Cart for use in providing service to passengers in a vehicle

A cart for providing service to passengers in a vehicle. The cart includes a housing having a storage volume with one or more openings to the storage volume, opposite housing sidewalls, and wheels connected to the bottom of the housing. The cart also includes a wireless communication module supported by the housing, with the wireless communication module configured to establish a data communications link in accordance with at least one wireless communication protocol. A data processor is supported by the housing and connected in communication with the wireless communication module with the data processor executing a control system, and the control system receiving information via the data communications link. Sidewalls of the housing support an electronic display connected in communication to the control system and displaying information in accordance with commands received from the control system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to carts, and more particularly to carts for use in providing service for passengers on commercial transport vehicles.

BACKGROUND

On vehicles used for commercial transport of passengers, vehicle crew frequently employ a cart to aid in providing service for passengers while the vehicle is in route to its destination. In particular, the cart is used to carry service items, such as beverages, snacks, and meals for passengers. The services items are stored in the cart in bins or shelves, and vehicle crew push the cart along aisles in the vehicle between columns of seats as each row of passengers is served. On larger aircraft, multiple carts are typically employed so that different sections of the vehicle may be serviced simultaneously. In addition, one cart may be used to provide beverages for passengers, while another cart is used to provide meals so that that passengers may be served more quickly.

While such carts are useful and reduce the workload for vehicle crew, the carts have not changed much in recent years. Hence, improvements are desired to enhance cart utility.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, the disclosure describes a cart for use in providing service to passengers in a vehicle. The cart includes a housing having a storage volume with at least one opening to the storage volume, and the housing including a bottom and a pair of opposite sidewalls. The cart also includes wheels connected to the bottom of the housing, and a wireless communication module supported by the housing. The wireless communication module is configured to establish a data communications link in accordance with at least one wireless communication protocol. The cart additionally includes a data processor supported by the housing and connected in communication with the wireless communication module. The data processor execute a control system in which the control system receives information via the data communications link.

The cart also includes an electronic display supported by each sidewall of the housing. Each electronic display is connected in communication to the control system and displays information in accordance with commands received from the control system. The cart includes an electrical power source electrically connected to the wireless communication module, the data processor, and electronic display and supplies electrical power thereto, either directly or indirectly.

In a further aspect, the control system receives advertising data via the data communications link, and commands the electronic displays to display information in accordance with the advertising data. In another further aspect, the cart includes a memory storing advertising data connected in communication with the data processor. The adverting data may have been communicated to the cart via the data communications link and stored in the memory, in which the control system executed by the data processor commands the electronic displays to display information in accordance with the advertising data. The advertising data may include information such as a menu of available meals, snacks, beverages and other items, prices, premium and request items available, and other information such as a service schedule, and attractions to visit at the arrival destination, including available services at the destination.

In another further aspect, the wireless communication module is configured to establish a data communications link in accordance with a media access control protocol known as Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance based on IEEE 802.11 standards. The wireless communications module is also configured to establish a data communications link in accordance with short-range radio frequency communication protocol based on the International Organization for Standardization of radio frequency identification.

In yet a further aspect, at least one electronic display includes an electrophoretic ink. In a different further aspect, at least one electronic display includes a liquid crystal display. In yet a different further aspect, the electrical power source includes a rechargeable power source.

In another aspect, the disclosure describes a cart for use in providing service to passengers in a vehicle. The cart includes a housing having a storage volume with at least one opening to the storage volume, and the housing including a bottom and sidewalls. The cart includes wheels connected to the bottom of the housing, and a data processor supported by the housing in which the data processor executes a control system. The cart includes an electronic paper display supported by at least one sidewall of the housing, with the electronic paper display being connected in communication to the control system and displaying information in accordance with commands received from the control system. The cart includes an electrical power source electrically connected to the data processor and the electronic paper display and supplying electrical power thereto. In a more detailed aspect the electronic paper display includes an electrophoretic ink.

