Abstract:
A control and monitoring system is provided in the aircraft cabin and controls a reconfiguration process with corresponding software in combination with reconfiguration data received from the ground personnel. The control is realized, for example, with a suitable light signals and the unlocking of the seats at certain times. All work sequences are acoustically and/or optically displayed such that the reconfiguration can also be carried out by untrained personnel.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/EP2010/053163, filed Mar. 12, 2010, which was published under PCT Article 21(2) and which claims priority to German Patent Application No. 102009014606.7 filed Mar. 24, 2009 and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/162,788 filed Mar. 24, 2009, the disclosure of which applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The technical field pertains to the reconfiguration of cabins of a means of transport. The technical field specifically pertains to a semi-automated method for reconfiguring a cabin layout of a passenger cabin of a means of transport, to a control and monitoring system for reconfiguring a cabin layout in an at least partially automated fashion, as well as to an aircraft. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The reconfiguration of passenger seats in an aircraft or other means of transport is relatively complicated because aircraft are not specially prepared for this purpose. The positioning of seats, the adaptation of seat-to-seat wiring, service channels and the programming of the cabin management system are largely manual activities that prevent an efficient change-over in service (“In Service”). 
         [0004]    DE 103 07 870 A1 and US 2004/0195450 A1 describe seat row arrangements in a passenger cabin of a commercial aircraft. Seat rows of passenger seats are provided and feature seat parts that can be folded up in order to increase the width of a cross-aisle, if so required. In this way, the seating capacity can be increased because the cross-aisles of the emergency exits can be realized narrower. If the basic cabin layout should be changed, extensive conversion measures are required that can frequently only be carried out by trained personnel and with the aid of corresponding tools. 
         [0005]    It is at least one objective to make available a method and a system for the simplified reconfiguration of a cabin layout in a means of transport. In addition, other objectives, desirable features, and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary and detailed description, and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    A semi-automated method is disclosed for reconfiguring a cabin layout of a passenger cabin of a means of transport, a control and monitoring system for reconfiguring a cabin layout of a passenger cabin of a means of transport in an at least partially automated fashion and an aircraft with such a control and monitoring system 
         [0007]    The described embodiments likewise pertain to the method, the control and monitoring system, as well as the aircraft. In other words, the steps described below with reference to the method can also be implemented in the form of corresponding devices in the control and monitoring system in the aircraft. Similarly, characteristics of the devices described below can also be implemented in the form of method steps. 
         [0008]    According to one embodiment, a semi-automated method is disclosed for reconfiguring a cabin layout of a passenger cabin of a means of transport. Electronic data with respect to a planned cabin layout is made available to a processing unit (also called arithmetic unit) of the means of transport, a first work step of the reconfiguration to be carried out is automatically communicated to a crew member of the means of transport, the first work step is carried out by the crew member and a second work step of the reconfiguration to be carried out (subsequently) is automatically communicated to the crew member. The term means of transport used above and below refers, for example, to an aircraft such as a helicopter, an airship or an airplane, as well as a watercraft, a rail vehicle or a land craft. 
         [0009]    In this way, the activities that originally had to be carried out manually can be simplified and partially automated. The assignment of trained personnel is no longer mandatory. Due to the automatic communication to the corresponding crew member (for example, in the form of acoustic and/or optical signals), the crew member does not have to use any plans, on which the corresponding cabin layout is printed. The planned cabin layout is rather transmitted to the processing unit and the reconfiguration method is subsequently managed, partially controlled and monitored by the processing unit. 
         [0010]    According to another embodiment, the data with respect to the planned cabin layout is transmitted to a memory of the processing unit in order to be made available by a terrestrial transmitter. The transmission may be realized, for example, wireless by means of a suitable radio transmission technology or in a wire-bound fashion. In case of a wireless transmission, for example, the data is encrypted so as to reduce the risk of data abuse. 
         [0011]    According to another embodiment, the communication of the first and the second work step to be carried out is at least partially realized optically. According to another embodiment, the optical signal has a signal in the region of a seat to be displaced next. For example, corresponding lamps are arranged above, adjacent to or on the seats. The lamp at the seat to be displaced next flashes if this seat is next in line to be displaced. Similarly, a stop signal blinks when the seat is situated in the desired position. In this way, the crew member merely needs to follow the light signals in order to change the cabin layout. 
         [0012]    According to another embodiment, the optical signal has a signal projected by a projector. It would be possible, for example, to only provide a small number of projectors that can be pivoted and project the starting and end positions for the corresponding seats onto the ceiling or onto the wall under the control of the processing unit. It is also possible, for example, to arrange an OLED-strip on the overhead luggage compartments and to display the positions of the seat to be displaced next thereon. 
         [0013]    According to another embodiment, the first work step comprises a displacement of a seat. An electric unlocking of the seat takes place prior to the displacement of the seat, and an electric locking of the seat takes place subsequent to the displacement of the seat. 
