Patent Description:
Aircraft, ships, trains, semi-trucks, spacecraft, and the like are used to transport passengers and cargo between various locations. For example, numerous aircraft depart from and arrive at a typical airport every day.

Certain commercial aircraft include an internal cabin that includes a passenger area. One or more cargo holds are disposed underneath or otherwise outside of the passenger area. As another example, cargo aircraft can include an internal cabin without a passenger area. In such aircraft, a substantial portion of the internal cabin is dedicated to cargo with only a seat row or two dedicated to personnel traveling with live cargo.

Cargo aircraft are often used to transport valuable live cargo, such as livestock, exotic animals, bees, horticulture products, race horses, and/or the like. Typically, cargo areas are illuminated by incandescent lights. Animals are often loaded into a cargo hold. The incandescent lights are turned off after the animals are onboard and cargo doors are closed. That is, the incandescent lights are selectively operated between on and off states. However, living beings within a cargo area of an aircraft may be adversely affected by such lighting. For example, pets can be frightened or otherwise anxious in dark environments when the incandescent lights are off.

<CIT> (prior art according to Article <NUM>(<NUM>) EPC) states, in accordance with its abstract, "The invention relates to the transport of air cargo on the passenger-deck of an airliner and in possible presence of passengers. The container (<NUM>) of the invention is substituted in lieu of one passenger seat. The container of the invention independently regulates the amount of air in said container, it qualifies to transport IATA DGR Class F goods. The installed Detection, Control and Communication Module generates the required warnings and statuses and communicates these to the responsible crew members on board and communicates logistical data inside the aircraft as well as in the warehouse. The Control part enables swift fire action on the part of the crew without the need for personal fire protection. The locking system of the container to the passenger-deck enables loading and unloading by one person. The locking system also prevents access to the container during flight.

<CIT> states, in accordance with its abstract, "A system for remote care of an animal includes a water-tight housing with a hardened structural shell defining a chamber for accommodating the animal, a door disposed in the housing providing entry into and exit from the chamber by the animal, a wireless data communication system disposed within the housing and wirelessly communicatively coupled with a global computer network, a mobility portion coupled to the housing and operable to move the housing, and a microprocessor disposed within the housing and in communication with the wireless data communication system and operable to control the mobility portion and the door.

<CIT> states, in accordance with its abstract, "An equipment module for a vehicle comprises a floor element, at least one first inductive coupling element and at least one electronics unit. The floor element comprises at least one attachment means, which can be reached from the top, for attaching items of equipment, and on the underside at least one retaining means for attaching the floor element at a positioning space in a vehicle. The first inductive coupling element is arranged on the floor element and is connected to at least one electronics unit. The electronics unit is adapted for providing an identification signal by way of the first inductive coupling element, which identification signal makes it possible to identify the equipment module. The invention makes it possible to quickly reconfigure a cabin of a vehicle, and makes it possible for the vehicle to quickly identify all the reconfigurable installations for adapting items of equipment on the vehicle side.

<CIT> states, in accordance with its abstract, "A pet travel system includes a pet storage module and a closet within an interior cabin of a vehicle. The pet storage module has multiple module walls and a door that enclose a cavity configured to receive a pet. The pet storage module includes one or more first latch members attached to one or more of the module walls. The closet includes closet walls defining a compartment sized to receive the pet storage module therein. The closet further includes one or more second latch members attached to one or more of the closet walls. Each second latch member is configured to releasably connect to a corresponding first latch member to secure the pet storage module within the closet during a trip of the vehicle.

A need exists for an improved system and method for illuminating a cargo area of a vehicle. Further, a need exists for a lighting sub-system and method for a vehicle that can be adapted to benefit various types of live cargo.

With these needs in mind, the present disclosure provides a vehicle comprising: an internal cabin having a cargo area configured to hold live animals; a lighting sub-system including one or more light fixtures disposed within the cargo area; and a control unit in communication with the one or more light fixtures, the control unit configured to control the one or more light fixtures, and wherein the control unit is configured to selectively adjust light emitted from the one or more light fixtures based on signals received from one or more sensors in communication with the control unit configured to sense one or more aspects of the live animals within the cargo area, and wherein the control unit is configured to selectively adjust the light and/or a temperature within the cargo area based on a cortisol level of the live animals.