In a further aspect, the cart includes a memory storing advertising data connected in communication with the data processor in which the control system executed by the data processor commands the electronic display to display information in accordance with the advertising data. In a yet a further aspect, the cart includes a non-volatile memory connected in communication with the data processor. In still another aspect, the cart further includes a wireless communication module supported in the housing. The wireless communication module is configured to establish a data communications link in accordance with one or more wireless communication protocols. In a more detailed aspect, at least one wireless communication protocol is in accordance with at least one of Bluetooth and NFC.

The vehicle includes an electrical system and galley. In an additional aspect, the electrical power source of the cart includes a rechargeable battery supported by the housing. The cart further includes a pair of electrical contacts configured to electrically connect to the vehicle electrical system when the cart is docked or stowed in the galley of the vehicle for convenient recharging when the cart is not in use.

In a different aspect, the disclosure describes a cart for use in providing service to passengers in a vehicle. The cart includes a housing having a storage volume, a bottom, sidewalls, and opposite ends. Each end includes a door moveable between an open position permitting access to the storage volume, and a closed position, closing off access to the storage volume from that end of the housing. The cart also includes wheels connected to the bottom of the housing, and an information processing system supported by the housing. The information processing system includes a data processor and memory in communication with one another. The data processor executes a control system in which the control system accesses data stored in the memory.

The cart includes an electronic display supported by at least one sidewall of the housing, with the electronic display connected in communication to the control system and displaying information in accordance with commands received from the control system. The cart further includes an electrical power source electrically connected to the data processor and electronic display and supplying electrical power thereto. In further aspects, the electronic display includes an electrophoretic ink, and the cart includes another electronic display supported by another sidewall of the housing.

In a still further aspect, the cart includes a wireless communication module supported in the housing in which the wireless communication module is configured to establish a data communications link in accordance with at least one wireless communication protocol. In a more detailed aspect, the wireless communication module is configured to establish a data communications link in accordance with a media access control protocol known as Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance based on IEEE 802.11 standards, and a data communications link in accordance with short-range radio frequency communication protocol based on International Organization for Standardization radio frequency identification.

The vehicle includes an electrical system and galley. In a more detailed aspect, the electrical power source of the cart includes a rechargeable battery supported by the housing. Moreover, the cart includes electrical contacts configured to electrically connect to the vehicle electrical system when the cart is docked or stowed in the galley of the vehicle.

Other aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary note, the terms “component”, “module”, “system,” and the like as used herein are intended to refer to a computer-related and/or information processing entity, either software-executing general or special purpose processor, hardware, firmware and/or a combination thereof. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a hardware processor, a hardware processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. For example, a controller or control system may be implemented in software, hardware, and/or a combination thereof, and may include a group of two or more control systems working cooperatively.

Computer executable components can be stored, for example, at non-transitory, computer readable media including, but not limited to, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), CD (compact disc), DVD (digital video disk), ROM (read only memory), floppy disk, hard disk, EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory), solid state memory device or any other storage device, in accordance with the claimed subject matter.

In one aspect, the following disclosure describes a cart10for use in providing service to passengers in a vehicle12as schematically illustrated inFIG. 1. In particular,FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the passenger cabin of an airplane14, with the cart10positioned along an aisle16between columns of seats17. WhileFIG. 1illustrates the vehicle12as an airplane14, the vehicle is not limited to an aircraft and may be of any type, such as a ship, train, ferry, bus, or other type of vehicle having an aisle16or other areas through which a cart10may move for providing service to passengers. The cart10may also be used in stationary environments, such as in a building, warehouse, dock, and other environments, and used to transport items from a stationary environment to a mobile environment.

FIG. 2illustrates a view of the cart10removed from the vehicle12. With continued reference toFIG. 2, the cart includes a housing18having a bottom20, and a pair of opposite sidewalls22. The shape of the housing18corresponding substantially to a rectangular parallelepiped. The rectangular parallelepiped shape of the housing18has a width, height, and length in which the width is the smallest of the foregoing three dimensions. The width is of a size sufficiently narrow to enable the cart10to be pushed along an aisle of most passenger transport vehicles. For aircraft used for commercial passenger transport, the aisle width ranges from 40 cm to 70 cm, depending on the class of service and the density of the seating. Section 25.815 of Part 25 of Federal Aviation Regulations requires an aisle width of at least 15 inches (38.1 cm) for aircraft having a passenger seating capacity of 20 or more.

