Overhead bin access by boarding pass

A boarding pass may include a barcode with an encoded seat identifier. An overhead storage system may include a barcode reader configured to read the barcode of the boarding pass. The system may determine whether the boarding pass is eligible to access an overhead bin based on the encoded seat identifier. Where the boarding pass is eligible, a signal may be sent to one or more actuators of the overhead bin. Thus, a user may selectively access the overhead bin by the boarding pass.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of India Provisional Patent Application No. 202041054155, filed Dec. 12, 2020, entitled Overhead Bin Access By Boarding Pass, naming Alagan Thiruvarul Selvakkumaran Sathyan and Hemanth Kumar Pennam as inventors, which is incorporated by reference in the entirety.

BACKGROUND

Passenger transports such as aircraft may keep passenger bags in personal storage areas such as an overhead bin. To open the overhead bin a user, such as a passenger or a steward, typically must pull a handle. In this regard, the user must physically touch the overhead bin, thereby sharing a common point of interaction. Sharing a common point of interaction may be undesirable due to viral concerns. Furthermore, the overhead bin may be opened and closed by any user, without regard to the user's identity.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a system that cures the shortcomings described above.

SUMMARY

A system is disclosed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The system includes a barcode reader including a slot configured to receive a boarding pass. The barcode reader is configured to read a barcode of the boarding pass when the boarding pass is received by the slot. The barcode further includes an encoded seat identifier. The system may also include an overhead bin including an actuator configured to open the overhead bin. The system may also include a controller communicatively coupled with the barcode reader and the actuator. The controller may include a processor and a memory, where the processor is configured to execute program instructions maintained on the memory. The program instructions may cause the processor to determine whether the boarding pass is eligible to open the overhead bin based on the encoded seat identifier. Upon determining the boarding pass is eligible, the controller may provide a signal to the actuator causing the actuator to open the overhead bin. The processor may further provide an additional signal to the actuator causing the actuator to close the overhead bin.

A method is disclosed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The method may include reading a barcode of a boarding pass by a barcode reader, wherein the barcode reader is communicatively coupled with an actuator of an overhead bin. The method may also include determining whether the boarding pass is eligible to open the overhead bin based on a seat identifier encoded in the barcode. The method may also include generating an indicator that the overhead bin is open. The method may also include providing a signal to the actuator of the overhead bin to open the overhead bin in response to determining the boarding pass is eligible. The method may also include providing an additional signal to the actuator to close the overhead bin. The method may also include generating an additional indicator that the overhead bin is closed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to a system for opening an overhead bin. The system may include a barcode reader. The barcode reader may be configured to read a barcode of a boarding pass. The barcode may include a seat identifier, such as a seat number, seat row, and/or a seat zone. The seat identifier may be compared with an access privilege. Based on the comparison, a signal may be sent to an actuator of the overhead bin. Upon receiving the signal, the actuator may be engaged to open the overhead bin. When the overhead bin is opened, a user may insert luggage into the overhead bin for storage. An additional signal may then be sent to the actuator. Upon receiving the additional signal, the actuator may further close the overhead bin. The additional signal may be provided when the boarding pass is removed from the barcode reader.

FIGS. 1A and 1Bdepict a boarding pass100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In embodiments, a boarding pass100includes a barcode102and a seat number104. The barcode102may include a two-dimensional (2D) barcode. Such 2D barcode may include an encoded seat identifier, such as, but not limited to, the seat number104a seat row, or a seat zone (see, for example,FIG. 4). As depicted, the seat number104of the boarding pass100is 55L. Encoded within the barcode102is the seat number 55L. The seat number may include two components, a first component indicative of a row on the airplane (e.g., row55), and a second component indicative of a column on the airplane (e.g., column L). Optionally, the barcode102may also have an encoded seat zone (e.g., the extra-leg room zone as encoded). The seat number, seat row, and seat zone described is not intended to be limiting, but is merely exemplary of encoding the barcode102with a seat identifier. Such seat identifier may be accessed by an overhead storage system when determining whether the boarding pass is eligible for accessing an overhead bin, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In embodiments, the barcode102may further include various other encoded information, such as, but not limited to, a format code, a passenger name, a departure airport, a destination airport, a flight number, a carrier, one or more date information, a frequent flyer number, and/or a sequence number (e.g., an order checked-in at a gate). Furthermore, the barcode102may be encoded by any suitable standard, such as, but not limited to, a PDF417 format (ISO standard 15438).