Further, the control unit can be configured to selectively adjust the light based on one or more of a temperature of the one or more live animals, a type of the one or more live animals, a duration of a trip of the vehicle, a phase of the trip of the vehicle, an origin of the trip, or a destination of the trip.

The system can also include one or more temperature control devices configured to one or both of adjust or maintain a temperature within the cargo area of the internal cabin of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to control the one or more temperature control devices based on the cargo within the cargo area.

The system can also include a user interface in communication with the control unit.

The one or more light fixtures can include light emitters. The light emitters can include light emitting diodes (LEDs), which can be configured to selectively emit one or more of visible light. infrared radiation, and ultraviolet radiation.

In at least one example, the one or more light fixtures include a plurality of light fixtures. Each of the plurality of light fixtures can be disposed in a different zone of the cargo area.

The cargo area of the vehicle's internal cabin is configured to hold live animals. The control unit may be configured to determine a type of live cargo within the cargo area and to automatically adjust the light emitted from the one or more light fixtures according to the selection of the type of live cargo. For example, the control unit may be configured to determine the type of live cargo within the cargo area from a signal received by the control unit that identifies the type of live cargo within the cargo area. The signal may provide an explicit identification of the type of live cargo or may provide an implicit identification of the type of live cargo (e.g. the signal may contain information from which the control unit may determine the type of live sensor). In some examples, the vehicle may further comprise a user interface in communication with the control unit, wherein the user interface is configured to allow a user to select a type of live cargo and the control unit is configured to receive the selection of the type of live cargo as the signal. In these examples, the signal will provide an explicit identification of the type of live cargo. In some examples, the vehicle further comprises a sensor configured to sense live cargo in the cargo area and provide the signal to the control unit identifying the type of live cargo within the cargo area. The sensor may provide an explicit identification of the type of live cargo or may provide an implicit identification of the type of live cargo. For example, the sensor may be a camera that captures an image of the cargo area. This image may be sent as the signal to the control unit to provide an implicit identification of the type of live cargo, as the control unit may use image recognition to determine the type of live cargo. Alternatively, the sensor may perform the image recognition to determine the type of live cargo and send the determination as the signal which would then provide an explicit identification of the type of live cargo.

The vehicle can also include one or more temperature control devices configured to one or both of adjust or maintain a temperature within the cargo area. The control unit can be configured to control the one or more temperature control devices based on the cargo within the cargo area.

The present disclosure also provides a method comprising:
controlling, by a control unit, one or more light fixtures of a lighting sub-system within a cargo area of an internal cabin of a vehicle configured to hold live animals, wherein said controlling, by the control unit, the one or more light fixtures comprises selectively adjusting light emitted from the one or more light fixtures based on signals received from a sensor or sensors in communication with the control unit configured to sense one or more aspects of the live cargo within the cargo area, and selectively adjusting the light and/or a temperature within the cargo area based on a cortisol level of the live cargo.

Examples of the present disclosure provide vehicles comprising systems as claimed and methods, such as can be used with vehicles. The systems and methods can be beneficially used to illuminate cargo areas of vehicles that hold live cargo, such as pets, livestock, and various other forms of live animals.

Lighting science, physiological, and photobiological principles can be applied to provide animal welfare on cargo and freighter flights, for example. In at least one example, lighting sub-systems include solid state light fixtures that can be tunable, thereby providing a customizable lighting environment to various zones of a cargo area of a vehicle. Each species of animal or insect has unique needs in relation to photobiological and physiological welfare. The lighting sub-systems and methods described herein can be used to tailor an environment to the need of each carrier, each species, each type of cargo, and the like.

