U.S. patent application number 12/490433 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-15 for touch screen control interface for passenger seat.
This patent application is currently assigned to BE AEROSPACE, INC.. Invention is credited to Daniel Alford, Joel Richards.
Application Number | 20100176632 12/490433 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42224493 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100176632 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alford; Daniel ; et
al. |
July 15, 2010 |
TOUCH SCREEN CONTROL INTERFACE FOR PASSENGER SEAT
Abstract
An aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus is
provided. The control apparatus includes a plurality of seat
actuators operable to adjust the passenger seat to a selected one
of a plurality of discrete seat positions and a touch-sensitive
control interface having a plurality of touch-responsive sites
thereon corresponding to the plurality of discrete seat positions.
The control interface communicates with the plurality of seat
actuators and is positioned in proximity to the aircraft passenger
seat for use by a passenger seated in the passenger seat. The
control interface is also adapted to output a signal to the
plurality of seat actuators in response to a touch-selected
position by the passenger to thereby adjust the position of the
aircraft passenger seat to selected one of the plurality of
discrete seat positions.
Inventors: |
Alford; Daniel;
(Statesville, NC) ; Richards; Joel;
(Winston-Salem, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ADAMS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW
Suite 2350 Charlotte Plaza, 201 South College Street
CHARLOTTE
NC
28244
US
|
Assignee: |
BE AEROSPACE, INC.
Wellington
FL
|
Family ID: |
42224493 |
Appl. No.: |
12/490433 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61143586 |
Jan 9, 2009 |
|
|
|
61169575 |
Apr 15, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/217.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64D 11/0646 20141201;
B64D 11/06395 20141201; B64D 11/00155 20141201; B60N 2/0228
20130101; B64D 11/0624 20141201; B64D 11/0641 20141201 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/217.3 |
International
Class: |
A47C 31/00 20060101
A47C031/00 |
Claims
1. An aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus,
comprising: (a) a plurality of seat actuators operable to adjust
the passenger seat to a selected one of a plurality of discrete
seat positions; (b) a touch-sensitive control interface having a
plurality of touch-responsive sites thereon corresponding to the
plurality of discrete seat positions; and (c) the control interface
communicating with the plurality of seat actuators and positioned
in proximity to the aircraft passenger seat for use by a passenger
seated in the passenger seat, and adapted to output a signal to the
plurality of seat actuators in response to a touch-selected
position by the passenger to thereby adjust the position of the
aircraft passenger seat to selected one of the plurality of
discrete seat positions.
2. The aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus according
to claim 1, wherein the control interface includes a display screen
that displays a representative image of the selected one of the
plurality of discrete seating positions.
3. The aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus according
to claim 2, wherein each seat actuator of the plurality of seat
actuators outputs a position-indicating value corresponding to the
position to the control interface that corresponds to the position
of the passenger seat.
4. The aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus according
to claim 3, wherein the control interface calculates a range of the
position-indicating values of each actuator and divides the range
of position-indicating values into a plurality of distinct
subranges, wherein each subrange corresponds to one of the discrete
seating positions.
5. The aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus according
to claim 4, wherein, when the actuator outputs a
position-indicating value within a subrange of the plurality of
distinct subranges, the display screen displays the representative
image of the selected one of the plurality of discrete seating
positions corresponding to that subrange.
6. The aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus according
to claim 5, wherein the passenger seat comprises a backrest
portion, a legrest portion, and an armrest portion, and at least
one actuator of the plurality of actuators adjusts the position of
each of the backrest portion, legrest portion, and armrest
portion.
7. The aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus according
to claim 1, wherein the touch-sensitive control interface also
includes a plurality of touch-responsive symbols corresponding to
passenger convenience features.
8. The aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus according
to claim 7, wherein the passenger convenience features are selected
from the group consisting of media controls, temperature controls,
communication controls, or combinations thereof.
