Patent Publication Number: US-11387902-B2

Title: Wireless control of a passenger service unit using a personal device of a passenger

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/845,751, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,176,810, issued on Nov. 16, 2021, entitled “Wireless Control of a Passenger Service Unit,” filed the same date as the present application and incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD 
     The subject disclosure relates to a passenger service unit onboard an aircraft and more particularly to wireless control of a passenger service unit. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Most current wide-body passenger aircraft, such as for example, passenger twin aisle aircraft use in-flight entertainment (IFE) to control reading lights and attendant call devices. However, as passengers bring more smart devices on to the aircraft, some airlines are streaming IFE content directly to passenger personal devices and eliminating the in-seat IFE controls. The reading light and attendant call functions remain in the passenger service unit (PSU) above each seat. The passenger service units on such aircraft, particularly twin-aisle aircraft, may be out of reach of most seated passengers, especially in a center seating area. Additionally, some known passenger aircraft have the option to delete the center bins, and instead install a fairing with the center PSU mounted above the reaching height of a fifth percentile female, meaning a portion of the population may not be able to reach the PSU even when standing. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with an example, a method for controlling a passenger service unit includes receiving, by a personal device of a passenger, an electromagnetic (EM) signal, wherein the EM signal includes identification information of the passenger service unit. The method also includes transmitting, by the personal device, a message for controlling operation of one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit. The message includes an identification of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit and a control input for each of the one or more selected devices. 
     In accordance with another example, a personal device configured to control a passenger service unit includes a processor and a memory associated with the processor. The memory includes computer-readable program instructions that, when executed by the processor causes the processor to perform a set of functions. The set of functions include receiving an electromagnetic (EM) signal, wherein the EM signal includes identification information of the passenger service unit. The set of functions also include transmitting a message for controlling operation of one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit. The message includes an identification of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit and a control input for each of the one or more selected devices. 
     In accordance with an example and any of the preceding examples, wherein receiving the EM signal includes receiving a visible light communication (VLC) signal that is receivable by an optical sensor of the personal device. 
     In accordance with an example and any of the preceding examples, wherein receiving the EM signal includes using pulse-width modulation (PWM) in the EM signal to define the identification information of the passenger service unit. 
     In accordance with an example and any of the preceding examples, wherein using the PWM includes cycling a light of the passenger service unit on and off at a PWM rate that is faster than a human eye can detect. 
     In accordance with an example and any of the preceding examples, wherein the method or system further include receiving multiple EM signals transmitted by the passenger service unit; and using the multiple EM signals to triangulate a location of the personal device to pair the personal device with a particular passenger service unit. The personal device of the passenger includes a passenger service unit (PSU) control application configured to pair the personal device with the particular passenger service unit using the multiple EM signals and based on the identification information of the passenger service unit. 
     In accordance with an example and any of the preceding examples, wherein transmitting the message includes transmitting a wireless message to a cabin network control system for controlling the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit. The wireless message includes the identification information of the passenger service unit, the identification of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit to be controlled, and the control input for each of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit. The cabin network control system is configured to transmit a control message to the passenger service unit in response to receiving the wireless message. The control message includes the identification information of the passenger service unit, the identification of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit to be controlled, and the control input for each of the one or more selected devices. 
     In accordance with an example and any of the preceding examples, wherein transmitting the message comprises transmitting a wireless control message from the personal device of the passenger to the passenger service unit to control operation of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit in response to the wireless control message. 
     In accordance with an example, a personal device configured to control a passenger service unit includes a passenger service unit (PSU) control application operating on a personal device of a passenger. The personal device also includes an electromagnetic (EM) receiver, wherein the PSU control application is configured to control the EM receiver of the personal device to receive an electromagnetic (EM) signal from the passenger service unit. The EM signal includes identification information of the passenger service unit. The personal device additionally includes a transmitter, wherein the PSU control application is configured to control the transmitter of the personal device to transmit a message for controlling operation of one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit. The message includes an identification of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit and a control input for each of the one or more selected devices. 
     In accordance with an example and any of the preceding examples, wherein the EM receiver includes an optical sensor configured to receive a visible light communication (VLC) signal as the EM signal. 
     In accordance with an example and any of the preceding examples, wherein the EM receiver is configured to receive the EM signal using pulse-width modulation in the EM signal to define the identification information of the passenger service unit. 
     In accordance with an example and any of the preceding examples, wherein the PSU control application is further configured to control the EM receiver of the personal device to receive multiple EM signals from the passenger service unit, and wherein the PSU control application uses the multiple EM signals to triangulate a location of the personal device to pair the personal device to a particular passenger service unit. 
     In accordance with an example and any of the preceding examples, wherein the personal device further includes a display, wherein the PSU control application is further configured to control the display of the personal device to present a graphical user interface on the display to allow a particular device or devices of the passenger service unit to be selected by the passenger for controlling operation of the particular device or devices. 
     In accordance with an example and any of the preceding examples, wherein the particular device or devices of the passenger service unit represented in the graphical user interface for selection by the passenger include at least one of a light, an airflow control device, and an attendant call device. 