In at least one example, the lighting sub-systems and methods include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). In at least one example, the lighting sub-systems and methods utilize pulse width modulated (PWM) tunable LEDs, such as may include Red-Green-Blue (RGB) on printed circuit boards, which are controlled by a control unit and linked into the system architecture of a vehicle. Such systems and methods allow for customizable illumination and radiation variations within an internal cabin of a vehicle.

With solid state lighting sub-systems, such as RGB LEDs, illumination can be specifically tuned for a particular type of live cargo. For example, the systems and methods can vary a color temperature for the cargo depending on a particular need. Intensity of emitted light can be adjusted depending on the need. A light/dark photoperiod cycle can be varied depending on a circadian cycle of particular live cargo. As an example, one part of the cargo hold may carry breeder geese that benefit from red light (<NUM>) at 30lx during the transport period.

The systems and methods described herein allow for illumination tunability and control by operators to establish settings that are beneficial for particular types of cargo. The illumination can be adjusted for different areas, such as zones, grids, or the like within a cargo area. Control panels can be used to selectively activate and deactivate a lighting sub-system, as well as to control and adjust emitted light wavelength, intensity, duration, and the like. The lighting sub-system can be coupled to an environmental control system to deliver temperature and humidity unique requirements for each specific cargo zone or area for live cargo. The system can include a control panel including a control unit coupled to one or more light fixtures. Communication between the control unit and components of the lighting sub-system can be wired or wireless, such as via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared communication, and/or the like. The control panel can include touchscreen menus with selectable options based on current cargo. In at least one example, infrared thermography (IRT) scanners can be integrated into light fixtures, and can be used to evaluate livestock, such as with respect to potential disease, temperature of tissue, and/or the like. In at least one example, emitters and sensors for temperature of the cargo hold can be used to track motion of cargo animals for example. In at least one example, if a cargo zone exhibits less motion for a certain species, the illumination can auto tune to dimmer settings and warmer colors to prepare for sleep and melatonin onset, depending on needs of the species. If a crewmember needs to move to the cargo hold, infrared rays can trigger lighting needs for walkways instead of needing to rely on on/off toggle switches at control panels.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic block diagram for a lighting sub-system <NUM> within an internal cabin <NUM> of a vehicle <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. The internal cabin <NUM> can include a cargo area, such as a cargo hold underneath or otherwise separated from a passenger area. As another example, the internal cabin <NUM> may not include a passenger area, but may be dedicated to cargo. The vehicle <NUM> can be an aircraft, such as a commercial airliner. As another example, the vehicle <NUM> can be a land-based vehicle, such as a van, bus, trailer, train car, or the like. As another example, the vehicle <NUM> can be a watercraft, such as a cargo ship. As another example, the vehicle <NUM> can be a spacecraft.

<FIG> shows a system <NUM> for controlling one or more properties of an internal cabin and/or a portion thereof (such as a cargo area). In at least one example, the propert(ies) include one or more of lighting and/or temperature. For example, the system <NUM> can be configured to control light output by the lighting sub-system <NUM>, a temperature output by one or more temperature control devices <NUM>, and/or the like.

The lighting sub-system <NUM> includes one or more light fixtures <NUM>, and can include one or more sensors <NUM> (such as can include emitters and detectors), and a user interface <NUM>. The light fixture(s) <NUM> are in communication with a control unit <NUM>, such as through one or more wired or wireless connections. The sensor(s) <NUM> are in communication with the control unit <NUM>, such as through one or more wired or wireless connections. The user interface <NUM> is in communication with the control unit <NUM>, such as through one or more wired or wireless connections.

In at least one example, the lighting sub-system <NUM> includes the control unit <NUM>. As another example, the control unit <NUM> is separate and distinct from the lighting sub-system <NUM>.

The light fixture(s) <NUM> include one or more light emitters <NUM>, such as solid state light emitters. For example, the light emitters <NUM> are LEDs that can selectively emit visible light (such as R-O-Y-G-B-I-V light from R-G-B LEDs), infrared radiation, and/or ultraviolet radiation. The control unit <NUM> is configured to control the light emitters <NUM> to emit a desired illumination at a desired wavelength within the internal cabin <NUM>, such as within a cargo area of the internal cabin <NUM>.

