U.S. patent application number 13/237033 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-21 for personal space unit with user customizable environment.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jacob Crawford, Meagan June Downey. Invention is credited to Jacob Crawford, Meagan June Downey.
Application Number | 20130067834 13/237033 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47879298 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130067834 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Downey; Meagan June ; et
al. |
March 21, 2013 |
PERSONAL SPACE UNIT WITH USER CUSTOMIZABLE ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
A customizable personal space unit having a personal area having
at least one customizable feature; a communications subsystem
configured to receive configuration information for the at least
one customizable feature; and a processor communicating with said
communications subsystem, the process configuring the at least one
customizable feature of the personal chamber based on the received
configuration information.
Inventors: |
Downey; Meagan June;
(Toronto, CA) ; Crawford; Jacob; (Barrie,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Downey; Meagan June
Crawford; Jacob |
Toronto
Barrie |
|
CA
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
47879298 |
Appl. No.: |
13/237033 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/173.1 ;
52/741.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 1/14 20130101; E04H
1/125 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/173.1 ;
52/741.1 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/343 20060101
E04B001/343; E04B 1/00 20060101 E04B001/00 |
Claims
1. A customizable personal space unit comprising: a personal area
having at least one customizable feature; a communications
subsystem configured to receive configuration information for the
at least one customizable feature; and a processor communicating
with said communications subsystem, the process configuring the at
least one customizable feature of the personal chamber based on the
received configuration information.
2. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1 wherein the
personal area is selected from the group consisting of: a personal
space chamber, a hotel room, an airplane cabin, a train cabin and
an office.
3. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1 further
comprising a luggage chamber having an access door.
4. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein said at
least one customizable feature includes an adjustable seating
surface, said adjustable seating surface being adjustable between a
first reclining position and a second seated position.
5. The customizable personal space unit of claim 4, wherein the
adjustable seating surface is inflatably adjustable.
6. The customizable personal space unit of claim 5, wherein the
adjustment is for a particular area of the seating surface.
7. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, further
comprising a user interface for adjusting the at least one
customizable feature.
8. The customizable personal space unit of claim 7, wherein said
user interface is a touchscreen located within said interior space
of said personal area.
9. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the at
least one customizable feature includes choice of a scent for an
olfactory system.
10. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the at
least one customizable feature includes choice of audio for an
audio system.
11. The customizable personal space unit of claim 10, wherein the
audio includes access to a network repository or mobile device
repository.
12. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the at
least one customizable feature includes temperature setting for a
climate control system.
13. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the at
least one customizable feature includes departure tracking for a
particular flight.
14. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the at
least one customizable feature includes light settings for a
lighting system.
15. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the at
least one customizable feature includes projection options and
images for a visual projection system.
16. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the at
least one customizable feature includes access to servers for a
visual system.
17. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the at
least one customizable feature includes a targeted advertising
system.
18. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the
communications subsystem includes network access to a network
server.
19. The customizable personal space unit of claim 18, wherein the
customizable personal space unit access the network server for the
configuration information upon verification of a user identity.
20. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the
customizable personal space unit communicates with a mobile device
for the configuration information.
21. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the
customizable personal space unit communicates with a mobile device
or network server upon the at least one customizable feature being
reconfigured.
22. A method of customizing a personal space unit having an
enclosed personal chamber defining an interior space and an access
door, the method comprising steps of: confirming a user
identification; determining whether said user identification
corresponds to an existing user profile stored in a storage; if
said user identification corresponds to an existing user profile:
retrieving said existing user profile from said storage; and
configuring at least one environment feature of said personal space
chamber based on information contained in said existing user
profile; if said identification does not correspond to an existing
user profile: creating a new user profile; saving said new user
profile; configuring at least one environment feature of said
personal space chamber based on information contained in said new
user profile.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the confirming user
identification includes confirming payment.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the environment feature is
selected from at least one of a multimedia system, a projection
system, an audio system, an olfactory system, an adjustable seating
system, a lighting system and a visual system.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates to personal space units. More
specifically, the present disclosure relates to personal space
units having a user controlled customizable environment. The
personal space unit can take a wide variety of forms.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Modern travel has become increasingly more demanding and
wait times are now longer than ever. It is common for an
international traveler to arrive at the airport as much as four and
five hours before a scheduled departure in order to navigate the
extensive security and customs checks that have become mandatory in
recent years. Further, it is common for a traveler to have a
scheduled interval of several hours between connecting flights.
