Indicating system for security of spaces in an aircraft

A method and apparatus for managing security of areas in an aircraft. The method is provided for managing aircraft security. A set of sensors associated with a set of secured areas is monitored for an indication of a compromised space within a cabin of the aircraft. In response to receiving a signal from a sensor in the set of sensors identifying a breach, an area for the breach in the cabin is identified to form an identified area. A visual indication device associated with the identified area is identified to form an identified visual indication device. A presentation of an alert on the identified visual indication device is initiated.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The present disclosure relates generally to an aircraft and in particular to a monitoring system for an aircraft. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to an indicating system for security of compartments and spaces in an aircraft.

Airline procedures may be important to ensure the safety for passengers using air travel. Currently, inspections of the interior of an aircraft may be made to prevent placement of or identify prohibited objects and/or items in an aircraft. The current inspections may be performed to ensure the finding of and/or disposing of these types of objects. Aircraft regularly undergo vigorous inspections each day and while cleaning the aircraft between flights resulting in several man-hours per airplane per day. If any areas appear to be tampered with, a more thorough inspection will then be performed.

These visual inspections may also be performed to ensure that the required minimum equipment is present before flight, for example, that life vests are present in all passenger seats. Any missing equipment may be required to be replaced before flight.

These and other types of inspections may be time consuming and may increase the amount of time needed between flights. These types of inspections may reduce the number of flights possible, as well as requiring increased personnel to perform inspections.

Attempts have been made to make inspections easier to perform. For example, life vests have been put in boxes or compartments with doors. These doors may then be sealed with a tamper evident device. As a result, a visual inspection may be quickly made to determine whether the tamper evident device is intact.

Visually inspecting the spaces, including seat cushions, is labor intensive. This type of inspection increases expense and time to operate flights. Most spaces in an aircraft may not be accessed or tampered with the majority of the time. Seat cushions were not originally designed for these kinds of regular removal and re-installation type inspections. As such, seat cushion components may not withstand this daily activity and may therefore, require more maintenance and replacement, causing significant additional cost to airlines.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to have an improved method and apparatus to overcome the problems described above.

SUMMARY

The advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus for managing security of areas in an aircraft. In one advantageous embodiment, the method is provided for managing aircraft security. A set of sensors associated with a set of secured areas is monitored for an indication of a compromised space within a cabin of the aircraft. In response to receiving a signal from a sensor in the set of sensors identifying a breach, an area for the breach in the cabin is identified to form an identified area. A visual indication device associated with the identified area is identified to form an identified visual indication device. A presentation of an alert on the identified visual indication device is initiated.

In another advantageous embodiment, an aircraft security system for identifying a compromised space in an aircraft comprises a sensor network, a display indication network, and a data processing system. The sensor network is capable of monitoring a set of secured areas in a cabin of an aircraft. The display indication device network is in communication with the sensor network and is capable of generating visual alerts within the cabin of the aircraft. The data processing system is capable of monitoring the sensor network for an indication of the compromised space within the set of secured areas; identifying a breach, identifying an area for the breach in the cabin to form an identified area in response to receiving a signal from a sensor in a plurality of sensors, identifying a visual indication device within the display indication device network in which the visual indication device is associated with the identified area to form an identified visual indication device, and initiating a presentation of an alert on the identified visual indication device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more particularly to the drawings, embodiments of the disclosure may be described in the context of the aircraft manufacturing and service method100as shown inFIG. 1and aircraft200as shown inFIG. 2. Turning first toFIG. 1, a diagram illustrating an aircraft manufacturing and service method is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment.

During pre-production, exemplary aircraft manufacturing and service method100may include specification and design102of aircraft200inFIG. 2and material procurement104. During production, component and subassembly manufacturing106and system integration108of aircraft200inFIG. 2takes place. Thereafter, aircraft200inFIG. 2may go through certification and delivery110in order to be placed in service112. While in service by a customer, aircraft200inFIG. 2is scheduled for routine maintenance and service114, which may include inspections, modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and other maintenance or service.

