A cabin management control device is disclosed. In embodiments, the cabin management control device includes a touchscreen (e.g., either a fixed panel or a mobile computing device) and processors. The computing device is in communication with aircraft-based networks or controllers configured for control of cabin features or functions. The computing device displays, via the touchscreen, an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) in the form of a high resolution “virtual cabin”, e.g., a graphical representation of the aircraft cabin or a zone thereof. The GUI incorporates active touch areas (ATA) corresponding to visible cabin features (e.g., lighting, windows, inflight entertainment systems (IFE)). Similarly, the GUI displays direct access controls (DAC) allowing for similar control of non-visible cabin features (e.g., volume settings, climate settings), When an ATA or DAC is selected, the GUI displays a textless control interface enabling the user to control the corresponding feature via an optimally intuitive interface.

A passenger service unit for use in an aircraft cabin includes an output device configured to output information in the aircraft cabin. The passenger service unit further includes a touchless sensor configured to detect a presence of an object in a vicinity of the touchless sensor, and to output a signal for controlling the output device in response to detecting the presence of the object.

Methods and systems are provided for a transportation vehicle. One method includes determining current available bandwidth rate based on network traffic generated by a plurality of devices and a plurality of traffic types on a transportation vehicle; utilizing a hierarchical tree structure to modify quality of service (QoS) that is indicated by a specific bandwidth rate associated with different priority levels, where each priority level is associated with one of the plurality of devices and the plurality of traffic types; and storing the modified QoS for the different priority levels at the hierarchical tree structure for a next update of the QoS when the current available bandwidth rate changes.

Systems and methods for pairing a personal electronic device of a passenger with a passenger seat in a vehicle using a PWM light identification, and for allowing the personal electronic device to control passenger in-seat functions and features. The system comprises an on-board video system having an in-seat display system for installation in a vehicle. The on-board video system is configured to communication a PWM light identification from a monitor of the in-seat display system which is captured by an imaging device of the personal electronic device. The on-board video system receives pairing information from the personal electronic device corresponding to the captured light identification via a wireless communication link. The on-board video system then validates the pairing information and pairs the personal electronic device to the passenger seat and authorizes the personal electronic device to control passenger seat functions associated with the passenger seat.

A touchless system for an aircraft cabin is disclosed. The system includes machine-readable codes placed on passenger seats and other aircraft surfaces that may be scanned and linked to cabin control systems through an application installed on personal portable electronic devices. The system also includes a communication system linked to the personal portable electronic devices via the application and linked to the cabin control systems that facilitates the control of one or more control systems by the personal portable electronic device. One of the cabin control systems is configured as an overhead storage container configured with a gesture sensing system, allowing the storage lid to be opened through specific gestures.

A content distribution apparatus onboard a vehicle periodically travelling within direct communicative range of other content distribution apparatuses onboard respective other vehicles has a storage interface to a local content data repository, and a mesh network interface establishing mesh network data communications links with the content distribution apparatuses. A comparator is in communication with the local content data repository over the storage interface, and a missing content segments list is generated by the comparator based upon an evaluation of a master content list against a local inventory of the segments of content data. The missing content data is retrieved from one or more upstream source content distribution apparatuses over a first mesh network data communications link. The content data in the local inventory is also transmitted to a downstream requestor content distribution apparatus over a second mesh network data communications link.

A portable wireless communications adapter includes a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, an electronic interface connector, and a location sensing module. The wireless receiver is configured to receive wireless data over a Wireless Avionics Intra-Communication (WAIC) frequency range between 4.2 gigahertz (GHz) and 4.4 GHz. The wireless transmitter is configured to send wireless data over the WAIC frequency range between 4.2 GHz and 4.4 GHz. The electronic interface connector is configured to mate with a portable electronic device for communication of the wireless data with the portable electronic device. The location sensing module is configured to determine a location of the portable wireless communications adapter relative to an interior of an aircraft based on WAIC communications received at the wireless receiver and selectively enable and disable the wireless transmitter based on the determined location.

A seating assembly for a passenger aircraft. The seat system may include at least one passenger seat and a seat back tray assembly mounted onto the back of the passenger seat and movable between a first storage position and a second deployed position. The tray assembly may include (i) a tray having a first and second attachment arm mounted onto the tray for installing the tray onto the back of a seat system; (ii) a sliding mechanism installed on the first and second attachment arms adapted for providing movement between a first forward position and a second aft position to a seated passenger parallel to the first and second attachment arms; and (iii) an alignment mechanism attached to the sliding mechanism for maintaining the tray in a horizontally aligned relationship during the movement. The seat system may further include a PED holder adapted to hold a personal electronic device.

An aircraft passenger entertainment device for an aircraft passenger seat is disclosed having a cover member attached to the seat so as to serve as a functional accessory for providing additional functions other than a seating function to the seat; a display screen movably attached to at least one surface of the cover member; and a controller embedded on a surface or inside of the cover member and in communication with the display screen. The cover member is attachable and detachable to a rear facing surface of a backrest of the seat above a passenger knee level.

An aircraft seat may include an integrated control panel at least partially embedded within an armrest of the aircraft seat. The integrated aircraft seat control panel may include at least one signal path for communicatively coupling the user interface device to at least one component of the aircraft seat. The user interface device may generate signals for at least one control function of the at least one component following an input being received. The integrated aircraft seat control panel may include a textile covering coupled to the armrest and positioned above the user interface device, the textile covering including a plurality of icons configured to indicate the location of the at least one control function on a respective portion of the user interface device. At least one icon is configured to illuminate following a receipt by at least one of a power signal or a light source output.