Delays can lengthen these wait times even more.
[0003] Modern travel is therefore can be a rather stressful and
impersonal experience. Accordingly, travelers may experience
exhaustion and stress which can result in a loss of energy and
productivity when the traveler arrives at the final
destination.
[0004] Accordingly, a modern traveler often has many hours of
waiting in airports or bus and train stations. Furthermore, modern
office workers commonly work longer hours than previous
generations. Therefore, some offices now have a designated room
where a tired worker can take a brief rest during a longer
workday.
[0005] Personal nap chambers presently exist in airports and office
buildings, among other places. However, the nap chambers available
are statically configured uniformly for all users. Known personal
nap chambers do not provide a customizable environment that can be
personalized to increase the user's enjoyment and relaxation during
the travel experience.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure provides a customizable personal
space unit comprising: a personal area having at least one
customizable feature; a communications subsystem configured to
receive configuration information for the at least one customizable
feature; and a processor communicating with said communications
subsystem, the process configuring the at least one customizable
feature of the personal chamber based on the received configuration
information.
[0007] The present disclosure further provides a method of
customizing a personal space unit having an enclosed personal
chamber defining an interior space and an access door, the method
comprising steps of: confirming a user identification; determining
whether said user identification corresponds to an existing user
profile stored in a storage; if said user identification
corresponds to an existing user profile: retrieving said existing
user profile from said storage; and configuring at least one
environment feature of said personal space chamber based on
information contained in said existing user profile; if said
identification does not correspond to an existing user profile:
creating a new user profile; saving said new user profile;
configuring at least one environment feature of said personal space
chamber based on information contained in said new user
profile.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present disclosure will be better understood with
reference to the drawings, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a personal space unit
in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2A is a bottom plan view of at least one embodiment of
a personal space unit in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2B is a front end elevational view of at least one
embodiment of a personal space unit in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2C is a right side elevational view of at least one
embodiment of a personal space unit in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 2D is a rear end elevational view of at least one
embodiment of a personal space unit in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 2E is a left side elevational view of at least one
embodiment of a personal space unit in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 2F a top plan view of at least one embodiment of a
personal space unit in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein the access door is in an open
position;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a lower perspective view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein the access door is in an open
position;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cutaway side view of the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of at least one embodiment of a
control system for at least one personal space unit; and
[0020] FIG. 7 is a diagram of one embodiment of a method for
configuring a personal space unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The present disclosure provides a personal space unit having
a user customizable environment where the environment can be
customized by selecting a wide variety of environment features that
can be selected and inputted by way of a user interface. The user
interface can take a number of forms, as is discussed in further
detail below. Further, the environment features can be a wide
variety features directed towards the user's comfort or
entertainment as is also discussed below.
[0022] The personal space unit includes a personal area that can
take a wide variety of forms, including but not limited to a hotel
room, a personal space chamber located in a public space, an
overnight train compartment, a first class aircraft cabin and an
office space among other arrangements. The use of a personal space
chamber in the description below is for illustration purposes only
and can in fact take a wide variety of forms.
[0023] The personal space unit is designed to provide an
environment where an individual can privately rest, work, be
entertained, or sleep in an otherwise public setting. In at least
one embodiment the personal space unit has an enclosed chamber
which is sized to accommodate a human in a comfortable position.
Typically, in such embodiments the chamber will accommodate a human
in a reclining or semi-reclining position. A adjustable seating
surface may be provided that can be adjusted between, for example,
a first fully reclining position and a second seated position.
[0024] In one embodiment, the personal space unit has an access
door to allow access and egress from the personal space chamber.
Further, an additional luggage compartment may be provided where a
user can safely and securely store luggage or other large personal
items during use of the personal space unit. A smaller compartment
may be provided within the personal space unit for stowing smaller,
personal items such as wallets, cell phones, books, magazines,
among other personal items. A stowable table may also be included
to provide a surface to eat, work or support the user's arms.
[0025] A disinfectant or cleaning system may also be included so
that the personal space unit may be automatically disinfected or
cleaned between each use.