With reference now toFIG. 2, a diagram of an aircraft is depicted in which an advantageous embodiment may be implemented. In this example, aircraft200is produced by aircraft manufacturing and service method100inFIG. 1and may include airframe202with a plurality of systems204and interior206. Examples of systems204include one or more of propulsion system208, electrical system210, hydraulic system212, and environmental system214. Any number of other systems may be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, different advantageous embodiments may be applied to other mobile and fixed based industries, such as the automotive industry, cruise ship industry, public type buildings requiring limited access to spaces, and other suitable industries.

Apparatus and methods embodied herein may be employed during any one or more of the stages of aircraft manufacturing and service method100inFIG. 1. For example, components or subassemblies produced in component and subassembly manufacturing106inFIG. 1may be fabricated or manufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies produced while aircraft200is in service112inFIG. 1.

Also, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be utilized during production stages, such as component and subassembly manufacturing106and system integration108inFIG. 1, for example, without limitation, by substantially expediting the assembly of or reducing the initial and/or operating cost of aircraft200. Similarly, one or more of apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be utilized while aircraft200is in service112or during maintenance and service114inFIG. 1.

Turning now toFIG. 3, a diagram of a passenger cabin is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, passenger cabin300may include passenger seating in seating area302. Passenger seating may include aircraft seats304,306,308,310,312,314,316,318, and320.

Further, seating area302in passenger cabin300may also include storage areas, such as overhead compartments322,324, and326. Passenger cabin300also may include lavatory328and galley area330. These two areas may be partitioned or separated from seating area302by a partitioning structure such as, for example, without limitation, wall332. Lavatory328may have door334, which allows entry into lavatory328. Further, galley area330may include carts336,338, and340, which may be stored under counter342. Further, galley area330also may include cabinets344. Cabinets344may store various items, such as, for example, without limitation, drinks, tableware, plates, cups, napkins, coffee, and other suitable items for galley area330.

This illustration of passenger cabin300for an aircraft is provided for purposes of illustrating one environment in which the different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. The illustration of passenger cabin300inFIG. 3is not meant to imply architectural limitations as to the manner in which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. For example, other area may be present in addition to passenger seating area302, lavatory328, and galley area330. Other areas may include, for example, without limitation, closets, storage areas, lounges, and other suitable areas for passenger seating.

As another example, aircraft seats within seating area302may be arranged differently from the depicted example. In other advantageous embodiments, seats may be grouped into sets of three, four, or five aircraft seats instead of two or single seats as illustrated in seating area302. The different advantageous embodiments provide emergency equipment systems that may be integrated into aircraft seats, such as those illustrate inFIG. 3.

The different advantageous embodiments recognize that it would be desirable to reduce the amount of inspections that are performed. Currently, inspections may be performed in the cabin of an aircraft and other areas multiple times each day. The different advantageous embodiments recognize that the currently used mechanism for performing inspections requires an inspection of all of the different areas that are required to be secured. These areas include, for example, cabinets in vanities in the lavatory, toilet shrouds in the laboratory, areas behind air grills, pouches in aircraft seats, life vest packages, and other areas of concern.

Thus, the different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus for a security system to identify compromised spaces in an aircraft. The different advantageous embodiments may monitor sensors associated with secured areas in the aircraft cabin for an indication of a compromised space that may have occurred. In response to receiving a signal from the sensor in the sensors, an area with the breach is identified to form an identified area. A visual indication device located in the cabin that is associated with the identified area is located. A presentation of an alert on the identified visual indication device is initiated. In this manner, an identification of breaches within a cabin of an aircraft may be located. Other areas in which sensors do not detect breaches may not be inspected or may be inspected with less frequency.

With reference now toFIG. 4, an illustration of an aircraft security system is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Aircraft security system400may be implemented in passenger cabin300inFIG. 3.

