U.S. patent application number 10/707965 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-28 for dynamic seat labeling and passenger identification system.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE BOEING COMPANY. Invention is credited to Boutros, Ramzy, Loosli, Bruce G., Meckesheimer, Martin.
Application Number | 20050162396 10/707965 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34794585 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050162396 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meckesheimer, Martin ; et
al. |
July 28, 2005 |
DYNAMIC SEAT LABELING AND PASSENGER IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
Abstract
A placard for displaying a customer specific message includes a
receiver, a capacitor, and an electronic updateable static display.
The receiver has a memory storing an identification code and an
antenna for receiving a signal. The capacitor is coupled to the
receiver and capable of being charged by the signal. The electronic
updateable static display is coupled to the receiver, is powered by
the capacitor and is capable of displaying customer specific
messages when a portion of the signal matches the identification
code of the placard. A method of using the placard for displaying a
customer specific message is also provided.
Inventors: |
Meckesheimer, Martin;
(Seattle, WA) ; Boutros, Ramzy; (Maple Valley,
WA) ; Loosli, Bruce G.; (Irvine, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARTZ & ARTZ, P.C.
28333 TELEGRAPH RD.
SUITE 250
SOUTHFIELD
MI
48034
US
|
Assignee: |
THE BOEING COMPANY
100 North Riverside
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
34794585 |
Appl. No.: |
10/707965 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/169 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 21/08 20130101;
G09F 9/372 20130101; A47C 1/13 20130101; G09F 27/00 20130101; G09F
21/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/169 |
International
Class: |
G09G 003/00 |
Claims
1. A placard comprising: a receiver having a memory storing an
identification code and an antenna for receiving a signal; a
capacitor coupled to the receiver; and an electronic updateable
static display coupled to the receiver and powered by the capacitor
for displaying a customer specific message when a portion of the
signal matches the identification code of the placard, whereby the
capacitor is capable of being charged by the signal.
2. The placard according to claim 1, wherein the identification
code of the device is a device descriptive identity.
3. The placard according to claim 1, wherein the identification
code of the device is a user selectable identity.
4. The placard according to claim 1, wherein the identification
code of the device is a unique identity.
5. The placard according to claim 1, wherein the receiver comprises
an RF receiver.
6. The placard according to claim 4, wherein the RF receiver is an
active RF receiver.
7. The placard according to claim 4, wherein the RF receiver
comprises a passive RF receiver.
8. The placard according to claim 1, wherein the electronic
updateable static display comprises an electronic paper
display.
9. The placard according to claim 1, wherein the electronic
updateable static display comprises a photonic ink display.
10. The placard according to claim 1, further comprising a message
memory coupled to the receiver for storing one or more messages for
displaying upon the electronic updateable static display.
11. The placard according to claim 10, further comprising a power
source for powering the message memory.
12. The placard according to claim 11, wherein the power source
comprises a solar cell or a battery.
13. The placard according to claim 10, further comprising a timer
coupled to the message memory for initiating the one or more
messages upon the electronic updateable static display.
14. The placard according to claim 10, wherein the power source
supplements the capacitor for changing, clearing or resetting the
display.
15. The placard according to claim 1, wherein the receiver
comprises a transponder.
16. The placard according to claim 15, wherein the signal is
acknowledged by the transponder after the electronic updateable
static display has displayed the customer specific message.
17. A system comprising: one or more antennas; a transmitter for
transmitting a signal; and a plurality of placards, wherein each
placard comprises a receiver having a memory storing an
identification code and an antenna for receiving the signal; a
capacitor coupled to the receiver; and an electronic updateable
static display coupled to the receiver and powered by the capacitor
for displaying a customer specific message when a portion of the
signal matches the identification code of the placard, whereby the
capacitor is capable of being charged by the signal.
18. The system according to claim 17, further comprising a
controller coupled to the transmitter for generating the signal,
wherein the signal comprises one or more identification codes, each
identification code being associated with one of the plurality of
placards, each identification code having associated with it a
customer specific message.
19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the customer specific
message displayed on the electronic updateable static display
comprises a seat identification and a user selected name.
20. The system according to claim 18, wherein each of the plurality
of placards are visibly locatable and associable with a plurality
of seating positions.
21. The system according to claim 20, wherein each placard is
coupled to a seat.