As depicted inFIG. 1A, the boarding pass100may be a printed boarding pass106. The printed boarding pass106may be printed on any suitable material such as, but not limited to, paper, cardstock, or plastic. As depicted inFIG. 1B, the boarding pass100may also be displayed on a user device108. The user device108may include any suitable device for displaying the boarding pass100, such as, but not limited to, a cellular phone or an electronic watch.

The boarding pass100depicted inFIGS. 1A-1Bis not intended to be limited to the configuration of the barcode102depicted. Rather the boarding pass100illustrated is merely provided as an exemplary configuration of a boarding pass with a barcode including an encoded seat identifier. In this regard, the boarding pass100may be configured in any suitable configuration. For example, the barcode102may be disposed on the boarding pass100along one or more edges of the boarding pass100. By way of another example, the barcode102may be oriented in any suitable orientation, such as, but not limited to in a vertical or horizontal orientation. Furthermore, the various information (e.g., format code, passenger name, departure airport, destination airport, flight number, carrier, date information, frequent flyer number, sequence number, etc.) encoded on the barcode102and disposed on the boarding pass100is not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 2depicts an overhead storage system200, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In embodiments, the system200includes a barcode reader202. The barcode reader202may be configured to read the barcode102of the boarding pass100. The barcode reader202may be configured to read the barcode102by any suitable mechanism, such as, but not limited to, a laser scanner, a charge coupling device, one or more photoelectric cells, or a camera. Upon reading the barcode102, the barcode reader202may provide the barcode102to a controller204.

In embodiments, the system200includes the controller204which is configured to receive the barcode102read from the barcode reader202. The controller204may include a processor206and a memory208. The processor206of the controller204may be configured to execute one or more process steps maintained on the memory208, such as, but not limited to, determining whether the boarding pass100associated with the barcode102is eligible to open an overhead bin210, providing a signal to an actuator212of the overhead bin210in response to determining the boarding pass100is eligible, and providing a signal to the actuator212to close the overhead bin.

For example, the processor206may receive the encoded seat identifier read from the barcode102by the barcode reader202. The processor may then compare such encoded seat identifier with an access privilege associated with the overhead bin210. The access privilege may be stored in the memory208, and may be indicative of a seat, a row, or a seat zone which is allowed to access the overhead bin210. If the encoded seat identifier matches the access privilege, the boarding pass is thus eligible to open the overhead bin.

In some instances, the access privilege associated with the overhead bin210may be such that only boarding passes with a specific seat number may access the overhead bin210(e.g., only seat 55L may access). In other instances, the access privilege associated with the overhead bin210may be such that only boarding passes with a specific row number may access the overhead bin210(e.g., only row55may access). In other instances, the access privilege associated with the overhead bin210may be such that only boarding passes with a specific seat zone may access the overhead bin210(e.g., only extra leg room passes may access). In this regard, the choice of seat number, seat row, or seat zone, for the access privilege may be selected to provide more or less access to the overhead bin210. As may be understood, the specific seat numbers, seat rows, and seat zones described herein are not intended to be limiting, but are merely provided for example.

Where the boarding pass is determined to not be eligible to access the overhead bin based on the comparison of the encoded seat identifier and the access privilege, the controller204may either do nothing or provide a notification to the user (e.g., by way of a visual or aural indicator). In this regard, the system200may prevent users which do not have an appropriate seat identifier from accessing the overhead bin210.

Where the boarding pass is determined to be eligible, the controller204may provide a signal to the actuator212, by a communicative coupling between the controller204and the actuator212. The signal may cause the actuator212to engage and automatically open the overhead bin210. The signal may be any suitable signal. For example, the signal may include sending power to the actuator212, thereby causing the actuator to open the cabin door. By way of another example, the signal may include a digital signal or other electrical signal. The actuator212may thus be configured to receive the digital signal and be engaged to open the overhead bin210.