In this example, aircraft security system400includes data processing system402, sensor network404, and visual indication device network406. Data processing system402provides hardware and software needed to monitor a passenger cabin for compromised spaces. Data processing system402may be in various locations in the aircraft. For example, data processing system402may be located in the passenger cabin, the cockpit, a galley area, or some other suitable location within the aircraft. Sensor network404is used to monitor locations within aircraft cabin locations408. Similarly, this sensor network404and visual indication device network406could be utilized for compartments, doors, service panel spaces typically accessed from the exterior of the aircraft or other suitable spaces.

In these examples, these locations are secured areas. These areas may include, for example, vanity cabinets, toilet shrouds, compartments in the lavatory, areas behind an air grill, and other suitable areas. In these examples, sensors412are placed in and/or monitor secured areas410. These sensors may route indications of breaches in secured areas410to data processing system402through routers414. Routers414provide an interconnection between sensors412and data processing system402. In some advantageous embodiments, sensors412may be directly connected to data processing system402.

Visual indication device network406provides a presentation or display of an alert in various areas within aircraft cabin locations408. Alert areas416are areas in which visual indication devices418may be located. These visual indication devices include, for example, lights420, signs422, and displays424. Lights420may be placed in an area within alert areas416that is within some distance of the corresponding secured area within secured areas410.

For example, a light may be placed at the end of a row that is associated with sensors monitoring seats in that row. These sensors may monitor seat cushions and/or life vests. A sign within signs422may be, for example, placed outside of a lavatory in association with sensor monitoring various cabinets within the lavatory. Displays424may be placed in locations, such as in a crew area or a galley for alert areas416. Reset units407provide a mechanism to reset visual indication devices418after an alert has been noticed. Visual indication devices418may be reset after the alert has been noticed and/or after an inspection of the appropriate secured area has been performed by authorized airline service personnel.

The alerts may be recorded, but may be suspended by authorized personnel to prevent the annoyance that alerts may cause to passengers during the flight. Aircraft security system400may then be commanded to reactivate by an authorized person, or when the system receives some other external signal, such as cabin door being opened. This allows alerts to be presented upon airplane arrival to aide authorized inspectors, service and maintenance personnel to complete their tasks. All system components and/or group of components may be designed to monitor system, sub-system and/or component health.

Turning now toFIG. 5, a diagram of a data processing system is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, data processing system500includes communications fabric502, which provides communications between processor unit504, memory506, persistent storage508, communications unit510, input/output (I/O) unit512, and display514.

Memory506and persistent storage508are examples of storage devices. A storage device is any piece of hardware that is capable of storing information either on a temporary basis and/or a permanent basis. Memory506, in these examples, may be, for example, a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage508may take various forms depending on the particular implementation. For example, persistent storage508may contain one or more components or devices.

For example, persistent storage508may be a hard drive, a flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or some combination of the above. The media used by persistent storage508also may be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage508.

Communications unit510, in these examples, provides for communications with other data processing systems or devices. In these examples, communications unit510is a network interface card. Communications unit510may provide communications through the use of either or both physical and wireless communications links.

Input/output unit512allows for input and output of data with other devices that may be connected to data processing system500. For example, input/output unit512may provide a connection for authorized user input through a keyboard and mouse or other medium. Further, input/output unit512may send output to a printer and/or portable memory device. Display514provides a mechanism to display information to an authorized user.

Instructions for the operating system and applications or programs are located on persistent storage508. These instructions may be loaded into memory506for execution by processor unit504. The processes of the different embodiments may be performed by processor unit504using computer implemented instructions, which may be located in a memory, such as memory506. These instructions are referred to as program code, computer usable program code, or computer readable program code that may be read and executed by a processor in processor unit504. The program code in the different embodiments may be embodied on different physical or tangible computer readable media, such as memory506or persistent storage508.

