (not shown) of the controller 144, stored on a computer-readable storage device (not shown) such as a CD, a DVD, a floppy disk, a FLASH drive, a hard disk drive, a network-attached storage device, a server-based storage device, etc.
  • the controller 144 may execute, among other things, the example machine-readable instructions that may be executed to perform the processes of FIGS. 5 and 6.
  • the in-flight entertainment console 140 includes the example barcode generator 26.
  • the barcode generator 126 may implement substantially the same process(es) as the barcode server 125.
  • the generator 126 may implement a web-based interface that enables the passenger to interact with the barcode server 125 via, for example, a terrestrial or a non-terrestrial communication system (e.g., a satellite communication system) to generate a barcode.
  • a terrestrial or a non-terrestrial communication system e.g., a satellite communication system
  • the passenger may utilize the barcode generator 126 to update their passenger- specific information or passenger preference data for a subsequent flight. For example, they may wish to record that they have watched half of a particular movie.
  • the barcode generator 126 Based on the updated passenger-specific information or passenger preference data, the barcode generator 126 generates another barcode 1 15 including a
  • the additional barcode 1 15 may, for example, be printed via an onboard printer (not shown) or electronically mailed to the passenger for subsequent use. Additionally or alternatively, the in-flight entertainment console 140 may display the additional barcode 1 15 generated by the barcode generator 126 on its display device 142 to enable a passenger to take a photograph of the barcode using, for example, a digital camera or a smartphone including a digital camera. The barcode generator 126 may be implemented by executing machine-readable instructions on the controller 144. [0049] While, for ease of explanation and illustration, a single in-flight entertainment console 140 is depicted in FIG. 1 , the in-flight entertainment system 105 typically includes multiple in-flight entertainment consoles 140. Moreover, a particular in-flight entertainment console 140 may be used to scan the barcodes 1 15 associated with more than one passenger. For example, when the in-flight entertainment console 140 is shared by multiple passengers.
  • One or more of the elements illustrated in FIG. 1 may be combined, divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated or implemented in any other way. Further, the elements shown in FIG. 1 may be implemented by one or more circuit(s), programmable processor(s), fuses, application-specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)), field-programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), field-programmable gate array(s) (FPGA(s)), etc.
  • ASIC application-specific integrated circuit
  • PLD programmable logic device
  • FPLD field-programmable logic device
  • FPGA field-programmable gate array
  • the example system 100 may include elements instead of, or in addition to, those illustrated in FIG. 1 . Moreover, the example system 100 may include more than one of any or all of the illustrated elements.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an example manner of implementing the in-flight entertainment console 140 of FIG. 1.
  • the optical scanner 141 may be positioned at the bottom of the in-flight entertainment console 140 at a downward angle for convenience and privacy.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates example passenger-specific information and passenger preference data 300 that may be included in the barcode 1 5 of FIG. 1.
  • the example data 300 includes a title field 305, a first name field 310 and a last name field 315.
  • the example title field 305 includes one or more characters that represent a title such as Mr., Mrs. Dr., Rev., etc.
  • the example first name field 310 and the last name field 315 include one or more characters that represent the passenger's first name and last name, respectively.
  • the data 300 may include a destination field 320 including a three letter code (e.g., CHI, DFW, etc.) representing a destination airport.
  • the data 300 includes a video preferences field 325 and an audio preferences field 330.
  • the example preferences fields 325 and 330 may include genre identifiers (e.g., rock, jazz, action, comedy) and identifiers for specific media (e.g., a specific movie or television show).
  • the data 300 includes a meal preference field 335 and a meal selection field 340.
  • the example meal preference field 335 includes one or more alphanumeric characters representing a meal type (e.g., kosher, low sodium, child, etc.).
  • the example meal selection field 340 includes one or more alphanumeric characters representing a particular meal (e.g., continental, bacon and eggs, etc.).
  • the example data 300 includes an optional update information field 345.
  • the example update information field 345 includes one or more alphanumeric characters that represents, for example, a mobile telephone number to which an updated barcode could be sent, an electronic mail address to which an updated barcode could be sent, a default device identifiers representing a flight attendant printer, etc., or identifies a particular passenger seat.
  • the example data 300 includes an optional credit field 350.
  • the example credit field 350 includes one or more alphanumeric characters that represents, for example, available miles, account credit balance, drink coupons, etc.
  • Information in the credit field 350 may be used, for example, to make purchases (e.g., food, beverage, movies, etc.) during a flight.
  • purchases e.g., food, beverage, movies, etc.
  • the barcodes disclosed herein may be used to convey such information to in-flight entertainment systems.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example process that may be carried out to implement the example barcode server 125 of FIG. 1 .
  • the process of FIG. 4 may be implemented as machine-readable instructions executed by one or more processors to implement the example barcode server 125 of FIG. 1.