     In accordance with an example and any of the preceding examples, wherein the transmitter is a transceiver of the personal device and wherein the PSU control application is further configured to control the transceiver of the personal device to transmit a wireless message to a cabin network control system for controlling operation of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit. The wireless message includes the identification information of the passenger service unit, the identification of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit, and the control input for each of the one more selected devices of the passenger service unit. 
     In accordance with an example and any of the preceding examples, wherein the cabin network control system is configured to transmit a control message to the passenger service unit in response to receiving the wireless message from the personal device. The control message includes the identification information of the passenger service unit, the identification of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit and the control input for each of the one or more selected devices. 
     In accordance with an example and any of the preceding examples, wherein the transmitter is a wireless transmitter of the personal device and wherein the PSU control application is further configured to control the wireless transmitter of the personal device to transmit a wireless control message to the passenger service unit to control operation of the one or more selected devices. The wireless control message includes the identification of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit and the control input for each of the one or more selected devices. 
     In accordance with an example and any of the preceding examples, wherein the wireless transmitter is configured to transmit the wireless control message as a visible light communication (VLC) control message. The VLC control message being receivable by an optical sensor of the passenger service unit. 
     The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various examples or may be combined in yet other examples further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view an example of a fuselage of a passenger aircraft in accordance with an example of the subject disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a block schematic diagram of an example a system for controlling a passenger service unit of the fuselage of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an example of the subject disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a block schematic diagram of an example of a system for controlling a passenger service unit of the fuselage of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with another example of the subject disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of an example of a graphical user interface (GUI) for controlling a passenger service unit of  FIGS. 1 to 3 , in accordance with an example of the subject disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is flow chart of an example of a method for controlling a passenger service unit of  FIGS. 1 to 3  that may use the GUI of  FIG. 4 , in accordance with some examples of the subject disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The embodiments described herein can enable a passenger on an aircraft to control a passenger service unit (PSU) remotely while seated. The systems and method described herein allow the passenger to interact with the passenger service unit without directly contacting the passenger service unit. Accordingly, the passenger can operate a passenger service unit that is out of reach while seated or standing. As will be described in more detail herein, the system uses electromagnetic signals, such as Visible Light Communication (VLC) signals, to transmit identification information of a passenger service unit to a personal device of a passenger. The electromagnetic signals or VLC signals may use pulse-width modulation to define the identification information of the passenger service unit. The identification information can be received by an optical sensor, such as a camera of the personal device, e.g., passenger&#39;s smartphone, tablet computer, etc. The passenger&#39;s personal device includes application software provided by an airline or aircraft manufacture. The application software of the personal device uses the identification information to pair the personal device with a particular passenger service and to control the devices of the passenger service unit, such as a reading light, airflow control device, attendant call device, or other devices. 
       FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view an example of a fuselage  100  of a passenger aircraft  102  in accordance with an example of the subject disclosure. The exemplary passenger aircraft  102  is a wide-body aircraft that includes a center section  104  of seats  106  defined between aisles  108  and  110 . As illustrated in the example in  FIG. 1 , a passenger service unit  112  is beyond the average arm reach of a passenger  114  seated in one of the seats  106  of the center section  104 . The subject disclosure describes examples of a system  116  and method  500  for controlling devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112  without the passenger  114  having to unbuckle her seat belt and stand. The exemplary system  116  and method  500  are also usable for controlling the devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112  in situations where the passenger  114  can reach the passenger service unit  112  without standing, for example in the outside sections  120  and  122  of seats  106 , or in other situations where there may be difficulty in reaching any overhead devices, such as devices  118 . Examples of the devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112  include, but are not necessarily limited to, a light  124 , an airflow control device  126 , and an attendant call device  128 . The light  124  is useable for reading or other purposes by the passenger  114 . 
     The system  116  for controlling the passenger service unit  112  includes a processor  136  and a memory  138  associated with the processor  136 . In the example in  FIG. 1 , the processor  136  and the memory  138  reside in the passenger service unit  112 . As described in more detail herein, the memory  138  includes computer-readable program instructions that, when executed by the processor  136  causes the processor  136  to perform a set of functions or a method. An example of a method  500  performed at least partially by the system  116  will be described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     In some examples, such as the exemplary system  116   a  in  FIG. 2 , a personal device  130  of the passenger  114  is configured to wirelessly communicate with a cabin network control system  132  for controlling the devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112 . In other examples, such as the exemplary system  116   b  in  FIG. 3 , the personal device  130  is configured to wirelessly communicate with the passenger service unit  112   b  for controlling the devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   b . In the exemplary system  116   b  in  FIG. 3 , the passenger service unit  112   b  includes a wireless receiver  134  for receiving a wireless control message  302  or  308  from the personal device  130  of the passenger  114  for controlling one or more of the devices  118 . Examples of the personal device  130  include but are not necessarily limited to a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer with a camera or any optical sensor-enabled personal device. 