22. The system according to claim 18, wherein each of the plurality
of placards are visibly locatable and associable with a seating
position.
23. The system according to claim 21, wherein each placard is
coupled to a seat.
24. A system comprising: one or more antennas; a transceiver
coupled to the one or more antennas for transmitting a signal and
for receiving a return signal; and a plurality of placard, wherein
each placard comprises a transponder having a memory storing an
identification code and an antenna for receiving and acknowledging
a signal; a capacitor coupled to the transponder; and an electronic
updateable static display coupled to the transponder and powered by
the capacitor for displaying a customer specific message when a
portion of the signal matches the identification code of the
device, whereby the capacitor is capable of being charged by the
signal.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the signal is acknowledged
after the electronic updateable static display has displayed the
customer specific message.
26. The system of claim 25, further comprising a controller coupled
to the transmitter for generating the signal, wherein the signal
comprises one or more identification codes, each identification
code being associated with one of the plurality of placards, each
identification code having associated with it a customer specific
message.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein the customer specific message
displayed on the electronic updateable static display comprises a
seat identification and a user selected name.
28. The system of claim 26, wherein each of the plurality of
placards are visibly locatable and associable with a plurality of
seating positions.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein each placard is coupled to a
seat.
30. The system of claim 26, wherein each of the plurality of
placards are visibly locatable and associable with a seating
position.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein each placard is coupled to a
seat.
32. A method of using the system comprising: generating a signal
having one or more placard identification codes and an customer
specific message associated with each of the placard
identifications from a database; transmitting the signal using a
transmitter and one or more antennas; receiving the signal on an
antenna coupled to a receiver; charging a capacitor coupled to the
receiver on each of the one or more placards using the energy
received from the signal; and displaying the customer specific
message on an electronic updateable static display, which is
coupled to the capacitor and the receiver, by using the energy from
the capacitor when a portion of the one or more placard
identifications is the placard receiving the signal.
33. The method of using the system according to claim 32, further
comprising transmitting a return signal indicative of the
electronic updateable static display having been set with the
transmitted message.
34. The method of using the system according to claim 32, further
comprising waiting for a specified period by using a timer coupled
to a memory that is started upon the action of displaying the
customer specific message on the electronic updateable static
display, and displaying an updated message stored in the message
memory when the time elapses by using energy from the capacitor or
from a backup power source.
35. The method of using the system according to claim 34, wherein
the backup power source is a battery or a solar cell coupled to the
display.
36. The method of using the system according to claim 32, wherein
the signal having a customer specific message is associated with a
reserved seat for a specified customer.
37. The method of using the system according to claim 32, further
comprising retrieving the customer specific message from an airline
reservation or boarding system.
38. The method of using the system according to claim 34, further
comprising storing the messages retrieved from an In-Flight
Entertainment, airline reservation or boarding system in the
message memory.
39. The placard according to claim 1, further comprising a function
for commanding the electronic updateable static display to be set
with a void, clear, opaque or dark screen.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to seat labeling,
and more particularly, to a system for dynamic seat labeling by
displaying customer specific messages.
[0002] Reserved seats are commonplace in theaters, stadiums,
airplanes, trains, and other common carriers. Reserved seats are
becoming more common in movie theaters and other venues where
seating is on a first come first served basis. The reserved seat
enables a person to reserve an unoccupied seat for a particular
purpose, event or duration without concern of being the first to
the seat.
[0003] Reserved seats typically are pre-assigned and associated
with a ticket, record locator, or other identifier. Other times,
for example in the airline industry, the reserved seat is also
associated with the particular identity of the person to whom the
reserved seat was issued. The ticket holder is given the right to
occupy the reserved seat for the event to which the reserved seat
is assigned. The ticket holder of this reserved seat either
presents the ticket and is directed towards the seat or is allowed
to find the seat on their own.
[0004] When the ticket holder of the seat is allowed individually
to find the seat a delay is often created. One reason for the delay
is because the seat configuration may be confusing to the ticket
holder. Another reason for the delay is because the location of the
seat number or seat marker is not readily identifiable with the
correct seat. Yet another reason for the delay is because the
ticket holder has to stop and search for the reserved seat. Lastly,
the ticket holder simply forgets his seat number and sits in the
wrong seat causing confusion amongst other patrons which results in
an additional delay.