[0026] A wide variety of customizable environment features may be
provided such that the internal environment of the personal space
unit can be customized to suit a particular user's preferences, as
is discussed in further detail below. Examples of possible
environment features can include a climate control system, a
multimedia system, an olfactory system, a targeted advertising
system, a map system, a lighting system, an audio/visual system, a
visual projection system, a telecommunications system, a flight
tracking system, a mood lighting system, an electronic device
charging system, a sound cancellation system, an adjustable seating
system, a boarding pass coordinated alarm system, a scheduling
system, among other environment features as discussed below. This
list of features is however not limiting and other features or
combinations of features are considered to be within the scope of
the present embodiments.
[0027] During or prior to use of the personal space chamber, a user
may select and customize the environment features by way of an
interface. The user interface can take a wide variety of forms as
will be discussed in further detail below. In at least one
embodiment the user interface will be a touchscreen located within
the personal space chamber. However the user interface may also be
an interactive website, a smart phone/mobile device application, an
external touch screen, or a combination of these interfaces, among
other possible interfaces.
[0028] In one embodiment, the user can create a user profile using
the interface, where user preferences are saved for future use. The
user profile is saved, and may be stored in wide variety of
locations, depending on the implementation. In one embodiment, a
user can have a consistent experience across a network of personal
space units by configuring subsequently occupied units based on a
single user profile saved in storage that is in communication with
a network of units. The storage may include a central location such
as a network server, a mobile location such as the user's laptop,
mobile device, or portable memory media such as a USB key, punch
card, CD/DVD ROM, magnetic tape, or at an immediately local
location such as a physical memory located directly in the personal
space unit, among other arrangements.
[0029] In this way, in one embodiment the user can create a new
user profile or modify an existing user profile, reserve a personal
space unit, and preconfigure a personal space unit from a remote
location before arrival at the destination where the personal space
unit is located. In this embodiment, the personal space unit will
be reserved and configured for the user upon arrival at the
destination.
[0030] Alternatively, a user may find an unoccupied personal space
unit at the destination and proceed to load an existing user
profile or create a new user profile in order to configure the
personal space unit pursuant to the user's preferences. Such a new
user profile may be stored for future use of personal space units.
In this way, continuity can be provided across multiple uses of a
network of personal space units. For example, a movie that is half
completed could be resumed during a subsequent use of a personal
space unit.
[0031] All components discussed herein can be constructed of any
suitable materials that will be readily understood by the skilled
person. For example, any structural components identified may be
constructed of steel, aluminum, plastics and wood, among other
suitable materials. Further, any tactile surfaces may be covered in
or constructed from vinyl, leather, cloth or any other suitable
material.
[0032] Turning to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A to 2F, at least one
embodiment of a personal space unit 10 is illustrated. Personal
space unit 10 can include a first personal chamber 12 and a second
luggage chamber 20. Personal chamber 12 can take any outward shape
including cylindrical, prismatic, rectangular, cubic, spherical,
among any other suitable shape. Personal chamber 12 consists of an
outer shell which defines an inner cavity, as discussed in further
detail below.
[0033] Personal chamber 12 has an access door 14 that provides
access to and egress from personal chamber 12. Access door 14 can
take a wide variety of forms, including a swinging door, a sliding
door, and a roll-up door, among any other suitable door
configurations. Access door 14 may be powered pneumatically (by,
for example, a compressed air cylinder), mechanically (by, for
example, a rack and pinion system), electrically (by, for example,
a solenoid) or by any other means.
[0034] Personal chamber 12 can have, in one embodiment, an external
interface 16. External interface 16 can take a wide variety of
forms including a push button key pad, a touch screen, a credit
card slot, a Bluetooth.TM. interface adapted to work with a mobile
device, or a traditional handle, among other arrangements that will
be readily understood by the skilled person. In this way, the
external interface 16 provides access to engage the personal space
unit 10 and open the access doors of the personal chamber 12 and,
in some embodiments, the luggage chamber 20. In at least one
embodiment, a credit card slot is included to provide payment
authentication and identification of the user, among other
functions that will be discussed in further detail below. In at
least one embodiment, a locking mechanism may be included in
external interface 16.
[0035] In some embodiments, personal chamber 12 can include a
window 18 on its upper surface. Window 18 can be opaque,
transparent, privacy glass, or two-way glass, among any other
suitable arrangement.