       FIG. 2  is a block schematic diagram of an example of a system  116   a  for controlling a passenger service unit  112   a  of the fuselage of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an example of the subject disclosure. In some examples, the system  116   a  is used for the system  116  in  FIG. 1  and the passenger service unit  112   a  is used for the passenger service unit  112  in  FIG. 1 . The passenger service unit  112   a  is an example of a passenger service unit  112  that is used in an aircraft that includes a cabin network control system  132  and the passenger service unit  112   a  is not equipped with a wireless receiver for receiving wireless or EM signals. Accordingly, one of the uses or benefits of the exemplary system  116   a  is that the system  116   a  is implementable in an aircraft having a cabin network control system  132  and the passenger service unit  112   a  is not equipped with a wireless receiver. The system  116   a  includes a processor  136  and a memory  138  associated with the processor  136 . In the example in  FIG. 2 , the processor  136  and the memory  138  reside in the passenger service unit  112   a . The memory  138  includes computer-readable program instructions  202  that, when executed by the processor  136  causes the processor  136  to perform a method or set of functions  204 . An example of the method or the set of functions  204  will be described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 5  as operations or steps of the method  500  performed by the passenger service unit  112   a . In some examples, the set of functions  204  include transmitting, by a passenger service unit  112   a , an electromagnetic (EM) signal  206  that is receivable by a personal device  130  of a passenger  114 . The EM signal  206  includes identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a . The set of functions  204  also include receiving a control message  208 , by the passenger service unit  112   a . The control message  208  includes an identification of one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  and a control input for each of the one or more selected devices  118 . The set of functions  204  additionally include controlling operation of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  in response to receiving the control message  208  and based on the control input for each selected device  118 . 
     In the example in  FIG. 2 , the passenger service unit  112   a  includes a passenger service module  210 . The passenger service module  210  includes the processor  136  and the memory  138 . The passenger service module  210  is configured to receive the control message  208  from a cabin network control system  132  in response to the cabin network control system  132  receiving a wireless message  212  from the personal device  130  of the passenger  114 . The wireless message  212  includes the identification of the passenger service unit  112   a , the identification of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a , and the control input for each of the one or more selected devices  118 . 
     The cabin network control system  132  includes a processor  214  for performing operations by the cabin network control system  132 . The cabin network control system  132  or processor  214  is configured to transmit the control message  208  to the passenger service unit  112   a  or passenger service module  210  in response to receiving the wireless message  212  from the personal device  130 . The cabin network control system  132  also includes a receiver  216  for receiving the wireless message  212  from the personal device  130 . In some examples, the receiver  216  is a transceiver that can transmit and receive wireless signals. 
     The passenger service unit  112   a  also includes an electromagnetic (EM) transmitter  218  configured to transmit the EM signal  206  that is receivable by the personal device  130  of the passenger  114 . As previously described, the EM signal  206  includes identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a . In some examples, the EM transmitter  218  is configured to transmit a visible light communication (VLC) signal as the EM signal  206 . The VLC signal is receivable by an optical sensor  220  of the personal device  130 . In some examples, the EM transmitter  218  is configured to transmit the EM signal  206  using pulse-width modulation in the EM signal  206  to define the identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a  to the personal device  130  of the passenger  114 . 
     As previously described, the passenger service unit  112   a  includes a plurality of devices  118 . The passenger service unit  112   a  is configured to receive a control message  208 . The control message  208  includes an identification of one or more selected devices  118  of the plurality of devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  and a control input for each of the one or more selected devices  118 . The one or more selected devices  118  are controlled in response to the control message  208  being received and based on the control input for each selected device  118 . 
     In the example in  FIG. 2 , the system  116   a  also includes the personal device  130 . The personal device  130  is configured to control a passenger service unit  112   a . The personal device  130  includes a processor  222  and a memory  224  associated with the processor  222 . The memory  224  includes computer-readable program instructions  226  that, when executed by the processor  222  causes the processor  222  to perform a method or set of functions  228 . An example of the method or the set of functions  228  are described with reference to  FIG. 5  as steps of the method  500  being performed by the personal device  130 . In some examples, the set of functions  228  include receiving, by a personal device  130  of a passenger  114 , an electromagnetic (EM) signal  206 . The EM signal  206  includes identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a . In the example in  FIG. 2 , the PSU identification information  230  is stored in the memory  224  of the personal device  130 . The set of functions  228  also include transmitting, by the personal device  130  of the passenger  114 , a wireless message  212  or wireless control message  302  or  308  ( FIG. 3 ) for controlling operation of one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a . The wireless message  212  or a wireless control message  302  or  308  includes an identification of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  and a control input for each of the one or more selected devices  118 . 
