Patent Description:
Interior systems within aircraft or other passenger vehicles consist of seating systems, lavatory systems, entertainments systems, galley systems, galley systems, and various other systems. Each of these systems may be touched by crew or passengers while in use. When one or more passengers or crewmen are infected by a microbe (e.g., virus, bacteria, or fungus), the microbe may be transmitted to any surface of the on-board systems via touch, sneezing, coughing, or other transmission mechanisms. These surfaces may be touched and retained by another person, effectively transmitting the microbe. Current system to disinfect aircraft interiors include manual spraying and wiping surfaces with disinfection solution, a method that is time consuming, and uses toxic materials that may degrade interior surfaces over time. A disinfecting system is disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a system that avoids the shortcomings of conventional approaches.

A disinfection system is provided as defined by claim <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the disinfection system, the emission module further comprises a swivel block. In some embodiments of the disinfection system, the emission module further comprises at least one third arm coupled to the swivel block at a fourth joint, wherein the at least one third arm is configured to rotate along a fourth axis, wherein the at least one third arm comprises at least one of the two or more emitters.

In some embodiments of the disinfection system, the second arm is configured as a second telescopic arm.

In some embodiments of the disinfection system, the second telescopic arm is configured to rotate along a longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments of the disinfection system, the third arm is configured as a third telescopic arm; wherein the third telescopic arm comprises at least one of the two or more emitters.

In some embodiments of the disinfection system, the third telescopic arm is configured to rotate along a longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments of the disinfection system, the sensor is configured as a motion sensor.

In some embodiments of the disinfection system, the sensor is configured as a heat sensor.

In some embodiments of the disinfection system, the base further comprises anemitter.

In some embodiments of the disinfection system the rotary actuator is configured to align the focusing lens with the one of the one or more scanners, wherein the electromagnetic energy is emitted from the one of the one or more scanners as a narrowly focused beam. In some embodiments of the disinfection system, the rotary actuator is configured to position the focusing lens out of alignment with the one of the one or more scanners, wherein the electromagnetic energy is emitted from the one of the one or more scanners as a broadly focused beam.

A disinfection system for interiors, such as vehicle interiors, is disclosed. The disinfection system uses electromagnetic energy to kill and/or sterilize microbes on surfaces, such as passenger seats. The disinfection system includes motion or temperature sensors to detect the presence of people, which upon detection of people, the system will turn off, or otherwise prevent the electromagnetic energy from reaching the people. The disinfection system also includes a framework of actuators, arms, and other mechanical and software componentry that enable the disinfection system to intelligently and efficiently disinfect interior surfaces.

<FIG> is a diagram of a cross-section of a disinfection system <NUM> attached to an interior cabin ceiling of an aircraft <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The disinfection system <NUM> may be disposed within any vehicle or building including but not limited the interior surfaces of aircraft <NUM>, busses, trains, movie theatres, conference areas, kitchens, and waiting rooms. For example, the disinfection system <NUM> may be attached to the ceiling of a passenger aircraft.

The passenger aircraft <NUM> may include one or more seats <NUM> and may include one or more luggage bins <NUM>. The disinfection system <NUM> may be attached to any components or interior surfaces of the aircraft <NUM>, including but not limited to the aircraft floor, the one or more seats <NUM>, the one or more luggage racks, a lavatory wall, a galley wall, and within the cockpit.

In some embodiments, the disinfection system <NUM> is attached to an interior surface via a rail, as partially illustrated in a perspective view in <FIG>. The rail <NUM> both tethers componentry of the disinfection system <NUM> to an interior surface (e.g., the ceiling of the aircraft <NUM>), and allow the componentry of the disinfection system <NUM> to slide along the rail <NUM>. The rail <NUM> includes an attachment surface <NUM> configured to attach the rail <NUM> to the interior surface. The attachment surface <NUM> may utilize any technology for attaching rail to the interior surface. For example, the attachment surface may be configured as an adhesive strip that bonds the rails <NUM> to the interior surface of an aircraft cabin. In another example, the attachment surface <NUM> may be configured as an attachment plate that bolts to a ceiling. In some embodiments, the rail <NUM> further includes a rack <NUM> configured to with teeth mechanically interact with gearing from the disinfection system <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the disinfection system <NUM> attached to the rail, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the disinfection system includes a base <NUM> configured to slidably attach the disinfection system <NUM> to the rail <NUM>. The disinfection system further includes an emission module <NUM>. The emission module <NUM> is attached to the base <NUM> via a first arm <NUM> and a second arm <NUM>. The first arm <NUM> is mechanically coupled to the base <NUM> at a first joint <NUM> and configured to rotate along a first axis <NUM>. The first axis <NUM> may be configured as an axis relative to any plane of the attachment surface <NUM> of the rail <NUM>. For example, the first axis <NUM> may be approximately perpendicular to the plane of the attachment surface <NUM> of the rail <NUM>. The emission module <NUM> further includes one or more scanners <NUM> configured to emit electromagnetic energy (e.g., ultraviolet light or infrared light).