[0036] Luggage chamber 20 can take any size or shape based on its
intended application. Luggage chamber 20 has an outer shell and an
inner chamber in analogous manner to personal chamber 12 as
discussed above. In one embodiment, luggage chamber 20 further
functions as a pedestal in order to elevate personal chamber 12 off
the ground to improve accessibility. However, this is merely
optional and in other configurations the luggage chamber 20 may be
beside or on top of personal chamber 12. In other embodiments, no
luggage chamber 20 is provided.
[0037] If luggage chamber 20 is designed to support personal
chamber 12, luggage chamber 20 is constructed of sufficiently
strong materials to support the weight of personal chamber 12.
[0038] Luggage chamber 20 has an access door 22. In some
embodiments, access door 22 will take the form of an internal
drawer, as discussed in further detail below. However, access door
22 can also be a sliding door or a hinged door, among other types
of doors. Access door 22 may be powered and actuated by any
suitable means as discussed above in relation to access door
14.
[0039] Luggage chamber 20 may also include an external interface 24
that is analogous to external interface 16. In at least one
embodiment, external interface 24 is a simple latched handle. In
other embodiments, luggage chamber 20 has no dedicated interface,
and alternatively is opened or closed based on input made to
external interface 16. Further, luggage chamber 20 may include a
lock in one embodiment. Such a lock may be manually actuated, for
example with a key that a user takes into personal chamber 12
during the use of personal chamber 12. Alternatively, a lock may be
electronically actuated, for example the lock may engage when door
14 is closed, ensuring that the luggage is not accessed while a
user is within personal chamber 12. Other options for locking
luggage chamber 20 are possible.
[0040] Turning to FIG. 3, one embodiment of the interior of
chambers of personal space unit 10 is illustrated, wherein access
door 14 and access door 22 are in an opened position. As shown in
the example of FIG. 3, a number of environment features can be
incorporated within the internal space of personal chamber 14 that
can be modified and adjusted according to the user's desires. By
way of non-limiting examples, a multimedia system having a flat
screen monitor 30 (or alternatively a touch screen), a fold-down
work surface 32, or an adjustable lower seat surface 34 may be
included (as also can be seen in FIG. 5), among various other
environment features discussed in further detail below.
[0041] Work surface 32 may take a wide variety of forms, and may
extend from a wall, ceiling or floor of personal chamber 12. For
example, work surface 32 may fold to reduce or expand the work
surface, may be hinged to stow work surface 32, among other
options.
[0042] Turning to FIG. 4, a further view of the interior of the
personal chamber is illustrated. In this example, an adjustable
upper seat surface 36 included. Upper seat surface 36 (as also can
be seen in FIG. 5) may, in one embodiment, be reclined between a
first, fully reclining position and a second, upright seated
position. Upper seat surface 36 and lower seat surface 34 may be
adjusted by any known means, including manually, pneumatically,
electrically or mechanically, among other arrangements. Further,
both lower seat surface 34 and upper seat surface 36 may be
adjustable such that the relative hardness or softness of the
surfaces may be varied to suit the user's preferences. For example,
this may be done using air or fluid pressure within the seat or
within pockets or bladders within the seat. In one embodiment, both
lower seating surface 34 and upper seating surface 36 may be heated
or cooled depending on the user's preference.
[0043] Turning to FIGS. 5, a cutaway view of the interior of at
least one embodiment of personal space unit 10 is illustrated.
Environment features such as monitor 30, work surface 32,
adjustable lower seat surface 34 and upper seat surface 36 each may
be included in at least one embodiment. In at least one embodiment,
a cup holder 38 may be included.
[0044] As also can be seen in FIG. 5, in at least one embodiment a
track system 15 is provided to mount access door 14 to personal
chamber 12. A personal storage chamber may be included at any
convenient space within personal chamber 12 to store personal
effect such as shoes, etc. Further, an outlet (not shown) may be
provide to charge and/or provide a data link between a mobile
device and the user interface of the personal space unit 10.
[0045] A cleaning system may be included in some embodiments to
sterilize the interior of the personal chamber upon completion of
use. The cleaning system can take a wide variety of forms. In one
embodiment, the cleaning system could simply be alcohol based wipes
provided for the user's use.