[0005] The delay by the ticket holder in locating and occupying the
correct seat may increase the total turn-time of an event. The
turn-time is increased when the time to occupy a facility or board
an automobile increases because of the delay caused by the
individual ticket holders. One example is in the airline industry.
The airplane turn-time at the gate is a critical issue for most
airlines. When passengers enplane time increases, it affects the
total turn-time by decreasing the number of turns, i.e., events
that can be accomplished in a given duration. Turn-times are
important because they relate to when the next activity may begin
and are often one of the limiting factors in critical path
scheduling. Also, the inability to find the correct seat may cause
dissatisfaction amongst or between ticket holders. Therefore, there
is a need to have a dynamic system for seat identification that
lessens the uncertainty of locating the correct seat in a timely
fashion.
[0006] It would be beneficial to use existing technology in a novel
and inventive way to solve or improve the uncertainty of locating
an assigned seat. Electronic paper and RF tag technologies may help
in this regard.
[0007] Electronic paper is a developing technology and includes
digital ink, electronic ink, digital paper, electronic paper, and
other developing types of electronic displays. The electronic paper
may change an image upon a display when a power source is available
and will hold the image upon the display when a power source is
unavailable.
[0008] One type of electronic paper is photonic ink. Photonic ink
is a substance called P-Ink or "photonic ink", and described in the
paper: Arsenault, A. C. , Miguez, Hi, Kitaev, V., Ozin, G. A. &
Manners, I. A.: "A Polychromic, Fast Response Metallopolymer Gel
Photonic Crystal with Solvent and Redox Tunability A Step Towards
Photonic Ink; Advanced Materials", in press, 17 Mar. 2003. The
photonic ink may change an image upon a display when a power source
is available and will hold the image upon the display when a power
source is unavailable. The first developed electronic inks have a
black and white mode and the newer photonic inks have a color mode.
The ink's mode for displaying an image depends upon a process
called diffraction. The ink contains nanospheres of silicon dioxide
that forms colloidal crystals. When light bounces off the colloidal
crystals, interference eliminates some wavelengths, giving the
reflected light a certain color. To make the color of the ink
tunable, a polymer gel is packed between the colloidal crystals.
This gel swells when it is soaked in solvent and shrinks when it
dries. The nanospheres" spacing dictates the wavelength of light
that they reflect, so swelling changes the film's color of the
image by shifting the color spectrum. The swelling gel conducts
electricity. Applying a voltage makes it increasingly positively
charged, which determines how much solvent it sucks up and the
color displayed. Altering the voltage tunes the image. Removing the
voltage freezes the gel, which statically holds the image on the
display.
[0009] Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) uses transponders,
usually called RF Tags, which have an antenna and chip with memory.
Its history can be traced back to "friend or foe" transponders
(transmitter responder) fitted to aircraft in World War II, through
scientific work in the 70s, to animal identification tags
introduced in USA and UK in the 80s. Growth in the 90s was rapid
particularly in two fields, access control (contactless
identification passes) and car security. Many modern car keys
contain an RFID transponder that is recognized by a circuit in the
steering column.
[0010] A basic RFID system comprises an antenna or coil, a
transceiver (with decoder), and a transponder (RF tag)
electronically programmed with unique information. Often the
antenna is packaged with the transceiver and decoder to become a
reader (a.k.a. interrogator), which can be configured either as a
handheld or a fixed-mount device. The reader emits radio waves
depending upon its power output and the radio frequency used. When
an RF tag passes through the electromagnetic zone, it detects the
reader's activation signal. The reader decodes the data encoded in
the tag's integrated circuit and the data is passed to the host
computer for processing.
[0011] RF tags are categorized as either active or passive. Active
RF tags are powered by an internal battery and are typically
read/write, i.e., tag data can be rewritten and/or modified. An
active tag's memory size varies according to application
requirements; some systems operate with up to 1 MB of memory. In a
typical read/write RFID work-in-process system, a tag might give a
machine a set of instructions, and the machine would then report
its performance to the tag. This encoded data would then become
part of the tagged part's history. The battery-supplied power of an
active tag generally gives it a longer read range. The trade off is
greater size, greater cost, and a limited operational life.
[0012] Passive RF tags operate without a separate external power
source and obtain operating power generated from the reader.
Passive tags are consequently much lighter than active tags, less
expensive, and offer a virtually unlimited operational lifetime.