  • the process of FIG. 4 begins with the barcode server 125 optionally authenticating a user (e.g., a passenger) based on, for example, a provided username and password (block 405).
  • the barcode server 125 presents one or more user interfaces to enable the user to enter, select or choose passenger-specific information or passenger preference data (block 410).
  • the barcode server 125 optionally stores the updated information for subsequent retrieval (block 415). If the user has more updates to make (block 420), control returns to block 410 to present one or more user interfaces.
  • the barcode server 125 If no more updates are needed (block 420) and if the user wants to generate a barcode (e.g., the barcode 115) (block 425), the barcode server 125 generates the barcode (block 430) and transfers the barcode by, for example, printing the barcode or electronically mailing the barcode (block 435). Control then exits from the example process of FIG. 4.
  • a barcode e.g., the barcode 115
  • the barcode server 125 If no more updates are needed (block 420) and if the user wants to generate a barcode (e.g., the barcode 115) (block 425), the barcode server 125 generates the barcode (block 430) and transfers the barcode by, for example, printing the barcode or electronically mailing the barcode (block 435). Control then exits from the example process of FIG. 4.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts of example processes that may be carried out to implement the in-flight entertainment console 140 of FIG. 1.
  • the processes of FIGS. 5 and 6 may be implemented as machine-readable instructions executed by one or more processors to implement the example in-flight
  • the process of FIG. 5 begins with the controller 144 authenticating the passenger based on, for example, a provided username and password (block 405).
  • the controller 144 presents one or more user interfaces on the display 142 to enable the user to enter, select or choose passenger-specific information or passenger preference data (block 410). If the passenger indicates a barcode (e.g., the barcode 1 15) is to be scanned (block 515), the controller 155 activates the scanner 141 (block 520).
  • the scanner 141 begins capturing images of the barcode (block 525) and the decoder 143 begins attempting to decode the captured images (block 530).
  • the parser 145 converts the decoded text string into passenger-specific information or passenger preference data (block 535).
  • the controller 144 presents the decoded passenger- specific information or passenger preference data on the display 142 (block 540).
  • control returns to block 510 to present one or more user interfaces.
  • the controller 144 sends the passenger's passenger-specific information or passenger preference data to the in-flight entertainment server 155 via the communication module 146 (block 550). Control then exits from the example process of FIG. 5. [0065] Returning to block 515, if the user does not indicate a barcode is to be scanned (block 515), control proceeds to block 545 without capturing or decoding a barcode.
  • FIG. 6 may be carried out at any time. Moreover, a passenger need not have previously scanned a barcode in order to utilize the example process of FIG. 6. Further still, the example processes of FIGS. 5 and 6 may be combined.
  • the example process of FIG. 6 begins with the controller 144 authenticating the passenger based on, for example, a provided username and password (block 605).
  • the controller 144 presents one or more user interfaces on the display 142 to enable the user to enter, select or choose passenger-specific information or passenger preference data (block 610). If the passenger has more updates to make (block 615), control returns to block 610 to present one or more user interfaces.
  • a disclosed example method comprises:
  • the passenger preference data represents at least one of a movie, an audio program, a television program, a language, a drink preference, or a food preference.
  • the barcode comprises at least one of a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode.
  • a disclosed example system herein comprises:
  • a server to enable a passenger to generate a barcode including a
  • an in-flight entertainment system including a scanner to enable the passenger to optically scan the barcode to provide the passenger preference data to the in-flight entertainment system.
  • the in-flight entertainment system console includes a display device to enable the passenger to at least one of review, remove, or modify the passenger preference data.
  • the in-flight entertainment system includes a barcode generator to generate a second barcode including a representation of second passenger preference data.
  • the barcode comprises at least one of a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode.
  • a disclosed example apparatus comprises:
  • a user interface to enable an airline passenger to provide passenger preference data
  • a barcode generator to generate a barcode including a representation of the passenger preference data, the barcode optically scannable by the passenger within an airplane to provide the passenger preference data to an in-flight entertainment system of the airplane.
  • Another disclosed example method comprises:
  • generating a barcode including a representation of the passenger preference data the barcode optically scannable by the passenger within an airplane to provide the passenger preference data to an in-flight entertainment system of the airplane.
  • a disclosed example tangible article of manufacture stores machine-readable instructions that, when executed, cause a machine to at least: present a user interface to enable an airline passenger to provide passenger preference data;
  • a barcode including a representation of the passenger preference data, the barcode optically scannable by the passenger within an airplane to provide the passenger preference data to an in-flight entertainment system of the airplane.
  • the embodiments described herein may include a tangible machine-readable storage device for storing machine-readable instructions, a processor for executing the machine-readable instructions, a permanent storage such as a disk drive, a communications port for handling communications with external devices, and user interface devices, including a display, keys, etc.