The length of the rectangular parallelepiped shape of the housing18is of a dimension for providing sufficient workspace for flight crew members to efficiently serve seated passengers. Simultaneously, the length is limited to facilitate maneuvering the cart10from stowage in a galley in the vehicle12, along the aisle or aisles16of the vehicle, and back to the cart stowage location. The housing18includes opposite ends23, and the housing length from one end23of the housing18to the other end23horizontally along the aisle16of the vehicle12is typically from two to three times the housing width.

The cart10includes wheels24connected to the bottom of the housing18. The wheels24support the housing18on the floor of the vehicle12for rolling the cart10along an aisle16. The wheels24include brakes operated by pedals (not shown) connected to the bottom20of the housing for locking the wheels24and preventing the cart20from rolling. The wheels24typically support the bottom20of the housing18from 100 to 150 cm above the vehicle floor, and more typically in a range from 110 cm to 130 cm. The height of the housing18from the bottom20to the top26of the housing, plus the distance the wheels24support the housing bottom20above the floor, places the housing top26at a height comfortable for most crew members as a work surface. The housing height, measured from the housing bottom20to the housing top26, is usually within a range from 800 cm to 1000 cm, and more typically around the midpoint of the foregoing range. When the height added by the wheels24is included, this places the top26of the housing18in a range from 900 cm to 1150 cm above the vehicle floor.

Returning toFIG. 1, the cart10is pushed or directed along the aisle16of the vehicle12, lengthwise. That is, with each sidewall22of the cart10facing towards the rows of seats18on opposite sides of the cart10. As can be seen inFIG. 3, the housing18includes a storage volume24. The storage volume24is disposed above the bottom20of the housing18, and between the sidewalls22. The storage volume24may include shelves28for dividing the storage volume24into smaller sections or volumes for efficient storage of items, such as meal trays, beverages, snacks, and/or other service items. Preferably the shelves28are adjustable via a plurality of spaced apart shelf supports30disposed along the interior of the sidewalls22in the storage volume24.

Each end23of the housing18includes a door25moveable between an open position permitting access to the storage volume24and a closed position, closing off access to the storage volume from that end of the housing.FIG. 2illustrates each door25in the closed position. In comparison,FIG. 3illustrates each door25in the open position.FIG. 4schematically illustrates a perspective view of the cart10towards the other end23of the cart10, with both doors25in the open position.

The cart10includes an information processing system32. The information processing system32is supported by the cart housing18.FIG. 5illustrates a schematic diagram of the information processing system32. As shown, the information processing system32includes a data processor34and memory36in communication with one another. In particular, the communication is via a bus37. The data processor34executes a control system38in which the control system accesses data stored in the memory36. The data processor34also executes an operating system and system software40. The data processor34is preferably a low power type, such as an ARM processor, but may be other types as well, such as an Intel or AMD type processor, preferably a type intended for low power or mobile use, and may comprise one or processors for parallel processing, and/or a GPU in communication with the data processor.

The information processing system32includes a wireless communication module42supported by the housing18. The wireless communication module42is configured to establish a wireless data communications link in accordance with at least one wireless communication protocol, for example, a media access control protocol known as Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance based on IEEE 802.11 standards, commonly known as Wi-Fi. Another example is a short-range radio frequency communication protocol based on the International Organization for Standardization of radio frequency identification (RFID), including near field communication (NFC). Yet others examples include Bluetooth and cellular communication protocols. Still other examples include Lutron integration, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Kidde protocols.