9. An aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus,
comprising: (a) a plurality of seat actuators operable to adjust
portions of the passenger seat to a preferred seating position; (b)
a touch-sensitive control interface having a plurality of
touch-responsive sites thereon corresponding to the portions of the
passenger seat; and (c) the control interface communicating with
the plurality of seat actuators and positioned in proximity to the
aircraft passenger seat for use by a passenger seated in the
passenger seat, and adapted to output a signal to the plurality of
seat actuators in response to a touch-selected position by the
passenger to thereby adjust the portions of the passenger seat to
the preferred seating position.
10. The aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus
according to claim 9, wherein the control interface includes a
display screen that displays a representative image of the
passenger seat corresponding to the position of the passenger
seat.
11. The aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus
according to claim 10, wherein each seat actuator of the plurality
of seat actuators outputs a position-indicating value to the
control interface that corresponds to the position of the portion
of the passenger seat.
12. The aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus
according to claim 11, wherein the control interface calculates a
range of the position-indicating values of each actuator and
divides the range of position-indicating values into a plurality of
distinct subranges, wherein each subrange corresponds to a discrete
position of the portion of the passenger seat.
13. The aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus
according to claim 12, wherein, when the actuator outputs a
position-indicating value within a subrange of the plurality of
distinct subranges, the display screen displays the representative
image of the selected discrete position of the portion of the
passenger seat corresponding to that subrange.
14. The aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus
according to claim 13, wherein the portions passenger seat comprise
a backrest portion, a legrest portion, and an armrest portion, and
at least one actuator of the plurality of actuators adjusts the
position of each of the backrest portion, legrest portion, and
armrest portion.
15. The aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus
according to claim 9, wherein the touch-sensitive control interface
also includes a plurality of touch-responsive symbols corresponding
to passenger convenience features.
16. The aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus
according to claim 15, wherein the passenger convenience features
are selected from the group consisting of media controls,
temperature controls, communication controls, or combinations
thereof.
17. A method for calibrating an actuator operable to adjust an
aircraft passenger seat, comprising the steps of: (a) adjusting the
passenger seat to a first position; (b) recording a first
position-indicating value output by the actuator; (c) adjusting the
passenger seat to a second position; (d) recording a second
position-indicating value output by the actuator; and (e)
calculating the range between the first and second
position-indicating values.
18. The method according to claim 17, further including the step of
dividing the range into a plurality of subranges, each subrange
corresponding to a discrete seating position of a plurality of
seating positions.
19. The method according to claim 18, further including the step of
providing a touch-responsive control interface having a plurality
of touch-responsive sites thereon corresponding to the plurality of
discrete seating positions, wherein the seat actuator is adapted to
output a signal to the seat actuator in response to a
touch-selected position to thereby adjust the position of the
aircraft seat to the selected one of the plurality of discrete
seating positions.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority of
each of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/143,586 filed
Jan. 9, 2009, entitled "Touch Screen Control Interface for
Passenger Seat," and U.S. provisional patent application No.
61/169,575 filed Apr. 15, 2009, entitled "Display Method and
Calibration Method for Control Interface for Passenger Seat." The
contents of the 61/143,586 and 61/169,575 provisional patent
applications are each incorporated herein by this reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to a control interface for
adjusting an airline passenger seat, and more particularly to a
touch screen control interface for adjusting and displaying the
seat, and to calibration methods for calibrating the control
interface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Passenger seats, such as those found on an aircraft, are
typically adjustable between upright and reclined positions. Some
seats have foot supports that extend outwardly to provide leg and
foot supports. Thus, a typical conventional passenger seat is
capable of assuming a number of configurations according to the
preferences of a passenger who may wish to sit and read, view an
on-board movie, or sleep. A typical passenger seat has one or more
buttons or switches to permit a passenger to adjust the positions
of the parts of the seat.