In at least one example, the light emitters <NUM> include one or more infrared radiation emitters, which can also be used to provide imaging capability in the dark, for example. For example, the infrared radiation emitters can be used to provide infrared illumination for camera imaging, such as in dark settings.

In at least one example, the light emitters <NUM> include one or more ultraviolet radiation emitters, which can also be used to identify liquid spills, such as urine or other biological matter, in cargo areas. In this manner, the ultraviolet radiation emitters can be used during cleaning processes, to identify certain areas that are in need of disinfection, sterilization, and/or other such cleaning. Further, the ultraviolet radiation emitters can be used to neutralize pathogens (such as bacteria, germs, viruses, and the like).

The light fixtures <NUM> are disposed within the cargo area of the internal cabin <NUM>. The light fixtures <NUM> can extend along a length of the cargo area. For example, the light fixtures <NUM> can extend along one or more of a ceiling, sidewalls, and a floor of the cargo area. The cargo area can include numerous zones that hold various types of live cargo. The control unit <NUM> is used to operate and control the light fixtures <NUM> in relation to each zone, depending on the type of live cargo within a particular zone.

In at least one example, the control unit <NUM> is also in communication with one or more temperature sensors <NUM>, such as through one or more wired or wireless connections. The temperature sensors <NUM> can be separate and distinct from the sensor(s) <NUM>. Optionally, the sensor(s) <NUM> can include one or more temperature sensors. The temperature sensor(s) <NUM> can be or otherwise include a thermometer, a thermostat, and/or the like. The temperature sensor(s) <NUM> are configured to detect a temperature within the internal cabin <NUM>, and/or areas within the internal cabin <NUM>.

In at least one example, the control unit <NUM> is also in communication with one or more temperature control devices <NUM>, such as through one or more wired or wireless connections. The temperature control device(s) <NUM> can be or otherwise include a heater, an air conditioning unit, one or more fans, an environmental control system, and/or the like. The temperature control device(s) <NUM> are configured to selectively adapt and/or maintain a temperature within the internal cabin, and/or areas within the internal cabin <NUM>.

In at least one example, the temperature sensor(s) <NUM> and the temperature control device(s) <NUM> include at least portions that are within the cargo area of the internal cabin <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> can be used to operate and control the temperature control device(s) <NUM> based on temperatures detected by the temperature(s) <NUM> in relation to each zone, depending on the type of live cargo within a particular zone. Optionally, the control unit <NUM> may not be in communication with the temperature sensor(s) <NUM> and/or the temperature control device(s) <NUM>. In at least one example, the control unit <NUM> is not configured to operate and control the temperature control device(s) <NUM>.

The sensor(s) <NUM> are configured to detect one or more of temperature, light, motion, biomarkers including stress, cortisol levels, and/or the like. In at least one example, the sensor(s) <NUM> are or otherwise include optical sensors, such as infrared sensors. In at least one other example, the sensor(s) <NUM> can be ultrasonic sensors. As another example, the sensor(s) <NUM> can include thermometers. The control unit <NUM> receives signals from the sensor(s) <NUM> and can adjust illumination of the light fixture(s) <NUM> based on the received signals. Optionally, the control unit <NUM> receives temperature signals from the sensor(s) <NUM> (and/or the temperature sensor(s) <NUM>), and can operate the temperature control device(s) <NUM> based on the temperature signals received to control temperature within one or more areas of the internal cabin <NUM>, such as the cargo area and/or zones therein.

In at least one example, the sensor(s) <NUM> are within the cargo area of the internal cabin <NUM>. The sensor(s) <NUM> can be part of the light fixture(s) <NUM>, for example. Optionally, the sensor(s) <NUM> can be separate and distinct from the light fixture(s) <NUM>. The light sensors <NUM> can extend along a length of the cargo area. For example, the sensors <NUM> can extend along one or more of a ceiling, sidewalls, and a floor of the cargo area. Alternatively, the lighting sub-system <NUM> does not include a sensor.