The wireless communication module42is able to establish a wireless data link in accordance with one or more of the foregoing protocols, and most preferably at least Wi-Fi. In this regard, vehicles12used for commercial public transport frequently include an entertainment system44. Such entertainment systems44often include wireless access points (WAPs)46, permitting passengers to use personal electronic devices (PEDs)47to establish communicate with the entertainment system44via Wi-Fi. Many entertainment systems include a selection of content, such as films and audio program that passengers can consume on their PEDs47. The data processor34of the information processing system32is in communication with the wireless communication module42, including the control system38executed by the data processor34, and receives information via the wireless data communication link.

The cart10also includes an electronic display48supported by each sidewall22of the housing18. Each electronic display48is connected in communication to the control system38. Each electronic display48displays information in accordance with commands received from the control system38. The information may be a menu of service items available, such as meal, snack and/or beverage types, brand information, and/or advertising, such as premium items available, and/or other information. Each electronic display48faces outward from its respective sidewall22of the cart10toward the passenger seats17. The passengers are therefore able to view the information displayed by the electronic displays48while waiting for crew personnel to provide service from the cart10.

The electronic displays48may be any type of conventional display that is lightweight and power efficient, such as LCDs, OLEDS, or electronic paper display types. Electronic paper are advantageous in that the displays are lightweight, low power, and can be read under bright light conditions because the electronic paper displays reflect light similar to how paper reflects light. Many electronic paper displays hold static text and images indefinitely even in the absence of electricity, and typically include electrophoretic ink. Further, electronic paper displays can display colors in addition to black and white. Electronic paper displays are available from E Ink Corporation of Billerica, Mass. in the United States.

The cart10includes an electrical power source50connected to the information processing system32, which supplies power to the data processor34and wireless communication module42. The electrical power source50also supplies power to the electronic displays48. The electrical power source50preferably comprises a rechargeable battery carried by the cart10. The desirable power output and capacity characteristics may be achieved with a lithium-ion type battery, such as lithium cobalt, lithium iron phosphate, lithium nickel cobalt, lithium polymer or other lithium type battery. Due to higher chemical and thermal stability, lithium iron phosphate may be preferred for applications where safety is of paramount concern, such as in aviation, or lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide in which the aluminum provides greater chemical stability. Lithium-polymer batteries may be shaped to correspond to the space available in the cart. Lithium batteries for aviation applications are available from Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd. of Sumoto City, Japan, in which Sanyo is a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. A possible alternative to lithium batteries is a fuel cell or cells. In either case, sufficient energy to power the various components of the cart10, is preferable for at least one hour, and more preferably, a minimum of three hours.

As the battery50is preferably rechargeable, the cart10may include a charging circuit connected thereto with a detachable connection to the main electrical system of the vehicle14for convenient recharging of the battery50. In particular, the cart10may be provided with a docking station in the vehicle12in which an electrical connection is established between the vehicle electrical system and the battery50when the cart10is docked or stowed. In this configuration, the charging circuit is preferably included with the dock to reduce the weight of the cart10and provide more storage space for service items. The cart10includes a plug or port52at the base of the housing18on each end of the housing. When the cart10is docked or stowed in the vehicle, the port52electrically connects or mates with a corresponding port connected to the vehicle electrical system. Hence, the battery50therefore charges when the cart10is docked or stowed, such as in the galley of a vehicle. The plug52is provided at both ends of the cart10so that either end of the cart may be docked or stowed for charging. Alternatively, the charging circuit may be included with the cart10and provided with a cord for connection to an electrical outlet of the vehicle14.

As noted above, many electronic paper displays hold static text and images indefinitely even in the absence of electricity. This is advantageous in the event the battery50becomes discharged during use of the cart. In particular, such an electronic display can maintain the display of static text and images despite the depleted condition of the battery50until the battery can be recharged or replaced.

The battery50is preferably disposed near the bottom of the cart20to lower the cart's center of gravity and help reduce the risk of the cart tipping over. However, the battery20may be placed in other locations, depending on space requirements, and size and weight of the cart10and components thereof, including the battery. The information processing system32has been illustrated disposed near the bottom20of the cart10. However, the information processing system32is generally a lighter weight component and may be placed at other locations. As information processing systems tend to generate heat, the information processing system32may be disposed near the top26of the cart10for a cart intended to provide chilled service items, such as canned beverages, desserts, ice cream, etc. If the wireless communication module42is placed near the bottom20of the cart10, preferably it is connected in communication to one or more antennas33near the top26of the cart for improved signal reception.

As illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, at least NFC antennas56are placed on or near the top26of the cart10for convenient use by vehicle crew members. In this regard, crew members may accepts via NFC for premium service items. The NFC antennas56are provided proximate opposite ends of the cart so that crew members on opposite sides of the cart have convenient access to an NFC antenna. The NFC antennas also act as RFID readers such that the cart can track and monitor items having RFID tags. Alternatively, the NFC antennas56may be placed on the sidewalls22of the housing18, near the upper corners the sidewalls for convenient access by both seated passengers and crew. More particularly, a seated passenger may easily reach an NFC antenna56located on the side of the housing18, while the NFC nevertheless is positioned sufficiently high on a sidewall that it can also be conveniently reached by a standing crew member. In another configuration, the NFC antennas56may be placed on both the top26and sidewalls22of the cart10for even more convenient access.

The payment information is communicated to the control system38. Preferably the wireless communication module42includes WiFi capability, in which the control system38encrypts the payment information and communicates the information to the vehicle entertainment system44for verification by communicating the information to a ground server. Alternatively, the wireless communication module42may have cellular capability, in which verification of payment information may proceed via cellular communication, or as a backup if there is an interruption in Internet connectivity.

As previously described, the information processing system32includes a memory36connected in communication with the data processor34via a bus37. The data processor34executes the control system38in which the control system accesses data stored in the memory36. The memory36may be SDRAM, NVRAM, a combination thereof, or other type. The cart10also includes storage media58connected to the data processor34for non-volatile storage of data when the data processor64is powered down and power is not available to maintain memory in RAM. The storage media58may be flash memory, an SSD, hard disk drive, or other type of media for non-volatile storage of data. A ROM or EEPROM may be included for non-volatile data storage as well, either alone or in combination with other non-volatile storage media.

Referring toFIG. 6, the storage media58may be a compact flash, secure digital memory card (SD card), other removeable type insertable into a memory card reader62. The memory card reader62is in communication with the bus37for exchanging data between the data processor34and the media58. For greater security, the memory card reader may be disposed inside the cart housing18so that it is only accessible after one of the doors25of the cart are opened. Alternatively or in addition to a card reader62, USB ports may be provided for connection of media in the form of USB drives.

The memory25stores advertising data in which the control system executed by the data processor commands the electronic displays to display information in accordance with the advertising data. The advertising data includes menus, prices, travel information, graphics and text, and itinerary information for the vehicle. The information may include public address messages as well. The advertising data may be communicated to the cart10via the wireless communication module42thereof and stored in the memory36by the control system38executed by the data processor34.

Entertainment systems44on commercial transport vehicles typically have content that is refreshed periodically. The advertising data may be communicated from the entertainment system44via a WAP46in communication with the cart wireless communication module42(the dotted line inFIG. 5indicates a wireless connection). Alternatively, the advertising data may be provided via a memory card inserted into the card reader62, read from the media58, and communicated to the control system38. In a configuration in which the advertising data is provided via media58, a wireless communication module42is not necessary for communicating advertising data to the cart10as it may be provided on removeable media58.

With continued reference toFIG. 6, the control system38commands the electronic displays48to show QR codes (quick response codes)60. In particular, advertising data may include a web address or link, which is displayed as a QR code60readable by the camera on a PED47. A passenger may use their PED47to read the QR code60and be taken to a web site with more information about the subject of an advertisement or an online ordering page for an advertised service or item. The QR code60may be a link to a web page hosted by a server of the vehicle entertainment system44, listing services and items available aboard the vehicle12. The web address or link may be displayed in alphanumeric format as well for passengers that prefer to type the web address/link.