The scanners <NUM> may include any type of ultraviolet light- or infrared light-emitting technology including but not limited to light-emitting diodes (LED), mercury vapor lights, shortwave fluorescent lamp tubes, "black light" incandescent lamps, gas-discharge lamps, and lasers. For example, one or more scanners may be configured as an ultraviolet-emitting LED.

The second arm arms <NUM> is mechanically coupled to the first arm <NUM> at a second joint and to the emission module <NUM> at a third joint <NUM>. The second arm <NUM> is configured to rotate along a second axis <NUM> relative to the any plane of the attachment surface <NUM> of the rail <NUM>. For example, the second axis <NUM> may be configured as approximately parallel to the attachment surface <NUM> of the rail <NUM>. The emission module <NUM> is configured to rotate along a third axis <NUM> relative to the any plane of the attachment surface <NUM> of the rail <NUM>. For example, the second axis <NUM> may be configured as approximately parallel to the attachment surface <NUM> of the rail <NUM>.

It is to be understood that the first axis <NUM>, second axis <NUM>, third axis <NUM>, and any subsequent axes of rotation within components of the disinfection system <NUM> may have any orientation in relationship from each other, and one or more axes may be identical depending on the positioning of the emission module. Importantly, the disinfection system <NUM> is configured with multiple degree of freedom that (e.g., via the first joint <NUM>, second joint <NUM>, and third joint <NUM>, allowing the emission module to be freely arranged in many different positions. The first joint <NUM>, second joint <NUM>, and/or third joint <NUM> may be configured of any type of mechanical joint that allows rotation along one of more degrees of freedom between two bodies including but not limited to a pin joint, a ball joint, a knuckle joint, a turnbuckle, a cotter joint, a bolted, joint, a screw joint, or a universal joint. The first joint <NUM>, second joint <NUM>, and/or third joint <NUM> may be articulated manually and/or by any actuating technology.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of the disinfection system <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The base <NUM> includes one or more pinion gears <NUM> that mesh with the rack <NUM>. The first arm <NUM> is coupled underneath the base <NUM> (e.g., on the surface opposite of the surface interacting with the rail <NUM>) and is coupled to the second arm <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the disinfection system <NUM> includes a first actuator <NUM> operating at the interface between the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> (e.g., at the second joint <NUM>). The first actuator <NUM> may be configured as any type of moving and controlling mechanism including but not limited to a rotary actuator or servomotor. The second arm <NUM> may be configured as a second telescoping arm. For example, the second arm <NUM> may be configured as an automated two-element telescopic arm (e.g., operated via a linear activator) that can extend to approximately twice the length of the retracted second <NUM> arm. The second arm may also include a first telescoping clamp configured to prevent the telescoping arm from prematurely extending and/or preventing rotational movement of the first arm <NUM> and/or second arm <NUM>.

The second arm is coupled to the emission module <NUM> via a swivel block <NUM> at third joint <NUM>. Motion of the swivel block <NUM> relative to the second arm <NUM> may be controlled via a second actuator <NUM> operating at the third joint <NUM>. The second actuator <NUM> may be configured as any type of moving and controlling mechanism as described herein.

The one or more scanners <NUM> are disposed upon a third arm <NUM> mechanically coupled to the swivel block <NUM>. The third arm <NUM> may be attached to the swivel block <NUM> via a block clamp <NUM> configured to allow for rotation of the third arm <NUM> via a third actuator <NUM>. The third arm <NUM> may be configured as a third telescopic arm, comprised of two of more telescopic sections <NUM>. One or more of the telescopic sections <NUM> may include one or more of the one or more scanners <NUM> (e.g., located on the side of each telescopic sections or on the cylindrical face of the terminal telescopic section). The telescopic sections <NUM> may be extended and retracted via a linear activator. The third arm may also include a second telescoping clamp configured to prevent the one or more telescopic sections <NUM> from prematurely extending.