  • a tangible machine-readable storage device for storing machine-readable instructions
  • a processor for executing the machine-readable instructions
  • a permanent storage such as a disk drive
  • a communications port for handling communications with external devices
  • user interface devices including a display, keys, etc.
  • software modules may be implemented as machine-readable instructions, which are executable by one or more processors, stored on a tangible article of manufacture such as a tangible machine-readable storage media.
  • Example machine-readable storage media include a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a CD, a DVD, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storage device, an electronic storage media (e.g., an integrated circuit (IC), an electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a flash memory, etc.), a quantum storage device, a cache, or any other storage media in which information may be stored for any duration (e.g., for extended time periods, permanently, brief instances, for temporarily buffering, or for caching of the information).
  • the machine-readable storage medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems (e.g., a network-attached storage device, a server-based storage device, a shared network storage device, etc.) so that the machine-readable instructions may be stored and executed in a distributed fashion.
  • a machine-readable storage medium excludes any media on which signals may be propagated.
  • a machine-readable storage medium may include internal signal traces or internal signal paths carrying electrical signals therein
  • the examples disclosed herein may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware and software components configured to perform the specified functions.
  • the disclosed examples may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like that may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices.
  • the disclosed elements may be implemented using software programming or software elements the disclosed examples may be implemented with any combination of the disclosed examples.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Data Mining & Analysis (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Library & Information Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des procédés, des appareils et des articles manufacturés pour fournir des données de préférences de passagers à des systèmes de divertissement en vol. Le siège passager d'une ligne aérienne décrit, donné pour l'exemple, inclut un dispositif optique pour balayer optiquement un code à barres présenté par un passager associé au siège passager de la ligne aérienne, le code à barres généré par le passager incluant une représentation de données de préférences pour le passager, un dispositif d'affichage pour permettre au passager de revoir ses données de préférences et un module de communication pour fournir les données de préférences du passager à un système de divertissement en vol.
PCT/US2012/039118 2011-05-26 2012-05-23 Procédés, appareils et articles manufacturés pour fournir des données de préférences de passagers à des systèmes de divertissement en vol WO2012162381A1 (fr)

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US201161490567P 2011-05-26 2011-05-26
US61/490,567 2011-05-26
US13/156,467 US20120298737A1 (en) 2011-05-26 2011-06-09 Methods, apparatuses and articles of manufacture to provide passenger preference data to in-flight entertainment systems
US13/156,467 2011-06-09

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FR3008572A1 (fr) * 2013-07-15 2015-01-16 Dassault Aviat Systeme de gestion d'un environnement cabine dans une plateforme, et procede de gestion associee
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WO2013117360A1 (fr) * 2012-02-07 2013-08-15 Siemens Convergence Creators Gmbh Procédé pour délivrer des contenus d'information spécifiques à un utilisateur dans un moyen de transport
EP3515081A1 (fr) * 2012-02-07 2019-07-24 Atos Convergence Creators GmbH Procédé pour délivrer des contenus d'information spécifiques à un utilisateur dans un moyen de transport
ITRM20130049A1 (it) * 2013-01-29 2014-07-30 Lorenzo Bosio Etichetta per la identificazione univoca di smart objects della internet of things, relativi metodo e sistema per l¿utilizzo della identita' accertata delle cose tramite l¿uso di detti smart objects
FR3008572A1 (fr) * 2013-07-15 2015-01-16 Dassault Aviat Systeme de gestion d'un environnement cabine dans une plateforme, et procede de gestion associee
EP2827616A1 (fr) 2013-07-15 2015-01-21 Dassault Aviation Système de gestion d'un environnement cabine dans une plateforme, et procédé de gestion associée
US9305457B2 (en) 2013-07-15 2016-04-05 Dassault Aviation System for managing a cabin environment in a platform, and associated management method
EP2933939A1 (fr) * 2014-04-15 2015-10-21 Thomson Licensing Procédé et système pour fournir un service de divertissement après débarquement
EP2933938A1 (fr) * 2014-04-15 2015-10-21 Thomson Licensing Procédé et système pour fournir un service de divertissement après débarquement
CN104010056A (zh) * 2014-05-22 2014-08-27 苏州锟恩电子科技有限公司 蓝牙显示屏
CN107817768A (zh) * 2016-09-14 2018-03-20 波音公司 用于与飞机座舱控制***接口的***和方法
EP3569500A1 (fr) * 2018-05-17 2019-11-20 BAE SYSTEMS plc Dispositif d'activation de charge utile
WO2019220076A1 (fr) * 2018-05-17 2019-11-21 Bae Systems Plc Dispositif d'activation de charge utile
US11199388B2 (en) 2018-05-17 2021-12-14 Bae Systems Plc Payload activation device
US11565812B2 (en) 2018-05-17 2023-01-31 Bae Systems Plc Payload activation device

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