     The personal device  130  configured to control a passenger service unit  112  also includes a passenger service unit (PSU) control application  232  operating on the personal device  130  of a passenger  114 . In some examples, the PSU control application  232  is embodied in the set of functions  228  and performs the operations or method steps described with reference to  FIG. 5  as steps of the method  500  being performed by the personal device  130 . The personal device  130  additionally includes an electromagnetic (EM) receiver  234 , a transmitter  244  and a display  238 . The transmitter  244  is either the wireless transmitter  236  or the transceiver  242  of the personal device  130  as described in more detail herein. The PSU control application  232  is configured to control the EM receiver  234  of the personal device  130  to receive an EM signal  206  from the passenger service unit  112   a . As previously described, the EM signal  206  includes identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a . The PSU control application  232  is also configured to control the transmitter  244  of the personal device  130  to transmit a message  212  for controlling operation of one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a . As previously described, the message  212  includes an identification of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  and a control input for each of the one or more selected devices  118 . 
     In some examples, the EM receiver  234  includes an optical sensor  220  or a camera of the personal device  130  configured to receive a visible light communication (VLC) signal as the EM signal  206 . In some examples, the EM receiver  234  is configured to receive the EM signal  206  using pulse-width modulation in the EM signal  206  to define the identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a.    
     In some examples, the PSU control application  232  is further configured to control the EM receiver  234  of the personal device  130  to receive multiple EM signals  206  from the passenger service unit  112   a . The PSU control application  232  uses the multiple EM signals  206  to triangulate a location of the personal device  130  to pair the personal device  130  to a particular passenger service unit  112   a  as described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     In the example in  FIG. 2 , the transmitter  244  is the transceiver  242  of the personal device  130 . The PSU control application  232  is further configured to control the transceiver  242  of the personal device  130  to transmit a wireless message  212  to the cabin network control system  132  for controlling operation of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a . The wireless message  212  includes the identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a , the identification of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  to be controlled, and the control input for each of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a . As previously described, the cabin network control system  132  is configured to transmit a control message  208  to the passenger service unit  112   a  in response to the wireless message  212  from the personal device  130 . The control message  208  includes the identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a , the identification of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a , and the control input for each of the one or more selected devices  118 . 
     In an example as described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 3 , the transmitter  244  is a wireless transmitter  236  of the personal device  130 . In this example, the PSU control application  232  is further configured to control the wireless transmitter  236  of the personal device  130  to transmit a wireless control message  302  to the passenger service unit  112   b  to control operation of the one or more selected devices  118 . The wireless control message  302  includes the identification of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   b  and the control input for each of the one or more selected devices  118 . In some examples, the wireless transmitter  236  is configured to transmit the wireless control message  302  as a visible light communication (VLC) control message being receivable by an optical sensor  306  of the passenger service unit  112   b.    
     The PSU control application  232  is further configured to control the display  238  of the personal device  130  to present a graphical user interface (GUI)  246  on the display  238  to allow a particular device  118  or devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  to be selected by the passenger  114  for controlling operation of the particular device  118  or devices  118 . The particular device  118  or devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  represented in the graphical user interface  246  for selection by the passenger  114  include at least one of a light  124 , an airflow control device  126 , and an attendant call device  128 . An example of a graphical user interface  246  will be described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 4 . In some examples, the display  238  is a touchscreen type display that allows the user to enter information by touching the screen with a finger, stylus or other apparatus. In other examples, the personal device  130  includes or also includes a keypad or keyboard (not shown) as known in the art for selecting or entering information in a computer device. 
       FIG. 3  is a block schematic diagram of an example of a system  116   b  for controlling a passenger service unit  112   b  of the fuselage of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with another example of the subject disclosure. In some examples, the system  116   b  is used for the system  116  in  FIG. 1  and the passenger service unit  112   b  is used for the passenger service unit  112  in  FIG. 1 . The personal device  130  is the same as the personal device  130  described with reference to  FIG. 2 . The passenger service unit  112   b  is an example of a standalone passenger service unit  112   b . Accordingly, one of the uses or benefits of the system  116   b  is that the system  116   b  is implementable in aircraft without a cabin network control system  132 . 
     The system  116   b  includes a processor  136  and a memory  138  associated with the processor  136  that are the same as the system  116   a  in  FIG. 2 . In the example in  FIG. 3 , the passenger service unit  112   b  includes a passenger service unit (PSU) controller  304  that is configured to control operation of the passenger service unit  112   b  as described herein. The processor  136  and memory  138  of the system  116   b  are components of the PSU controller  304 . The memory  138  includes computer-readable program instructions  202  that, when executed by the processor  136  causes the processor  136  to perform a set of functions  204  that are the same as those described with respect to the system  116   a  in  FIG. 2 . An example of the set of functions  204  will be described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 5  as operations or steps of the method  500  performed by the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b.    