It should be understood that the arms, actuators, joints, may be operationally coupled in any configuration that facilitates the positioning of the emission module <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>. For example, the first actuator <NUM> may be operationally coupled to the first arm <NUM>, second arm <NUM>, and/or third arm <NUM>. Therefore, the above description and illustration should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

<FIG> illustrates a close-up, cross-section view of the base <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The base <NUM> includes a track groove <NUM> that receives the rail <NUM>, and facilitates the alignment of the pinion gears <NUM>. The base <NUM> may include one or more scanners <NUM> (e.g., to disinfect the ceiling and/or the one or more luggage bins <NUM>). The base <NUM> may also include one or more sensors <NUM> configured to detect the presence or absence of a person (e.g., a passenger). The sensor may <NUM> include any type of sensor <NUM> including but not limited to a motion sensor and a heat sensor. The base <NUM> may include a fourth actuator <NUM> configured to drive the pinion gears <NUM>. The base may also include a fifth actuator <NUM> configured to rotate the first arm <NUM>. The many actuators, sensors, and scanners <NUM> of the disinfection system <NUM> may be controlled via a controller <NUM> configured to provide processing functionality for the disinfection system <NUM>.

<FIG> is a close-up view of the emission module <NUM> configured with the third arm <NUM> in a folded and retracted position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The third arms <NUM> are retracted and folding within grooves built into the body of the swivel block <NUM> via the third actuators <NUM> (e.g., a swing-out motion <NUM> the point of rotation occurring at the block clamps <NUM>). Upon unfolding of the third arms <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>), the third arms <NUM> are capable of rotation along a cylindrical axis (e.g., a fourth axis <NUM>), which adjust the position of the scanners <NUM> via either the third actuator <NUM> or a sixth actuator. The third arms <NUM> may also extend, via the telescopic sections <NUM>, increasing the number of scanners <NUM> that can be used to scan surfaces (e.g., as shown in <FIG>).

<FIG> is a close-up view of the disinfection system <NUM> configured in an unfolded and retracted position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The second arm <NUM> has rotated along the second axis <NUM> via the first actuator <NUM> from a folded position (e.g., the first arm <NUM> approximately perpendicular to the second arm <NUM>) to an unfolded position (e.g., the first arm <NUM> approximately parallel to the second arm <NUM>). Upon rotation of the second arm <NUM>, the third arms <NUM> may be unfolded and extended.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram summarizing the movements by the components of the disinfection system <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Movements by components of the disinfection system <NUM> may include: sliding movements <NUM> via the interaction of the base <NUM> with the rail <NUM>, rotation along the first axis <NUM> via the interaction between the first arm <NUM> and the base <NUM>, rotation along a second axis via the interaction between the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM>, second arm extension/retraction <NUM>, rotation along the third axis <NUM> via the interaction of the second arm with the swivel block <NUM>, the swing-out motion <NUM> via the interaction of the third arm <NUM> with the clamp blocks, rotation along the fourth axis <NUM> via the third actuator <NUM>, and third arm extension/retraction <NUM>. In some embodiments, rotation of the along the first axis <NUM> may be performed by the interaction of the first arm <NUM> with the second arm <NUM> via the second actuator <NUM>, or other actuating mechanism.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram summarizing electromagnetic scanning by the disinfection system <NUM> within an aircraft <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The shaded areas represent the scanning of electromagnetic energy (e.g., ultraviolet light) by a plurality of scanners <NUM> on surfaces (e.g., a first surface) of the aircraft interior. For example, passenger seats 104a-f may be scanned by scanners located on telescopic sections 428a-f, respectively. In another example, over-head bins 108a-b may be scanned by scanners <NUM> located on the base <NUM>. In another example, walls 900a-b and/or windows 904a-b may be scanned by scanners located on the face of the terminal telescopic sections 428a-f, respectively. The disinfection system <NUM> may include any configuration and any number of components. Therefore, the above description and illustration should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a control system <NUM> of the disinfection system <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The control system <NUM> is configured to provide processing functionality for the disinfection system <NUM>, and to interface with componentry within the disinfection system <NUM>. The control system <NUM> include the controller <NUM>, which further includes one or more processors <NUM> (e.g., micro-controllers, circuitry, integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other processing systems), and resident or external memory <NUM> for storing data, executable code, instructions, and other information. The controller <NUM> can execute one or more software programs embodied in a non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g., memory <NUM>) that implement techniques described herein (e.g., causing the controller to implement techniques described herein). The controller <NUM> is not limited by the materials from which it is formed or the processing mechanisms employed therein and, as such, can be implemented via semiconductor(s) and/or transistors (e.g., using electronic integrated circuit (IC) components), and so forth.