The trade off is that they have shorter read ranges than active
tags and require a higher-powered reader.
[0013] It would be desirable to provide a placard that is
updateable and displays a customized message without a direct power
source. It is also desirable to provide a placard that may reduce
the uncertainty of locating a reserved seat.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0014] A placard of the present invention is a combination of an
electronic updateable static display, a RF tag that directs its
output to the display, and an antenna. In one embodiment of the
invention, the placard is used to create a seat-shoulder mounted
display that displays the seat number and the name of the passenger
who has reserved that seat. Each placard may fit into sleeves on
the seat shoulder so that it may be removed and reinserted when
seat covers are removed and replaced. The placard may also be
placed on other seating locations or assigned to multiple seating
locations.
[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, airline seat
reservation data is downloaded to an on-board system that sends one
or more signals to RF placards mounted on or near each seat
shoulder. Each placard is unique in that it has its own
identification and is associated to a seating location on the
airplane. Each placard receives the signal containing the name of
the passenger who has reserved that seat. The transmitted signal
from the antenna also charges a capacitor in the placard. When the
capacitor discharges, the power is used to power the electronic
updateable static display by resetting the display to display the
passenger's name and reserved seat location. The transmitted
signals are only required at least once each flight-leg to update
the displays as passengers leave and others take their seats. This
invention combines the electronic updateable static display
technology, e.g., photonic ink, with RF-tag technology to create
seat placards that are customizable for the passengers and are
located in identifiable locations that assists each passenger in
quickly finding their seat. Also, the placards are wireless, which
eliminates the need for a wiring harness to each seating
location.
[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, a placard for
displaying a customer specific message has a receiver, a capacitor,
and an electronic updateable static display. The receiver has an
identity and an antenna for receiving a signal. The capacitor is
coupled to the receiver and capable of being charged by the signal.
The electronic updateable static display is coupled to the receiver
and powered by the capacitor and is capable of displaying a
customer specific message when a portion of the signal matches the
identity of the placard.
[0017] A method of using the placard for displaying a customer
specific message may be accomplished by generating a signal having
at least one placard identification and a customer specific message
associated therewith, transmitting the signal, receiving the
signal, charging a capacitor by harnessing the power from the
transmitted signal and displaying the customer specific message on
an electronic updateable static display using the power form the
capacitor when a portion of the signal matches the placard's
identification.
[0018] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent upon the following detailed description and
appended claims, and upon reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing the elements of a placard
and a transmitter in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing the elements of a placard
and a transceiver in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a frontal view of the placard showing the
electronic updateable static display for displaying a message by
using the present invention to advantage.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the electronic updateable static
display showing one example of a customer specific message in which
the present invention is used to advantage.
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a seating facility in which the
present invention may be used to advantage.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a seating location (depicted
in an airplane) using the present invention to advantage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] In the following figures the same reference numerals will be
used to identify the same components.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1A, a placard 10 and a transmitter 11
are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. The placard 10 is capable of receiving a signal from the
transmitter 11 that transmits a signal 50 (shown in FIG. 4).
Furthermore, the placard 10 is capable of harnessing the power from
the signal 50 that is generated by the transmitter 11.
[0027] The placard 10 has a receiver 13, a capacitor 14, and an
electronic updateable static display 30. The receiver 13 has a
memory storing an identification code 15 and an antenna 16 for
receiving a signal 50. The identification code 15 may have a
generic device descriptive identity, a user specified identity, a
unique identity, or any other type of identity known to a person
skilled in the art. The identification code 15 is used in the
placard 10 to awaken and execute a command as specified by the
signal 50 when a portion of the signal 50 includes the
corresponding identification code. The antenna 16 of the placard 10
receives the signal 50 and is coupled to the receiver 13. The
receiver 13 may be a RF receiver, an active RF receiver, a passive
RF receiver, or any receiver known to one of skill in the art.
[0028] The capacitor 14 is coupled to the antenna 16 of the
receiver 13. The capacitor 14 is capable of receiving a charge by
harnessing the power from the electromagnetic field emitted by the
transmitter 11 while transmitting the signal 50.