The overhead bin210may remain open once the actuator212has been engaged, allowing the user to add or withdraw personal items (e.g., luggage) from the overhead bin210. For example, the overhead bin210may remain open for as long as the barcode reader202continues to read the boarding pass100. The barcode reader202may thus continually read the barcode102of the boarding pass100(e.g., continually based on a frequency of which the barcode reader202reads the barcode102). Upon removing the boarding pass100from the barcode reader202, the barcode reader202may no longer read the barcode102. The controller204may then send an additional signal to the actuator212, causing the overhead bin210to be automatically closed. Thus, the boarding pass100may be used to selectively open and close the overhead bin210. By way of another example, the overhead bin210may remain open for a designated period of time, such as, but not limited to, ten minutes or more. Upon reaching the designated period of time, the controller204may provide a signal to the actuator causing the actuator212to close the overhead bin210. As may be understood, the description of providing an additional signal to the actuator is not intended to be limiting. In this regard, the additional signal may include providing power to the actuator, removing power from the actuator, or sending a digital signal to the actuator.

In embodiments, the overhead bin210may include any suitable type of overhead bin, such as, but not limited to, a shelf bin (e.g., where a door of the shelf bin opens upwards and out), a pivot bin (e.g., where the pivot bin pivots downwards about a pivot point), or a translating bin (e.g., where the translating bin translates downwards by a mechanism such as a four-bar linkage). Various overhead bins are discussed in “Advancements in Overhead Stowage Bin Article Retention”, published in July 2001, by Gary Simmons et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In this regard, the type of overhead bin210is not intended to be limiting.

Depending on the type of the overhead bin210(e.g., shelf, pivot, or translating) a configuration of and a type of the actuator212may be selected to provide for a full range of motion in the overhead bin210. Furthermore, where the overhead bin210is a pivot or translating bin, the actuator212may require a more powerful actuation force, as compared to an actuator for the shelf type, due to the actuator212of the pivot and translating type bins bearing at least a portion of a weight of the items stored in the overhead bin210.

For example, where the overhead bin210includes a shelf type bin, the actuator212may include a hydraulic cylinder disposed inside of the overhead bin210along a top surface of the overhead bin210(seeFIG. 3C-3D). The hydraulic cylinder may have a first connection to one of the top surface or a rear surface of the overhead bin. Furthermore, the actuator212may have a second connection to a door of the overhead bin. One or more of the first connection and the second connection may include a pivotal connection, allowing the actuator212to pivotably open and close the door of the overhead bin. By way of another example, A “luggage compartment that can be lowered comprising a hydraulic cylinder locking mechanism” is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,606, by Olef Graft, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. By way of another example, a “powered overhead storage bin” is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,529, by Kwun-Wing Cheung, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. By way of another example, “powered stowage bin assemblies” is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/907,929, published as US 2019/0263525, by Mark Cloud, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In this regard, the configuration and the type of the actuator212for the overhead bin210is not intended to be limiting.

FIGS. 3A-3Ddepict an exemplary configuration of the system200, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

As depicted inFIGS. 3A-3D, the overhead bin210may be a shelf type bin301. The shelf type bin301may include a door302configured to open about an upper hinge304. The door302of the shelf type bin301may be configured to pivot about the upper hinge304by way of the actuator212. The actuator212may be engaged upon receiving a signal from the controller204(e.g., when the boarding pass100is determined to be eligible). The door302may remain in the pivoted open position by way of the actuator212, until an additional signal is provided to the actuator212. In this regard, a user may insert luggage into the shelf type bin301. Upon removal of the boarding pass, an additional signal may be provided from the controller204to the actuator212to automatically close the door302. Thus, the boarding pass100may be used to selectively open and close the overhead bin210.

In embodiments, the barcode reader202may be attached to one or more surfaces of a passenger transport (e.g., an airplane). For example, the barcode reader202may be attached to a wall308of a cabin of the airplane. The barcode reader202may be attached to any portion of the wall308of the cabin, such as, but not limited to above and/or between one or more windows. The barcode reader202may be attached by any suitable fastener, such as, but not limited to, a nut plate, a hex nut, a key-locking insert, a rivet, a bolt, or a pin. Although not depicted, the barcode reader202may also be attached to a portion of the overhead bin210, such as to the door302or to a side wall of the overhead bin210.

In embodiments, the barcode reader202may include a slot306. The slot306may have a width and a height suitable for receiving the boarding pass100. A mechanism for reading the barcode from the boarding pass100may be disposed within the slot306. The mechanism may include, but is not limited to, a laser scanner, a charge coupling device, one or more photoelectric cells, or a camera. As depicted inFIG. 3C, the slot306of the barcode reader202may be configured to receive the printed boarding pass106. As depicted inFIG. 3D, the slot306of the barcode reader202may also be configured to receive the user device108which may display the boarding pass100. In this regard, the system200may accommodate both printed and electronic boarding passes. As depicted inFIGS. 3C and 3D, the slot306is configured to receive the boarding pass100, such that the barcode reader202reads the boarding pass100in a vertical orientation.

