Multipurpose information transfer medium eyepiece

An aircraft communications system is located on an aircraft. The aircraft communications system comprises a set of eyewear units, an aircraft data processing system, and a wireless system. Each eyewear unit has a set of sensors and a display. The set of eyewear units is capable of receiving user input and is capable of presenting information to a set of users of the set of eyewear units. The aircraft data processing system is capable of receiving the user input and sending the information to the set of eyewear units in response to receiving the user input from the set of eyewear units. The wireless system is located proximate to the cabin of the aircraft and is capable of sending the user input from the set of eyewear units to the aircraft data processing system and sending the information to the set of eyewear units.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The present disclosure relates generally to an improved data processing system and particularly to a method and apparatus for transferring information. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for transferring information in an aircraft.

Air travel is a common form of transportation. Passengers traveling in an aircraft may have a need to communicate with the flight attendants, other passengers, and the airplane itself. Further, the flight attendants and other flight crew may need to communicate or give information to the passengers in the cabin of the aircraft. This information may include, for example, without limitation, safety information, weather updates, gate information, lavatory availability, and other suitable information.

Currently, the transfer of information between passengers and the flight crew involves the use of place cards, signs, and other visual aids located within the passenger cabin. These visual aids may not be universally clear and can be visually distracting. Further, the format of information may detract from the experience, aesthetics, and brand that an airline or airplane manufacturer wishes to create within the interior of the aircraft.

Information also may be communicated verbally between passengers and flight attendants. As an example, if a passenger desires to make a request, the passenger typically presses a button in the overhead section of the aircraft to signal that the passenger wishes to talk with a flight attendant. The activation of this button generates a signal or indicator in the flight attendant area indicating that a particular passenger wishes to speak with a flight attendant. This type of communication, however, does not provide any indication as to what the passenger wishes. The flight attendant travels to the seat where the passenger is sitting and talks to the passenger at the passenger's location. The flight attendant may then fulfill the request.

Thus, the transfer of information within a passenger cabin between flight attendants, other flight crew, and passengers is limited. Further, these types of systems also make communications between flight attendants and other flight crew more difficult. An additional issue is that the current communication methods for transferring information may be ineffective for many disabled passengers. As a result, existing solutions use place cards and signs with the flight attendants verbally providing information as needed.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a method and apparatus that overcomes the problems described above.

SUMMARY

In one advantageous embodiment, an aircraft communications system is located on an aircraft. The aircraft communications system comprises a set of eyewear units, an aircraft data processing system, and a wireless system. Each eyewear unit has a set of sensors and a display. The set of eyewear units is capable of receiving user input and is capable of presenting information to a set of users of the set of eyewear units. The aircraft data processing system is capable of receiving the user input and sending the information to the set of eyewear units in response to receiving the user input from the set of eyewear units. The wireless system is located in a cabin of the aircraft and is capable of sending the user input from the set of eyewear units to the aircraft data processing system and sending the information to the set of eyewear units.

In another advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprises an eyewear unit and a set of modules. The eyewear unit has a set of sensors, a video display, and an audio device, a wireless communications unit, and a processing unit. The set of modules executes on the processing unit, wherein the eyewear unit is capable of receiving user input from the set of sensors and capable of presenting information to a user of the eyewear unit using at least one of the video display and the audio device.

In yet another advantageous embodiment, a computer implemented method is present for providing information to a user. A request is received from an eyewear unit comprising a set of sensors, a video display, an audio device, a wireless communications unit, a processing unit, and a set of modules executing on the processing unit. The eyewear unit is capable of receiving user input from the set of sensors and capable of presenting the information to a user of the eyewear unit using at least one of the video display and the audio device. Particular information responsive to the request is identified to form identified information. The identified information is sent to the eyewear unit.

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, or retrofit 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 modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and other maintenance or service. When aircraft200is no longer usable or required for use, end of life disposal116may occur.

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 industries, such as the automotive industry.

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 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.

