Patent Description:
In a first aspect, a system for simultaneous control of a set of aircraft peripheral devices (e.g., seat configuration, lighting, crew call buttons) via a passenger control unit (PCU) and a mobile communications device is disclosed. In embodiments, the system includes a wireless controller and wireless receiver installed between the PCU and the PCU control module (which responds to activations of PCU switches by signaling the appropriate seat or device actuators). The wireless controller includes a set of contacts mapped to the matrix of PCU switches, and the wireless receiver links to a user device (e.g., a smartphone or other like mobile communications device) via encoded instructions allowing the user device to display a graphical user interface (GUI) including a set of virtual contacts identical to the wireless controller contacts. For example, when the user engages with (presses, interacts with, actuates) a virtual contact, the mobile device sends a contact signal to the wireless controller, which activates the contact corresponding to the engaged virtual contact. As the set of contacts is mapped to the PCU switch matrix, the PCU control module detects the activation of the contact by the wireless controller as an engagement of the PCU switch to which the engaged contact is mapped. Accordingly, the PCU control module signals the appropriate seat or device actuator as though the PCU switch had been physically engaged.

In some embodiments, the wireless controller and wireless receiver share a common printed circuit board (PCB).

In some embodiments, an in-flight entertainment (IFE) device or system wirelessly receives the contact signal and sends its own auxiliary signal indicative of the engaged virtual contact to the wireless controller (e.g., via wireless link or physical bus). The wireless controller decodes the auxiliary signal received from the IFE device to determine which virtual contact was engaged and engages the corresponding contact.

In some embodiments, the peripheral devices controllable via the mobile device include: aircraft passenger seats; cabin crew call buttons; reading or cabin lights; IFE devices and systems; and climate control devices (e.g., fans, gaspers).

In some embodiments, the mobile device recognizes and verifies the user (e.g., as authorized for remote control of the peripheral devices) via one or more of: a data string identifying the user or the mobile device (e.g., as the user to whom a seat has been assigned); flight information (e.g., a flight number or seat assignment); or encoded information (e.g., QR code assigned to the user at check-in).

In some embodiments, the wireless controller receives operating power via physical connection to an aircraft power supply.

In some embodiments, the wireless controller includes dip switches configured to identify the wireless controller (and, for example, the passenger seat or set of peripheral devices with which is associated) among a set of wireless controllers (e.g., each wireless controller assigned to a seat in a passenger cabin). For example, the dip switches are programmed to identify each wireless controller with a unique name detectable by the mobile device, so the mobile device may find the right wireless controller for a user or passenger's assigned seat.

In a further aspect, a method for simultaneous control of a passenger seat and/or set of peripheral devices via a passenger control unit (PCU) and a mobile communications device carried by a passenger assigned to the seat is also disclosed. In embodiments, the method includes connecting a wireless controller between the PCU and a PCU control module, where the PCU includes a matrix of switches and the PCU control module signals the appropriate seat or device actuator when a PCU switch is engaged. The wireless controller includes a set of contacts mapped to the PCU switch matrix. The method includes providing a user with encoded instructions downloadable to and executable by the mobile device; for example, the instructions allow the mobile device to establish a wireless link to the wireless controller, recognize the user as an authorized user of the PCU, and provide the user (e.g., via an interactive touchscreen) with a graphical user interface (GUI) including a set of virtual contacts mapped to the set of contacts in the wireless controller. The method includes, when the user engages a virtual contact via the GUI, sending a contact signal via the mobile device indicative of which virtual contact was engaged. The method includes receiving the contact signal via the wireless controller. The method includes engaging, via the wireless controller, the contact corresponding to the engaged virtual contact. As the wireless controller has mapped the set of contacts to the matrix of PCU switches, the PCU control module detects the engagement of a contact as an actuation of the physical PCU switch to which the contact is mapped, signaling the appropriate seat or device actuator as though the physical switch was engaged.

In some embodiments, the method includes authorizing or verifying the user (e.g., as an authorized user of the PCU) based on a user data string identifying the user or device, flight information (e.g., a flight number or seat to which the user has been assigned), or other encoded information (e.g., a QR code assigned to the user at check-in).

In some embodiments, the method includes wirelessly receiving the contact signal via an in-flight entertainment device, which sends its own auxiliary signal to the wireless controller. The method further includes decoding the auxiliary signal received from the IFE device to determine the virtual contact engaged by the user. The method includes engaging the corresponding wireless controller contact corresponding to the engaged virtual contact.

