Patent Description:
Modern aircraft increasingly seek to offer comfortable cabin accommodations, whether for business or leisure. Current aircraft cabins can feature expansive in-flight entertainment (IFE) options, Internet connectivity for videoconferencing and video streaming, reclining and/or lay-flat seats, and the like. These features can help passengers be more productive during transit, or allow passengers to rest and relax while travelling.

In addition, modern aircraft can include various noise-reduction systems. Some approaches to noise-reduction are passive, such as sound isolating materials or cabin constructions for aircraft. Other approaches are active: for example, synchrophasing of aircraft propellers can be used to reduce noise in the aircraft cabin, by setting an appropriate phase difference between propellers such that the acoustic waves produced thereby combine in a reduced resultant acoustic wave. Another approach for active noise reduction includes using acoustic wave emitters, such as speakers, to produce acoustic waves which serve to cancel out other ambient sounds detected within the cabin.

Traditional approaches have focused on minimizing worst-case noise within a cabin, or ensuring substantially uniform noise reduction throughout an aircraft cabin. However, these approaches can be unsatisfactory for aircraft with smaller numbers of passengers, or for aircraft in which passengers may be present in only some areas of the aircraft at any given time.

There is therefore room for improvements. Examples of prior art proposals can be found in the following disclosures. <CIT> describes an environment in which speakers deployed in a space and divided into groups associated with different zones produce a mix of sounds that create internal noise pollution. The disclosure describes systems and methods for creating personalized sound zones to address these and related problems. <CIT> describes a technique for reducing noise in a listening environment by dividing the listening environment into a plurality of zones, where each zone is associated with a different active noise cancellation system. A plurality of acoustic sensors acquire acoustic data and a processor generates noise cancellation signals, outputting the noise cancellation signals via the speakers. <CIT> describes an adaptive control system for controlling a plant having a plurality of actuator means and sensor means for sensing the degree of success in controlling the plant. The actuator control means selects the selected ones of the sensor means by considering couplings between each actuator means and each sensor means and determining which couplings are the most significant. <CIT> describes a system and method for personalized sound isolation in a vehicle audio zone. The system is configured to create a plurality of audio zones within the vehicle cabin. The system provides a means for adjusting an audio output provided to the corresponding audio zone and for providing user-controlled sound isolation in the audio zones.

In accordance with a broad aspect, there is provided a method for performing noise reduction in a vehicle according to claim <NUM>, the vehicle comprising a noise reduction system and a cabin comprising a plurality of zones. A noise reduction criterion for the vehicle is obtained. A first one of the plurality of zones for which noise reduction is to be performed is determined, based on the noise reduction criterion. The noise-reduction system is controlled to perform noise reduction in the first zone, wherein performing noise reduction in the first zone causes the noise reduction system to effect a resultant adjustment in noise level in at least a second one of the plurality of zones characterized in that the plurality of zones comprise a seating zone, a viewing zone, a galley zone, a meeting zone, and a resting zone of the vehicle, in that the noise reduction system is configured to provide a baseline level of noise reduction in the plurality of zones and in that the noise reduction system is further configurable to reduce noise in an adjustable manner on a zone-by-zone basis for all zones.

In some embodiments, performing noise reduction in the first zone results in an increase in a noise level for the at least one second zone.

In some embodiments, the resultant adjustment in noise level produces an increase in the noise level in the at least one second zone.

In some embodiments, the increase in the noise level sets the noise level to a predetermined maximum noise level.

In some embodiments, the predetermined maximum noise level is associated with at least one of an industry standard and a regulatory policy.

In some embodiments, the resultant adjustment in noise level produces a decrease in the noise level in the at least one second zone.

In some embodiments, the at least one second zone comprises a portion of the vehicle different from the first zone.

In some embodiments, the first zone comprises a vicinity of a grouping of seats within the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the first zone comprises a vicinity of an entertainment device within the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the first zone comprises a vicinity of resting quarters within the vehicle.

In some embodiments, obtaining the noise reduction criterion comprises obtaining, from a personal electronic device, an indication of a location of the personal electronic device within the vehicle, wherein the first zone comprises at least the location.

In some embodiments, the indication is issued by the personal electronic device in response to a user input.

In some embodiments, the indication is issued by the personal electronic device in response to the personal electronic device detecting a change in the location of the personal electronic device.

In some embodiments, the change in location of the personal electronic device is detected by sensing movement of a user of the personal electronic device.

In some embodiments, obtaining the noise reduction criterion comprises obtaining, from a noise-detection system of the vehicle, an indication of the first zone based on a sound produced by a passenger of the vehicle and detected by the noise-detection system.