As a specific example, an aircraft communication system may be manufactured during component and subassembly manufacturing106inFIG. 1in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. The aircraft communication system may be implemented into aircraft200inFIG. 2during system integration108inFIG. 1. Further, after aircraft200inFIG. 2is in service, aircraft200inFIG. 2may be modified or reconfigured during maintenance and service114inFIG. 1to include an aircraft communication system, according to the different advantageous embodiments, if one was not included during the original manufacturing of aircraft200inFIG. 2.

The different advantageous embodiments provide a framework or architecture for transferring information within a passenger cabin. This information may be transferred in real time. The different advantageous embodiments may provide each passenger with an eyepiece that serve as an interface to transfer information.

The different advantageous embodiments combine language translators, virtual reality simulations, artificial intelligence software, sensor networks, augmented realities, and other suitable features to transfer information. With this type of system, passengers may receive information, as well as send requests or provide information to the flight attendants and other crew members.

With reference now toFIG. 3, a block diagram of an information transfer environment is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, information transfer environment300may include aircraft302. Aircraft302has aircraft data processing system304which is in communication with wireless system306within passenger cabin308. Wireless system306is an example of one type of wireless system that may be used to provide communication. Passengers and crew may use eyewear units310within passenger cabin308to transfer information. In these examples, information may be transferred between aircraft data processing system304and eyewear units310with wireless system306providing a wireless network to transfer information between these devices. Wireless system306may be, for example, a set of routers.

Further, additional information may be transferred between eyewear units310and other data processing systems, such as data processing systems312, which may be located in other locations other than aircraft302. Data processing systems312may communicate with aircraft data processing system304through network314to transfer information with eyewear units310. Network314may include wireless and wired communications links.

When in flight, aircraft data processing system304may communicate with data processing systems312through wireless communications links. These communications links may be, for example, a satellite link, radio frequency transmission, or some other suitable mechanism. On the ground, other wireless transmission media may be used, as well as wired links connected to aircraft302.

Eyewear units310may provide visual, audio, and/or tactile information to users through display and audio devices. Further, eyewear units310may include sensors to receive user input. This user input may be, for example, without limitation, gestures, eye movements, eye twitches, voice commands, and other suitable input.

In addition, aircraft302may also include line replaceable units316. These line replaceable units include, for example, without limitation, an in-flight attendance system, an aircraft environmental system, or some other suitable type of line replaceable unit. Some of line replaceable units316may be controlled by aircraft data processing system304in response to user input received through eyewear units310.

For example, functions, such as a movie or music presented to a passenger, using line replaceable units316, may be controlled by aircraft data processing system304through requests received from passengers using eyewear units310. As another example, the air conditioning for a particular seat or area may be controlled based on requests from passengers using eyewear units310.

Although the different advantageous embodiments are described with respect to providing communications within aircraft302, the different advantageous embodiments are not meant to limit the manner in which information transfer environment300may be implemented. Information transfer environment300also may be used to provide communications with users having eyewear units310in other locations. For example, the different advantageous embodiments may also be applied to users with eyewear units310located within airport318. In this manner, users may exchange information with airlines, airport vendors, and other suitable entities.

Turning now toFIG. 4, a diagram of a data processing system is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Data processing system400may be used to implement various components such as, for example, without limitation, aircraft data processing system304, data processing systems312, and eyewear units310inFIG. 3. Depending on a particular implementation, fewer or additional components may be used in addition to those illustrated for data processing system400.

In this illustrative example, data processing system400includes communications fabric402, which provides communications between processor unit404, memory406, persistent storage408, communications unit410, input/output (I/O) unit412, and display414.

Memory406and persistent storage408are 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. Memory406, in these examples, may be, for example, a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage408may take various forms depending on the particular implementation. For example, persistent storage408may contain one or more components or devices. For example, persistent storage408may 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 storage408also may be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage408.

Communications unit410, in these examples, provides for communications with other data processing systems or devices. In these examples, communications unit410is a network interface card. Communications unit410may provide communications through the use of either or both physical and wireless communications links.

