A device for inputting data into an information processing apparatus using a communication cable. The device includes a sensing field including signal lines. The sensing field generates one or more signals when an object is proximate thereto. The device further includes at least one processor connected to the signal lines. The processor receives the signals and generates data based on the signals. The device additionally includes a port in communication with the processor for data output. The port is configured to connect to the cable and communicate the data over the cable to the information processing apparatus. The device includes a light source configured to illuminate keyboard symbols corresponding to areas of the sensing field. The device also includes an exterior surface covering the sensing field and obscuring the keyboard symbols from visibility unless the light source is providing illumination.

A display adaptation system for a vehicle includes a display that is configured to show one or more features. A motion sensor is configured to detect motion of the vehicle. The motion sensor outputs a motion signal indicative of the motion of the vehicle. A motion-compensating control unit is in communication with the display and the motion sensor. The motion-compensating control unit is configured to analyze the motion signal to determine the motion of the vehicle. The motion-compensating control unit is configured to move the feature(s) shown on the display based on the motion of the vehicle.

A monitor stop system is disclosed. The system may include a top-tilting monitor. The system may also include a monitor shroud including a tab configured to prevent the monitor from actuating to the deployed position during an HIC event. The system may further include one or more monitor stop devices. Each monitor stop device may include a spring-loaded pin assembly and a housing configured to surround at least a portion of the spring-loaded assembly. The tab may be configured to translate towards an interior surface of the seatback bezel and may be configured to cause the pin to translate through one or more monitor stop openings of the seatback bezel. Upon the pin translating, the pin may be configured to capture at least a portion of the top-tilting monitor to prevent the top-tilting monitor from actuating to the deployed position during the HIC event.

An aircraft is provided that includes a passenger service unit for a passenger seated in a seat in its cabin. The aircraft includes a camera configured to acquire an image of the passenger, and a control module configured to at least receive the image of the passenger. The control module is configured to receive non-tactile gesture preference data and dominant hand data, and access a non-tactile gesture data store that includes a plurality of images of non-tactile hand signals or non-tactile hand gestures. Based on the foregoing, the control module is configured to generate non-tactile gesture data in accordance with and indicative of a non-tactile hand signal or a non-tactile gesture made by the passenger. And the control module is configured to control one or more cabin systems including in at least one instance the passenger service unit based on the non-tactile gesture data.

A slave Bluetooth device establishes first and second connections with first and second master Bluetooth devices, respectively, that each operate in a master mode. The slave Bluetooth device operates in a slave mode when communicating through any of the first and second connections. The slave Bluetooth device communicates connection parameter update request packets containing timeout values to the first and second master Bluetooth devices. The slave Bluetooth device alternates during non-overlapping time slots between at least: 1) monitoring the first connection for traffic transmitted by the first master Bluetooth device while not monitoring the second connection; and 2) monitoring the second connection for traffic transmitted by the second master Bluetooth device while not monitoring the first connection; and controls a rate at which the alternating is performed based on the first timeout value and the second timeout value.

A high seatback assembly can accommodate the height of an average passenger in an upright sitting posture while also providing high visibility behind the seat. The tapered geometry of the seatback is devised to allow sufficient visibility behind the seat while also providing ample structure to support a person seated in the seat. The seatback geometry can be further configured to include service modules such as integrated storage pocket, widescreen entertainment unit (display), etc. Additionally, the resulting gap between neighboring seats improves visibility and prevents claustrophobia in high-density seating configurations, such as on airplanes, buses, boats, or other vehicles.

A task management system is configured to assign tasks to one or more attendants of a vehicle. The task management system includes one or more passenger interfaces associated with one or more passenger seats within an interior cabin of the vehicle. The passenger interface(s) are configured to output service request signals indicative of service requests from passengers that are input into the passenger interface(s). One or more attendant devices are configured to be carried by the one or more attendants. A task manager includes a management control unit that is in communication with the passenger interface(s) and the attendant device(s). The management control unit receives the service request signals from the passenger interface(s) and assigns tasks to the attendant device(s) based, at least in part, on the service request signals.

Systems and methods are described for controlling seat actuation and other controls using an in-flight entertainment system of an aircraft or other vehicle. The system can include an electronic control unit configured to send commands to actuate a passenger seat based on input received via a passenger controlled device. The electronic control unit or a related peripheral component is configured to receive a flight phase notification. If the flight phase notification indicates a taxi, take-off or landing phase, the electronic control unit sends a command to disable actuation of the passenger seat. Such command could also be sent if the flight phase notification is not received for a predefined time period.

A light-weight and low-power integrated system module suitable for installation at a passenger seat disposed aboard a passenger vehicle and methods for manufacturing and using same. By integrating selected interface system components with the associated interconnections, the integrated system module provides an intuitive user interface system for interacting with a passenger entertainment system. The integrated system module can be installed within a seatback of the passenger seat that compliments the look and feel of the user interface system, creating an immersive entertainment experience during travel.

Display systems for a vehicle are contemplated that comprise a seat display unit coupled with a display screen, where the display screen is affixed to a seat back and the seat display unit is disposed within the seat back. The display screen is fixed to the seat back such that its relative position with the seat back remains constant when the seat back is reclined. The seat display unit is coupled to the seat back, such that the seat display unit automatically tilts or pivots when the seat back is reclined, and while the display screen does not move relative to the seat back.