     The passenger service unit  112   b  also includes an EM transmitter  218 , an airflow control device  126  and an attendant call device  128  that are the same as the passenger service unit  112   a . The EM transmitter  218  of passenger service unit  112   b  operates the same as the EM transmitter  218  of passenger service unit  112   a  described with reference to  FIG. 2 . The passenger service unit  112   b  further includes a wireless receiver  134  configured to receive a wireless control message  302  or  308  from the personal device  130  of the passenger  114 . The wireless control message  302  or  308  includes the identification of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   b  to be controlled and the control input for each of the one or more selected devices  118 . The wireless receiver  134  is configured to receive a wireless control message  302  from the wireless transmitter  236  of the personal device  130  or a wireless control message  308  from the transceiver  242  of the personal device  130 . In some examples, the wireless receiver  134  includes an optical sensor  306  configured to receive a visible light communication (VLC) control message as the wireless control message  302  from an optical transmitter  240  or light of the personal device  130 . The wireless transmitter  236  of the personal device  130  is an optical transmitter  240  or light configured to transmit the wireless control message  302  as a VLC control message. The VLC control message is receivable by the optical sensor  306  of the passenger service unit  112   b . In some examples, the optical transmitter  240  or light is also used as a flash for a camera of the personal device  130 . In other examples, the wireless receiver  134  is configured to receive a wireless control message  308  from the transceiver  242  of the personal device  130 . 
       FIG. 4  is an illustration of an example of a graphical user interface (GUI)  246  for controlling the one or more selected devices  118  ( FIGS. 1-3 ) of a passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  in accordance with an example of the subject disclosure. As previously described, the PSU control application  232  ( FIGS. 2-3 ) is configured to control the display  238  of the personal device  130  to present the graphical user interface  246  on the display  238  to allow a particular device  118  or devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  to be selected by the passenger  114  for controlling operation of the particular device  118  or devices  118 . The particular device  118  or devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  represented in the graphical user interface  246  for selection by the passenger  114  include at least one of a light  124 , for example a reading light, an airflow control device  126 , and an attendant call device  128 . In the example in  FIG. 4 , the GUI  246  includes a first feature  402   a  or button to select the light  124  and to enter a control input  404   a  to control operation of the light  124 . Examples of the control input  404   a  for the light  124  include on, off, or a setting for dimming the light  124 . 
     The GUI  246  also includes a second feature  402   b  or button to select the airflow control device  126  and to enter a control input  404   b  to control operation of the airflow control device  126 . Examples of the control input  404   b  for the airflow control device  126  include but are not necessarily limited to velocity or volume of the airflow and a temperature of the airflow. 
     The GUI  246  also includes a third feature  402   c  or button to select the attendant call device  128  and to enter a control input  404   c  to control operation of the attendant call device  128 . Examples of the control input  404   c  for the attendant call device  128  include but are not necessarily limited to calling the attendant and/or ordering a particular service. 
     In some examples, the GUI  246  includes a fourth feature  402   d  or button to select another device  118  that is a component of certain types of passenger service units  112 . A feature to enter an input control  404   d  is also associated with the fourth feature  402   d.    
       FIG. 5  is flow chart of an example of a method  500  for controlling a passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  of  FIGS. 1 to 3  that may use the GUI of  FIG. 4 , in accordance with some examples of the subject disclosure. The exemplary method  500  is divided into operations performed by a personal device  130  of a passenger  114  ( FIG. 1 ), operations or method steps performed by a cabin network control system  132 , if present, and operations performed by the passenger service unit (PSU)  112   a  or  112   b . In some examples, the method  500  is embodied in and performed by components of the system  116 ,  116   a  or  116   b  as described herein. 
     The method  500  includes at least transmitting  510  an EM signal  206 , receiving  532  a control message  208 ,  302 , or  308 , and controlling  534  operation of the passenger service unit (PSU)  112   a  or  112   b . In an alternative embodiment, the method  500  includes at least receiving  512  an EM signal  206  and transmitting  522  a message  212 ,  302 , or  308  for controlling  534  operation of the passenger service unit (PSU)  112   a  or  112   b.    
     In block  502 , the method  500  includes opening or activating a PSU control application  232  on a personal device  130  by an action of a user or passenger  114 . As previously described, examples of the personal device  130  include but are not necessarily limited to a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer with a camera, or any optical sensor-enabled personal device. 
     In block  504 , the method  500  includes activating a process, by the PSU control application  232 , to pair the personal device  130  of the passenger  114  to the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  associated with the location of the personal device  130  which corresponds to the seat  106  of the passenger  114 . 
     In block  506 , the method  500  also includes activating an electromagnetic (EM) receiver  234  of the personal device  130 , by the PSU control application  232 , to receive an EM signal  206  from the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  to pair the personal device  130  to the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  associated with the location or seat  106  of the passenger  114 . As previously described, the PSU control application  232  is configured to control the EM receiver  234  of the personal device  130  to receive the EM signal  206  from the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b . The EM signal  206  includes identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b . In some examples, the EM receiver  314  is an optical sensor  220 , e.g., camera of a smartphone, tablet, laptop computer, etc. 
     In block  508 , the method  500  includes activating an EM transmitter  218  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  to transmit the EM signal  206  that is receivable by the EM receiver  234  of the personal device  130  of the passenger  114 . In some examples, the EM transmitter  218  is activated by the passenger service module  210  ( FIG. 2 ) or PSU controller  304  ( FIG. 3 ) in response to an input from a flight crew member. For example, the flight crew member enters an input into the cabin network control system  132  or other cabin control mechanism, and the cabin network control system  132  or cabin control mechanism causes the passenger service module  210  or PSU controller  304  to activate the EM transmitter  218 . 