The memory <NUM> can be an example of tangible, computer-readable storage medium that provides storage functionality to store various data and/or program code associated with operation of the controller <NUM>, such as software programs and/or code segments, or other data to instruct the controller <NUM>, and possibly other components of the disinfection system <NUM>, to perform the functionality described herein. Thus, the memory <NUM> can store data, such as a program of instructions for operating the disinfection system <NUM>, including its components (e.g., controller <NUM>), and so forth. It should be noted that while a single memory <NUM> is described, a wide variety of types and combinations of memory <NUM> (e.g., tangible, non-transitory memory) can be employed. The memory <NUM> can be integral with the controller <NUM>, can comprise stand-alone memory, or can be a combination of both. Some examples of the memory <NUM> can include removable and non-removable memory components, such as random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory (e.g., a secure digital (SD) memory card, a mini-SD memory card, and/or a micro-SD memory card), solid-state drive (SSD) memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, universal serial bus (USB) memory devices, hard disk memory, external memory, and so forth.

The controller <NUM><NUM> further includes a communication interface <NUM>. The communication interface <NUM> can be operatively configured to communicate with components of the disinfection system <NUM>. For example, the communication interface <NUM> can be configured to retrieve data from the controller <NUM> or other components, transmit data for storage in the memory <NUM>, retrieve data from storage in the memory <NUM>, and so forth. The communication interface <NUM> can also be communicatively coupled with the controller <NUM> to facilitate data transfer between components of the disinfection system <NUM>. It should be noted that while the communication interface <NUM> is described as a component of the controller <NUM>, one or more components of the communication interface <NUM> can be implemented as external components communicatively coupled to the controller <NUM> via a wired and/or wireless connection.

The control system <NUM> further includes a scanner subsystem <NUM> communicatively coupled to the controller <NUM> configured to transfer data and/or signals between one or more scanners <NUM> and the controller <NUM>. The control system <NUM> further includes an actuator subsystem <NUM> communicatively coupled to the controller <NUM> configured to transfer data and/or signals between one or more actuators (e.g., first actuator <NUM>, second actuator <NUM>, or extension/retraction actuators) and the controller <NUM>. The control system <NUM> further includes a sensor subsystem <NUM> communicatively coupled to the controller <NUM> configured to transfer data and/or signals between one or more sensors (e.g., infrared sensor or heat sensor) and the controller <NUM>.

The control system <NUM> further includes a user interface <NUM> configured communicatively coupled to the controller <NUM>. The user interface <NUM> may include any technology that can receive input and/or transmit output to a user including but not limited to switches, button, displays, touch displays, or keyboards. The user interface may also be configured as a wirelines or wireless interface utilizing waveforms including but not limited to wi-fi, Bluetooth, and <NUM>. For example, a flight attendant may interact with the disinfection system <NUM> via a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone) connected by Bluetooth technology.

The control system <NUM> further includes a power subsystem <NUM> communicatively coupled to the controller <NUM> configured to manage electrical power for the disinfection system <NUM>. For example, the power subsystem <NUM> may harness and manage electrical power from an aircraft main electrical system. In another example, the power subsystem <NUM> may manage power from an internal or external battery.

<FIG> is a flow chart illustrating a method <NUM> of operating the disinfection system <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Once the disinfection system <NUM> is powered on (e.g., step <NUM>), a step <NUM> of determining the presence or absence of a person in the scanning area is performed. The disinfection system <NUM> may then perform a step <NUM> of determining if all people have exited the scanned area. Once the disinfection system <NUM> has determined that no person is in the scanning area, a step <NUM> of actuating the first telescopic clamp in order to release the telescoping mechanism and/or the first actuator is performed as well as a step <NUM> of actuating the first actuator <NUM>.