Although the barcode reader202is depicted as reading the boarding pass100(e.g., the printed boarding pass106or the user device108) where the boarding pass100is in a vertical orientation, this is not intended to be limiting. In this regard, the barcode reader202may be configured to read the boarding pass100where the boarding pass100is in a horizontal direction. Reading the boarding pass100in a horizontal direction may be suitable depending on a location and/or an orientation of the barcode102on the boarding pass100. Where the boarding pass100is read in the horizontal orientation, the slot306may have a width and a height suitable for receiving the boarding pass100.

Thus, the boarding pass may be inserted and removed without touching the barcode reader202or the overhead bin210. Furthermore, the barcode reader202may provide selective access to the overhead bin210based on comparing an encoded seat identifier with an access privilege.

In embodiments, the system200may also include a visual indicator310which may be indicative of a status of the overhead bin210. For example, the visual indicator310may include one or more light emitting diodes (LED). The LED may include any suitable light emitting diode, such as, but not limited to, a bi-color LED. Where the LED is a bi-color LED, a first color (e.g., green) may indicate the overhead bin210is closed and a second color (e.g., red) may indicate the overhead bin210is opened and/or opening. By the LED, a user may be visually indicated as to a condition of the overhead bin210. As depicted, the visual indicator310may be included on the barcode reader202, although this is not intended to be limiting.

The system200may similarly include an aural indicator indicative of a status of the overhead bin210. For example, the aural indicator may include a first aural indication, which indicates the boarding pass100is not eligible for storage and/or that the barcode102has been unsuccessfully read by the barcode reader202.

FIG. 4depicts an exemplary seating zone floorplan400, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The seating zone floorplan400may generally include a plurality of seats402which are commonly associated into one or more seating zones. For example, the seating zone floorplan400may include a business class seat zone404, an extra legroom seat zone406, an economy class seat zone408, and/or a crew seat zone (not depicted). As may be understood, the configuration of the seating zone floorplan400is not intended to be limiting. In this regard, the seating zone floorplan and associated seating zones may generally be based on a configuration of an airline's aircraft. The seating zone floorplan400is thus provided as an example of zones404-408which may be used for access privilege purposes.

FIG. 5depicts a flowchart of a method500, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted herein that the steps of the method500may be implemented all or in part by system200. It is further recognized that the method500is not limited to the system200in that additional or alternative system-level embodiments may carry out all or part of the steps.

The method500may include a step502of reading a barcode of a boarding pass by a barcode reader, wherein the barcode reader is communicatively coupled with an actuator of an overhead bin. The barcode reader may be communicatively coupled with the overhead bin by a controller, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

The method500may include a step504of determining whether the boarding pass is eligible to open the overhead bin based on a seat identifier encoded in the barcode read by the barcode reader. The seat identifier may include one or more of a seat number, a seat row, or a seat zone. The eligibility determination may include comparing the seat identifier with an access privilege.

The method500may include a step506of providing a signal to the actuator of the overhead bin to open the overhead bin in response to determining the boarding pass is eligible. The signal may include sending power to the actuator. The signal may also include a digital signal.

The method500may optionally include a step508of generating an indicator that the overhead bin is open. The indicator may include one or more of an aural indicator or a visual indicator.

The method500may include a step510of providing a signal to the actuator to close the overhead bin. In response to the signal, the actuator may close the overhead bin. The step510may further include a step512of sending the signal a period of time after providing the signal to open the overhead bin. The period of time may be any suitable period of time, such as, but not limited to, 10 minutes. The step510may further include a step514of sending the signal when the barcode reader no longer reads the barcode (e.g., when the boarding pass is removed from the barcode reader). In this regard, the barcode may be used to selectively send a signal to the actuator, thereby allowing for opening and closing of the overhead bin at a desired time. This may be desirable in improving a user experience with the automatic overhead bin.

The method500may optionally include a step516of generating an additional indicator that the overhead bin is closed. The indicator may include one or more of an aural indicator or a visual indicator.