[0004] Conventional membrane switches, also called mechanical dome
switches, are often used with passenger seats. A typical such
switch has embossed or printed graphics to inform a passenger of
its functions. Switches of this type are generally dedicated to
particular functions and so several are needed in a seat where
several adjustments are available. Such dedicated switches are not
readily reconfigurable and do not permit the graphics that indicate
their functions to be readily altered. Thus, as passenger seats
evolve to provide higher numbers of adjustable parts, and as
multi-media entertainment and other amenities are added to the
passenger cabins of aircraft, conventional dedicated
single-function switches are becoming increasingly
unsatisfactory.
[0005] Accordingly, improved control interfaces for adjusting
passenger seats, improved control interfaces relating to the
control of media devices, and improved control interfaces providing
flexibility with regard to repurposing are needed. An improved
control interface for adjusting the configuration of an airline
passenger seat is needed, a method for displaying the configuration
of the passenger seat is needed, and a convenient calibration
method for assuring accurate adjustment and display are needed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] These and other objects of the present invention are
achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing
an aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus. The seat
position control apparatus includes a plurality of seat actuators
operable to adjust the passenger seat to a selected one of a
plurality of discrete seat positions and a touch-sensitive control
interface having a plurality of touch-responsive sites thereon
corresponding to the plurality of discrete seat positions. The
control interface communicates with the plurality of seat actuators
and is positioned in proximity to the aircraft passenger seat for
use by a passenger seated in the passenger seat, and is adapted to
output a signal to the plurality of seat actuators in response to a
touch-selected position by the passenger to thereby adjust the
position of the aircraft passenger seat to selected one of the
plurality of discrete seat positions.
[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the control interface includes a display screen that displays a
representative image of the selected one of the plurality of
discrete seating positions.
[0008] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
each seat actuator of the plurality of seat actuators outputs a
position-indicating value corresponding to the position to the
control interface that corresponds to the position of the passenger
seat.
[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the control interface calculates a range of the position-indicating
values of each actuator and divides the range of
position-indicating values into a plurality of distinct subranges,
wherein each subrange corresponds to one of the discrete seating
positions.
[0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
when the actuator outputs a position-indicating value within a
subrange of the plurality of distinct subranges, the display screen
displays the representative image of the selected one of the
plurality of discrete seating positions corresponding to that
subrange.
[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the passenger seat comprises a backrest portion, a legrest portion,
and an armrest portion, and at least one actuator of the plurality
of actuators adjusts the position of each of the backrest portion,
legrest portion, and armrest portion.
[0012] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the touch-sensitive control interface also includes a plurality of
touch-responsive symbols corresponding to passenger convenience
features.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the passenger convenience features are selected from the
group consisting of media controls, temperature controls,
communication controls, or combinations thereof.
[0014] According to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, an aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus is
provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of seat actuators
operable to adjust portions of the passenger seat to a preferred
seating position and a touch-sensitive control interface having a
plurality of touch-responsive sites thereon corresponding to the
portions of the passenger seat. The control interface communicates
with the plurality of seat actuators and is positioned in proximity
to the aircraft passenger seat for use by a passenger seated in the
passenger seat, and is adapted to output a signal to the plurality
of seat actuators in response to a touch-selected position by the
passenger to thereby adjust the portions of the passenger seat to
the preferred seating position.
[0015] According to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a method for calibrating an actuator operable to adjust
an aircraft passenger seat is provided. The method includes the
steps of adjusting the passenger seat to a first position,
recording a first position-indicating value output by the actuator,
adjusting the passenger seat to a second position, recording a
second position-indicating value output by the actuator, and
calculating the range between the first and second
position-indicating values.
[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the method includes the step of dividing the range into a plurality
of subranges, each subrange corresponding to a discrete seating
position of a plurality of seating positions.