In some embodiments, obtaining the noise reduction criterion comprises obtaining the noise reduction criterion in response to occurrence of an event within the vehicle, wherein the event is one of: activation of an entertainment device within the vehicle, activation of a lighting system within the vehicle, activation of a climate-control system within the vehicle, and a passenger of the vehicle entering a room within the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the noise reduction criterion is indicative of a location within the vehicle at which a passenger of the vehicle is present.

In some embodiments, the noise reduction criterion is indicative of a location within the vehicle at which a passenger of the vehicle is expected to be present.

In some embodiments, the noise reduction criterion is indicative of an operating condition of an entertainment device of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the noise reduction criterion is indicative of a time of day.

In some embodiments, the noise reduction criteria specifies at least one of: the first zone, the at least one second zone, an amount of noise reduction to perform in the first zone, and a type for the resultant adjustment in the at least one second level of noise reduction.

In some embodiments, controlling the noise-reduction system of the vehicle comprises adjusting, based on the noise reduction criterion, a weighting factor of a noise-reduction algorithm governing the noise-reduction system.

In some embodiments, controlling the noise-reduction system of the vehicle comprises adjusting the operation of at least one of an active noise-reduction system and an engine-synchrophasing module.

In some embodiments, the noise reduction criteria specifies a tonality of noise to be reduced.

In accordance with another broad aspect, not covered by the appended claims, there is provided a system for performing noise reduction in a vehicle comprising a plurality of zones. The system comprises a noise-reduction system capable of performing noise reduction in each of the plurality of zones, a processing unit communicatively coupled to the noise-reduction system and configured for controlling operation thereof, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-readable instructions. When executed by the processing unit, the instructions cause the processing unit to perform: obtaining a noise reduction criterion for the vehicle; determining, based on the noise reduction criterion, a first one of the plurality of zones for which noise reduction is to be performed; and controlling the noise-reduction system to perform noise reduction in the first zone, wherein performing noise reduction in the first zone causes the noise reduction system to effect a resultant adjustment in noise level in at least a second one of the plurality of zones.

In some embodiments, the at least one second zone comprises substantially the entire vehicle excepting the first zone.

Further features and advantages of embodiments described herein may become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:.

With reference to <FIG>, an aircraft <NUM> is illustrated, having a fuselage <NUM>, a pair of wings <NUM> (or more), engines <NUM>, and a tail <NUM>. Aircraft <NUM> may be any suitable aircraft such as corporate, private, commercial, or any other type of aircraft. For example, aircraft <NUM> may be a narrow-body, twin engine jet airliner. Aircraft <NUM> may be a fixed wing or a rotary wing aircraft. The fuselage <NUM> has a cockpit <NUM>, which can be positioned at any suitable location on the aircraft <NUM>, for example at a front portion of the fuselage <NUM>. The cockpit <NUM> is configured for accommodating one or more pilots who control the aircraft <NUM> by way of one or more operator controls. The operator controls can include any suitable number of pedals, yokes, steering wheels, centre sticks, flight sticks, levers, knobs, switches, computer-based input, and the like. Although two engines <NUM> are illustrated, it should be understood that the aircraft <NUM> can have any suitable number of engines, which can include turbojet engines, turbofan engines, turbopropeller engines, and the like.

It should additionally be noted that although the foregoing discussion focuses primarily on aircraft-related implementations, the techniques described herein can be applied to various other vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, boats, trains, subways, cable-cars, tramways, spacecraft, and the like. Furthermore, at least some of the techniques described herein can be applied to stationary structures and buildings, including homes, offices, factories, and the like.

With reference to <FIG>, the fuselage <NUM> of the aircraft can house a cabin <NUM> for receiving one or more passengers. The cabin <NUM> can be disposed in any suitable fashion: for example, the cabin <NUM> can be composed of various quarters and/or rooms. In addition, the cabin <NUM> can be provided with various seats, electronic and entertainment systems, lavatories, galleys, and the like. For ease of discussion, the cabin <NUM> will be described as being composed of a plurality of zones, illustrated in <FIG> as zones <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Each zone can be associated with a specific purpose, or with an activity that a passenger may perform in the zone. It should be noted that the specific examples of zones <NUM>-<NUM> described herein are only examples provided for the purpose of illustration, and various other types of zones can be contemplated. In addition, it should be understood that the zones <NUM>-<NUM> may be altered in a dynamic fashion at suitable times, in response to suitable triggers, or in accordance with other rules and/or conditions, as described in greater detail hereinbelow.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the cabin <NUM> is divided into five zones: seating zone <NUM>, viewing zone <NUM>, galley zone <NUM>, meeting zone <NUM>, and resting zone <NUM>. Seating zone <NUM> is provided with one or more seats <NUM>, which can be disposed in any suitable fashion. Viewing zone <NUM> is provided with one or more seats <NUM> and with an entertainment device <NUM>. The entertainment device <NUM> can be a television, projector, or other suitable screen, and can optionally include speakers or other sound-producing devices, one or more media sources, and the like. Galley zone <NUM> can be provided with various appliances for food production, and can include a food preparation area <NUM>. Meeting zone <NUM> can be provided with one or more seats <NUM> an entertainment device <NUM>, which can be substantially similar to the entertainment device <NUM>, or any other suitable type of entertainment device, and a conference table <NUM>. Resting zone <NUM> can be provided with a seat <NUM>, which can be a reclining or lie-flat seat, and a lighting device <NUM>. It should additionally be noted that each of the zones <NUM>-<NUM> can include, or share, one or more lighting systems, one or more heating, ventilation, and climate-control systems, one or more public address (PA) systems, and the like. It should also be noted that <FIG> is not necessarily illustrated to scale.