     In block  510 , the method  500  includes transmitting, by the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b , an electromagnetic (EM) signal  206  that is receivable by the personal device  130  of the passenger  114 . The EM signal  206  includes identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b . The identification information  230  is used to pair the personal device  130  of the passenger  114  to the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  associated with the location of the personal device  130  or the seat  106  of the passenger  114 . The EM signal  206  is transmitted by the EM transmitter  218  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  to the EM receiver  234  of the personal device  130 . 
     In some examples, as previously described, the EM transmitter  218  is a light  124  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b . Accordingly, transmitting the EM signal  206  includes transmitting a visible light communication (VLC) signal that is receivable by an optical sensor  220  of the personal device  130 . Visible light communication is also referred to as light fidelity (LiFi). The VLC signal includes the identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  to pair the personal device  130  with the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  associated with the seat  106  of the passenger  114 . 
     In some examples, transmitting the EM signal  206  includes using pulse-width modulation (PWM) in the EM signal  206  to define the identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  to the personal device  130  of the passenger  114 . Using the PWM includes cycling a light, such as the light  124 , of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  on and off at a PWM rate that is faster than a human eye can detect. A PWM rate for VLC communications is less than about one millisecond or faster. A PWM rate that is noticeable to the human eye is about 16 milliseconds or slower. The visible portion of the EM spectrum includes wavelengths between about 450 nanometers and about 850 nanometers. However, an EM transmitter  218  and corresponding EM receiver  234  operating in different portions of the EM spectrum are also useable. 
     In some examples, transmitting the EM signal  206  in block  510  includes transmitting multiple EM signals  206  or VLC signals to the personal device  130 . The multiple EM signals  206  are used by the personal device  130  to triangulate a location of the personal device  130  to pair the personal device  130  with a particular passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b . Each of the multiple EM signals  206  includes the identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b.    
     In block  512 , the method  500  includes receiving, by a personal device  130  of the passenger  114 , the electromagnetic (EM) signal  206 . As previously described, the EM signal  206  includes identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b . The identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  is used to pair the personal device  130  with a particular passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  associated with the location of the personal device  130  or the seat  106  of the passenger  114 . 
     In some examples, as previously described, receiving the EM signal  206  by the personal device includes receiving a VLC signal that is receivable by the optical sensor  220  of the personal device  130 . 
     In some examples, receiving the EM signal includes using pulse-width modulation (PWM) in the EM signal  206  to define the identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b.    
     In some examples, the method  500  in block  512  includes receiving multiple EM signals  206  transmitted by the passenger service unit  112   a  and  112   b . In block  514 , the method  500  also includes using the multiple EM signals  206  to triangulate a location of the personal device  130 , based on relative signal strength of the multiple EM signals  206 , to pair the personal device  130  with a particular passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b . As previously described, the personal device  130  of the passenger  114  includes a passenger service unit (PSU) control application  232  configured to pair the personal device  130  with the particular passenger service unit  112   a  and  112   b  using the multiple EM signals  206  and based on the identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b . The PSU control application  232  pairs the personal device  130  with the particular passenger service unit  112   a  and  112   b  based on the relative signal strength of the multiple EM signals  206 . 
     In block  516 , the identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a  and  112   b  paired with the personal device  130  is stored in a memory  224  of the personal device  130 . In some examples, as described herein, a wireless message  212  transmitted to the cabin network control system  132  includes the identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a  for controlling one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a.    
     In block  518 , the method  500  includes presenting a graphical user interface (GUI)  246  for selecting one or more device  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  to be controlled, and for enter a control input  404   a - 404   d  for each of the one or more selected devices  118 . As previously described, the PSU control application  232  is configured to control the display  238  of the personal device  130  to present the GUI  246  on the display  238  to allow a particular device or devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  to be selected by the passenger  114  for controlling operation of the particular device or devices  118 . 
     In block  520 , the method  500  includes receiving a selection of one or more devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   d  to be controlled and a control input for each of the one or more selected devices  118 . The one or more selected devices  118  and the control input for each of the one or more selected devices  118  are received by the personal device  130  from the passenger  114  via the GUI  246 . 
     In block  522 , the method  500  includes transmitting a message for controlling operation of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b . The message includes at least an identification of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  and a control input  404   a - 404   d  for each of the one or more selected devices  118 . 
     In some examples and where the aircraft includes a cabin network control system  132  and/or the passenger service unit  112  does not include a wireless receiver  134 , e.g., passenger service unit  112   a , the method  500  or PSU control application  232  performs the operation in block  524 . In block  524 , transmitting the message includes transmitting a wireless message  212  to a cabin network control system  132  for controlling the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a . The wireless message  212  includes the identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a , the identification of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  to be controlled, and the control input  404   a - 404   d  for each of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a . The cabin network control system  132  is configured to transmit (block  528 ) a control message  208  to the passenger service unit  112   a  in response to receiving (block  526 ) the wireless message  212 . The control message  208  includes the identification information  230  of the passenger service unit  112   a , the identification of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  to be controlled, and the control input  404   a - 404   d  for each of the one or more selected devices  118 . 