Program code516is located in a functional form on computer readable media518that is selectively removable and may be loaded onto or transferred to data processing system500for execution by processor unit504. Program code516and computer readable media518form computer program product520in these examples. In one example, computer readable media518may be in a tangible form, such as, for example, an optical or magnetic disc that is inserted or placed into a drive or other device that is part of persistent storage508for transfer onto a storage device, such as a hard drive that is part of persistent storage508.

In a tangible form, computer readable media518also may take the form of a persistent storage, such as a hard drive, a thumb drive, or a flash memory that is connected to data processing system500. The tangible form of computer readable media518is also referred to as computer recordable storage media. In some instances, computer readable media518may not be removable.

Alternatively, program code516may be transferred to data processing system500from computer readable media518through a communications link to communications unit510and/or through a connection to input/output unit512. The communications link and/or the connection may be physical or wireless in the illustrative examples. The computer readable media also may take the form of non-tangible media, such as communications links or wireless transmissions containing the program code.

The different components illustrated for data processing system500are not meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in which different embodiments may be implemented. The different illustrative embodiments may be implemented in a data processing system including components in addition to or in place of those illustrated for data processing system500. Other components shown inFIG. 5can be varied from the illustrative examples shown.

As one example, a storage device in data processing system500is any hardware apparatus that may store data. Memory506, persistent storage508and computer readable media518are examples of storage devices in a tangible form.

With reference now toFIG. 6, a block diagram illustrating an indication system for aircraft seats is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, aircraft seat600and aircraft seat602are considered secured areas, such as those found in secured areas410inFIG. 4. In these examples, life vest sensor604monitors life vest606, and seat cushion sensor608monitors seat cushion610. In a similar fashion, life vest sensor612monitors life vest614, and seat cushion sensor616monitors seat cushion618. If tampering or a removal of life vest606is detected by life vest sensor604, an indication of the breach of this secured area may be made using light620.

A breach of seat cushion610detected by seat cushion sensor608also may be indicated through light620. In similar fashion, a breach of life vest614and/or seat cushion618detected by life vest sensor612and seat cushion sensor616also may be indicated through light620. In these examples, light620is attached to aircraft seat600and may be used to identify breach locations for aircraft seat600and aircraft seat602. The particular seat and the particular component within the seat which a breach has occurred may be identified based on various types of indications that may be made though light620.

For example, a series of flashes may be used to identify the particular seat and/or component. Further, a color may be used to identify the particular component, while a series of flashes identifies a particular seat. For example, a blue light may identify a life vest while a red light may identify a seat cushion. One flash may indicate aircraft seat600, while two flashes may indicate aircraft seat602. Of course, these types of indicators and other combination of flashes and/or colors may be used to identify more precisely the location of the breach.

In addition to or alternately, display622may be used to identify the location of the breach. When display622is used, display622may present information, such as, for example, without limitation, a seat number, a row number, an identification of the component for which a breach has been detected and the date/time in which the breach may have occurred.

Turning now toFIG. 7, a block diagram of a compromised space indication system is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, lavatory700may include sensors702,703,704, and706. These sensors monitor secured areas, such as toilet shroud708, light bezel709, vanity cabinet710, and under sink cabinet712. If a breach of one of these secured areas is detected, an alert may be presented using light714and/or display718.

Light714may be located outside of lavatory700and may use a series of flashes and/or color to identify whether a breach of a secured area within lavatory700has occurred. The series of flashes and/or color also may be used to identify a particular secure area within lavatory700that may have been breached. Display718may be located outside of lavatory700in another area, such as, for example, a crew area and/or galley. Display718may present information, such as an identification of the lavatory, the item in which a breach may have occurred and the date/time in which the breach may have occurred.

FIGS. 6 and 7have been presented as illustrative examples of different configurations of sensors and indicators that may be used to monitor for and present alerts when a breach of a secured area has occurred. These examples are not meant to imply limitations on how different sensors and indicators may be implemented within an aircraft.