The user interface <NUM> includes a display <NUM> and an input device <NUM>, both of which can be in communication with the control unit <NUM>, such as through one or more wired or wireless connections. The display <NUM> can be a monitor, screen, television, touchscreen, and/or the like. The input device <NUM> can include a keyboard, mouse, stylus, touchscreen interface (that is, the input device <NUM> can be integral with the display <NUM>), and/or the like.

In at least one example, the user interface <NUM> is a control panel secured to a portion of the internal cabin <NUM>. For example, the user interface <NUM> can be mounted to a sidewall or monument within the internal cabin <NUM>. As another example, the user interface <NUM> can be within a control area of the vehicle <NUM>, such as a flight deck or cockpit. As another example, the user interface <NUM> can be part of a computer workstation within the internal cabin <NUM>. As another example, the user interface <NUM> can be a handheld device, such as a smartphone, smart tablet, laptop computer, or the like.

In at least one example, the user interface <NUM> includes the control unit <NUM>. In at least one other example, a light fixture <NUM> includes the control unit <NUM>. As another example, the control unit <NUM> is separate and distinct from the light fixture(s) <NUM>, the sensor(s) <NUM>, and the user interface <NUM>. For example, the control unit <NUM> can be part of a flight computer of an aircraft.

In at least one example, a user interface <NUM> can be in communication with and/or form a part of a flight computer of an aircraft. As another example, a user interface <NUM> can be part of a separate computer workstation aboard an aircraft. As another example, the user interface <NUM> can be a handheld device, such as a smart phone, tablet, or the like, within an aircraft. As another example, the user interface <NUM> can be located remotely from the aircraft, such as at an air traffic control location, a ground control location, a central monitoring center, and/or the like. A plurality of user interfaces <NUM> can be present such as within the vehicle <NUM>, at a central monitoring center, and/or the like.

The control unit <NUM> can be in communication with the user interface(s) <NUM> through one or more wired (if at the same location), or wireless connections. For example, the control unit <NUM> can include a communication device, such as one or more antennas, transceivers, and/or the like, which allow for wireless communication with the user interface(s) <NUM>. As another example, the control unit <NUM> and the user interface(s) <NUM> can be in communication through an intermediate medium, such as through the Internet, a private communication network, and/or the like.

In operation, the control unit <NUM> is used to control the light fixture(s) <NUM> to emit light at a desired wavelength(s), intensity, and duration. The control unit <NUM> is configured to customize the light emitted by the light emitters <NUM>, as desired. In at least one example, the lighting sub-system <NUM> is configured to provide a customizable lighting environment to various zones of a cargo area of the vehicle <NUM>. The lighting sub-system <NUM> is configured to tailor an environment based on a particular type of live cargo within the cargo area.

In at least one example, the light emitters <NUM> are or otherwise include solid state light emitters, such as a plurality of tunable LEDs. As such, the control unit <NUM> can operate the light fixtures <NUM> so that the light emitters <NUM> emit light that is specifically tuned for a particular type of live cargo, such as an animal or an insect.

As an example, the control unit <NUM> can vary a type, color temperature, spectral composition, intensity, illumination cycle, and/or the like of light emitted from the light emitters <NUM> of the light fixture(s) <NUM>. In at least one example, the control unit <NUM> adjusts emitted light for different areas, such as zones, grids, or the like within a cargo area.

In at least one example, the control unit <NUM> is used to control the temperature control device(s) <NUM> to provide a desired temperature within one or more areas of the internal cabin <NUM>. For example, the control unit <NUM> is configured to provide a customizable temperature to various zones of a cargo area of the vehicle <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> is configured to tailor a temperature based on a particular type of live cargo within the cargo area.

The control unit <NUM> can operate the temperature control device(s) <NUM> to provide a temperature that is specifically tuned for a particular type of live cargo, such as an animal or an insect. As an example, the control unit <NUM> can vary the output from the temperature control device(s) <NUM> to adjust and/or maintain a particular temperature. In at least one example, the control unit <NUM> adjusts temperature for different areas, such as zones, grids, or the like within a cargo area.