In some embodiments, the arrangement of seats <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, in the various zones can be dynamically adjustable, as appropriate. For instance, each of the zones <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is configured for assuming one of a plurality of seating configurations, which can include more or fewer seats than shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the position or orientation of the entertainment devices <NUM>, <NUM>, can be dynamically adjustable. Alternatively, or in addition, the type of entertainment devices present in zones <NUM>, <NUM> can be dynamically adjustable. Still other modifications to the cabin <NUM>, and to the zones <NUM>-<NUM>, are considered.

The aircraft <NUM> is additionally provided with a noise-reduction (NR) system <NUM>. Although illustrated here as being contained within the cabin <NUM>, it should be understood that the NR system <NUM> can be located outside the cabin <NUM>, for example in other portions of the aircraft, or in any suitable combinations of locations inside and outside the cabin <NUM>. The NR system <NUM> serves to reduce the amount of noise present in the cabin <NUM>, or in other parts of the aircraft, for instance the cockpit <NUM>. Noise can originate from a number of different sources, including engines <NUM> of the aircraft, movement of flight surfaces on the wings <NUM> and/or tail <NUM>, and from air resistance experienced by the aircraft <NUM> during a flight mission. Other sources of noise, including hydraulic systems, motors, and other systems or components are also considered.

In some embodiments, the NR system <NUM> includes an active NR (ANR) system, which includes one or more speakers and one or more microphones. The ANR system operates by counteracting sound waves within the cabin with supplementary sound waves of equal magnitude but opposite phase, thereby additively cancelling with the sound waves within the cabin. The microphones can be disposed about the cabin in any suitable arrangement, and are configured to collect audio data indicative of sound waves which traverse at least part of the cabin. The ANR system can then process the audio data, for instance using a computing device, to determine appropriate counteractive sound waves. The speakers, which can be disposed throughout the cabin in any suitable arrangement, can then produce the counteractive sound waves to counter the sound waves within the cabin. In some embodiments, the ANR system includes multiple localized ANR systems, which can work collaboratively to provide ANR for the cabin <NUM>.

In some other embodiments, the NR system <NUM> includes a synchrophasing module. As used herein, "synchrophasing" refers to the practice of synchronizing the phase of propellers or fan blades of an aircraft. Altering the phase difference between engine propellers or fan blades changes how sound waves produced by the engines interact within the cabin. For example, altering the synchrophasing of the propellers or fan blades can cause sound waves produced by a first engine <NUM> to additively cancel, via destructive interference, with sound waves produced by a second engine <NUM> in one portion of the cabin, and can cause sound waves produced by the first and second engines <NUM> to additively combine, via constructive interference, in another portion of the cabin. Synchrophasing techniques can also be applied to other sources of noise which involve rotating machinery, including hydraulic pumps, generators, and the like.

The NR system <NUM> can include any other suitable types of noise-reduction devices, which can incorporate other techniques. In addition, it should be understood that the NR system <NUM> can be configured for implementing any number of the aforementioned NR techniques substantially simultaneously, successively, or in any other suitable configuration.

In operation, the NR system <NUM> can be used to provide a "baseline" level of noise reduction, that is to say, to perform noise reduction within the cabin <NUM> such that each zone within the cabin experiences substantially equal levels of noise. It is possible that for certain zones within the cabin <NUM>, this "baseline" level of noise reduction could be improved by altering the operation of the NR system <NUM>. However, adjusting the operation of the NR system <NUM> to improve noise reduction in one zone could result in an increased noise level elsewhere in the cabin <NUM>. Therefore, the "baseline" level of noise reduction provides a holistic approach to noise reduction within the cabin <NUM>, such that all areas within the cabin <NUM> are subjected to comparable levels of noise.