         [0014]    According to another embodiment, the unlocking and the locking of the seat take place automatically. For example, the position of the seat to be displaced next is displayed to the crew member in the form of a corresponding light signal above the seat. The seat is at the same time automatically unlocked. The crew member now displaces the seat into the desired end position, whereupon a stop signal sounds or is displayed. Subsequently, the seat is automatically locked again. 
         [0015]    According to another embodiment, the unlocking and the locking of the seat are realized with the aid of a locking mechanism that is moved from a locking position into an unlocking position (and vice versa) by a memory metal element. Such a memory metal element can be bent by applying an electric voltage such that the locking mechanism is triggered. If the voltage is switched off, the locking mechanism is once again released (this time in the opposite direction). 
         [0016]    According to another embodiment, it is also automatically checked whether or not the first work step was carried out correctly and this check is followed by the transmission of corresponding feedback to the crew member. In this way, the crew member is provided with feedback as to whether or not the corresponding seat is already situated in the correct position. 
         [0017]    According to another embodiment, the feedback comprises an acoustic signal. The feedback may additionally or alternatively take place optically, for example, in the form of a flashing or permanently illuminated light signal. 
         [0018]    According to another embodiment, a position of the seat also is automatically determined during a displacement of the seat. In this way, the system can automatically determine when the seat is situated in the desired position such that corresponding feedback can be transmitted to the crew member. 
         [0019]    According to another embodiment, a control and monitoring system for reconfiguring a cabin layout of a passenger cabin of a means of transport in an at least partially automated fashion is disclosed. The control and monitoring system features a processing unit for receiving electronic data with respect to a planned cabin layout. An output device is furthermore provided. The output device is in combination with the processing unit designed for automatically communicating a first work step of the reconfiguration to be carried out on the basis of the planned cabin layout to a crew member. The output device is furthermore designed for automatically communicating a second work step of the reconfiguration to be carried out to the crew member in combination with the arithmetic unit once the first work step is completed. 
         [0020]    Detection devices or position determination devices, in particular, in the form of a suitable sensor system may be provided in order to determine whether or not the seat is situated in the desired position. 
         [0021]    According to another embodiment, an aircraft is disclosed with a control and monitoring system of the type described above and below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, which are not to scale and where like numerals denote like elements, and: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a control and monitoring system according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic diagram of a control and monitoring system according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  shows a first method step according to an embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  shows a second method step according to an embodiment; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  shows a third method step according to an embodiment; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  shows part of an aircraft cabin with a control and monitoring system according to an embodiment; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  shows another method step according to an embodiment; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  shows another method step according to an embodiment; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  shows a row of seats that can be displaced along the seat rails; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  shows a row of seats with part of the control and monitoring system according to an embodiment; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  shows a method step according to another embodiment; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  shows a detailed representation of the lower region of an aircraft seat according to an embodiment; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  shows a control and monitoring system  100  according to an embodiment. The control and monitoring system  100  features a terrestrial input and transmission unit  103  that can be operated by ground personnel. The corresponding cabin layout is defined by means of this unit  103 , for example, during the check-in of passengers. The calculated desired cabin layout is then transmitted on a data line  102  to the processing unit in the aircraft via an interface  104  of the aircraft  101 . 
         [0037]    This means that layout changes to the cabin layout that already exists in the aircraft are initially identified. The (new) cabin layout information is subsequently, simultaneously or previously uploaded into the aircraft  101  (data upload). This data is then used for the fast reconfiguration and made available to several systems and devices of the control and monitoring system. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  shows another illustration of the control and monitoring system  100 . The data transmission between the terrestrial input and control unit  103  may also take place via a radio link  202  with the aid of a wireless interface  201 . The on-board processing unit  212  receives the data set that is subsequently stored, for example, in a memory element  203 . 
         [0039]    The processing unit  212  is on the one hand connected to the output devices  207 ,  207 ,  208  via a data bus  205 . These output devices make it possible to transmit optical and/or acoustical, haptical or other signals to the cabin crew in order to signal to the crew members which seats should be displaced from which location to which location at what time. The processing unit  212  is furthermore connected to several detection units  209 ,  210 ,  211  (see data bus  204 ). These detection units consist, for example, of optical sensors, inductive sensors or even linear position transmitters or navigation systems that utilize, for example, satellite navigation software in order to determine the position of the corresponding seats. 
         [0040]      FIG. 3  shows another methodical step. The crew member carries a portable control device  302  that makes it possible, for example, to lock and unlock the locking mechanisms  401 ,  402  (see  FIG. 4 ) of the individual seats. 
         [0041]    A symbol  206  is illuminated above the front seat  301 . The symbol  206  signals to the crew member that the seat  301  should be displaced forward. The symbol  206  may consist, for example, of an illumination that is activated. However, the symbol  206  may also be projected onto the wall paneling by a projector that is integrated, for example, into one of the seats. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  shows that a folding seat  303  is situated on the wall  304 , wherein this folding seat is “folded away” in the cabin layout according to  FIG. 3  and not used. The work sequence to be carried out is displayed, for example, on a display in the service channel of the passenger cabin and/or projected onto the sidewall, e.g., by a miniature projector in the seat backrest of one of the seats and/or on the seat itself (for example, in the form of a red or green LED, an IFE-screen, etc.). When the seat is correctly positioned, feedback takes place via the output device  207 . Alternatively or additionally to an optical feedback, this may also concern an acoustical feedback in the form of a signal tone. 