Input/output unit412allows for input and output of data with other devices that may be connected to data processing system400. For example, input/output unit412may provide a connection for user input through a keyboard and mouse. Further, input/output unit412may send output to a printer. Display414provides a mechanism to display information to a user.

Instructions for the operating system and applications or programs are located on persistent storage408. These instructions may be loaded into memory406for execution by processor unit404. The processes of the different embodiments may be performed by processor unit404using computer implemented instructions, which may be located in a memory, such as memory406. 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 unit404. The program code in the different embodiments may be embodied on different physical or tangible computer readable media, such as memory406or persistent storage408.

Program code416is located in a functional form on computer readable media418that is selectively removable and may be loaded onto or transferred to data processing system400for execution by processor unit404. Program code416and computer readable media418form computer program product420in these examples.

In one example, computer readable media418may 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 storage408for transfer onto a storage device, such as a hard drive that is part of persistent storage408.

In a tangible form, computer readable media418also 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 system400. The tangible form of computer readable media418is also referred to as computer recordable storage media. In some instances, computer readable media418may not be removable.

Alternatively, program code416may be transferred to data processing system400from computer readable media418through a communications link to communications unit410and/or through a connection to input/output unit412. 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 system400are 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 system400.

Other components shown inFIG. 4can be varied from the illustrative examples shown. For example, if data processing system400is used to implement eyewear units310inFIG. 3, data processing system400may include storage devices in the form of flash memory rather than disk drives or other larger types of devices. Of course, the displays and other components may be used in data processing system400when implemented for use as eyewear units310inFIG. 3.

As one example, a storage device in data processing system400is any hardware apparatus that may store data. Memory406, persistent storage408, and computer readable media418are examples of storage devices in a tangible form.

With reference now toFIG. 5, a diagram illustrating eyewear units is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, eyewear unit500is an example of an eyewear unit within eyewear units310inFIG. 3. As illustrated, eyewear unit500includes processor unit502, memory504, communications unit506, display unit508, audio unit510, sensors512, and input/output unit514.

These different components are connected through bus516in this illustrative example. Processor unit502may be a set of processors. Processor unit502executes program code to provide functionality for eyewear unit500. Memory504may be, for example, a flash memory, a random access memory, and/or some other suitable memory device. Memory504may store information, as well as program code executed by processor unit502.

Communications unit506provides for communications with other data processing systems or devices. In particular, communications unit506, in these examples, provides communications through wireless communications links. In these examples, communications unit506may be, for example, a Bluetooth unit, a Wi-Fi unit, or some other suitable wireless communications device.

Display unit508provides a display to a user of eyewear unit500. This display may be, for example, a heads-up display, a light emitting diode display, or some other type of display. With a heads-up display, display unit508may provide augmented reality presentations to a user.

Audio unit510provides sounds to a user. Sensors512may be used to detect user input by a user. For example, sensors512may include a video camera, an infrared sensitive camera, a muscle twitch detector, an eye movement sensor, or some other sensor. These sensors may be used to identify various gestures, eye movements, muscle twitches, or other user stimuli to identify commands and information generated by user.

Input/output unit514may provide a capability to send and receive data. For example, input/output unit514may provide a connection to a keyboard and/or mouse that may be connected to eyewear unit500. This type of connection may provide additional mediums for a user to interact with eyewear unit500.

Positioning unit518provides positioning information for eyewear unit500. Positioning unit518may be, for example, a global positioning system or receiver. In this manner, processors within eyewear unit500may perform localization to identify the location of eyewear unit500in performing various functions.

The presentation of eyewear unit500inFIG. 5is presented for purposes of illustrating one manner in which eyewear units may be implemented. These different components are not meant to imply physical limitations or architectural limitations to the manner in which eyewear units may be implemented in other advantageous embodiments.

For example, other advantageous embodiments may include other components in addition to or in place of the components illustrated inFIG. 5. As another example, in other advantageous embodiments, other types of communication units other than a wireless communication unit may be used. For example, communications unit506may include a network interface card for wired connections in addition to or in place of a wireless device.