In some embodiments, the peripheral devices controllable via the mobile device include: aircraft passenger seats; cabin crew call buttons; reading or cabin lights; and climate control devices (e.g., fans, gaspers).

In some embodiments, the method includes identifying, via the mobile device, the wireless controller (e.g., among a set of otherwise identical wireless controllers) based on a distinct controller identifier assigned to the wireless controller.

The appearances of the phrase "in some embodiments" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Broadly speaking, embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to methods and systems for minimally invasive retrofitting of legacy seating and passenger cabin architectures for remote control by a passenger via their mobile device (personal electronic device (PED), e.g., smartphone or other like mobile communications/computing device). For example, by installing a wireless controller in the control chain between the PCU and its control module, the mechanical switch matrix in the PCU may be duplicated without interfering with the manual operation of the PCU or otherwise disrupting the control chain. Control input may be provided either manually or via the mobile device. Information sharing between the mobile device and wireless controller is minimal, so the wireless controller is an easily certifiable retrofit for legacy systems.

Referring now to <FIG>, an aircraft <NUM> is shown. The aircraft <NUM> may include a passenger seat <NUM>, peripheral devices <NUM>, passenger control unit <NUM> (PCU), PCU control module <NUM>, seat control module <NUM>, peripheral control module <NUM>, seat actuators <NUM>, and wireless controller <NUM>.

In embodiments, the passenger seat <NUM> may be disposed within a passenger cabin of the aircraft <NUM> or within a passenger suite of one or more seats partitioned off from the main passenger cabin. For example, a passenger seat <NUM> occupied by, or assigned to, a particular passenger (e.g., user) may further be associated with one or more peripheral devices <NUM> for use by the occupying passenger, e.g., reading lights 104a, in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems 104b, USB or other data/power outlets 104c. In embodiments, the control chain for the passenger seat <NUM> and other peripheral devices <NUM> may extend from the PCU <NUM> to the PCU control module <NUM> (e.g., via physical cable or other like multi-pin bus <NUM>) and from the PCU control module to peripheral control modules <NUM> and the seat control module <NUM> (via Level E controller area network (CAN) bus <NUM>), and from the seat control module <NUM> to individual seat actuators <NUM> within the passenger seat <NUM> proper, each seat actuator configured to adjust a particular aspect of the position and/or configuration of the passenger seat, e.g., tracking, reclining, and/or conversion to slouched and berthed configurations where available.

In embodiments, the PCU <NUM> may comprise a set of physical switches <NUM> (e.g., switch matrix: buttons, levers, slides), each physical switch associated with the passenger seat <NUM> (e.g., with one or more seat actuators <NUM>) or with a peripheral device <NUM>. For example, when the passenger occupying the passenger seat <NUM> wishes to recline the seat, they may engage with the physical switch <NUM> controlling reclining operations. The PCU <NUM> may send a switch input signal to the PCU control module <NUM> indicative of the engagement with a particular physical switch <NUM>. In embodiments, when the PCU control module <NUM> receives a switch input signal from the PCU <NUM> indicative of engagement with a particular physical switch <NUM>, the PCU control module <NUM> may in turn relay the switch input signal to the appropriate peripheral control module/s <NUM> or seat actuator/s <NUM> (e.g., via the seat control module <NUM>).

In embodiments, the wireless controller <NUM> may be installed between the PCU <NUM> and PCU control module <NUM>, such that the PCU <NUM> may be physically connected to the wireless controller <NUM>, and the wireless controller physically connected to the PCU control module <NUM>, via multi-pin bus <NUM>. For example, interaction or engagement by the passenger with physical switches <NUM> of the PCU <NUM> may trigger switch input signals that travel normally from the PCU through the wireless controller <NUM> to the PCU module <NUM> and are processed normally such that the passenger may continue to control the passenger seat <NUM> and peripheral devices <NUM> via the PCU <NUM>.