[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the method includes the step of providing a touch-responsive
control interface having a plurality of touch-responsive sites
thereon corresponding to the plurality of discrete seating
positions, wherein the seat actuator is adapted to output a signal
to the seat actuator in response to a touch-selected position to
thereby adjust the position of the aircraft seat to the selected
one of the plurality of discrete seating positions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The subject matter that is regarded as the invention may be
best understood by reference to the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of a seat
control interface according to at least one embodiment of the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is an environmental perspective view of the seat
control interface of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side elevation environmental view of the seat
control interface of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a front elevation environmental view of the seat
control interface of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a plan environmental view of the seat control
interface of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a plan environmental view of the seat control
interface of FIG. 1 providing an exemplary display;
[0025] FIG. 7 is schematic view of the seat control interface and
seat in the taxi take-off and landing configuration;
[0026] FIG. 8 is schematic view of the seat control interface and
seat in 30 degrees below the taxi take-off and landing
configuration;
[0027] FIG. 9 is schematic view of the seat control interface and
seat in 50 degrees below the taxi take-off and landing
configuration;
[0028] FIG. 10 is schematic view of the seat control interface and
seat in a fully reclined configuration;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a flow chart showing
calibration and operation of the seat control interface; and
[0030] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a flow chart showing
calibration and operation of portions of the seat.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] Referring to the drawings wherein identical reference
numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views,
FIGS. 1-9 illustrate a control interface 100 according to at least
one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a
passenger seat 10 for use in a vehicle such as an aircraft includes
a seat frame 12 securely mounted to the vehicle floor, a passenger
supporting portion including a seat back 14 and a seat bottom 16
mounted to the frame 12, a pair of armrests 18, 20 positioned about
the sides of the seat bottom 16, and a legrest 22. In FIG. 1, the
seat 10 is shown in a taxi, take-off and landing (TTL)
configuration, in which the seat back 14 is placed in its most
upright position, the seat bottom 16 is placed in its most rearward
position with respect to the seat back 14, and the legrest 22 is
placed in its lowest position. As the seat 10 is adjusted into a
range of reclined configurations, the seat back 14 reclines, the
seat bottom 16 moves forward, and the legrest 22 is raised toward a
horizontal position to accommodate the raised legs of a reclined
passenger.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the control interface 100
includes a housing 104 for mounting the touch screen to a surface
in the cabin environment such as the armrest 20 of the passenger
seat 10. In at least one example, the side dimensions of the
control interface 100 are approximately 3.75 inches along a shorter
side 103 and 5.5 inches along a longer side 105 (FIG. 5). As shown
in FIGS. 2-5, the housing 104 includes a beveled edge 106 that
minimizes snags with clothing and baggage items and provides a
sleek appearance. In the illustrated embodiment, the control
interface 100 is mounted in a low-profile configuration in which,
for example, the upper surface of the control interface 100 is
raised three quarters of an inch or less from the host surface.
Thus, the control interface 100 can be mounted on host surfaces
where limited space is available, or where an elegant and
uncongested environment may be desired for passenger comfort.
Though a single control interface 100 is shown mounted upon the arm
20, multiple control interfaces may be mounted upon either or both
arms 18, 20, and upon other surfaces according to other examples
within the scope of these descriptions.
[0033] The control interface 100 in the illustrated embodiment is a
touch screen passenger control unit (TSPCU) that permits the
passenger to control motorized adjustments of particular seat
portions when adjustments are desired. The control interface 100
includes a touch screen 102 that displays images to guide the
passenger in making selections and prompting adjustments. As shown
in FIG. 6, the touch screen 102 shows a representative seat image
200 having components that correspond to adjustable portions of the
physical seat 10. The image components that correspond to
adjustable portions of the physical seat 10 may be displayed in
highlighted or special colors to indicate what adjustments are
available to a user by use of the touch screen 102.
[0034] Various examples of methods for receiving touch commands
from the user and relating those commands to adjustments of
portions of the seat 10 are within the scope of these descriptions.