The program code providing functionality for eyewear unit500may be transmitted to eyewear unit500through communications unit506and stored into memory504. Further, during the use of eyewear unit500, new program code may be transmitted to memory504to provide new functionality or to remove functionality from eyewear unit500.

With reference now toFIG. 6, a diagram illustrating examples of information transfers is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, eyewear unit600may provide access to information and provide functionality to transfer information. Eyewear unit600, in these examples, may be implemented using eyewear unit500inFIG. 5. The transfer of information may include information being sent to the user of eyewear unit600

Eyewear unit600may display information and receive user input. For example, eyewear unit600may display menu602and allow the user to order items from menu602. Also, ticket information604may be provided through eyewear unit600. Also, a passenger may be provided access to games606and entertainment and television608. Music610also may be provided through eyewear unit600.

Additional functions, such as virtual reality612, augmented reality614, language translation616, and virtual flight attendant618, may also be provided. Through eyewear unit600, the user also may provide personal identification620.

Augmented reality614may superimpose or display information over or in association with an object that a user sees. For example, augmented reality614may display emergency evacuation paths when a user looks down the aisle of a passenger cabin. As another example, with augmented reality614, a user may view seat information such as, for example, row and seat identifier displayed on seats as a user moves down an aisle. In other example, a graphical indicator or avatar may be displayed over or in association with a seat assigned to a passenger as the passenger moves down an aisle looking for the passenger's seat.

Virtual flight attendant618may allow the user of eyewear unit600to send requests to the flight attendants. These requests may be ones that may be fulfilled by virtual flight attendant618, in some examples. For example, if a user wishes to obtain connection gate information, the user may query virtual flight attendant618. In other examples, the query made to virtual flight attendant618may be passed onto a non-virtual flight attendant who may fulfill the request.

Additionally, the user may access Internet622through eyewear unit600. In this manner, the user may, for example, access e-mail or other information through Internet622. These functionalities are only examples of some of the functionalities that may be provided through eyewear unit600. Of course, in other advantageous embodiments, other types of information transfers may be provided in addition to or in place of the ones illustrated inFIG. 6. For example, eyewear unit600also may provide information such as, for example, without limitation, crew announcements, cockpit announcements, place card information, lavatory availability, food and beverage service, aircraft noises and functions, safety information, emergency information, and other suitable types of information.

The illustration of eyewear unit600inFIG. 6is present for purposes of depicted one manner in which an eyewear unit can be implemented and is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations on the manner in which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. For example, eyewear unit600is illustrated as a pair or eyeglasses. In other advantageous embodiments, an eyewear unit may take the form of a helmet, a hat, or any other suitable form of head gear.

With reference now toFIG. 7, a diagram illustrating a presentation of information using eyewear units is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, avatar700is presented within passenger cabin702. The user of the eyewear unit transmits information, such as what the user sees and the user's location in cabin702. Avatar700may be displayed on the display of the eyewear unit in a manner that overlays what the passenger sees. Avatar700may be a virtual flight attendant guiding the passenger to the passenger's seat. The view of cabin702is from the perspective of a passenger wearing an eyewear unit.

InFIG. 8, a diagram illustrating an identification of a passenger seat is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, avatar700points to seat800within cabin702to identify the passenger's seat for the flight. In this manner, it is unnecessary for a passenger to look for the passenger's seat by reading row numbers and seat identifiers. The illustration of information presentation inFIGS. 8 and 9are presented for purposes of depicting an example of information transfer and not meant as limitations to the type of information and the manner in which information may be transferred using eyewear units.

With reference now toFIG. 9, a functional block diagram of eyewear units is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, eyewear unit900is an example of one implementation for eyewear units within eyewear units310inFIG. 3. Eyewear unit900is an illustration of functional components that may be implemented using software and/or firmware in a data processing system, such as, for example, data processing system400inFIG. 4.

Eyewear unit900includes user interface902, which has user input904, display906, and audio908. Eyewear unit900also includes module system909. Module system909comprises a set of modules that may be used to process information in eyewear unit900. As used herein, a set of items refers to one or more items. For example, a set of modules is one more modules.