The baseline level of noise reduction provided by the NR system <NUM> may be sufficient for meeting regulatory standards for acceptable noise levels within the cabin <NUM>. Alternatively, or in addition, the baseline level of noise reduction provided by the NR system <NUM> may reduce noise in the cabin <NUM> to levels sufficiently low to provide a predetermined comfort level for passengers of the aircraft <NUM>. For instance, the NR system <NUM> may reduce noise in the cabin <NUM> to a level below a predetermined threshold, for instance <NUM> dB, <NUM> dB, <NUM> dB, or the like. However, providing the baseline level of noise reduction can still result in passengers being uncomfortable with the level of noise present in the cabin <NUM>.

The NR system <NUM> is thus configured for providing a baseline level of noise reduction within the cabin <NUM>. In addition, the NR system <NUM> is configurable to reduce noise within the cabin <NUM> in an adjustable manner on a zone-by-zone basis. Put differently, the noise-reduction of the NR system <NUM> can be controlled to perform noise reduction in one or more of the zones <NUM>-<NUM> to adjust, for example to improve, the amount of noise reduction in one of the zones <NUM>-<NUM>, for example in relation to the baseline noise, which will in turn produce an effect on the level of noise reduction in the other zones <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, the NR system <NUM> can be controlled to perform noise reduction in the viewing zone <NUM> in order to minimize a noise level in the vicinity of the seats <NUM> and/or in the vicinity of the entertainment device <NUM> in the viewing zone <NUM>. In another example, the NR system <NUM> can be controlled to perform noise reduction in a zone which includes the meeting zone <NUM> and the resting zone <NUM>.

When the level of noise reduction in one or more of the zones <NUM>-<NUM> is altered, resultant changes in other ones of the zones <NUM>-<NUM> will inherently occur. For instance, decreasing the noise level in the meeting zone <NUM> from the baseline level of noise reduction may result in an increase in the noise level in the viewing zone <NUM>. The adjusted noise level in the meeting zone <NUM> is lower than the level of noise in the meeting zone when the NR system <NUM> is performing baseline level noise reduction; conversely, the resultant adjustment in noise reduction for the viewing zone <NUM> may result in a noise level higher than the level of noise in the viewing zone when the NR system <NUM> is performing baseline level noise reduction.

As discussed, performing noise reduction in a selected one of the zones <NUM>-<NUM> can cause the NR system <NUM> to effect resultant adjustments in a noise level for one or more of the remaining zones <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, performing noise reduction in the viewing zone <NUM> may increase the noise level in the galley zone <NUM>, due to the inherent operation of the NR system <NUM>. In some cases, the NR system <NUM> can evaluate the resultant adjustment in the remaining zones, and perform the noise reduction in the selected zones accordingly. For example, industry standards and/or regulatory policy can dictate maximum allowable noise levels within an aircraft. The NR system can perform noise reduction in the selected zone so that the resultant adjustment in noise level in the remaining zones does not exceed a predetermined maximum noise level, for example as established by industry standards and/or regulatory policy. In some other cases, the resultant adjustment in noise level causes a decrease in the noise level for some of the remaining zones, while other ones of the remaining zones experience an increase in noise level. It should be noted that in some instances, the remaining zones can encompass substantially the entirety of the cabin <NUM>, or of the aircraft <NUM>, excepting the selected zone.

With reference to <FIG>, in operation, the NR system <NUM> obtains a noise reduction criterion from one of a plurality of potential sources, including a personal electronic device (PED) <NUM>, a noise-detection system <NUM>, which can detect certain non-aircraft sounds, including human voices, footsteps, etc. as well as noise produced by the aircraft <NUM>, and/or an aircraft system <NUM>. The noise reduction criterion provides information at least regarding one of the zones <NUM>-<NUM>, in which noise reduction should be performed. The noise reduction criterion can be obtained in a variety of ways, and can contain a variety of additional information.

In some embodiments, the noise reduction criterion can be passenger location information obtained from the PED <NUM>. The PED <NUM> can be, for example, a smartphone, featurephone, cellphone, wearable smart device, for instance a smartwatch, personal digital assistant, laptop, tablet, phablet, or other similar personal computer. The PED <NUM> can belong to a passenger onboard the aircraft <NUM>, or can be associated with the aircraft <NUM>. For example, the PED <NUM> is being permanently or temporarily installed in the aircraft <NUM> and used by a passenger during their time within the aircraft <NUM>: for instance, the PED can be a wristband, access card, or other similar device which a passenger can carry on their person. The PED <NUM> can provide the NR system <NUM> with the noise reduction criterion using any suitable wired or wireless medium. In some embodiments, the NR system <NUM> receives the noise reduction criterion via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, or via any other suitable wireless communication protocol. In other embodiments, the NR system <NUM> receives the noise reduction criterion via USB®, Thunderbolt®, Ethernet, or any other suitable wired communication protocol.