At one or points in the method <NUM>, the method will include one or more steps <NUM> of checking the operational status (e.g. affirmative or on-line) of the disinfection system <NUM>. For example, if the first actuator of step <NUM> is unable to actuate, the disinfection system 100may perform a step <NUM> of informing the crew of the error (e.g., via the user interface <NUM>), for which the crew and/or disinfection system <NUM> may perform a maintenance step <NUM>. If the operational status does not indicate an error, the disinfection system <NUM> may then progress through step <NUM> of extending the second arm <NUM>, step <NUM> of actuating the second actuator <NUM>, and step <NUM> of releasing the second telescopic clamp. The disinfection system <NUM> may further progress through step <NUM> of actuating the third actuator <NUM>, step <NUM> of extending the third arm <NUM> (e.g., by extending the telescopic sections <NUM>), step <NUM> of powering on the scanners <NUM> (e.g., ultraviolet-emitting diodes), and a step <NUM> of rotating the telescopic sections <NUM> of the third arm <NUM>. The disinfection system may <NUM> also perform a step <NUM> of powering on the scanners <NUM> located on the base <NUM>. Step <NUM> may be performed separately, or in concert with, step <NUM>.

One the scanners <NUM> have been powered on and are in the correct position, the method <NUM> may further progress through a step 1130a, 1130b of initiating the disinfection cycle. While the disinfection system <NUM> is actively disinfecting, the method <NUM> may further progress to a step <NUM> of determining if a person has entered the scanning area (e.g., via the one or more sensors <NUM>). If the one or more sensors detect the entry of a person (e.g., or other living entity) into the scanning area, the method <NUM> may progress through a step <NUM> of powering off the scanners <NUM>. If no entry into the scanning area is determined, the method <NUM> may further progress to step <NUM> of completing the disinfection cycle.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a disinfection system <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The disinfection system <NUM> may contain one or more, or all, components of disinfection system <NUM>, and vice versa. Disinfection system <NUM> includes a base <NUM> configured to attach (e.g., via bolts, adhesive, vacuum pods, or other attachment technology) to an interior surface, such as a passenger seat <NUM> or the ceiling of an aircraft <NUM>. Disinfection system <NUM> further contains a first arm <NUM> mechanically coupled to the base <NUM> via a first joint <NUM>. Disinfection system <NUM> further includes a second arm <NUM> mechanically coupled to the first arm <NUM> via a second joint <NUM>. Disinfection system <NUM> further includes an emission module <NUM> configured to emit electromagnetic energy (e.g., ultraviolet light or infrared light) mechanically coupled to the second arm <NUM> via a third joint <NUM>.

The first joint <NUM>, second joint <NUM>, and/or third joint <NUM> may be configured of any type of mechanical joint that allows rotation along one of more degrees of freedom between two bodies including but not limited to a pin joint, a ball joint, a knuckle joint, a turnbuckle, a cotter joint, a bolted, joint, a screw joint, or a universal joint. The first joint <NUM>, second joint <NUM>, and/or third joint <NUM> may be articulated manually and/or by any actuating technology (e.g., as described herein). The first joint <NUM>, second joint <NUM>, and/or third joint <NUM> facilitates rotation around an axis independent from each other. Therefore, the emission module <NUM> is positionable via multiple degrees of freedom relative to the base <NUM>.