In embodiments, the wireless controller <NUM> may establish a wireless link to a mobile communications or computing device <NUM> (e.g., personal electronic device (PED)) carried by the passenger. For example, the passenger may be directed to download and install to the mobile device <NUM> an executable application allowing the mobile device <NUM> to identify the configuration of the passenger seat <NUM>, peripheral devices <NUM>, and PCU <NUM>. Similarly, the application may allow the passenger to verify that they (e.g., and only they, excluding passengers in adjacent or nearby seats) are authorized to control the passenger seat <NUM> and peripheral devices <NUM> via the mobile device <NUM>. For example, the passenger may, via the mobile device <NUM>, identify themselves as the individual having reserved (or having been assigned) the passenger seat <NUM> for a particular flight. Alternatively or additionally, the passenger may provide to the mobile device <NUM> identifying information (e.g., a unique identification number, flight number, and/or seat designation) or encoded information (e.g., a QR code or like encoded data uniquely identifying the passenger to the wireless controller <NUM>).

In embodiments, the wireless controller <NUM> may include a set of contacts <NUM>, e.g., a matrix of electromechanical relays. For example, the set of contacts <NUM> may include contacts or relays mapped to each physical switch <NUM> of the PCU <NUM>. In embodiments, the set of contacts <NUM> may provide for remote control (e.g., via the wireless controller <NUM>) of any passenger seat <NUM> and/or peripheral device <NUM> controllable via the PCU <NUM> as disclosed below.

In embodiments, the mobile device <NUM> may establish a wireless link to the wireless controller <NUM> via, e.g., Bluetooth, ZigBee, near field communications (NFC), or any appropriate like wireless communications protocols. For example, the mobile device <NUM> may verify the passenger as an authorized user and identify the configuration of the passenger seat <NUM>, peripheral devices <NUM>, and PCU <NUM> available to the passenger. In embodiments, the application will cause the mobile device <NUM> to display a graphical user interface <NUM> (GUI) emulating the set of contacts <NUM>, e.g., the mappings of contacts to physical switches <NUM> of the PCU <NUM> by the wireless controller <NUM>. For example, the GUI <NUM> display may reflect a relatively simple PCU <NUM> comprising a call button and seat reconfigurations (recline, berth, upright). In some embodiments, the GUI (128a) may reflect a more intricate PCU <NUM> configured for adjusting seat configuration, reading lights, climate control, and other amenities.

In embodiments, the GUI <NUM>, 128a may provide the passenger with a virtual PCU accessible via the mobile device <NUM>. For example, the GUI <NUM>, 128a may include a set of virtual contacts <NUM> duplicating the set of contacts <NUM> mapped to the physical switches <NUM> of the PCU <NUM> by the wireless controller <NUM>. For example, when the passenger engages a virtual contact <NUM> within the GUI <NUM>, 128a, the mobile device <NUM> may transmit a contact signal via the wireless protocol to the wireless controller <NUM>, the contact signal indicative of which virtual contact was engaged. Accordingly, the wireless controller <NUM> may engage the appropriate contact <NUM> or relay corresponding to the engaged virtual contact (e.g., transmit a switch input signal indicative of an engagement of the appropriate physical switch <NUM> of the PCU <NUM>), which the PCU control module <NUM> may likewise detect as an engagement of the appropriate physical switch within the PCU switch matrix. In embodiments, the PCU control module <NUM> may therefore process the engagement of the contact <NUM> by the wireless controller <NUM> as equivalent to a physical engagement by the passenger with the appropriate physical switch <NUM> of the PCU <NUM>, forwarding the appropriate switch input signal to the appropriate seat control module <NUM> or peripheral control module <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the wireless controller <NUM> is shown.

In embodiments, the wireless controller <NUM> may include two sets of physical connectors <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>-pin or any like appropriate multi-pin bus connector and cable combination). For example, the physical connector <NUM> may connect the wireless controller <NUM> to the PCU (<NUM>, <FIG>) and the physical connector <NUM> may connect the wireless controller <NUM> to the PCU control module (<NUM>, <FIG>), in both cases via physical cable or multi-pin bus (<NUM>, <FIG>). For example, the physical connectors <NUM>, <NUM> may both be connected in parallel to match the physical connector (not shown) on the PCU control module <NUM> (e.g., such that the wireless controller <NUM> is invisible to the PCU control module <NUM>, and any switch input signals from the PCU <NUM> or the wireless controller <NUM> are treated and processed by the PCU control module as equivalent).

In embodiments, the wireless controller <NUM> may include a <NUM> VDC to <NUM> VDC power input <NUM> allowing the wireless controller <NUM> to draw operating power from any available aircraft power supply; in some embodiments, the wireless controller <NUM> may include a USB-C connection (not shown) for operating power.