In some other embodiments, the noise reduction criterion can be obtained from other systems within the aircraft <NUM>. In some embodiments, the noise reduction criterion is obtained from the noise-detection system <NUM>, which is configured for detecting non-aircraft-related noise within the cabin <NUM>, including voices, footsteps, and the like. The noise-detection system <NUM> can be composed of a plurality of microphones and/or accelerometers which are disposed throughout the cabin <NUM> and/or in other locations within the aircraft <NUM>. The noise-detection system <NUM> can detect the presence of noise within the cabin <NUM> and provide the NR system <NUM> with a noise reduction criterion. For example, the noise-detection system <NUM> can be configured for detecting noise produced by passengers of the aircraft <NUM>, including voices, footsteps, and the like, and can identify one of the zones <NUM>-<NUM> as the selected zone in which noise reduction should be performed. The noise-detection system <NUM> can then issue a noise reduction criterion to the NR system <NUM>. Alternatively, or in addition, the noise-detection system <NUM> can detect the absence of noise produced by passengers of the aircraft <NUM> and provide a noise reduction criterion to the NR system <NUM> indicating which zones can constitute the remaining zones, and instruct the NR system <NUM> to perform noise reduction in other zones, which constitute the selected zones. For example, if no noise is detected in zones <NUM>-<NUM>, the noise-detection system <NUM> can provide the NR system <NUM> with a noise reduction criterion indicating that noise reduction should be performed in seating zone <NUM>, and that zones <NUM>-<NUM> constitute the remaining zones. Alternatively still, the noise-detection system <NUM> can issue a noise reduction criterion to the NR system <NUM> after detecting the absence of noise produced by passengers of the aircraft <NUM> in one of the zones at certain times of day. For instance, at a time of day during which a passenger is likely to be sleeping, absence of noise in the resting zone <NUM> can be indicative of the passenger being present in the resting zone <NUM>. As a result, the noise-detection system <NUM> can issue a noise reduction criterion to the NR system <NUM> indicating that noise reduction should be performed in the resting zone <NUM>.

In another example, the noise reduction criterion can be obtained from an aircraft system <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>. The aircraft system <NUM> can be configured for monitoring the operation of various systems within the aircraft <NUM>, and can provide the NR system <NUM> with a noise reduction criterion based on events which occur within the aircraft <NUM>. Still other approaches for obtaining the noise reduction criterion are considered.

The noise reduction criterion can provide the NR system <NUM> with various information, depending on the device communicating the noise reduction criterion and the nature of the noise reduction to be performed. In some embodiments, the noise reduction criterion can be provided by the PED <NUM> described hereinabove. The PED <NUM> can provide, as part of the noise reduction criterion, an indication of a location within the cabin <NUM> at which the PED <NUM> is located. The PED <NUM> can detect its location in any suitable fashion, for instance by using GPS, by triangulating from a plurality of WiFi, Bluetooth®, or networking beacons located within the cabin <NUM>, or in any other suitable fashion. In some cases, the noise reduction criterion includes an absolute location of the PED <NUM>, in other cases, the location of the PED <NUM> is based on a reference point within the aircraft <NUM>. In other cases, the noise reduction criterion can indicate a room, or one of the zones <NUM>-<NUM>, in which the PED <NUM> is located. Other approaches are also considered.

In some embodiments, the PED <NUM> can provide the NR system <NUM> with the noise reduction criterion in response to a user input from the passenger using the PED <NUM>. For example, the passenger can indicate via the PED <NUM> that noise reduction should be performed in a particular one of the zones <NUM>-<NUM>, for instance the resting zone <NUM>. In response to the user input, the PED <NUM> can issue a noise reduction criterion to the NR system <NUM>. In other instances, the PED <NUM> can automatically detect changes in the location of the PED <NUM>, for example by sensing movement of the passenger using the PED <NUM>, or based on known locations of network beacons within the cabin <NUM>. The PED <NUM> can be configured for providing a noise reduction criterion to the NR system <NUM> in response to any suitable sensed movement or change in the location of the PED <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the PED <NUM> is also configured for providing the NR system <NUM> with information for modifying the layout of the zones <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, a passenger can indicate via the PED that zones <NUM> and <NUM> should be combined into a single zone. In another example, the passenger can indicate via the PED that zone <NUM> should be subdivided into two smaller zones. Still other examples are considered.