Additionally, module system909includes virtual flight attendant module910, avatar control module912, augmented reality module914, virtual reality module916, language translator module918, user profile module920, entertainment module922, ordering module924, localization module925, and interior architecture module926. Eyewear unit900also includes information transfer interface927and information database928.

User interface902provides software components used by a user to interact with eyewear unit900. For example, display906is a software component that may control the display of images to a user on eyewear unit900. Audio908may control the presentation of sounds presented to a user of eyewear unit900.

User input904provides the user a capability to make requests and send information to users and data processing systems. User input904may include processes to receive user input from various devices such as, for example, a microphone, a video camera, a motion detector, and other suitable devices. As another example, user input904may receive user input from a keyboard, mouse, pointing device, or any other suitable user input device attached to eyewear unit900.

In addition, localization module925may perform localization processes to identify the location of eyewear unit900. This position also may include the orientation or direction a user is facing. Localization module925may receive data signals from a component such as, for example, a global positioning system. Additionally, other types of data may be used to identify the location of eyewear unit900. Localization module925may provide this information to other modules in performing their functions. For example, avatar control module912and augmented reality module914may present an avatar to a user to guide and identify locations for users, such as within the aircraft or within an airport, based on knowing the position of the user and share information about the airplane and airplane functionality.

User input904may receive user input through a number of different mechanisms. For example, user input904may receive user input in response to a user selection of functions presented using display906. For example, display906may represent controls such as, for example, drop down menus, selectable icons, or other suitable controls.

Information database928may cache information for use by eyewear unit900. For example, information database928may include passenger data930. Passenger data930may include, for example, ticket information932, preferences934, and passenger identifier936. Ticket information932may include information about the user's ticket. Ticket information932may be, for example, an electronic ticket.

Information database928may include other information in addition to or in place of passenger data930. The information stored in information database928may be used by module system909to provide functionality for eyewear unit900.

Preferences934may include various preferences about the passenger for use during the flight. For example, preferences934may include a seating preference, a food preference, and other information that may be used by an airline or other service to tailor various services to the passenger. Passenger identifier936may provide an identification of a passenger. This identification may be for purposes of authenticating use of different services and billing for services.

Module system909may perform various processes to generate information for presentation to a user through user interface902. For example, various modules within module system909may control display906and audio908in response to user input sent to user input904. In this illustrative example, virtual flight attendant module910may provide a capability to process requests made by a user.

For example, instead of pressing a button and waiting for a flight attendant to come and receive a request, the passenger may activate virtual flight attendant module310to make the request without waiting for an actual flight attendant. For example, a passenger may request a blanket, water, a magazine, gate information, or make some other request through virtual flight attendant module910.

Virtual flight attendant module910may determine whether the request can be fulfilled by sending information to eyewear unit900. For example, the user may wish to know the amount of time left before landing. Virtual flight attendant module910may obtain that information and present the information to the user. Virtual flight attendant module910may cause an avatar in the form of a flight attendant to be displayed to the user on display906as a virtual reality flight attendant. This type of presentation may be performed in conjunction with avatar control module912and augmented reality module914. Further, the information may be presented to the user through audio908.

If the request cannot be fulfilled directly through virtual flight attendant module910, virtual flight attendant module910may relay the request to a non-virtual flight attendant. In this manner, the flight attendant already knows what the passenger is requesting without having to travel to the passenger's seat. The non-virtual flight attendant may relay an acknowledgement of the request through virtual flight attendant module910and perform the request. This request may be, for example, bringing a blanket to the passenger.

Avatar control module912controls an avatar presented to the user on display906. Avatar control module912may include information and processes to present an avatar to a user. In these examples, the avatar may be a virtual flight attendant. Of course, other types of avatars may be used depending on the particular implementation. For example, avatar control module912may present an animated character, an animal, a robot, or some other object as an avatar.