In embodiments, the wireless controller <NUM> may include a microcontroller <NUM> configured for establishing a wireless link to the mobile device (<NUM>, <FIG>) and both receiving and processing contact signals from the mobile device <NUM> when virtual contacts (<NUM>, <FIG>) are engaged by the passenger. In some embodiments, the wireless controller <NUM> and microcontroller <NUM> are embodied in a single printed control board (PCB) module as shown by <FIG>; alternatively or additionally, relay signal reception and processing may be handled by a remote IFE device as shown below.

In embodiments, the wireless controller <NUM> may include a set of contacts <NUM>, e.g., an electromechanical switch matrix. For example, the set of contacts <NUM> may comprise a two-dimensional (2D) array incorporating sufficient contacts 126a (e.g., electromechanical relays) to emulate any appropriate configuration of switch matrix implemented by the PCU <NUM>. For example, the set of contacts <NUM> may be a <NUM> x <NUM> matrix of <NUM> contacts 126a; in some embodiments, the size of the set of contacts may be scaled up or down as necessary.

Referring now to <FIG>, the PCU <NUM> and PCU control module <NUM> are shown.

In embodiments, the physical switches <NUM> (e.g., buttons, keys) of the PCU <NUM> may be arranged in an XY (e.g., <NUM> x <NUM>) matrix format, as reflected by the switch matrix <NUM> of the PCU <NUM>. For example, each unique physical switch <NUM> may connect a unique X-column and Y-row relay <NUM> when engaged: X1-Y1, X2-Y1, etc. In some embodiments, the PCU <NUM> may comprise multiple PCU components 106a-106c disposed at various locations within a passenger suite, each PCU component 106a-106c mapped to a set of X-column and Y-row relays within the switch matrix <NUM>. For example, some mappings of PCU components 106a-106c may partially overlap, in that some physical switches <NUM> are common keys (call button 122a, light control 122b, do not disturb 122c (DND)) which are duplicated among the PCU components. Accordingly, each set of common keys 122a-122c connects the same X-column and Y-row relay (<NUM>) when engaged: X1-Y2, X2-Y2, X3-Y2 (if either common key is engaged, the same seat actuator (<NUM>, <FIG>) or peripheral device (<NUM>, <FIG>) is adjusted). In some embodiments, some X-column and Y-row relays within the PCU switch matrix <NUM> may remain unassigned (<NUM>), e.g., X4-Y4, X5-Y1.

Referring also to <FIG>, the wireless controller <NUM> may be connected between the PCU <NUM> and PCU control module <NUM>. In embodiments, the installation of the wireless controller <NUM> may map one or more contacts (126a, <FIG>) of the wireless controller set of contacts (<NUM>, <FIG>) to each X-column Y-row relay <NUM> of the PCU switch matrix <NUM>. For example, when a particular contact 126a of the set of contacts <NUM> is engaged by the microcontroller <NUM>, the row-column connection to which the engaged contact is mapped may be closed (e.g., X4-Y3). In embodiments, the PCU control module <NUM> may detect the closing of the X4-Y3 connection as equivalent to a physical engagement of the X4-Y3 relay <NUM>, i.e., a physical engagement by the passenger with the physical switch 122d of the PCU <NUM> mapped to the X4-Y3 relay <NUM> of the PCU switch matrix <NUM>, e.g., a switch input signal to adjust a seat actuator (<NUM>, <FIG>) controlled by the switch 122d (e.g., to transition the passenger seat (<NUM>, <FIG>) to a berthed configuration). Accordingly, the PCU control module <NUM> may forward the appropriate switch input signal to the seat actuator <NUM> as though the physical switch 122d had been engaged. Similarly, when the contact 126a is disengaged by the microcontroller <NUM>, the row-column connection at X4-Y3 may be reopened, detectable by the PCU control module <NUM> as a release of the corresponding physical switch 122d. Accordingly, the passenger may adjust the passenger seat <NUM> and/or peripheral devices (<NUM>, <FIG>) by directly engaging with physical switches <NUM> of the PCU <NUM>, or by engaging with the corresponding virtual contacts (<NUM>, <FIG>) via the mobile device <NUM> and GUI (<NUM>/128a <FIG>), with both physical and virtual engagements similarly and seamlessly processed by the PCU control module <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the aircraft <NUM> is shown.