In some other embodiments, the noise reduction criterion can be provided to the NR system <NUM> based on the occurrence of an event within the aircraft <NUM>, for example as detected by the aircraft system <NUM>. The aircraft system <NUM> can include various subsystems associated with different functionality available onboard the aircraft <NUM>. For example, the aircraft system <NUM> includes a cabin management subsystem which monitors the use of in-flight entertainment devices, for instance the entertainment devices <NUM>, <NUM>. In another example, the aircraft system <NUM> includes a flight management subsystem which monitors flight phases, time of day, and the like. In a further example, the aircraft system <NUM> includes an avionics subsystem, which monitors changes in the operation of the engines <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>. The aircraft system <NUM> can issue noise reduction criteria for the NR system <NUM> based on this monitoring.

In one example, the aircraft system <NUM> can detect the activation of an entertainment device within the aircraft, or a change in a setting of an entertainment device, for instance one of the entertainment devices <NUM>, <NUM>. The change in setting can include adjusting a volume level, activating or deactivating a mute setting, beginning, pausing, or ending playback of a media content, or any other suitable setting.

In another example, the aircraft system <NUM> can detect events relating to a change in a lighting system within the cabin <NUM>. Changes in the lighting control system can include activating lights within one of the zones <NUM>-<NUM>, adjusting a brightness or colour setting for lights within one of the zones <NUM>-<NUM>, or any other suitable event. In a further example, the aircraft system <NUM> can detect events relating to a change in a climate-control system within the cabin <NUM>. Changes in the climate-control system can include changes in a temperature or airflow setting for one of the zones <NUM>-<NUM>.

Still other types of events are considered. For example, the aircraft system <NUM> can detect movements of passengers within the cabin <NUM>, for instance via any suitable type of movement detection system. The aircraft system <NUM> can use detected movements of passengers to produce noise reduction criterion, which can then be provided to the NR system <NUM>. For example, the aircraft system <NUM> can detect a passenger entering a room, which can substantially correspond to one of the zones <NUM>-<NUM>, and the noise reduction criterion can select the corresponding zone as the zone in which noise reduction should be performed. In another example, the avionics can be preprogrammed to issue noise reduction criterion at predetermined times of the day or based on preset conditions. For instance, noise reduction criterion can be issued by the PED <NUM> based on a schedule of activities for one or more passengers which is stored on the PED <NUM>. Some scheduled activities can be associated with preset conditions: a calendar entry indicating a meeting can be associated with a "meeting time" preset condition, which causes noise reduction to be performed in the meeting zone <NUM>. In another example, a calendar entry indicating a date night or family time can be associated with a "movie time" preset condition, which causes noise reduction to be performed in the viewing zone <NUM>. Still other approaches are considered.

Other time-based events are also considered. For example, the aircraft system <NUM> can issue noise reduction criterion based on a flight time for a flight mission which the aircraft <NUM> is undertaking. A short flight mission can indicate that passengers are likely to be present in the seating zone <NUM> and/or the viewing zone <NUM>, so a noise reduction criterion can be provided to the NR system <NUM> to perform noise reduction in the zones <NUM>, <NUM>. In another example, a noise reduction criterion can be issued based on the flight phase of the flight mission: during takeoff, a noise reduction criterion can be issued to perform noise reduction in the seating zone <NUM>, and once a cruise altitude and speed is reached, a noise reduction criterion can be issued to perform noise reduction in the viewing zone <NUM>.

In this fashion, any one of the PED <NUM>, the noise-detection system <NUM>, and the aircraft system <NUM> can provide the NR system <NUM> with noise reduction criterion based on any suitable information. The noise reduction criterion can be based on a location within the cabin <NUM> at which a passenger is present, or at which a passenger is expected to be present. For example, and with additional reference to <FIG>, the aircraft system <NUM> can detect that an entertainment device <NUM> has been actuated, but that no passengers are present within zone <NUM>. However, the actuation of the entertainment device <NUM> can signal that a passenger will forthcomingly be present in zone <NUM>, and the aircraft system <NUM> can pre-emptively provide a noise reduction criterion to the NR system <NUM>, expecting a passenger to be present in zone <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the NR system <NUM> implements one or more artificial intelligence (Al) algorithms for producing noise reduction criterion based on patterns of use of the different zones <NUM>-<NUM> of the cabin <NUM> and the various elements provided in the cabin <NUM>. For example, the Al algorithm can recognize that passengers are often present in the meeting zone <NUM> when the aircraft <NUM> is scheduled to fly a particular route. In response to a subsequent scheduling of the particular route, the Al algorithm can cause the NR system <NUM> to follow a noise reduction criterion specifying the meeting zone <NUM> as a zone for which noise reduction should be performed. In another example, the Al algorithm can recognize that passengers are often present in the resting zone <NUM> at particular times, for example at night (based on any suitable time zone). In response to the aircraft <NUM> being used for an overnight flight, the AI algorithm can cause the NR system <NUM> to follow a noise reduction criterion specifying the sleeping zone <NUM> as a zone for which noise reduction should be performed after nightfall.