FIG. 6depicts a plurality of overhead storage systems200(e.g.,200a-200d) communicatively coupled with an aircraft system600, in accordance with one or more embodiments. By the connection between the systems200a-200dand the aircraft system600, power may be transmitted between the systems200a-200dand the aircraft system600. In this regard, the aircraft system600may be configured to power one or more of the barcode reader202, the controller204, or the actuator212of the systems200a-200d. Furthermore, various signals may be transmitted between the systems200a-200dand the aircraft system600, as set forth below.

For example, the systems200a-200dmay provide a signal to the aircraft system600that a door of one or more overhead bins (e.g., overhead bin210) are currently open. The signal may then be displayed to a steward. The ability to display an open overhead bin may be beneficial during a taxi, takeoff, or landing procedure, during which the overhead bins are to remain closed.

By way of another example, the systems200a-200dmay be configured to receive a signal from the aircraft system600to close an open overhead bin (e.g., overhead bin210). In this regard, the steward may see that the overhead bin is open and/or receive a notification from the system200. The steward may then perform a visual check to verify that no passengers are within range of the overhead bin. Finally, the steward may issue the signal from the aircraft system600to one or more of the systems200a-200dto remotely close the overhead bin.

The aircraft system600may also include a processor602and a memory604. In embodiments, the systems200a-200dmay be configured to provide the barcode102read by the barcode reader to the aircraft system600. The aircraft system600may then store the barcode102in the memory604. By storing the barcode102in the memory604, a database of boarding passes100scanned by the systems200a-200dmay be generated. Such database may allow for various data processing. For example, the database may be used to inventory which users accessed which overhead bins. This may be beneficial for various purposes, such as, but not limited to determining a user associated with luggage left in the overhead bin. The database may further include receiving a time at which the barcode102was scanned. By collecting timing data, the system200may autonomously be used to collect data regarding how quickly users are being seated (e.g., for evaluating a performance of a steward, for determining an optimal method of boarding the plane, etc.).

Such signals may optionally be transmitted by way of a network bus606(e.g., a controller area network (CAN) bus) which communicatively couple the systems200a-200dand the aircraft system600. As may be understood, the configuration of the network bus606is not intended to be limiting, but is merely provided as an example of communicatively connecting the plurality of systems200a-200dto the aircraft system600.

Referring generally again toFIGS. 1-6, the system200is described in further detail.

In embodiments, the system200is configured to be compatible with one or more existing overhead bins of an airplane. In this regard, the barcode reader202may be mounted to a wall (e.g., the wall308) of the airplane cabin. The actuator212may further be configured to mount to the existing overhead bin of the airplane cabin (e.g., a shelf bin, a pivot bin, or a translating bin). In this regard, the system200may be retrofitted onto existing overhead bins.

In embodiments, the boarding pass100may include an encoded seat identifier which is common among a plurality of seats, rows, and/or zones (e.g., a master pass). For example, a steward (e.g., a flight attendant) may use the master pass to help passengers across multiple seats, rows, and/or zones. By the master pass, the steward may access any of a plurality of overhead storage bin on an airplane.

In embodiments, the barcode reader202may include the controller204in a housing of the barcode reader202. In other embodiments, the controller204may be housed in the overhead bin210.

The processor206(or similarly the processor602) may include any processor or processing element known in the art. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term “processor” or “processing element” may be broadly defined to encompass any device having one or more processing or logic elements (e.g., one or more micro-processor devices, one or more application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) devices, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs)). In this sense, the processor206may include any device configured to execute algorithms and/or instructions (e.g., program instructions stored in memory208). Moreover, components of the system200may include a processor or logic elements suitable for carrying out at least a portion of the steps described in the present disclosure. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the embodiments of the present disclosure but merely as an illustration. Further, the steps described throughout the present disclosure may be carried out by a single controller or, alternatively, multiple controllers.

The memory208(or similarly the memory604) may include any storage medium known in the art suitable for storing program instructions executable by the associated processor206. For example, the memory208may include a non-transitory memory medium. By way of another example, the memory208may include, but is not limited to, a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a magnetic or optical memory device (e.g., disk), a solid-state drive and the like. It is further noted that memory208may be housed in a common controller housing with the processor206. In embodiments, the memory208may be located remotely with respect to the physical location of the processor206and controller204. For instance, the processor206of controller204may access a remote memory (e.g., server), accessible through a network of the airplane.