In embodiments, multiple passenger seats <NUM>, e.g., within a single row or section of a passenger cabin, may each incorporate a dedicated wireless controller <NUM> enabling remote control of the passenger seat <NUM> and any associated peripheral devices (<NUM>, <FIG>) by a passenger <NUM> via their mobile device <NUM>. For example, by limiting the range of the wireless controller <NUM>, it may be possible to limit access to each wireless controller (and therefore control of any associated passenger seats <NUM> and peripheral devices) to any mobile device <NUM> within a proximate range <NUM> of the wireless controller.

In some embodiments, where it may not be possible or practical to limit the wireless range of the wireless controller <NUM>, wireless control applications downloadable to, and executable by, the mobile device <NUM> may provide exclusive access to, and control of, a particular wireless controller for an authorized mobile device, e.g., a mobile device associated with the passenger assigned to the corresponding passenger seat <NUM>.

Referring also to <FIG>, in embodiments the passenger <NUM> may activate or deactivate the wireless controller <NUM> by engaging (<NUM>) with a dedicated physical switch 122e (or, in some embodiments, engaging (<NUM>) with a dedicated combination of physical switches 122f). For example, once the wireless controller <NUM> is activated, the passenger <NUM> may attempt to establish a wireless link to the wireless controller via a mobile device <NUM> (e.g., subject to verification or authorization as noted above). When establishing a wireless link between the mobile device <NUM> and the wireless controller <NUM>, the passenger <NUM> may be prompted by their mobile device to verify via the application that they and/or their mobile device are authorized for access to the wireless controller. For example, the mobile device <NUM> may request the passenger <NUM> provide unique identifying information, e.g., identification number, flight number, biometric information, seat assignment. In some embodiments, the passenger <NUM> may receive encoded information at check-in, e.g., a passcode or scannable QR code, and may provide this encoded information to the mobile device <NUM> to establish a wireless link to the wireless controller <NUM>. In some embodiments the passenger <NUM> may be identified to the application via facial recognition, fingerprint scan, and/or any other appropriate biometric identification means for which the mobile device <NUM> may be configured.

Referring now to <FIG>, in some embodiments each wireless controller <NUM> may be configured with a unique identifier <NUM>. For example, the aircraft <NUM> may incorporate multiple wireless controllers <NUM>, each wireless controller assigned to a particular passenger seat <NUM> within the passenger cabin. It may be desirable for each passenger <NUM> to quickly and easily identify and connect to the wireless controller <NUM> assigned to their passenger seat <NUM> without, for example, altering the firmware of each wireless controller so that each wireless controller has a unique part number (and would essentially be a distinct piece of hardware).

In embodiments, each wireless controller <NUM> may include a set of dip switches (not shown) configurable at installation so that the encoded instructions downloaded by the mobile device <NUM> sees each wireless controller as associated with a distinct identifier <NUM>. Accordingly, the passenger <NUM> assigned to seat A2 may easily identify the wireless controller <NUM> also assigned to seat A2 and connect to the appropriate wireless controller.

Referring now to <FIG>, the wireless controller 116a may be implemented and may function similarly to the wireless controller <NUM> of <FIG>, except that the wireless controller 116a may not include an onboard microcontroller (<NUM>, <FIG>). In some embodiments, wireless contact signals transmitted by the mobile device <NUM> may be received by an in-flight entertainment (IFE) device <NUM> configured for receiving the contact signals and forwarding its own auxiliary signals to the wireless controller 116a based on the received contact signals. For example, the wireless controller 116a may incorporate a logic decoder configured to determine, based on a received auxiliary signal received from the IFE device <NUM>, which virtual contact (<NUM>, <FIG>) was engaged via the mobile device and, accordingly. which contact (126a, <FIG>) to engage. In embodiments, the IFE device <NUM> and wireless controller may be physically connected, e.g., via a <NUM>-bit, <NUM>-bit, or like digital bus <NUM> as shown by <FIG>. In some embodiments, the IFE device <NUM> and wireless controller 116a may establish a wireless link <NUM> via Bluetooth, ZigBee (IEEE <NUM>. <NUM>) or other like secure wireless protocol.

Referring now to <FIG>, the method <NUM> may be implemented by the wireless controller <NUM> and may include the following steps.