Augmented reality module914may provide overlays to display906to the environment seen by a passenger. For example, when a passenger is moving in the passenger cabin looking for the passenger's seat, a virtual flight attendant may be displayed using augmented reality module914to point to the passenger's seat. Other information such as, for example, exit routes and the location of safety equipment may be identified using a virtual flight attendant or other graphical indicators during review of safety procedures.

These overlays may be presented in conjunction with other modules such as, for example, avatar control module912and virtual flight attendant module910. Augmented reality module914may use information from localization module925to correctly position the avatar in the display to the user.

Virtual reality module916may provide virtual reality experiences for the passenger. Virtual reality module916may present various environments or scenes, as well as interactions for the user. Virtual reality module916may allow the user to interact with other users such as, for example, passengers in the passenger cabin or users elsewhere. In other words, virtual reality module916allows a user to interact with a computer simulated environment.

Virtual reality module916may control display906and audio908to present the simulated environment. User input904may be used to receive user input for the interaction with this environment.

Language translator module918may be a language translator downloaded to and included within module system909to provide language translations for a particular user of eyewear unit900. For example, a user who only speaks French may have an instance of language translator module918that provides English-to-French translations if traveling on a flight in the United States. Of course, language translator module918may provide translations for any language, depending on the particular user.

User profile module920provides a capability to verify whether the user has access rights to eyewear unit900. In other words, user profile module920may determine whether a particular person can use eyewear unit900. Some eyewear units may be usable by any user, while other eyewear units may be tailored to a particular passenger. User profile module920may receive information to identify and authorize a user through user input904. This information may include, for example, a picture of a fingerprint of the user, a retina scan, a user identification and password, or some other authorization or access information.

Entertainment module922may provide various types of in-flight entertainment for a user. Entertainment module922may provide, for example, without limitation, music, games, movies, Internet access, electronic books, and other entertainment features.

Ordering module924may be used to order various items. These items may be goods and/or services. For example, ordering module924may be used to order a meal during flight. Further, ordering module924may be used to obtain a rental car, a hotel, another flight, or some other item depending on the particular implementation.

Interior architecture module926may provide information about the interior of the aircraft. For example, interior architecture module926may provide information such as, for example, emergency exits, safety information, emergency information, location of lavatories, location of galleys, and other suitable information about the interior of the aircraft.

Information transfer interface927provides a capability to transfer information between various components within eyewear unit900and the aircraft data processing system and/or other data processing systems that may be in communication with eyewear unit900or the aircraft data processing system. For example, information transfer database926may include the processes and protocols needed for communicating with wireless routers within the passenger cabin.

Information transfer interface927also may provide a capability to access the Internet, as well as other networks depending on the particular implementation. Information transfer interface927may include protocols for various transmission technologies such as, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth transmissions, or other suitable wireless transmission systems. Of course, information transfer interface926may provide processes to transfer information with other data processing systems on the Internet and other computer networks.

The illustration of components in eyewear unit900is presented for purposes of illustrating one manner in which an eyewear unit may be implemented. This illustration is not meant to imply architectural limitations to other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, virtual flight attendant module910and avatar control module912may be implemented as a single component. Also, other embodiments may include other components in addition to or in place of the ones illustrated for eyewear unit900.

With reference now toFIG. 10, a diagram illustrating types of information that may be transferred to eyewear units is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. In this example, information1000is an example of different types of information that may be sent to and/or transmitted by eyewear units such as, for example, eyewear unit600inFIG. 6.

Information1000includes both data sent to the user of the eyewear units, as well as data that may be transmitted by the user of the eyewear units. For example, flight data1004, destination data1006, transportation data1008, weather data1010, traffic data1012, and airport data1014are examples of data that may be transferred to eyewear units. Muscle twitches data1020and eyeball tracking data1022are examples of information that may be transmitted from eyewear units.

The data illustrated inFIG. 10is provided for purposes of illustrating some of the types of information that may be transferred using eyewear units. Of course, other types of information may be used in addition to or in place of the data illustrated inFIG. 10.

With reference now toFIG. 11, a flowchart of a process for initializing eyewear units is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated inFIG. 11may be implemented in a software component such as, for example, user profile module920inFIG. 9.