As described herein, the control unit <NUM> can be configured to control both light and temperature. In at least one example, one or more of the light fixtures <NUM> includes an optical temperature sensor that emits a signal to live animals. The signal reflected back to the optical temperature sensor may be indicative of a temperature that is above a recommended regulation threshold for such animals. The threshold is stored in a memory in communication with the control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> detects the reflected signal and compares it to the threshold, and operates the temperature control device(s) <NUM> (such as an environmental control system) accordingly, such as to lower the temperature for the benefit of the live cargo.

The control unit <NUM> is configured to adjust lighting and/or temperature based on a cortisol level of live cargo. For example, the sensors <NUM> can include infrared thermography sensors that are configured to scan the eyes, ears, hindquarters, or the like of livestock. In this manner, the sensor <NUM> can measure temperature emissivity of the area of the animal being scanned. The control unit <NUM> can then compare the measured temperature emissivity to a stored normal emissive factor for the animals. An elevated temperature indicates elevated cortisol or stress hormone levels. An elevated cortisol level typically disrupts the water content of an animal, thereby leading to water retention, which can lower a quality of meat of the animal, which can adversely affect a taste and a shelf life of such meat. Accordingly, the control unit <NUM> is configured to adjust lighting and/or temperature of an area in which the animal is based on measured cortisol levels of the animal.

In at least one example, the one or more sensors <NUM> can also be configured to detect sensors on cargo pallets within the internal cabin, such as within a cargo area. The control unit <NUM> can be configured to detect signals output by the emitting sensors of the cargo pallets, and detect a location, size, shape, and/or the like of the cargo pallets from the received signals. The control unit <NUM> can then output such information to one or more user interfaces, whether within the vehicle or remote therefrom, anywhere along a supply chain. Optionally, the control unit <NUM> may not be configured to detect signals output by emitting sensors of cargo pallets.

The live animals may include animals such as horses, dogs, cats, or the like. The control unit <NUM> can be configured to selectively adjust the light based on one or more of a temperature of the one or more live animals, a type of the one or more live animals, a duration of a trip (such as a flight) of the vehicle (such as a commercial aircraft), a phase (such as takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, or landing) of the trip of the vehicle, an origin (such as a departure airport) of the trip, or a destination (such as an arrival airport) of the trip.

As used herein, the term "control unit," "central processing unit," "CPU," "computer," or the like may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor including hardware, software, or a combination thereof capable of executing the functions described herein. Such are exemplary only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of such terms. For example, the control unit <NUM> may be or include one or more processors that are configured to control operation, as described herein.

The control unit <NUM> is configured to execute a set of instructions that are stored in one or more data storage units or elements (such as one or more memories), in order to process data. For example, the control unit <NUM> may include or be coupled to one or more memories. The data storage units may also store data or other information as desired or needed. The data storage units may be in the form of an information source or a physical memory element within a processing machine.

The set of instructions may include various commands that instruct the control unit <NUM> as a processing machine to perform specific operations such as the methods and processes of the various examples of the subject matter described herein. The set of instructions may be in the form of a software program. The software may be in various forms such as system software or application software. Further, the software may be in the form of a collection of separate programs, a program subset within a larger program, or a portion of a program. The software may also include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing of input data by the processing machine may be in response to user commands, or in response to results of previous processing, or in response to a request made by another processing machine.

The diagrams of examples herein may illustrate one or more control or processing units, such as the control unit <NUM>. It is to be understood that the processing or control units may represent circuits, circuitry, or portions thereof that may be implemented as hardware with associated instructions (e.g., software stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, or the like) that perform the operations described herein. The hardware may include state machine circuitry hardwired to perform the functions described herein. Optionally, the hardware may include electronic circuits that include and/or are connected to one or more logic-based devices, such as microprocessors, processors, controllers, or the like. Optionally, the control unit <NUM> may represent processing circuitry such as one or more of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microprocessor(s), and/or the like. The circuits in various examples may be configured to execute one or more algorithms to perform functions described herein. The one or more algorithms may include features of examples disclosed herein, whether or not expressly identified in a flowchart or a method.