In one example, a touch to any one particular part of the seat
image 200 prompts powered adjustment of the corresponding physical
seat element. In particular, in that example, a touch to the
legrest image 222 indicates a selection of the physical legrest 22
for adjustment, and, by sliding a finger along the touch screen
102, the physical legrest 22 is correspondingly adjusted by
motorized movement. The legrest image 222 on the touch screen 102
is updated along the screen to represent the position of the
physical legrest 22 as adjustments occur. Corresponding physical
seat portions can be similarly adjusted by touching the seat back
image 214, the seat bottom image 216, and the head rest image 224.
With each adjustment of each portion of the physical seat 10, the
seat image 200 is updated to reflect the current physical seat
configuration.
[0035] The control interface 100 may be programmed to display
additional control layers upon selection by touch or tapping of a
portion of the seat image 200. That is, upon selection of a portion
of the seat image, a dedicated view, which may be enlarged, of the
selected portion may be displayed and additional adjustment
functions may be available.
[0036] In another example of a method for receiving touch commands
from the user and relating those commands to adjustments of
portions of the seat 10, the physical seat portions are moved
together in coordinated adjustments. In that example, a user can
adjust the overall configuration of the seat 10 from its TTL
configuration to a reclined configuration by simply touching the
seat back image 214 with a finger tip and sliding the finger tip
along the touch screen 102 to a desired location. As the physical
seat back 14 is adjusted by powered movement toward the desired
location, the seat bottom 16 and legrest 22 are moved in a
coordinated fashion with the seat back 14. When a finger touches
the seat back image 214 and slides to a fully reclined location on
the touch screen 102, the seat 10 is adjusted to its fully reclined
configuration in which the seat back 14 fully reclines, the seat
bottom 16 moves to its most forward position, and the legrest 22 is
fully raised. As the physical seat 10 is adjusted, the seat image
200 is updated to reflect the current physical configuration of the
seat 10.
[0037] In yet another example of a method for receiving touch
commands from the user and relating those commands to adjustments
of portions of the seat 10, the control interface 100 is programmed
to display additional control layers upon selection by touch or
tapping of a portion of the seat image 200. Upon such selection of
a portion of the seat image 200, a dedicated view or menu regarding
the selected portion is displayed and additional adjustment
functions are available. Thus, by one of many methods within the
scope of these descriptions, a passenger is able to adjust the seat
10 into a desired configuration.
[0038] In the example of FIG. 6, the touch screen 102 displays
images representing preset buttons for additional convenience to
the user. A touch of the preset button 226, which appears
graphically as an upright seat, prompts the physical seat to assume
a TTL configuration. A touch of the preset button 228, which
appears graphically as a 30 degree partially reclined seat, prompts
the physical seat 10 to assume a 30 degree partially reclined
configuration, which may be adjustable according to passenger
preferences. The passenger may be provided the opportunity to
preset the specific positions of the physical seat portions that
are reached by use of the preset button 228. A touch of the preset
button 229, which appears graphically as a 50 degree partially
reclined seat, prompts the physical seat 10 to assume a 50 degree
partially reclined configuration, which may be adjustable according
to passenger preferences. The passenger may be provided the
opportunity to preset the specific positions of the physical seat
portions that are reached by use of the preset button 229. A touch
of the preset button 230 prompts the physical seat to assume its
most reclined configuration, which may be a flat or bed-like
configuration. As the physical seat 10 is adjusted, the seat image
200 is updated to reflect the current physical seat
configuration.
[0039] In the example of FIG. 6, massaging functions are also
available to the passenger. A touch of the preset button 232
prompts an undulating massage function in which bladders in the
back portion of the physical seat are inflated and deflated to
massage the back of the passenger. The preset button 234 prompts a
vibrating massage function in which the physical seat generally
vibrates, for example by the rotation of electrical motors coupled
to unbalanced weights.