At a step <NUM>, a wireless controller is connected between a passenger control unit (PCU) and its PCU control module. For example, the PCU includes an matrix (e.g., a <NUM>-dimensional array) of physical switches (e.g., relays, dials, sliders) via which a passenger occupying a passenger seat may adjust the seat or a variety of other peripheral devices associated with the seat, e.g., crew call buttons, fans. The actuation of a PCU switch by the passenger transmits a switch input signal to the PCU control module, which transmits the switch input signal to actuate the desired peripheral device. The wireless controller likewise incorporates a set of contacts of sufficient size to emulate the switch matrix of the PCU, the set of contacts including a contact mapped to each physical switch of the PCU switch matrix.

At a step <NUM>, a set of encoded instructions downloadable to, and executable by, a mobile communications/computing device (e.g., personal electronic device (PED)) are provided to the mobile device, such that the mobile device may establish a wireless link to the wireless controller via Bluetooth, ZigBee, or other like wireless protocol. The encoded instructions verify the passenger as an authorized user and identify the specific PCU which the wireless controller is configured to emulate (e.g., the precise selection of seat actuators and peripheral devices controllable by the PCU). The mobile device is provided with a graphic user interface (GUI) emulating the set of contacts mapped to the physical switch matrix of the PCU by the wireless controller, such that the GUI includes a set of virtual contacts corresponding to the set of contacts within the wireless controller. When the passenger engages a virtual contact within the GUI, a contact signal is transmitted to the wireless controller via the wireless link indicative of the engaged virtual contact. In some embodiments, after the passenger has manually activated the wireless controller via the PCU, the mobile device may verify the passenger as authorized to link to the wireless controller based on verification information provided by the passenger, e.g., a unique identifier of the passenger, the flight, and/or the seat assignment; or encoded information (e.g., a passcode or QR code) provided to the passenger at check-in. In some embodiments, the wireless controller may include dip switches programmed to distinctly identify each wireless controller among other wireless controllers (e.g., within a passenger cabin or even with in a row therein), such that the passenger may identify and connect with the right wireless controller.

At a step <NUM>, the wireless controller engages the contact within its set of contacts corresponding to the received contact signal. The PCU control module detects this engagement as a received switch input signal, e.g., as an engagement of the corresponding physical switch within the PCU (e.g., the physical switch to which the wireless controller contact is mapped) and forwards a switch input signal to the appropriate seat actuator or peripheral device as if the corresponding physical switch of the PCU had been engaged. In some embodiments, the contact signal may be received by an IFE device in communication with the wireless controller, as opposed to a wireless receiver incorporated into the wireless controller (e.g., within a common printed circuit board (PCB)), which may forward its own auxiliary signal based on the contact signal to the wireless controller via a physical (e.g., digital bus) or wireless link. The wireless controller then decodes the auxiliary signal received from the IFE device to determine the engaged virtual contact, and thus the corresponding wireless controller contact to engage such that the PCU control module forwards the appropriate switch input signal to the appropriate seat actuator or peripheral device.

Claim 1:
A system for remote control of a passenger control unit, PCU, the system comprising:
a wireless controller (<NUM>) physically and operatively coupled between an aircraft-based passenger control unit (<NUM>), PCU, and a control module (<NUM>) of the PCU,
the PCU comprising a plurality of switches (<NUM>, 112a-122f), each switch associated with at least one peripheral device (<NUM>),
the wireless controller comprising a plurality of contacts (<NUM>), at least one contact mapped to each switch of the PCU;
a wireless receiver communicatively coupled to the wireless controller, the wireless receiver configured to receive a contact signal from a mobile device (<NUM>) associated with a user (<NUM>),
and
encoded instructions storable by a non-transitory storage medium of the mobile device and executable by at least one processor of the mobile device, the encoded instructions configured to cause the mobile device to:
establish a wireless link to the wireless receiver according to at least one wireless protocol;
recognize at least one of the user or the at least one peripheral device;
load a graphical user interface (<NUM>, 128a), GUI, corresponding to the recognized user or peripheral device, the GUI comprising a plurality of virtual contacts (<NUM>) corresponding to the plurality of contacts;
and
when a virtual contact is engaged by the user, transmit the contact signal to the wireless controller via the wireless link, the contact signal indicative of the engaged virtual contact;
wherein based on the received contact signal, the wireless controller is configured to engage the contact corresponding to the engaged virtual contact, the engaged contact detectable by the PCU control module as an engagement of the switch to which the engaged contact is mapped.