[0046] An automated cleaning system could also be included. Such a
cleaning system could, for example, robotically vacuum, spray a
disinfectant and dry the chamber. One or more cameras could, in one
embodiment, be included to check the interior surfaces after such a
cleaning. A remote station could thus check the state of the
personal space unit 10 and dispatch a worker if a more thorough
cleaning is required.
[0047] Alternatively, a notification such as a text message, email
or other electronic signal could be sent to a worker in the
vicinity of personal space unit 10 who is tasked with cleaning the
units following completion of use of the unit, among other
arrangements.
[0048] As discussed above, a user interface is provided which
allows the user to configure the environment features to suit the
user's individual preferences. The user interface can take a wide
variety of forms including a wireless link to a mobile device,
touch screen, wall-mounted key pad, remote control, among any other
suitable data input methods.
[0049] A wide variety of environment features may be accessed and
configured by way of the user interface including any one of or a
combination of: a multimedia system, an audio system, a visual
system, an olfactory system, a climate control system, a visual
projection system, a lighting system, a flight tracking system, an
adjustable seating system and a boarding pass coordinated alarm
system, among other environment features. Further, other
information such as credit card information, passwords, access to
repositories, feeds, subscriptions, etc., can also be stored in a
profile.
[0050] The multimedia system may include various components,
including one or more of a monitor, a touch screen interface, a
media player, USB/RCA/SD card/other portable media compatibility,
keyboard, mouse, among other features. The multimedia system may be
self-contained or may have access to a network such as the
Internet. The multimedia system may have a Bluetooth.TM. or other
short range wired or wireless interface to synchronize with a
user's smartphone and provide options such as listening to music
stored on such a device or watching videos or viewing pictures on
such a device. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.TM., or a landline may be provided
to enable a smartphone or laptop computer, or any other compatible
device access to the Internet.
[0051] The multimedia system may further include a map system that
can provide access to maps of various airports and the location of
personal space units (both occupied and available) around other
airports that the user may be visiting in the future.
[0052] In this way, a user can access the Internet or other
provided content to watch visual media, listen to audio media, play
games, access e-mail, make video, audio and conference calls or
produce documents among other options. Further, games and various
computer programs may be included in the multimedia system to allow
the user to access certain features without connecting to the
Internet, such as a variety of stored music, movies, TV shows or
other content that can be played according to the user's tastes.
Such content may be provided freely or at a predetermined cost.
Such content may be stored at a remote location so that is may be
accessed from a network of personal space units. A customizable
profile may allow access to social media, RSS feeds, magazine
subscriptions, photo archives, virtual private networks,
i-tunes.TM. accounts, banking profiles, Skype.TM. or voice over IP
services, among other personalized information. In one embodiment,
a user could access enterprise servers, home servers or office
servers to retrieve content stored in such locations.
[0053] The audio system may be a speaker/headphone system with
volume control such that the user can adjust the volume to suit
their needs. The audio system may have other controls that may be
set by a user, such as equalizer setting, bass, treble, etc.
Further, the audio system can access libraries of material such as
music, audio books, podcasts, ambient noise such as waves, birds,
etc., and such material can be customized for a particular
user.
[0054] The video system may include a video monitor 30 to display
visual media such as movies, pictures, etc., as illustrated in
FIGS. 3 and 5. Video monitor 30 may have a fold down configuration
to allow the video monitor to be moved out of the way when not in
use.
[0055] In some embodiments the video monitor 30 will have touch
screen capabilities and double as the user interface for the
environment features as discussed above. Otherwise the user
interface could include a second touchscreen or use a keyboard,
mouse, stylus or other input functionality.
[0056] In some embodiments, a visual projection system may be
included that has a projector adapted to display different
patterns, or light displays within the interior of personal chamber
12 according to the user's preferences. The visual projection
system could further include strategically placed LED lights that
can be controlled to provide a light display. Such a system could
project an environment, such as a beach, skyline, forest, star lit
sky, among others, or project personal photographs, photo albums,
etc.
[0057] An olfactory system (not shown) can be included in some
embodiments. The olfactory system may be adapted to emit a wide
variety of scents into personal chamber 12. Suitable scents can
take any form.
[0058] A climate control system allows the user to modify the
interior temperature and ventilation and to suit the user's
preferences. An air conditioner unit or heating unit or both may be
included in the personal space unit to provide climate control, or
alternatively, the personal space unit may be connected to a larger
climate control network by a series of ducts. Further, thermal
tubes, among other climate control devices, could be provided
within the rest area to control the temperature of the rest
area.