[0040] According to the present invention, the control interface
100 is configured according to both a method for displaying the
configuration of the passenger seat through the control interface,
and a calibrating method for assuring accurate adjustment of the
seat and accurate display of the seat's position by the control
interface. With regard to displaying the configuration of the
passenger seat, the seat image 200 is updated in stepwise fashion
as the physical seat 10 is adjusted. This avoids the need for
complex modeling and computing by the control interface 10. For any
given adjustable seat portion, the total range of physical movement
is divided into a number of subranges and all physical positions
within a particular subrange are graphically represented by a
single representative image.
[0041] In one example, the seat back 14 is adjustable from 80
degrees above horizontal at its TTL position to zero degrees
(horizontal) at its fully reclined position. In this example, the
80 degree range of motion of the seat back 14 is divided into four
ranges of 20 degrees and the seat back image 214 is updated to
appear as one of four corresponding images as the seat back 14 is
adjusted. When the seat back 14 assumes any position between 60 and
80 degrees, the seat back image is shown at its 80 degree TTL
position. When the seat back 14 assumes any position between 40 and
60 degrees above horizontal, the seat back image 214 is shown
reclined at approximately 50 degrees above horizontal. Similarly,
when the seat back 14 assumes any position between 20 and 40
degrees above horizontal, the seat back image 214 is shown reclined
at approximately 30 degrees. When the seat back 14 assumes any
position between horizontal and 20 degrees above horizontal, the
seat back image 214 is shown as essentially flat. In this example,
the ranges of motion of the seat bottom 16 and legrest 22 are
similarly divided into four subranges and the corresponding seat
bottom image 216 and legrest image 222 are each shown in one of
four representative positions on the touch screen 102.
[0042] In calibrating the control interface 100 to accurately
regulate the adjustment of the seat 10 and to display the seat on
the touch screen 102, the present invention provides a method for
relating the data report of an actuator to an image location on the
touch screen 102. The physical seat 10 is adjusted by forces
applied by one or more actuators. In one example, all adjustable
parts of the seat 10 move in a coordinated fashion according to
interconnected linkages that adjust the seat from the TTL position
to its fully reclined position, and return to the TTL position when
desired, under the force of a single actuator or motor. In another
example, each adjustable part of the seat 10 moves under the force
of a dedicated actuator. The following descriptions of a
calibration method are directed expressly to the latter of these
two examples but relate as well to many types of physical seats
having various numbers of actuators.
[0043] In this example, each adjustable part of the seat 10 moves
under the force of a dedicated actuator. In particular, the seat
back 14 adjusts from its TTL position to a fully reclined position
according to a single stroke of extension or withdrawal by a linear
actuator. Adjustments of other parts of the seat, such as the
legrest 222, are similarly achieved according to other dedicated
actuators. These descriptions are expressly directed to calibrating
the adjustment of the seat back 14 but readily relate to the other
parts of the seat and their dedicated actuators.
[0044] The linear actuator that forcibly adjusts the position of
the seat back 14 electrically provides a data signal, representing
a position-indicating value, every 80 to 100 milliseconds (ms). The
data signal conveys a unitless number that uniquely represents a
particular position of the linear actuator and therefore also
uniquely represents a particular position of the seat back 14.
However, minor variations are to be expected in any installation
practice and therefore discrepancies will likely occur between any
two physical seats 10 and between any two linear actuators as
control interfaces 100 are installed. For example, the unitless
number representing the full stroke range of one linear actuator
might have a range 0-13,000 and the unitless number of another
actuator might have a range of 250-11,000. Thus, the unitless
number conveyed by the data signal of any given linear actuator is
not likely to accurately represent a unique physical seat position
according to any calibration that predates final assembly of the
seat and the installation of a control interface 100.
[0045] The control interface 100 is configured to be adaptively
calibrated according to at least one embodiment of the invention.
The control interface 100 is in electrical communication with the
linear actuator that adjusts the position of the seat back 14, and
with any other linear actuators that adjust other seat portions.
The control interface 100 adaptively determines the upper and lower
limits of the unitless number reported by the seat-back linear
actuator. When the control interface 100 is installed, or whenever
re-calibration is prompted, the control interface 100 assigns the
first reported unitless number as both a lower limit and an upper
limit stored in memory or in a storage device.