Other types of visual indication devices may be used, such as, for example, without limitation, pop up flags, strobe lights, text messages, vibration signals, ring/chime tones, recorded messages, and an airplane to ground message to permit ground crew to prepare for the required level of inspection and possible required replacement equipment.

Further, secured areas may include other secured areas in addition to or in place of those shown in these examples. For example, other secured areas may include areas behind grills, closets, spaces behind removal panels, doghouses, crew stowage bins, emergency equipment stowage compartments, maintenance accesses, and other areas in which access, tampering, and/or entry is undesired.

With reference now toFIG. 8, a flowchart of a process for generating indications of compromised spaces is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated inFIG. 8may be implemented in a data processing system, such as data processing system402inFIG. 4.

The process begins by monitoring the sensor network for a breach (operation800). Thereafter, the process determines whether data has been received indicating a breach from a sensor in a sensor network (operation802). If data is not received, the process returns to operation800to continue to monitor for breaches. If data has been received indicating a breach, the sensor is identified (operation804). In these examples, the data may include an identifier of the sensor. This identification may be, for example, a serial number, an alpha numeric identifier, or some other identification. The process then identifies a location of the secured area based on the identification of the sensor (operation806).

In these examples, the location of the secured area may be identified by checking a data structure, such as a table or database containing associations of sensors with locations. The process identifies a set of visual indication devices associated with the secured area (operation808). This identification may be made by referring to a data structure containing associations between secured areas and visual indication devices. The set of devices may be one or more devices.

In some cases, the indication may be presented both in an area approximate or close to the secured area as well as on another location, such as, for example, a cockpit, crew area, or some other suitable location. The process then initiates the presentation of an alert on the set of identified visual indication devices (operation810).

As described above, these alerts may take various forms. The alerts may be a series of flashes, color, text on a panel, or some other visual indication. The process stores the incident (operation812). In these examples, the incident may include an identification of the secured area and a date and/or time at which the breach was detected. The process then returns to operation800as described above.

Turning now toFIG. 9, a flowchart of a process for performing inspections is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated inFIG. 9may be performed in an aircraft.

The process begins by inspecting a cabin for an alert being presented on a visual indication device (operation900). A determination is made as to whether an alert has been detected (operation902). If an alert is identified on a visual indication device, the area of the compromised space is identified (operation904). The area may be identified from the visual indication device. In addition to being in an area nearby, proximate to, or within some selected distance of the secured area, the visual indication may present information identifying the location of the compromised space.

The identified area is then inspected (operation906). This inspection may include, for example, looking in the area to determine whether theft, tampering, or some other unauthorized access has occurred. Thereafter, the visual indication device is reset by an authorized and trained person after the inspection has been made (operation908), with the process then returning to operation900). This process continues until no more alerts are detected in operation902. When no more alerts are detected in operation902, the process terminates.

The reset function in operation908may require the use of a special tool, such as a tool only available to authorized inspectors. Alternatively, or in addition, the reset feature may only function while the system is placed in an “inspect” mode by an authorized inspector. All or multiple alerts may be reset from a central location or multiple central locations to simplify normal servicing and maintenance tasks.

Using the process inFIG. 9, the amount of time needed to inspect the cabin of an aircraft may be significantly reduced. This type of inspection may be used for some areas while full inspections still may be performed for others. The use of this type of inspection for any areas within and/or potentially outside of the aircraft may help reduce the amount of time needed to perform all equipment and secure inspections.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted embodiments illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of some possible implementations of apparatus, methods and computer program products. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of computer usable or readable program code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified function or functions.

In some alternative implementations, the function or functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” when used with a list of items means that different combinations of one or more items may be used and only one of each item in the list is needed. For example, “at least one of” item A, item B, and item C may include, for example, without limitation, item A, or item A and item B. This example also may include item A, item B, and item C, or item B and item C.

The description of the different advantageous embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. For example, advantageous embodiments may be used in a similar way to monitor the presence or absence of minimum equipment list items, such as, for example, without limitation, items required to be present before flight. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.