[0029] The electronic updateable static display (EUSD) 30 is
coupled to the receiver 13 and the capacitor 14. The electronic
updateable static display 30 may be powered by the capacitor 14
when it receives a portion of a signal 50 communicated by the
receiver 13. The electronic updateable static display 30 may
display a customer specific message when a portion of the received
signal 50 matches the identification code 15 of the placard 10. The
customer specific message is transmitted with the portion of the
signal 50 having the identification code 15 of the placard 10. The
electronic updateable static display 30 may be of any type of
display capable of being set with a message, which maintains the
message as displayed until the message is dynamically updated,
changed, cleared, or reset. The electronic updateable static
display 30 may be an electronic paper display, a photonic ink
display or any other type of display having an electronic
updateable static attribute.
[0030] The placard 10 may have a power source 17 coupled to the
capacitor 14. The power source 17 may be capable of augmenting the
capacitor 14 to supply the necessary power for updating, changing,
clearing, or resetting the display in the absence of a signal 50.
The power source 17 ideally will have a life suited for the
application in which the placard is used without replacing the
power source. The power source 17 may be a battery, solar cell,
hard wired to a central power supply or other sources known to a
person in the art.
[0031] The placard 10 may have a memory 18 coupled to the receiver
13 for storing one or more messages for displaying upon the
electronic updateable static display 30. The message(s) may be
stored into memory while receiving a portion of the signal 50, may
be preprogrammed into the memory, or received from a network
coupled to it (such as an In-Flight Entertainment System).
[0032] The placard 10 may further comprise a timer 19 coupled to
the memory 18 for initiating the one or more messages to be
displayed upon the electronic updateable static display 30. The
timer 29 may be used in any number of ways for initiating the one
or more messages to be displayed. Specifically, it is anticipated
that the timer will be initiated when the electronic updateable
static display 30 is set with a message. Further it is anticipated
that after a time, the electronic updateable static display 30 will
be updated, changed, cleared, or reset by displaying one of the
stored messages or an updated customer message. It is anticipated
that the stored message(s) will be different from the customer
specific message as transmitted or updated by a portion of the
signal 50. It is anticipated that the display will use the power
source 17 to display the stored message, unless the electromagnetic
field is present or there is still energy left in the capacitor 14
in which to power the display.
[0033] FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing the elements of a placard
20 and a transceiver 21 in accordance with another embodiment of
the present invention. The placard 20 is capable of receiving a
signal from the transceiver 21 that transmits a signal 50 (shown in
FIG. 4). Furthermore, the placard 20 is capable of harnessing the
power from the signal 50 that is generated by the transceiver
21.
[0034] The placard 20 has a transponder 23, a capacitor 24, and an
electronic updateable static display 30. The transponder 23 has a
memory storing an identification code 25 and an antenna 26 for
receiving a signal 50. The identification code 25 may have a
generic device descriptive identity, a user specified identity, a
unique identity, or any other type of identity known to a person
skilled in the art. The identification code 25 is used in the
placard 20 to awaken and execute a command as specified by the
signal 50 when a portion of the signal 50 includes the
corresponding identification code. The antenna 26 of the placard 20
receives the signal 50 and is coupled to the transponder 23. The
transponder 23 may be a RF transponder or any other transponder
known to one of skill in the art. The transponder 23 may be capable
of acknowledging the receipt of a portion of the signal 50.
[0035] The capacitor 24 is coupled to the antenna 26 of the
transponder 23. The capacitor 24 is capable of receiving a charge
by harnessing the power from the electromagnetic field emitted by
the transceiver 21 while transmitting the signal 50.
[0036] The electronic updateable static display (EUSD) 30 is
coupled to the transponder 23 and the capacitor 24. The electronic
updateable static display 30 may be powered by the capacitor 24
when it receives a portion of a signal 50 communicated by the
transponder 23. The electronic updateable static display 30 may
display a customer specific message when a portion of the received
signal 50 matches the identification code 25 of the placard 20. The
customer specific message is transmitted with the portion of the
signal 50 having the identification code 25 of the placard 20. The
electronic updateable static display 30 may be of any type of
display capable of being set with a message, which maintains the
message as displayed until the message is dynamically updated,
changed, cleared, or reset. The electronic updateable static
display 30 may be an electronic paper display, a photonic ink
display or any other type of display having an electronic
updateable static attribute. Further, the transponder 23 may
acknowledge the receipt of a portion of the signal 50 after the
electronic updateable static display 30 has displayed the customer
specific message by sending a reply signal back to the transceiver
21.