[0046] As a user such as a calibration or installation technician
then adjusts the seat back to various positions, new lower and
upper limits are established as the linear actuator reports various
unitless numbers corresponding to the positions of the seat. In
this example, lower unitless numbers from the linear actuator
correspond to reclined positions of the seat, and higher unitless
numbers correspond to more upright positions of the seat. Thus, as
the seat back is lowered toward its reclined position, the stored
lower limit is increasingly lowered as the actuator reports
increasingly lower unitless numbers. The stored lower limit assumes
a lowest value corresponding to the fully reclined position as the
seat back 14 reaches is lowest position. The stored upper limit
similarly assumes a highest value as the seat back 14 reaches its
TTL position. Once the lower and upper limits of the control
variable are established to correspond respectively to the fully
reclined and TTL positions of the physical seat back 14, the
control interface 100 is accurately calibrated to regulate the
adjustment of the seat back 14.
[0047] Accurate calibration of the control interface 100
facilitates accurate representation of the physical seat 10 by the
image seat 200. Just as the total range of physical movement for
any given seat portion is divided into a number of subranges for
convenient stepwise graphical representation, the range between the
lower and upper limits stored by the control interface 100 is
divided into the same number of subranges. In an example where the
linear actuator reports a unitless number of 100 when the seat back
14 is fully reclined and reports a unitless number of 12,500 when
the seat back 14 reaches its TTL position, the lower limit stored
by the control interface 100 is established as 100, the stored
upper limit is established as 12,500, and the range therebetween is
established as 12,400.
[0048] Continuing in the example where an 80 degree range of motion
of the seat back 14 was divided into four ranges and the seat back
image 214 was updated as one of four corresponding images, the
12,400 range between the stored lower limit and the stored upper
limit is divided into four subranges for categorizing incoming
reports from the linear actuator. Each subrange in this example has
a unitless width of 3100. When the seat back 14 assumes any
position between horizontal and 20 degrees above horizontal, the
linear actuator reports a unitless number between 100 and 3200 and
the seat back image 214 is shown as essentially flat. When the seat
back 14 assumes any position between 20 and 40 degrees above
horizontal, the linear actuator reports a unitless number between
3200 and 6300 and the seat back image 214 is shown reclined at
approximately 30 degrees. When the seat back 14 assumes any
position between 40 and 60 degrees above horizontal, the linear
actuator reports a unitless number between 6300 and 9400 and the
seat back image 214 is shown reclined at approximately 50 degrees.
When the seat back 14 assumes any position between 60 and 80
degrees above horizontal, the linear actuator reports a unitless
number between 9400 and 12500 and the seat back image 214 is shown
at its 80 degree TTL position.
[0049] By way of the described adaptive calibration configuration,
the control interface 100 serves as a line replaceable unit in that
one can be exchanged for another. A newly installed control
interface 100 can be calibrated for use with a variety of actuator
types. The control interface 100 can be used with a variety of seat
types. The adaptive calibration configuration may be facilitated by
software code that is used across a wide inventory of seat types
and actuator arrangements within the seats.
[0050] This process is shown schematically in FIGS. 7 through 10.
As shown in FIG. 7, the seat 10 is in the TTL position. Actuator
120 is operable to adjust the position of seat back 14. Actuator
120 is shown at a lower portion of seat back 14, but may be
positioned in other appropriate places within the seat 10. Actuator
120 may be a dedicated actuator that only controls seat back 14, or
it may control multiple portions of the seat 10. As shown in FIG.