     In some examples, where the passenger service unit includes a wireless receiver  134 , e.g., passenger service unit  112   b , the method  500  or PSU control application  232  performs the operation in block  530 . In block  530 , transmitting the message includes transmitting a wireless control message  302  or  308  from the personal device  130  of the passenger  114  to the passenger service unit  112   b  to control operation of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   b  in response to the wireless control message  302  or  308 . In some examples, as previously described, the personal device  130  includes a wireless transmitter  236  that transmits the wireless control message  302  to the passenger service unit  112   b . The PSU control application  232  is configured to control the wireless transmitter  236  of the personal device  130  to transmit the wireless control message  302  to the passenger service unit  112   b  to control operation of the one or more selected devices  118 . The wireless control message  302  includes the identification of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   b  and the control input  404   a - 404   d  for each of the one or more selected devices  118 . The PSU control application  232  is configured to control transmitting either the wireless message  212  to the cabin network control system  132 , or transmitting the wireless control message  302  or  308  to the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  based on capabilities of systems on a particular aircraft and/or preference of an airline. 
     In some examples, transmitting the wireless control message  302  includes transmitting a VLC control message from the personal device  130  to the passenger service unit  112   b . In these examples, the wireless transmitter  236  is an optical transmitter  240  configured to transmit the wireless control message  302  as a VLC control message that is receivable by an optical sensor  306  of the passenger service unit  112   b.    
     In other examples, the transceiver  242  of the personal device  130  transmits a wireless control message  308  to the wireless receiver  134  of the passenger service unit  112   b . The PSU control application  232  is configured to control the transceiver  242  of the personal device  130  to transmit the wireless control message  308  to the passenger service unit  112   b  to control operation of the one or more selected devices  118 . The wireless control message  308  includes the identification of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   b  to be controlled and the control input  404   a - 404   d  for each of the one or more selected devices  118 . 
     In block  532 , the method  500  includes receiving a control message  208 ,  302  or  308 , by the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b . The control message  208 ,  302  or  308  includes an identification of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  and a control input  404   a - 404   d  for each of the one or more selected devices  118 . In examples where the aircraft includes a cabin network control system  132  and/or the passenger service unit  112   a  ( FIG. 2 ) does not include a wireless receiver  134 , the passenger service unit  112   a  receives a control message  208  from the cabin network control system  132 . In examples where the aircraft does not include a cabin network control system  132  and/or the passenger service unit  112   b  includes a wireless receiver  134 , the wireless receiver  134  of the passenger service unit  112   b  receives a wireless control message  302  from a wireless transmitter  236  of the personal device  130 , or the wireless receiver  134  receives a wireless control message  308  from a transceiver  242  of the personal device  130 . In examples where the wireless receiver  134  of the passenger service unit  112   b  is an optical sensor  306 , the optical sensor  306  receives a VLC control message  302  from an optical transmitter  240  of the personal device  130 . 
     In block  534 , the method  500  includes controlling operation of each of the one or more selected devices  118  of the passenger service unit  112   a  or  112   b  in response to receiving the control message  208 ,  302  or  308  and based on the control input  404   a - 404   d  for each of the one or more selected devices. 
     Further, the disclosure comprises examples according to the following clauses: 
     Clause 1. A method for controlling a passenger service unit, the method comprising:
         receiving, by a personal device of a passenger, an electromagnetic (EM) signal, wherein the EM signal comprises identification information of the passenger service unit; and   transmitting, by the personal device, a message for controlling operation of one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit, the message comprising an identification of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit and a control input for each of the one or more selected devices.       

     Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein receiving the EM signal comprises receiving a visible light communication (VLC) signal that is receivable by an optical sensor of the personal device. 
     Clause 3. The method of any of clauses 1 or 2, wherein receiving the EM signal comprises using pulse-width modulation (PWM) in the EM signal to define the identification information of the passenger service unit. 
     Clause 4. The method of any of clauses 1-2, or 3, wherein using the PWM comprises cycling a light of the passenger service unit on and off at a PWM rate that is faster than a human eye can detect. 
     Clause 5. The method of any of clauses 1-3, or 4, further comprising:
         receiving multiple EM signals transmitted by the passenger service unit; and   using the multiple EM signals to triangulate a location of the personal device to pair the personal device with a particular passenger service unit, wherein the personal device of the passenger comprises a passenger service unit (PSU) control application configured to pair the personal device with the particular passenger service unit using the multiple EM signals and based on the identification information of the passenger service unit.       

     Clause 6. The method of any of clauses 1-4, or 5, wherein transmitting the message comprises transmitting a wireless message to a cabin network control system for controlling the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit, the wireless message comprising the identification information of the passenger service unit, the identification of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit to be controlled, and the control input for each of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit, wherein the cabin network control system is configured to transmit a control message to the passenger service unit in response to receiving the wireless message, the control message comprising the identification information of the passenger service unit, the identification of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit to be controlled, and the control input for each of the one or more selected devices. 