In some embodiments the disinfection system <NUM> may contain one or more sensors <NUM> configured to detect movement or the presence of a person. The one or more sensors <NUM> may include any sensor technology described herein (e.g., motion sensors, heat sensors). For example, multiple sensors <NUM> may be attached to different sides or surfaces of the base <NUM>. For instance, the multiple sensors <NUM> may be arranged in a redundant and/or overlapping manner so that a passenger will be detected even if a single sensor <NUM> malfunctions or is blocked.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of the emission module <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The emission module <NUM> includes a light source <NUM> containing one or more scanners <NUM> (e.g., ultraviolet diodes). The light source <NUM> may be configured with any number of scanners <NUM>, any configuration of scanners, and within any structural complement (e.g., walls that constrict and/or focus the light from each scanner <NUM>. For example, the light source <NUM> may be configured as a four-quadrant scanner. The emission module <NUM> may further include a transparent cap <NUM>, a lens frame <NUM> with focusing lenses, a motor <NUM> (e.g., rotary actuator) configured to rotate the lens frame <NUM> and/or light source <NUM> along a cylindrical axis, a bearing <NUM> configured to support rotation of the light source <NUM> and/or light source <NUM> along the cylindrical axis, a housing <NUM> and a back plate <NUM> configured to house and protect emission module componentry.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a close-up view of a face of the emission module <NUM> and the emission of focused ultraviolet light on a first surface <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The first surface <NUM> may be configured or defined as the scanning area intended to be scanned by the disinfection system <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, one of the scanners 314a-d (e.g., scanner 314a) is activated, and the focusing lens 1310a is positioned immediately adjacent to the scanner 314a, resulting in an emission of a focused light beam <NUM> to a point upon the first surface <NUM>. The actuators and motor <NUM> within the disinfection system <NUM> may further work in concert to guide the focused light beam <NUM> along the X and Y axis of the first surface <NUM>, resulting in a scanning of the entire first surface <NUM>. This narrow beam mode of scanning may be referred to as a first scan mode, which may be used in the presence of nearby passengers, as the narrow beam in incident and may be prevented from falling upon a passenger. First scan mode may also be used to disinfect specific components including but not limited to door panels, passenger seats <NUM>, aisles, storage compartments. The power of the light beam <NUM> at the first surface <NUM> and/or the speed of the light beam traveling along the first surface <NUM> may be adjusted to ensure that the scanning of the first surface <NUM> results in a sterilization of microbes residing on the first surface <NUM>. Scanning of the first surface <NUM> by the disinfection system <NUM>, <NUM> may be performed via any emission module <NUM> parameter including but not limited to number of active scanners <NUM>, focused size of the beam, speed of scanning, intensity of the beam, number of beam pulses, and number of repeated scans of the same area of the first surface.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a close-up view of a face of the emission module <NUM> and the broad emission of ultraviolet light on a first surface <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As compared to <FIG>, the lens frame <NUM> has been rotated relative to the light source <NUM>, resulting is ultraviolet light emitted by the scanners 314a-d that are no longer focused through the focusing lenses 1310a-d, resulting in the emission of broad beams of ultraviolet light. The broad beam application, of ultraviolet light, referred to as a second scan mode, enables whole portions of the first surface <NUM> to be exposed to ultraviolet light at the same time. While the intensity of ultraviolet light on the first surface <NUM> is lower than that of the focused light beam <NUM>, the time that the broad beam may be applied to the first surface <NUM> may be increased, ensuring the sterilization of microbes. In comparison of the two scan modes, alignment of the focusing lens <NUM> with one of the one or more scanners <NUM> via the motor <NUM>, results in electromagnetic energy (e.g., ultraviolet light) emitted from one or more scanners <NUM> as a narrowly focused beam, whereas a nonalignment of the focusing lens <NUM> with one of the one or more scanners <NUM> (e.g., a positioning of the focusing lens <NUM> out of alignment with the one of the one or more scanners <NUM>) via the motor <NUM>, results in electromagnetic energy (e.g., ultraviolet light) emitted from one or more scanners <NUM> as a broadly focused beam.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a control system <NUM> of the disinfection system <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The control system <NUM> may include one or more, or all, components of the control system <NUM>, or vice versa. For example, the control system <NUM> includes a controller <NUM> configured similarly to controller <NUM> that further includes one or more processors <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and a communication interface <NUM> configured similarly to that of the one or more processors <NUM>, memory <NUM>, and communication interface <NUM>, respectively. The control system further includes a scanner subsystem <NUM>, an actuator subsystem <NUM>, a sensor subsystem <NUM>, a user interface <NUM>, and a power subsystem <NUM> configured similarly to that of the scanner subsystem <NUM>, the actuator subsystem <NUM>, the sensor subsystem <NUM>, the user interface <NUM>, and the power subsystem <NUM>, respectively.