The Al algorithm can be used as a backup if certain sensors or other information-gathering devices within the cabin <NUM> fail. For instance, if motion detectors within the cabin <NUM> fail, the Al algorithm can be used to predict where passengers may be located within the cabin <NUM>. Alternatively, or in addition, the Al algorithm can produce certain noise reduction criterion based on patterns of use of the NR system <NUM>, and these noise reduction criterion can be validated against other information obtained by the PED <NUM>, the noise-detection system <NUM>, and/or the aircraft system <NUM>, as appropriate.

In some embodiments, the noise reduction criterion can additionally indicate what type of resultant adjustment should occur for one or more of the remaining zones. For example, the noise reduction criterion indicates that the resultant adjustment in one or more of the remaining zones should cause an increase in noise level up to a predetermined maximum, for example based on regulatory standards. In another example, the noise reduction criterion indicates that the resultant adjustment in the remaining zones should, as much as possible, maintain the baseline noise reduction level for some of the remaining zones. In a further example, the noise reduction criterion indicates that the resultant adjustment in the remaining zones should result in an increase in noise to a predetermined level. In other embodiments, the noise reduction criterion does not specify what effect the resultant change should have for the remaining zones, and the NR system <NUM> can implement the noise reduction for the selected zone in any manner appropriate.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, once the noise reduction criterion is obtained at the NR system <NUM>, the NR system <NUM> is configured for determining one of the zones <NUM>-<NUM> in which noise reduction should be performed, based on the noise reduction criterion. In some cases, the noise reduction criterion can specify one of the zones <NUM>-<NUM>. In other cases, the NR system <NUM> interprets the noise reduction criterion to determine in which of the zones <NUM>-<NUM> noise reduction should be performed. For instance, if the noise reduction criterion indicates the presence of passengers in zone <NUM>, the NR system <NUM> determines that noise reduction should be performed in zone <NUM>. In another example, if the noise reduction criterion indicates that passengers are expected to be present in zone <NUM>, the NR system <NUM> determines that noise reduction should be performed in zone <NUM>.

Once the NR system <NUM> has determined in which of the zones <NUM>-<NUM> noise reduction is to be performed, operation of the NR system <NUM> can be controlled to perform noise reduction in the determined zone. Performing noise reduction can include adjusting the response of the NR system <NUM> such that a noise level in the determined zone reaches an optimized level, as determined through feedback from a noise detection system <NUM>. Alternatively, the noise level in the determined zone may be adjusted to a predetermined level, or a specified level, for instance as indicated by the noise reduction criterion. Alternatively, or in addition, performing noise reduction can include adjusting the response of the NR system <NUM> such that the resultant adjustment in one or more of the remaining zones matches certain predetermined criteria, or criteria specified as part of the noise reduction criterion.

In some embodiments, operation of the NR system <NUM> is governed by one or more algorithms which weight the response of the NR system <NUM>. For example, the algorithms can be used to weight the noise-reduction contribution of different subsystems of the NR system <NUM>, for instance the ANR system and the synchrophasing module. Alternatively, or in addition, the algorithms can be used to estimate the resultant adjustment in the remaining zones <NUM>-<NUM>, and the response of the NR system <NUM> can be based on the algorithms such that the resulting adjustment in the remaining zones <NUM>-<NUM> matches requested adjustments indicated in the noise reduction criterion. Alternatively, the noise reduction in the selected zone may be selected based on sense- and-respond feedback from microphones and/or accelerometers of the noise detection system <NUM>, which are located in the selected zone. In some embodiments, the algorithms include one or more machine learning algorithms which can be used to estimate or model the response of the NR system <NUM>, and assist in setting operational parameters for the NR system <NUM>. Still other approaches are considered.

In some embodiments, the different noise-producing elements of the aircraft - the engines <NUM>, the movement of flight surface on the wings <NUM> and/or tail <NUM>, the air resistance experienced by the aircraft <NUM>, the hydraulic systems, motors, and the like - produce noise having different tonality (i.e., different frequencies). The NR system <NUM> can be configured for obtaining noise reduction criterion which specify a particular tonality of noise to be reduced in one of the zones <NUM>-<NUM>, and the NR system <NUM> can perform tone-based noise reduction depending on the requirements specified in the noise reduction criterion.