     Clause 7. The method of any of clauses 1-5, or 6, wherein transmitting the message comprises transmitting a wireless control message from the personal device of the passenger to the passenger service unit to control operation of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit in response to the wireless control message. 
     Clause 8. The method of any of clauses 1-6, or 7, wherein transmitting the wireless control message comprises transmitting a VLC control message from the personal device to the passenger service unit. 
     Clause 9. A personal device configured to control a passenger service unit, the personal device comprising:
         a processor; and   a memory associated with the processor, the memory comprising computer-readable program instructions that, when executed by the processor causes the processor to perform the method of any of clauses 1-8, or 9.       

     Clause 10. A personal device configured to control a passenger service unit, the personal comprising:
         a processor; and   a memory associated with the processor, the memory comprising computer-readable program instructions that, when executed by the processor causes the processor to perform a set of functions comprising:   receiving an electromagnetic (EM) signal, wherein the EM signal comprises identification information of the passenger service unit; and   transmitting a message for controlling operation of one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit, the message comprising an identification of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit and a control input for each of the one or more selected devices.       

     Clause 11. A personal device configured to control a passenger service unit, the personal device comprising:
         a passenger service unit (PSU) control application operating on a personal device of a passenger;   an electromagnetic (EM) receiver, wherein the PSU control application is configured to control the EM receiver of the personal device to receive an electromagnetic (EM) signal from the passenger service unit, the EM signal comprising identification information of the passenger service unit; and   a transmitter, wherein the PSU control application is configured to control the transmitter of the personal device to transmit a message for controlling operation of one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit, the message comprising an identification of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit and a control input for each of the one or more selected devices.       

     Clause 12. The personal device of clause 11, wherein the EM receiver comprises an optical sensor configured to receive a visible light communication (VLC) signal as the EM signal. 
     Clause 13. The personal device of any of clauses 11 or 12, wherein the EM receiver is configured to receive the EM signal using pulse-width modulation in the EM signal to define the identification information of the passenger service unit. 
     Clause 14. The personal device of any of clauses 11-12, or 13, wherein the PSU control application is further configured to control the EM receiver of the personal device to receive multiple EM signals from the passenger service unit, and wherein the PSU control application uses the multiple EM signals to triangulate a location of the personal device to pair the personal device to a particular passenger service unit. 
     Clause 15. The personal device of any of clauses 11-13, or 14, further comprising a display, wherein the PSU control application is further configured to control the display of the personal device to present a graphical user interface on the display to allow a particular device or devices of the passenger service unit to be selected by the passenger for controlling operation of the particular device or devices. 
     Clause 16. The personal device of any of clauses 11-14, or 15, wherein the particular device or devices of the passenger service unit represented in the graphical user interface for selection by the passenger comprises at least one of a light, an airflow control device, and an attendant call device. 
     Clause 17. The personal device of any of clauses 11-15, or 16, wherein the transmitter is a transceiver of the personal device and wherein the PSU control application is further configured to control the transceiver of the personal device to transmit a wireless message to a cabin network control system for controlling operation of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit, the wireless message comprising the identification information of the passenger service unit, the identification of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit, and the control input for each of the one more selected devices of the passenger service unit. 
     Clause 18. The personal device of any of clauses 11-16, or 17, wherein the cabin network control system is configured to transmit a control message to the passenger service unit in response to receiving the wireless message from the personal device, the control message comprising the identification information of the passenger service unit, the identification of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit and the control input for each of the one or more selected devices. 
     Clause 19. The personal device of any of clauses 11-17, or 18, wherein the transmitter is a wireless transmitter of the personal device and wherein the PSU control application is further configured to control the wireless transmitter of the personal device to transmit a wireless control message to the passenger service unit to control operation of the one or more selected devices, the wireless control message comprising the identification of the one or more selected devices of the passenger service unit and the control input for each of the one or more selected devices. 
     Clause 20. The personal device of any of clauses 11-18, or 19, wherein the wireless transmitter is configured to transmit the wireless control message as a visible light communication (VLC) control message, the VLC control message being receivable by an optical sensor of the passenger service unit. 
     The subject disclosure may be a system  116 , a method  500 , and/or a computer program product. In some examples, the set of functions  204  and  228  are embodied on a computer program product, such as memory  138  or  204  or other computer program product as described herein. The computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium (or media) having computer-readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the subject disclosure. 
     The computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer-readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire. 
     Computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer-readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer-readable program instructions for storage in a computer-readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device. 
     Computer-readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the subject disclosure may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. In some examples, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer-readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer-readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the subject disclosure. 
     Aspects of the subject disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to examples of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions. 
     The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various examples of the subject disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting of examples of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “include,” “includes,” “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to examples in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of examples. 
     Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific examples shown and that the examples have other applications in other environments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of examples of the disclosure to the specific examples described herein.