The QR codes60may further be provided as a payment option for passengers. A passenger uses their PED47to read the QR code60, such as the amount due for a service item in which the PED47uses the information read from the QR code to communicate payment information to the vehicle entertainment system44via a WAP46or directly with the wireless communication module42of the cart10. In an alternative configuration, the cart10includes an optical scanner66for reading QR codes on PEDs47for receiving payment information from passengers other information, such as information from a printed code, for instance ticket information or a coupon. In another configuration, an optical sensor66is mounted to the top26or sidewalls22of the cart housing18in which the PED47or material bearing the code may be held in front of the sensor for reading the code.

In at least one other configuration, the control system38determines the language or languages in which to display information on the displays48based on departure origin and destination of the vehicle12. For instance, if the vehicle12is an aircraft departing Paris, France, and arriving in Munich, Germany, it will display information in French and German versions. Preferably, the travel itinerary is provided to the cart10along with advertisement data by communication with the vehicle entertainment system12. Advertising may be automatically selected based on the destination of the vehicle, such as attractions to visit at the destination and available services at the destination. The vehicle entertainment system10may also communicate public address messages to the cart10to show on the electronic displays48. For example, if turbulence is encountered during service and passengers are commanded to return to their seats and fasten seat belts, the cart10may show a corresponding message. Alternatively, a public address may identify points of interest to passengers as the vehicle12is passing nearby, such as mountains, lakes, rivers, or other sites.

The wireless communication module42may also include Bluetooth capability for communication with location beacons64in the vehicle12. For example, the vehicle12may include beacons64identifying different classes of service with the vehicle with different service items available for each class. In this configuration, the cart control system38commands the displays48to display information in accordance with the determined cart location. Hence, if the control system38determines the cart10is located in premium class seating, the control system38commands the display48to display the premium class menu and/or other information pertaining to that section of the vehicle12. Similarly, if the control system38determines the cart10is located in economy class based on communication with beacons64, the control system38commands the displays48to control information for economy class services, such as menus and items for purchase.

Vehicle crew may use the cart10to display public address messages by using a crew personal electronic device to send commands to the cart control system38via the wireless data communication module42. For example, if the menu includes two choices for a meal and of the choices is no longer available, a vehicle crew person could modify the menu. Lost and found messages could be posted, such as an item left in the lavatory. The crew may communicate directly with the cart10or indirectly via the vehicle entertainment system44. In this regard, instead of using a crew personal electronic device to command the cart10, a crew management terminal of the entertainment system may be used to communicate a command or message to the cart10.

Various changes and modifications can be made as will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. While the cart10has been described for use with a vehicle12, it could be used for stationary applications as well, such as providing services in a building, mall, or outdoor location. In addition, the cart could be to transport service items from a stationary environment, for example, from a storage or inventory area of a building or terminal to the vehicle, and vice versa, such as offloading unused inventory. The cart10may be provided with cameras and other sensors in communication with the control system38for navigation, along with motorized wheels24for automated delivery of items. For example, while the vehicle12is at a terminal, the cart10could be programmed to automatically proceed from an inventory or food storage area in the terminal, to the vehicle, and carry aboard supplies for the vehicle for an upcoming departure. Instead of wheels24, the cart could be provided with treads or feet, or both wheels and feet.

The cart10has been illustrated with doors25disposed on the ends of the cart. However, doors25could be provided at other locations, for example, on the upper surface of the cart for convenient access to a containers in the cart having items such as ice and/or other items. Electronic displays48have been described on the sidewalls22of the cart. An additional electronic display or displays could be added, such as on the upper surface of the cart10for use by crew personnel. A keyboard and/or touch screen could be added for crew to quickly change information displayed by the electronic displays48, such as deleting items from a menu if items are no longer available. As previously mentioned, the NFC antennas56may be placed on the sidewalls22of the housing18, instead of the upper surface, or other locations, or both on the upper surface and sidewalls. Instead of QR codes60, the control system38could command the electronic displays48to show bar codes or both QR and bar codes and/or other codes readable by an optical sensor on a PED47.

As changes can made, the foregoing disclosure and examples described therein are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalence of the appended claims.