[0059] A lighting system can provide a wide variety of adjustable
lighting arrangements that can be modified depending on the user's
preferences. For example, a reading light (not shown) may be
positioned for use when reading, and a series of mood lights may be
positioned around the interior of personal chamber 12 to provide
various lighting arrangements. Light can be produced in any color
or intensity. Further, window 18 may also be adjusted to increase
or decrease opacity, thereby increasing or decreasing the amount of
light permitted to enter personal chamber. In other embodiments,
shutters or other window coverings can be opened or closed on
window 18, either manually or automatically, to regulate the amount
of light permitted to enter personal chamber 12. The lighting
system could have configurable modes, such as light levels for
sleeping, movie watching, listening to music, etc. The lighting
system could be configured to dim the lights for sleeping or to
increase brightness slowly when waking a user up.
[0060] A flight tracking system may be included which allows the
user to track their flight and other schedule changes through the
visual system or multimedia system. Further, a boarding pass or
flight information coordinated alarm system may be included which
allows the user to input flight information by any known means,
including inputting the flight number directly or by scanning a
boarding pass. In this way, the alarm system can alert the user
when a certain amount of time has elapsed, or alternatively, when a
preset amount of time exists until the flight is scheduled to
depart.
[0061] A targeted advertising system may be added, wherein targeted
ads could be provided to the personal space unit, the ads having
been specifically chosen based on various characteristics of the
user. For example, a user having a first-class boarding pass may be
targeted with ads for luxury goods, among other arrangements.
Further, if the user has entered particular destination
information, targeted ads relating to restaurants, hotels or
attractions in that area could be generated. Further, a
demonstration of new products could also be provided to the
user.
[0062] Further the advertising system could be linked to the user
profile such that an airline or other travel company could target a
user with specific ads that relate to the user's previous
activities or current travel itinerary. For example, if the user is
a consistent business traveler to a particular destination, the
airline or travel company could provide a variety of targeted ads
to the user based on restaurants, hotels or other services that
would appeal to business travelers at the destination. Furthermore,
if the user has demonstrated based on previous uses that a
particular type of tourist service is preferred (such as but not
limited to guided tours, sporting events, car rentals, or a
particular type of restaurant) the targeted ads may relate to these
types of tourist services.
[0063] As discussed above, the user interface may provide an
adjustable seating system that includes an adjustable seating
surface. In at least one embodiment, adjustable seating surface
includes lower seating surface 34 and upper seating surface 36 as
discussed above. The seating may be adjusted for angle through
reclining upper or lower surfaces, for firmness generally or for
specific areas (e.g. lumbar support, headrest, arm rests), among
other options. Further, the adjustable seating system may be
customizable with respect to the firmness and density of the
adjustable seating surface.
[0064] Any of the above features may be configured by a user. Thus,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a user
can store a user profile and recall this profile before reaching
the destination in order to preconfigure an available personal
space unit. Alternatively, the user can recall the saved user
profile upon finding an available personal space unit at the
destination.
[0065] The storage of the personal profile may occur in a number of
ways. For example, the user can create a profile and download it to
an available personal space unit before reaching the destination to
preconfigure an available personal space unit, or alternatively can
create a profile directly using the user interface upon finding an
available personal space unit at the destination.
[0066] References now made to FIG. 6. In one embodiment, personal
chamber 12 can be controlled utilizing a processor 100. Processor
100 is configured to execute code, generally stored in memory 110
and to configure and operate the personal chamber 12.
[0067] In one embodiment, personal chamber 12 includes a
communications subsystem 120 communicating with processor 100.
Communications subsystem 120 is used to communicate with external
devices or servers to obtain personalization information for the
personal chamber 12. Communications subsystem 120 is not limited to
any particular communications subsystem but may be configured based
on the deployment of personal chamber 12. In particular, if
communication subsystem 120 was only required for short range
communications, communications subsystem 120 could include a
Bluetooth.TM. interface, a wired short range interface such as a
USB jack, a near field communications interface, and IrDA interface
among others. For long range communications, communications
subsystem 120 could include a cellular or Wi-Fi connection or a
wired connection to a router, for example.