<FIG> illustrates a top plan view of an aircraft <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. The aircraft <NUM> is an example of the vehicle <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. The aircraft <NUM> includes a propulsion system <NUM> that includes engines <NUM>, for example. Optionally, the propulsion system <NUM> may include more engines <NUM> than shown. The engines <NUM> are carried by wings <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>. In other examples, the engines <NUM> may be carried by a fuselage <NUM> and/or an empennage <NUM>. The empennage <NUM> may also support horizontal stabilizers <NUM> and a vertical stabilizer <NUM>. The fuselage <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM> defines an internal cabin <NUM>, which includes a flight deck or cockpit <NUM>. <FIG> shows an example of an aircraft <NUM>. It is to be understood that the aircraft <NUM> can be sized, shaped, and configured differently than shown in <FIG>.

The internal cabin <NUM> includes a cargo area <NUM>. In at least one example, the cargo area <NUM> is underneath a passenger area of the internal cabin <NUM>. As another example, the internal cabin <NUM> may not include a passenger area, and the cargo area <NUM> extends throughout substantially all of the internal cabin <NUM> (with the exception of the flight deck or cockpit <NUM>). The cargo area <NUM> can include numerous zones <NUM> configured to hold different types of cargo, such as various types of live cargo. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lighting sub-system <NUM> can be used to illuminate the cargo area <NUM>, including the zones <NUM>, as desired. Further, the control unit <NUM> can be configured to control temperature within the zones <NUM>, as desired.

<FIG> illustrates the electromagnetic spectrum <NUM>. The light spectrum <NUM> includes visible light wavelengths <NUM> and invisible light wavelengths <NUM>, such as infrared wavelengths and/or ultraviolet wavelengths. Referring to <FIG>, the light emitters <NUM>, such as LEDs, are configured to selectively and adaptively emit visible light, infrared radiation, and/or ultraviolet radiation, as desired, and as controlled by the control unit <NUM>. The light emitters <NUM> can be multi-band light emitters configured to emit visible light and invisible light, for example.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of a user interface <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. In at least one example, the user interface <NUM> is a handheld device that integrates the display <NUM> and the input device <NUM> into a touchscreen interface.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of a light fixture <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the light fixture <NUM> includes light emitters <NUM>, and a sensor <NUM>. The light emitters <NUM> can include a red light emitter, a green light emitter, and a blue light emitter. The light emitters <NUM> can also include an infrared radiation emitter. Optionally, the sensor <NUM> can be separate and distinct from the light fixture <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an isometric exploded view of a light fixture <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. In at least one example, the light fixture <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, which is configured to be mounted on and/or within a wall, a ceiling a floor, or the like. The housing <NUM> receives and retains a circuit board <NUM> on which light emitters <NUM> are secured. A communication device <NUM> can be secured to the housing <NUM> and/or the circuit board <NUM> and is in communication with the light emitters <NUM>. The communication device <NUM> can be a wireless receiver, transmitter, transponder, or the like that is configured to communicate with the control unit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). For example, the communication device <NUM> can be a Bluetooth, WiFi, or infrared signal receiver. The light fixture <NUM> can also include a lens <NUM> that secures over the light emitters <NUM>.

The light fixture <NUM> can be sized, shaped, and configured differently than shown in <FIG>. The light fixture <NUM> can include more or less light emitters <NUM> than shown.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic block diagram of a lighting sub-system <NUM>, according to an example of the present disclosure. The light fixtures <NUM> are in communication with a flight management computer <NUM>, which can include the control unit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The user interface <NUM> is in communication with the flight management computer <NUM> of an aircraft. The flight management computer <NUM> is also in communication with an environmental control system <NUM> and ground monitoring facilities <NUM>, such as through one or more wired or wireless connections.