         [0043]    This is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The signal indicates that the seat is situated in the desired forwardly displaced position. The seat is then once again locked on the seat rails. Once this has taken place, the next work step is displayed. 
         [0044]    The adaptation or change of the cabin layout is carried out, for example, in several steps. The seat to be displaced or the seats to be displaced initially need to be unlocked. This unlocking process, as well as the subsequent locking process, is realized, for example, with the aid of a memory metal locking element. For this purpose, a corresponding energy source in the form of a battery and, for example, a remotely controllable switch may be provided, for example, in the seat in addition to the memory metal locking element. The locking mechanism may also be centrally controlled by the management and control system in an automated fashion, for example, from the Flight Attendant Panel (FAP). In this case, the locking and unlocking processes take place in a fully automated fashion (see  FIG. 4 ). A manual unlocking tool can also be used. Similarly, it would be possible to provide a central locking system for each seat. Alternatively, each seat base can be locally unlocked. 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  shows the unlocking of the seat  301  that is remotely controlled by the crew member via the device  302 . The symbol  206  indicates that the seat  301  should be displaced forward. The symbol  206  indicates the position, to which the seat  301  needs to be displaced. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  shows part of an aircraft cabin, into which a control and monitoring system is installed. According to an embodiment, the position of the seats can be changed without having to remove the seats from the seat rails. In order to reconfigure the economy class into the business class, for example, one or more seats (in the front or the rear) are removed. This is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0047]    Alternatively, a folding seat  303  can be folded up in order to create more seat space for the remaining seats (see  FIG. 8 ).  FIG. 7  shows the folding seat  303  in the unfolded, usable state. This folding function can also be remotely controlled via the device  302 . The illuminated symbol  4  in  FIG. 7  signals to the crew member that the folding seat should now be folded up. 
         [0048]    After folding up the folding seat  303 , the seat spacing between the remaining seats can be increased. This is either realized manually in the form of a displacement by the crew member (see  FIG. 8 ) or automatically, for example, in that the individual seats are connected to a corresponding transport chain or feature their own motors that can displace the respective seat along the seat rails (such a motor is illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 12 ; see reference symbol  904 , as well as the corresponding seat rail  902 ). 
         [0049]    According to  FIG. 8 , the crew member is signaled that the front seat should be displaced first (see reference symbol  801 ). Subsequently, the second seat should be displaced (see reference symbol  802 ) and the rear seat is ultimately displaced slightly toward the rear (see reference symbol  803 ). 
         [0050]      FIG. 9  shows a seat row with three seats that are mounted on seat rails  901 ,  902  and can glide along the seat rails by means of the drives  903 ,  904 . If the seat spacing should be reduced, for example, in order to change the business class configuration into the economy class configuration, the foremost seat row is initially displaced farther toward the front by a certain distance. Then the next seat row is displaced followed by the next seat row, etc. Ultimately, the folding seat  303  is unfolded. Other seats can be inserted if such a folding seat is not provided. 
         [0051]    Due to the seat rail principle used, the displacement is not dependent on structural details of the seat rails. However, the seat mounting needs to structurally match the corresponding seat rails. For example, linear rails may be provided in the aircraft seat rail. It is also possible to use classic seat rails that, if applicable, are provided with a corresponding coating in order to improve the sliding properties of the seats along the rails. Other suitable seat rails may also be used. 
         [0052]    The position of the seats is determined, for example, by means of an inductive supply of the seats. This is illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Inductive receivers  1002  are arranged in the seat rails in order to receive energy from the inductive sources  1001 ,  1003  of the seat rails such that the electrical consumers of the seats can be supplied with energy in a contactless fashion. This principle can also be used for detecting the position of the seat rows. 
         [0053]    The positions of the seats can also be detected by means of satellite navigation receivers. Satellite reception is not absolutely necessary for this purpose. The system may also consist of an on-board navigation system of the aircraft that does not use satellites as reference points, but rather transmitters that are permanently installed in the aircraft, however, in accordance with the satellite navigation principle. Linear position transmitters may be additionally or alternatively used for determining the seat position. 
         [0054]    After each work step is completed, the results are checked, particularly whether the corresponding seat/the corresponding seat row is situated in the correct position and whether the seats are once again locked in the required fashion. This check may take place in a fully automated fashion, for example, with a corresponding sensor system. This check may also be realized in the form of a visual inspection by the crew member. After the check is completed, the crew member can confirm the work step such that the control and monitoring system can initiate the next work step. This is illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0055]    As a supplement, it should be noted that “comprising” and “featuring” do not exclude any other elements or steps, and that “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. It should furthermore be noted that characteristics or steps that were described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps of other above-described embodiments. 
         [0056]    While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing summary and detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the embodiment or embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.