[0068] Processor 100 is further configured to control a plurality
of features for personal chamber 12. These are shown in FIG. 6 as
features 140, 142 and 144 and could include any of the features
described above. In some embodiments, processor 100 may be capable
of controlling a feature directly. For example, a feature may
include the preprogramming of a music selection, which may be done
directly by processor 100. In other scenarios, processor 100 may
communicate with controllers or control processors for specific
features, such as to control climate within personal chamber
12.
[0069] In one embodiment processor 100 may also be controllable via
a master processor, for example through a network connection, for
system maintenance and upgrades.
[0070] A user interface 130 could further be used to interact with
processor 100. For example, user interface 130 may be a touch
screen, as described above, and may therefore allow a user to
reconfigure or adjust the settings of features within personal
chamber 12. In other instances, user interface 130 could include a
keyboard or keypad, mouse, stylus, among others. Further, user
interface 130 could include a credit card reader, boarding pass
reader, or a keypad for entering an issued access code to allow
payment or identity verification, for example.
[0071] User interface 130 may further be used to display or provide
information to a user. For example, a monitor could be used to
display movies, social media feeds, games, Internet,
advertisements, etc. Audio systems or other outputs can be used as
described above.
[0072] Depending on the configuration of the system, the personal
chamber 12 may be configured through one or both of long or short
range communications. For example, a personal chamber 12 may
interact with a smart phone 160 or other device through short range
communications to configure the features for a user. As such, smart
phone 160 may include an application for configuring the personal
chamber 12, and such application may seek to establish a Bluetooth
connection at the earliest opportunity with communications
subsystem 120. In this case, personal chamber 12 may be a
stand-alone unit and not have a central network connection.
[0073] In other embodiments, communications subsystem 120 may
communicate with a server 150 and obtain the configuration
information from server 150.
[0074] Configuration information may be configured at server 150 by
a user ahead of time. For example, a user may use a web interface
through a computer 170 to reserve a personal space unit 10 and to
provide configuration information.
[0075] Also, server 150 could be configured through a web interface
or an application from a mobile device 160 and this information can
then be provided to communications subsystem 120.
[0076] Configuration information received at personal chamber 12
may be stored in memory 110 for use by processor 100 to configure
the unit.
[0077] Further, changes to a configuration performed at personal
chamber 12 could be stored in memory 110 and also conveyed to a
server 150 or smartphone 160 for future configurations.
[0078] In some embodiments, a plurality of personal space units 10
may be placed in close proximity to each other. In such a case,
various components can be shared between the personal space units.
For example, a single communications subsystem 120 could be used by
a plurality of personal space units 10. In other embodiments, one
processor 100 could be used to control a plurality of personal
space units 10.
[0079] A method is provided herein for configuring a personal space
unit. This method can be employed on a mobile device or on the user
interface as described above, among other arrangements.
[0080] With reference to FIG. 9, one embodiment of a method is
illustrated for configuring a personal space unit. The method
starts at block 200 and then proceeds to block 210 where payment
may be confirmed and the user is identified. This step can be
accomplished by swiping a credit card or bank card in a card reader
located on the outside of the personal chamber, inputting credit
card information via a key pad, inputting identification
information using a touch screen or uploading the information from
a mobile device, among other methods of confirming payment and user
identity. The payment in some embodiments may be made ahead of
time, and thus block 210 is merely used in these cases to verify
identity of a user. In some embodiments, the payment may be
confirmed and the user may be identified by way of a boarding pass,
an access code issued to the user or a mobile device among other
arrangements.
[0081] Once identification and/or payment has been confirmed
process then proceeds to block 220, where a decision is made
whether the user is a preexisting user having a user profile or a
new user who needs to configure a new profile. This step is
accomplished by comparing the user's identity with a database of
registered users. Such database may be local or remote. Further,
information about a user may be pre-loaded onto a personal space
unit 10 when a user has made a reservation, and the check of block
220 may compare the identity provided with the pre-stored identity
information.
[0082] If the user is a new user, the process proceeds to block 230
where default settings are used. The user may also be prompted to
create a new user profile using the user interface. As discussed
above, the user interface can take a variety of forms including a
mobile device or a touchscreen located on the inside of the
personal space unit. Creating the user profile will involve
selecting and modifying settings for a wide variety of environment
features that have been discussed above.