The light fixtures <NUM> include tunable light emitters that are controlled by the flight management computer <NUM>. The sensors <NUM> can be or otherwise include infrared thermography sensors, passive motion infrared sensor, active infrared presence sensor, false color sensors, and/or the like.

<FIG> illustrates a flow chart of operating a lighting sub-system, according to an example of the present disclosure. <FIG> shows an example of operating a lighting sub-system within a cargo area that holds equine thoroughbred breeding mares. As shown, the sensors can sense various aspects of the live cargo, such as body temperature, eye temperature, physical stress, and the like. The lighting sub-system can automatically operate and change characteristics of emitted light based on the sensed aspects.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in at least one example, at <NUM>, the user interface <NUM> is operated to select a type of live cargo. At <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> sends a signal to the lighting sub-system <NUM> and/or the temperature control device(s) <NUM>. In at least one example, there can be two way communication between the control unit <NUM> and a care provider for the live cargo (such as a veterinarian or a trainer).

At <NUM>, one or more of the light fixtures <NUM> emits an infrared signal to detect presence of the live cargo. At <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> determines if an object is detected (such as via the sensor(s) <NUM> receiving a reflected signal). If not, the method proceeds to <NUM>, at which the control unit <NUM> operates the one or more light fixtures <NUM> to emit <NUM> white light for visual acuity only.

If, however, an object is detected at <NUM>, the method proceeds to <NUM>, at which the sensor(s) <NUM> detect reflection of signals having a predefined wavelength (such as associated with a particular type of live cargo), and then at <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> controls the lighting sub-system to emit an infrared signal for dynamic physiological monitoring. The method then proceeds to <NUM>, at which control unit <NUM> receives data from the sensor(s) <NUM>.

In response to detecting the reflected signals at <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> also outputs one or more photometric information signals to the lighting sub-system <NUM>. Such information includes timing, duration, spectral content, intensity, and/or the like, which controls operation of the light fixture(s) <NUM>. At <NUM>, the light fixture(s) <NUM> are controlled accordingly, such as by emitting blue enriched light to provide lighting for equine based on <NUM> hours of light and <NUM> hours of dark. As shown, the sensors <NUM> can be used to scan core body temperature, eye temperature, and injury stress of the live cargo.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary menu for various predetermined settings that can be selected for a lighting sub-system, according to an example of the present disclosure. As shown, the menu can include various selections for types of livestock, departure and arrival information, and various physiological information. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, such information can be stored in a memory of the control unit <NUM>, which can operate the lighting sub-system <NUM> and/or the temperature control device(s) <NUM> based on signals received from the sensor(s) <NUM> (and/or the temperature sensor(s) <NUM>).

As described herein, examples of the present disclosure provide improved systems and methods for illuminating a cargo area of a vehicle. Further, examples of the present disclosure provide lighting sub-systems and methods for a vehicle that can be adapted to benefit various types of live cargo.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (and/or features thereof) can be used in combination with each other as far as compatible and covered by the appended claims.

In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various examples of the disclosure without departing from the scope of the claims. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to illustrate various examples of the disclosure, the examples are by no means limiting. Many other examples will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various examples of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein. " Moreover, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Claim 1:
A vehicle (<NUM>) comprising:
an internal cabin (<NUM>) having a cargo area configured to hold live animals;
a lighting sub-system (<NUM>) including one or more light fixtures (<NUM>) disposed within the cargo area; and
a control unit (<NUM>) in communication with the one or more light fixtures (<NUM>), the control unit (<NUM>) configured to control the one or more light fixtures (<NUM>), and
wherein the control unit (<NUM>) is configured to selectively adjust light emitted from the one or more light fixtures (<NUM>) based on signals received from one or more sensors (<NUM>, <NUM>) in communication with the control unit (<NUM>) configured to sense one or more aspects of the live animals within the cargo area,
and wherein the control unit (<NUM>) is configured to selectively adjust the light and/or a temperature within the cargo area based on a cortisol level of the live animals.