For example, certain flight phases can be associated with increased noise of a particular tonality: take-off, approach, and landing can cause increased noise from the hydraulics systems of the aircraft <NUM>, whereas the engines <NUM> can produce increased noise during cruise portions of the flight mission. The NR system <NUM> can be configured for using the flight phase to adjust noise reduction in one of the zones <NUM>-<NUM> based on the type of noise produced during certain flight phases. Additionally, certain ones of the zones <NUM>-<NUM> can be more prone to noise of a particular tonality than others. For instance, seating and viewing zones <NUM> and <NUM>, which are in a mid-section of the cabin <NUM>, can be subjected to more noise by the hydraulics systems; conversely, meeting and resting zones <NUM>, <NUM>, which are in an aft-section of the cabin, <NUM>, can be subjected to more noise by the engines <NUM>. The hydraulics systems and the engines <NUM> can produce noise of different tonalities, and the NR system <NUM> can account for the tonality of noise subjected to each zone <NUM>-<NUM> when performing noise reduction. For example, the response of the NR system <NUM> can be tuned differently when performing noise reduction in the seating zone <NUM> than when performing noise reduction in the meeting zone <NUM>, to account for the difference in tone of noise in each zone.

With reference to <FIG>, at least part of the NR system <NUM> can be implemented using a computing device <NUM>. The processing unit <NUM> can comprise any suitable devices configured to cause a series of steps to be performed so as to implement at least part of the functionality of the NR system <NUM>. For instance, instructions <NUM>, when executed by the computing device <NUM> or other programmable apparatus, can cause the functions/acts/steps specified in the present disclosure to be executed. The processing unit <NUM> can comprise, for example, any type of general-purpose microprocessor or microcontroller, a digital signal processing (DSP) processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a reconfigurable processor, other suitably programmed or programmable logic circuits, or any combination thereof.

The memory <NUM> can comprise any suitable known or other machine-readable storage medium. The memory <NUM> can comprise non-transitory computer readable storage medium including, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The memory <NUM> can include a suitable combination of any type of computer memory that is located either internally or externally to device such as, for example, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), electro-optical memory, magneto-optical memory, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM) or the like. The memory <NUM> can comprise any storage means (e.g., devices) suitable for retrievably storing the computer-executable instructions <NUM> executable by processing unit <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, there is provided a method <NUM> for performing noise reduction in a vehicle, for instance the aircraft <NUM>, which is divided into, or otherwise contains, a plurality of zones, for instance the zones <NUM>-<NUM> of the cabin <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

At step <NUM>, a noise reduction criterion for the vehicle is obtained. The noise reduction criterion can specify a zone in which noise reduction is to be performed. In some embodiments, the noise reduction criterion may further specify a desired level of noise, and details regarding the resultant change in remaining zones, including the type of noise change, the resultant noise levels, and the like.

At step <NUM>, a first one of the plurality of zones, for which noise reduction is to be performed, is determined based on the noise reduction criterion. In embodiments in which the noise reduction criterion includes an indication of the first zone, the first zone can be determined from the noise reduction criterion itself. In embodiments in which the noise reduction criterion includes other information, such as a zone in which a passenger is present, or is expected to be present, the first zone can be determined based on the other information provided as part of the noise reduction criterion.

At step <NUM>, a noise reduction system, for example the NR system <NUM>, is controlled to perform noise reduction in the first zone. By performing noise reduction in the first zone, the NR system <NUM> effects a resulting adjustment in noise level in at least a second one of the plurality of zones. The resulting adjustment occurs as an inherent side-effect of the adjustment of the noise reduction performed for the first zone: because the behaviour of the NR system <NUM> is adjusted to perform noise reduction in the first zone, the level of noise reduction performed in the remaining zones is also affected.

Claim 1:
A method for performing noise reduction in a vehicle comprising a noise reduction system (<NUM>) and a cabin comprising a plurality of zones (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>), the method comprising:
obtaining a noise reduction criterion for the vehicle;
determining, based on the noise reduction criterion, a first one of the plurality of zones (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) for which noise reduction is to be performed; and
controlling the noise-reduction system (<NUM>) to perform noise reduction in the first zone, wherein performing noise reduction in the first zone causes the noise reduction system (<NUM>) to effect a resultant adjustment in noise level in at least a second one of the plurality of zones (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>);
characterized in that the plurality of zones (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) comprises a seating zone <NUM>, a viewing zone <NUM>, a galley zone <NUM>, a meeting zone <NUM>, and a resting zone <NUM> of the vehicle, in that the noise reduction system (<NUM>) is configured to provide a baseline level of noise reduction in the plurality of zones (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) and in that the noise reduction system (<NUM>) is further configurable to reduce noise in an adjustable manner on a zone-by-zone basis for all zones.