[0037] The placard 20 may have a power source 27 coupled to the
capacitor 24. The power source 27 may be capable of augmenting the
capacitor 24 to supply the necessary power for updating, changing,
clearing, or resetting the display in the absence of a signal 50.
The power source 27 ideally will have a life suited for the
application in which the placard is used without replacing the
power source. The power source 27 may be a battery, solar cell,
hard wired to a central power supply or other sources known to a
person in the art.
[0038] The placard 20 may have a memory 28 coupled to the
transponder 23 for storing one or more messages for displaying upon
the electronic updateable static display 30. The message(s) may be
stored into memory while receiving a portion of the signal 50, may
be preprogrammed into the memory, or received from a network
coupled to it (such as an In-Flight Entertainment System).
[0039] The placard 20 may further comprise a timer 29 coupled to
the memory 28 for initiating the one or more messages to be
displayed upon the electronic updateable static display 30. The
timer 29 may be used in any number of ways for initiating the one
or more messages to be displayed. Specifically, it is anticipated
that the timer will be initiated when the electronic updateable
static display 30 is set with a new message. Further it is
anticipated that after a time, the electronic updateable static
display 30 will be updated, changed, cleared, or reset by
displaying one of the stored messages or a new customer message. It
is anticipated that the stored message(s) may be different from the
customer specific message as transmitted or updated by a portion of
the signal 50. It is anticipated that the display will use the
power source 27 to display the stored message, unless the
electromagnetic field is present or there is still energy left in
the capacitor 24 in which to power the display.
[0040] The receiver has circuitry for determining whether the
portion of the signal received matches the identification code of
the placard. Alternatively, the circuitry for determining whether
the portion of the signal received matches the identification code
of the placard may reside in the EUSD's circuitry or elsewhere in
the placard. The comparison circuitry may be of any design known to
those of skill in the art.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a frontal view of the placard 40 showing the
electronic updateable static display 30 for displaying a message by
using the present invention to advantage. One embodiment of the
placard 40 has an electronic updateable static display 30 having a
viewable field 38. The viewable field 38 maintains the displayed
message until the message is updated, changed, cleared, or reset.
The viewable field 38 is shown in this embodiment as having a
single field in which a message may be displayed.
[0042] Optionally, the viewable field 38 may be parsed, separated,
or aligned into multiple fields. Shown in this embodiment are seven
optional fields 31-37 for displaying various messages. The
inventors do not intend to limit the number of viewable fields. The
multiple fields 31-37 are shown as rectangles, the fields need not
have a rectilinear shape and they may conceivably be of any shape
or form that is suitable for displaying messages.
[0043] The viewable field 38 or multiple fields may display words,
symbols, texts, numerals, pictures or logos. The viewable field may
be in a single language or multiple languages. The viewable field
may be a customer specific message or a general information
message. The information in each field may be editable or not
editable.
[0044] Placards 40 may be combined together in any number to form a
multiple placard 140. A multiple placard 140 has two or more
placards 40 attached one to another. A multiple placard 140 may be
used advantageously where there are common seating locations or
difficulties in using individual placards.
[0045] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the electronic updateable static
display 130 showing one example of a customer specific message. In
this example the electronic updateable static display 130 has
multiple fields 131-137. The first field 131 may be for identifying
the type of placard, e.g., as a seat placard. The second field 132
may identify a location, in this example it is a seat location.
Alternatively, field 132, or any other field, may display the
location associated with the unique identification code 15, 25 of
the placard 10, 20, 40, 140. The third field 133 may identify a
logo. The forth field 134 may identify a specific customer or a
customer that is associated with the location, e.g. the customer's
reserved seating location. The fifth field 135 may display an
itinerary. The sixth field 136 may display a dynamic updated
status, e.g., status of bag location. The last field 137 may
include special or other status information, e.g., meal type. Any
field may be dynamically updated. Any field may have a non-editable
display portion. The dynamically updated fields may include other
information such as when the activity will begin or end, or when
the flight will depart or arrive.
[0046] Although the example in FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of an
electronic updateable static display 130 for use in the airline
industry, the display field(s) may be customized for any other
industry. Furthermore, the placard of FIG. 3 may be customized for
any seating location or for other locations requiring specific
location designation, e.g., a reserved table at a restaurant or
reserved seat at a movie theater.