7, actuator 120 reports a unitless number 132 corresponding to the
TTL configuration to the control interface 100. A representative
seat back image 214 is then displayed on control interface 100
showing the seat in the TTL position. As shown in FIG. 8, the seat
10 is shown 30 degrees reclined from the TTL. Actuator 120 reports
a unitless number 134 corresponding to this position. A
representative seat back image 214 is then displayed on control
interface 100 showing the seat 30 degrees reclined from the TTL
position. As shown in FIG. 9, the seat 10 is shown 50 degrees
reclined from the TTL. Actuator 120 reports a unitless number 136
corresponding to this position. A representative seat back image
214 is then displayed on control interface 100 showing the seat 50
degrees reclined from the TTL position. As shown in FIG. 10, the
seat 10 is shown in the lay flat configuration. Actuator 120
reports a unitless number 138 corresponding to this position. A
representative seat back image 214 is then displayed on control
interface 100 showing the seat in lay flat position. Unitless
numbers 132 and 138 are used to establish the range for convenient
stepwise graphical representation as previously described. Using
the previously provided example, the unitless number 132 output in
FIG. 7 would fall within the fourth subrange, i.e. the range
spanning 9400 and 12500. The unitless number 134 output in FIG. 8
would fall within the third subrange, i.e. the range spanning 6300
and 9400. The unitless number 136 output in FIG. 9 would fall
within the second subrange, i.e. the range spanning 3200 and 6300.
Finally, the unitless number 138 output in FIG. 10 would fall
within the first subrange, i.e. the range spanning 100 and
3200.
[0051] The control interface 100 can be used to adjust the
passenger seat 10 and to control other functions as well. For
example, media controls such as headphone volume and content
selections, temperature control and air-handling devices, and
communications with flight attendants and other passengers may all
be controlled or conducted using the control interface 100. The
touch screen 102 may display one or many symbols to guide the
passenger in making selections. For example, menus and submenus may
be displayed. Several styles of icons and color combinations may be
available to the passenger for personal selection. Multiple
languages may be available for selection when text is part of the
content displayed on the touch screen 102.
[0052] A flow chart representing the process for calibrating and
determining discrete seating positions is shown in FIG. 11. The
actuator 120 outputs position-indicating values 130. As previously
discussed, 138 is the value associated with the TTL position and
132 is the value associated with the fully reclined position. These
values 132, 138 are then reported to the control interface 100.
Control interface 100 then calculates the range between values 132
and 138. This range is then divided into the appropriate number of
subranges, which are shown as four subranges in FIG. 11, and
indicated as 131, 133, 135, and 137. Range 131 encompasses the TTL
position, which is shown as preset button 226 on the control
interface 100. Range 133 encompasses the 30 degree reclined
position, which is shown as preset button 228 on the control
interface 100. Range 135 encompasses the 50 degree reclined
position, which is shown as preset button 229 on the control
interface 100. Range 137 encompasses the lay flat position, which
is shown as preset button 230 on the control interface 100. Upon
the passenger tapping any of these preset buttons 226, 228, 229, or
230, the control interface 100 outputs a signal to actuator 120 to
move the passenger seat 10 into the selected discrete seating
position.
[0053] A flow chart representing the process for individual
adjustment of portions of seat 10 is shown in FIG. 12. As shown in
FIG. 12, touch-responsive portions of the passenger seat 10 are
represented as seat back 214, seat bottom 216, legrest 222, and
head rest 224, as previously described. Each touch-responsive
portion is adjustable to adjust the corresponding physical seat
portion. In this manner, control interface 100 is in communication
with each touch-responsive portion 214, 216, 222, and 224. Each
touch-responsive portion 214, 216, 222, and 224, is either
independently in communication with actuator 120, or they may all
share one actuator 120. Actuator 120 outputs a signal to the
control interface seat image 200 which is updated to reflect the
physical position of the physical seat portion 14, 16, 22, or
24.
[0054] The symbols and functions available through the control
interface 100 can be reassigned through reprogramming of the
device. Reprogramming may occur through a wireless or cabled
broadcast in an environment where multiple passenger seats are
present or may occur on a seat by seat basis.
[0055] While specific embodiments of the present invention have
been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that various modifications thereto can be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention
and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the
purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of
limitation.
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