The process begins by identifying a user (operation1100). The user may be identified in a number of different ways in operation1100. For example, the user may enter a user identifier and/or pass code. In another example, the user may be identified based on a retina scan, a fingerprint, or some other manner of unique identification for identifying the user. The fingerprint of the user may be identified using a camera or a fingerprint scanner attached to the eyewear units.

After identifying the user, a determination is made as to whether the user is authorized to use the eyewear units (operation1102). This determination may be made by accessing information within the eyewear units to determine whether the particular user is allowed to use the device. In some implementations, any user having a ticket for the particular flight may be allowed to use the eyewear units.

In other advantageous embodiments, the eyewear unit may be a device owned by the user for which only that user is authorized for use. If the user is authorized, the process loads modules and information (operation1104). These modules and information may include, for example, software components, such as those found in module system909inFIG. 9. These modules may be found within the eyewear units or downloaded from an external source. The information may include information for a particular flight, information used by the modules, or other suitable information for the eyewear units.

The process initiates the modules (operation1106). After the modules have been initiated, the eyewear units enter a functional state (operation1108), with the process terminating thereafter. In the functional state, the eyewear units may perform various functions in response to user input and information received by the eyewear units from other sources.

With reference again to operation1102, if the user is not authorized, the process terminates. As a result of this type of termination, no functionality is usable within the eyewear units.

With reference toFIG. 12, a flowchart of a process for handling user input is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated inFIG. 12may be implemented in a software component such as, for example, user input904inFIG. 9.

The process begins by monitoring for user input (operation1200). This operation may monitor for input from a user, such as a particular eye movement, hand movement, muscle twitch, or other suitable input. User input may be present only when certain actions are taken from a user in these examples. For example, a particular hand movement, eye movement, or muscle twitch may be considered user input when a function from a display menu or a particular type of input is detected.

The process determines whether user input has been received (operation1202). If user input has not been received, the process returns to operation1200. If user input has been received, the process identifies a module for the user input (operation1204). This user input is information and may take the form of commands and/or data. The module may be identified based on the user input. For example, the user input may select a particular function associated with a module within the eyewear unit. The process then sends the user input to the module (operation1206), with the process then returning to operation1200to monitor for more user input.

With reference now toFIG. 13, a flowchart of a process for an avatar is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated inFIG. 13may be implemented using a software component, such as avatar control module912inFIG. 9. Further, this process may use information and functions from other modules. For example, the process may include augmented reality module914and localization module925inFIG. 9.

As illustrated, the process identifies the user location (operation1300). This operation may be performed using a localization module. The process identifies a user destination (operation1302). This destination may be identified through the augmented reality module. The process generates a path to the destination (operation1304).

The process displays an avatar directing the user to move along the path (operation1306). The display of the avatar may be presented using the avatar control module and augmented reality module to present the avatar in a manner that directs the user to the destination. The process then waits for user movement (operation1308). When the user moves, a current location of the user is identified (operation1310).

The process then determines whether the destination has been reached (operation1312). If the destination has been reached, the process terminates and the avatar is no longer presented. If the destination has not been reached in operation1312, the process returns to operation1306to continue to display the avatar directing the user along the path towards the destination.

This process may be used in any situation in which a user of the eyewear units needs guidance. For example, this process may be used to guide the passenger to the passenger's seat. The process may also be used to guide a user to various locations within airports such as, for example, without limitation, a restaurant, a gate terminal, a newsstand, or some other suitable destination.

In this manner, the different advantageous embodiments provide an aircraft communications system in which eyewear units, a data processing system, and routers may transfer information. The different advantageous embodiments may use a combination of multimedia presentations of information to provide information to a user.

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.

Although the different advantageous embodiments are described with respect to the use of eyewear units, some advantageous embodiments may implement the hardware and/or software into headrests with display on the back of the headrest for passengers.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list of items, means that different combinations one or more of the items may be used and only one of each item in the list may be 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. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different advantageous embodiments may provide different advantages as compared to other advantageous embodiments.

The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.