<FIG> is a flow chart illustrating a method <NUM> of operating the disinfection system <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The method <NUM> may include one or more, or all the steps of method <NUM>, and vice versa. Once the disinfection system <NUM> is powered on, a step <NUM> of determining the presence or absence of a person in the area to be scanned is performed (e.g., via the one or more sensors <NUM>). For example, a disinfection system <NUM> may utilize a motion detector to determine the presence or absence of a passenger. If no presence of a person is detected, the method may progress to a step <NUM> of informing a crew member. Once informed, the crew member may visually check to ensure the absence of a person within the area to be scanned and/or initiate the sterilization protocol. If motion is detected within the area to be scanned, the method <NUM> may progress to a next step <NUM> of scanning and/or rescanning the presence of the person in the area to be scanned. For example, the step <NUM> may include the use of a heat sensor to detect the presence of a person. The method <NUM> may also include a step <NUM> of informing a crew member if a person has a high temperature. For instance, the disinfection system <NUM> may alert a crew member if the measured temperature of a person is above a predetermined fever threshold, indicating that the person may be sick and potentially contagious. The disinfection system <NUM> may then perform and/or repeat a step <NUM> of determining if a person has exited the area to be scanned (e.g., via the one or more sensors <NUM>).

Once the disinfection system <NUM> has determined that no person is in the area to be scanned, the disinfection system <NUM> may then perform a step <NUM> of selecting a mode of scanning. For example, the disinfection system <NUM> may include a step <NUM> of activating the first scan mode and a step <NUM> of bringing the focusing lens <NUM> in line with the scanners <NUM>. Alternatively, the disinfection system may include a step <NUM> of activating the second scan mode and a step <NUM> of moving the focusing lens <NUM> out of the path of the scanners <NUM>. The method <NUM> may then proceed with a step <NUM> of powering of the scanners <NUM> and a step <NUM> of initiating the disinfection protocol.

Once the disinfection protocol has been initiated, the disinfection system <NUM> may perform and/or repeat a step <NUM> of determining if a person has entered the area to be scanned (e.g., via the one or more sensors <NUM>). If a person is detected within the area to be scanned, the method may proceed to a step <NUM> of powering off of the diodes the proceeding to the step of <NUM> to detect if the person has left the area to be scanned. It is important to turn off ultraviolet scanning equipment, as brief exposure to ultraviolet light may damage skin and retinal tissue. If a person is not detected, the method may proceed with a step <NUM> of completing the disinfection protocol.

<FIG> and <FIG> are drawings illustrating a disinfection system <NUM> attached to the back of a forward passenger seat <NUM> and scanning a rearward passenger seat <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the emission module <NUM> may be configured to emit a broad beam of ultraviolet light along an X-axis via the rotation of the light source <NUM> and/or the focusing lens <NUM> (e.g., as in <FIG>). In another example, the emission module <NUM> may be configured to emit a broad beam of ultraviolet light along a Y-axis via the rotation of the light source <NUM> and/or the focusing lens <NUM> (e.g., as in <FIG>).

Claim 1:
A disinfection system comprising:
a base (<NUM>) configured to attach to a passenger seat;
a first arm (<NUM>) mechanically coupled to the base at a first joint (<NUM>), wherein the first arm is configured to rotate along a first axis (<NUM>);
a second arm (<NUM>) mechanically coupled to the first arm at a second joint (<NUM>), wherein the second arm is configured to rotate along a second axis (<NUM>);
an emission module (<NUM>) mechanically coupled to the second arm at a third joint (<NUM>) and configured rotate along a third axis (<NUM>) comprising two or more scanners wherein the two or more scanners (<NUM>) include a scanner configured to emit ultraviolet light upon a first surface and a scanner configured to emit infrared light upon the first surface, wherein the ultraviolet light and the infrared light is configured to disinfect the first surface; wherein the emission module further includes:
a housing (<NUM>) and a back plate (<NUM>) configured to house the scanners; a focusing lens (1310a);
a lens frame (<NUM>); and
a rotary actuator (<NUM>) communicatively coupled to a controller (<NUM>) and configured to rotate the lens frame within the housing, wherein a rotation of the lens frame guides a beam of at least one of the ultraviolet light or the infrared light;
a sensor (<NUM>) configured to detect the presence of a person at the first surface;
a first actuator (<NUM>) operationally coupled to at least one of the first arm the second arm, or the emission module; and
a controller (<NUM>) communicatively coupled to the emission module, the scanners, and the first actuator, wherein the controller comprises:
at least one processor (<NUM>); and
a memory (<NUM>) coupled to the at least one processor, the memory having instructions stored upon that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the controller to:
determine an absence of a person adjacent to the first surface;
activate at least the scanner configured to emit ultraviolet light and the scanner configured to emit infrared light; and
focus the ultraviolet light and the infrared light on the first surface.