[0083] The process proceeds to block 235 in which a check is made
to determine wither settings have been changed. If no, the process
continues to loop at block 235.
[0084] From block 235, if settings are changed the process proceeds
to block 240, where the user profile is saved to storage. Storage
could take a wide variety of forms, including a local memory
located in the personal space unit, a portable memory such as a USB
drive or mobile device, or a server located at a remote location,
among other forms of memory that will be readily understood by the
skilled person.
[0085] After the user profile has been saved, the process proceeds
to block 250 where the various environment features of the user are
actuated or modified in order to configure the personal space unit
10 according to the user profile. The environmental features are
actuated or modified in real time so that the environment of the
personal space unit is adjusted as quickly as possible.
[0086] Further, from block 220, if the user has been confirmed as
an existing user, the existing user profile can be retrieved at
block 260. Once the user profile has been retrieved, the process
proceeds to block 250 where the various environment features of the
user are actuated or modified in order to configure the personal
space unit according to the user profile.
[0087] In either of the above cases (i.e.: user is a new user or an
existing user), once the personal space unit has been configured
according to the user profile, the process proceeds from block 250
to block 235, where a check is made to determine if settings have
been changed. In this way, the user can continually adjust or
modify the settings of the personal space unit in real time to
ensure the user's maximum comfort.
[0088] Based on the above, an example use of the system is
described. A user is flying to a destination with a three hour
layover at an airport. The user decides to use the personal space
units at the layover airport and thus accesses a reservation and
configuration system. This may be done from home, for example,
prior to the trip, or through an application on a smartphone,
tablet, laptop, pc, hotel or airline reservation system or other
device during the trip. In one embodiment, the reservation allows
the personal space unit to be preconfigured for when the user
arrives at the destination.
[0089] The user wants to relax in his stay in the personal space
unit and thus configures access to an online music repository he
subscribes to and chooses that jazz music be played. He decides to
have the seat reclined, with low light level and pictures of his
family to be displayed. The pictures are stored in a different
repository, for which access is configured.
[0090] The user saves the reservation, and may pay for the use.
Once the user arrives at the layover airport, the user proceeds to
the personal space unit and identifies himself by swiping his
credit card. The unit automatically accesses the profile and
configures the seating, lighting, projection system and audio
system in accordance with the reservations.
[0091] The user decides that the seat is more comfortable when
slightly less reclined, and uses an interface within the personal
space unit to change the setting. The change is provided back to a
server and stored for the next time the user uses a personal space
unit.
[0092] Similarly, a businesswoman decides to use the personal space
unit to do some work during a layover. The businesswoman may
configure the seat to be in an upright position, high light level,
a specific temperature, and configure virtual private network (VPN)
access or voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) access to do some
work. The businesswoman could also access web based mail or an
enterprise server through a linked device.
[0093] Once the businesswoman arrives at the layover airport, she
swipes her mobile device, which has near field communications
capabilities, to identify herself, and the unit is configured
appropriately for her needs.
[0094] In another example, a user creates a profile and uses it at
a personal space unit on the first leg of a multi-part journey.
After using the personal space unit for a length of time, the user
must depart the chamber and board a connecting flight. However, the
user was watching a movie streamed from an online source, or
alternatively, from a provided database, and the movie was not
finished. In one example, the movie is stopped mid-scene, and the
user boards an aircraft. The user may then seamlessly start the
movie from the stopped scene on a participating airline. In other
cases, the user profile could be reloaded at a different personal
space unit located in a different airport during the user's return
trip, and the unfinished movie, along with other environment
settings, could be restored to the same settings that the user had
specified during the initial use.
[0095] In yet another example, a user could log in and create a
user profile at home using a desktop computer terminal connected to
the internet before arriving at a destination, which in this case
is a customizable hotel room. The user could both reserve and
preconfigure a hotel room such that when the user arrives at the
hotel, the hotel room has been set to a particular temperature,
selected music is playing and a lighting scheme of choice is
employed.
[0096] Other examples for use of the personal space unit are
possible and the examples above are provided for illustration
only.
[0097] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are
meant to be illustrative of preferred embodiments of the present
invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
invention. Various modifications, which would be readily apparent
to one skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of
the present invention. The only limitations to the scope of the
present invention are set out in the following appended claims.
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