[0047] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a seating facility 52 in which
the present invention may be used. The seating facility 52 is shown
having seats 53 with placards 54 and multiple placards 56 coupled
to the seats 53. Seat 55 is shown not having a placard. The other
seats 53 have either a placard 54 or multiple placards 56, wherein
each of the plurality of placards are visibly locatable and
associated with a seating position. The placard 54 uniquely
identifies the seat 53 to which the placard 54 is coupled. The
multiple placards 56 uniquely identify the seats 53 to which it is
coupled or is closely associated with.
[0048] Each placard 54, 56 within the seating facility 52 may
receive a signal 50 that is transmitted by transmitter 57 or
transceiver 58. Only one transmitter 57 or transceiver 58 is
required to transmit a signal and may be inside or outside of the
seating facility 52 so long as the signal 50 is transmitted to the
placards 54, 56. There may be one or more antennas 59 which may be
inside or outside of the seating facility 52.
[0049] The signal 50 may contain any or all of the identification
codes of each placard 54 or multiple placards 56 and the
corresponding messages to be displayed upon each placard 54 or
multiple placards 56. The signal need not contain identification
codes and messages for all of the placards. A controller may be
coupled to the transmitter for generating the signal 50, wherein
the signal 50 comprises one or more identification codes, each
identification code may be associated with one of the plurality of
placards, each identification code may have a customer specific
message associated with it. The signal may contain a customer
specific message that is displayed on the electronic updateable
static display and includes a seat identification and a user
selected name. Also, a signal may be transmitted for the purpose of
charging the placards.
[0050] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a seating location 62
(depicted in an airplane 61) using the present invention to
advantage. Each seat 63 may have a placard 64 or multiple placards
66 coupled to or associated with the seating location. The placard
67 may be coupled to the armrest, the seat side, the seat top, the
wall or any other compatible location, so long as the placard 67 is
visibly locatable and associable with a seat 63. The signal 60 may
be generated from a transmitter or transceiver located in or out of
the seating location 62.
[0051] A method of using the invention to advantage may be
accomplished by: generating a signal having one or more placard
identification codes and a customer specific message associated
with each of the placard identification codes from a database;
transmitting the signal using a transmitter; receiving the signal
on an antenna coupled to a receiver on the placard; charging a
capacitor coupled to the receiver using the received signal; and
displaying a customer specific message on an electronic updateable
static display which is coupled to the capacitor and the receiver,
by using the energy from the capacitor when a portion of the one or
more placard identification codes is the identification code of the
placard receiving the signal.
[0052] The customer specific message may be associated with a
reserved seat for a specific customer.
[0053] Retrieving the customer specific message may be from an
airline reservation or boarding system.
[0054] After the placard has received the signal and updated its
display, it may transmit a return signal indicative of the
electronic updateable static display having been set with the
transmitted message if the placard is of the transponder type.
[0055] Also, the placard when supplied with a memory and timer may
display one of the messages that are stored in the memory when a
time period elapses by using energy from the capacitor or from a
backup power source to power the display when displaying the new
message. The placard waits a specified time period as determined by
the timer and then displays one of the messages retrieved from
memory. The timer is initiated by the action of displaying a
message on the electronic updateable static display.
[0056] Messages may be retrieved from an In-Flight Entertainment,
airline reservation, boarding or other system and stored into the
memory for later retrieval and display upon the EUSD.
[0057] The placard may be used to display upon the EUSD other types
of information such as advertisements and text messages. The
information to be displayed might be received from an intranet,
internet or other information system, e.g. information provided by
a system like Connexion by Boeing. The information could be
tailored for the uses for which the placard is placed. Information
could include local and/or destination time/weather,
arrival/connection gate updates with estimated walking
distances/times between gates, e-mail, lodging/car reservations,
etc., personalized for each passenger. Passengers may be able to
carry the placard with them, having this information displayed on
the EUSD in hand. Although this example is specific to the use of
the invention in an airplane, the invention may be used in other
applications and environments as would be readily apparent to
all.
[0058] The placard may also have a function for commanding the EUSD
display to be set with a void, clear, opaque or dark screen; or
variations there between. This function is not an on/off function,
but is characteristic thereof. This function may allow passenger or
users the option of switching the EUSD display to display a void,
clear, opaque or dark screen.
[0059] While the invention has been described in connection with
one or more embodiments, it should be understood that the invention
is not limited to those embodiments. On the contrary, the invention
is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *