AN AIRCRAFT PASSENGER SUITE

Abstract

An aircraft passenger suite (100) is provided. The suite (100) comprises an aircraft seat (110) for use by a passenger. The suite (100) also comprises a controller for controlling a number of output states (240) of the suite, the controller comprising a logic condition receiver operable to receive a logic condition input (210). The suite (100) also comprises sensor equipment operable to provide a sensor input (220) to the controller, the sensor input (220) providing an indication of at least one attribute of a passenger of the suite (100). The sensor equipment comprises one or more of: an image sensor (151, 152) a pressure sensor (154) and a physiological sensor. The controller is configured to control at least one of the output states (240) of the suite based on both the logic condition input (210) and the sensor input (220).

Claims

1-48. (canceled)

49. An aircraft passenger suite comprising an aircraft seat for use by a passenger, the aircraft passenger suite also comprising: a controller for controlling a number of output states of the aircraft passenger suite, the controller comprising a logic condition receiver operable to receive a logic condition input; and sensor equipment operable to provide a sensor input to the controller, the sensor input providing an indication of at least one attribute of a passenger of the aircraft passenger suite, the sensor equipment comprising one or more of: an image sensor, a pressure sensor and a physiological sensor, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of the output states of the aircraft passenger suite, based on both the logic condition input and the sensor input.

50. An aircraft passenger suite according to claim 49, wherein the output state controllable by the controller controls an environment within the aircraft passenger suite.

51. An aircraft passenger suite according to claim 49, the sensor equipment comprising an image sensor, wherein the image sensor comprises or is comprised in a thermal imaging equipment arranged to obtain a thermal image of at least part of the aircraft passenger suite.

52. An aircraft passenger suite according to claim 49, the sensor equipment comprising an image sensor, wherein the image sensor comprises or is comprised in a video equipment.

53. An aircraft passenger suite according to claim 49, wherein the sensor equipment comprises a plurality of image sensors, each of the plurality of image sensors being arranged in a different location in the aircraft passenger suite, wherein the controller is configured to obtain data representing a three-dimensional map of a volume within the aircraft passenger suite, the data generated using sensor input provided by the plurality of image sensors.

54. An aircraft passenger suite according to claim 49, the sensor equipment comprising a pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is arranged under a support surface of the aircraft seat and/or a physiological sensor, wherein the physiological sensor comprises a heart rate sensor, a breathing rate sensor and/or a body temperature sensor.

55. An aircraft passenger suite according to claim 49, wherein the aircraft seat comprises a first seat part and a second seat part moveable with respect to the first seat part, the first seat part and the second seat part each comprising a respective support surface, wherein the sensor equipment comprises a first pressure sensor arranged under the support surface of the first seat part and a second pressure sensor arranged under the support surface of the second seat part.

56. An aircraft passenger suite according claim 49, wherein the at least one attribute of the passenger comprises one or more of: a breathing rate, a heart rate, and a body temperature, a posture, a comfort characteristic, a presence, a location, and/or a movement of the passenger.

57. An aircraft passenger suite according to claim 49, wherein the logic condition input includes: an aircraft state, such as a status of the aircraft, such as: “boarding”, “ready for take-off, taxi or landing (TTL)”, “in flight”, “experiencing turbulence”, “landed” and/or “lifejacket inspection check;” an aircraft cabin state, wherein the aircraft cabin state represents a status of the aircraft cabin, such as: “lights dimmed for night-time” and/or “meal time;” an aircraft passenger suite state wherein the aircraft passenger suite state represents a status of the aircraft passenger suite, such as: “seat in bed configuration”, “lights low/off”, “furniture being deployed” and/or “furniture being stowed;” and/or one or more preferences provided by the passenger such as an indication of passenger consent.

58. An aircraft passenger suite as claimed in claim 49, wherein the output state controllable by the controller includes at least one of: a light level of the aircraft passenger suite, a temperature of the aircraft passenger suite or a part of the aircraft passenger suite, a message or warning displayed within the aircraft passenger suite, a message or warning displayed externally to the aircraft passenger suite and/or a deployment/stowage condition of a piece of furniture of the aircraft passenger suite, and/or providing an indication of whether or not medical assistance is required; and/or controlling a display device of the aircraft passenger suite to aid passenger comfort.

59. An aircraft passenger suite according to claim 49, wherein the sensor equipment comprises an image sensor, wherein the logic condition input includes an aircraft state, and wherein the output state controllable is a message display within the suite and/or a lighting level within the suite, such that, in use, if the sensor input indicates that a passenger has entered the suite, and the aircraft state is “boarding”, then the controller controls the output state such that a welcoming message is displayed and/or welcome lighting is turned on or a message/warning light within the suite and/or externally to a member of cabin crew, such that, in use, if the sensor input indicates that a passenger is not seated in the aircraft seat, and the aircraft state is “ready for taxi, take-off or landing”, then the controller controls the output state such that the message/warning light is turned on.

60. An aircraft passenger suite according to claim 49, wherein the sensor equipment comprises an image sensor and/or a pressure sensor, wherein the logic condition input includes an aircraft cabin state and/or an aircraft suite state, and wherein the output state controllable is: a lighting level within the suite, such that, in use, if the sensor input indicates that a passenger has got out of bed, and the aircraft cabin state is “lights dimmed for night-time” and/or the aircraft suite state is “low light level”, then the controller controls the output state such that a light is turned on within the suite; deployment/stowage of the meal table, such that, in use, if the sensor input indicates that a passenger is sitting in the seat, and the aircraft suite state is “deployment/stowage of the meal table” and/or the aircraft cabin state is “meal time”, and the meal table is stowed, then the controller controls the output state such that the meal table is deployed; or if the logic condition input includes an aircraft suite state the output state controllable optionally is deployment/stowage of a piece of furniture, such that, in use, if the sensor input indicates that a passenger or part of the passenger is in the path of deployment/stowage, and the aircraft suite state is “deployment/stowage of a piece of furniture”, then the controller controls the output state such that deployment/stowage movement of the piece of furniture is ceased.

61. An aircraft passenger suite according to claim 49, wherein the sensor equipment comprises a physiological sensor, wherein the logic condition input includes one or more preferences provided by a passenger, and wherein the output state controllable is selected from the following: providing an indication of whether or not medical assistance is required, such that, in use, if the sensor input indicates that a passenger requires medical assistance, and the one or more preferences indicate that the passenger has provided consent, then the controller controls the output state such that an indication that medical assistance is required is provided; a lighting or cooling condition within the suite, such that, in use, if the sensor input indicates that a passenger is anxious, and the one or more preferences indicate that passenger has provided consent, then the controller controls the output state such that cooling and/or air circulation is turned on, suite lighting is adjusted, and/or a display device of the suite is controlled to aid passenger comfort; or a heating or cooling condition within the suite, such as heating or cooling of the aircraft seat, such that, in use, if the sensor input indicates that a passenger is hotter or colder than expected, and the one or more preferences indicate that the passenger has provided consent, then the controller controls the output state such that heating, cooling, air circulation and/or air conditioning in the aircraft suite is turned on.

62. An aircraft passenger suite according to claim 49, wherein the sensor equipment comprises a breathing rate sensor, wherein the logic condition input includes an aircraft suite state such as a destination time zone and/or an estimated landing time and/or one more preferences provided by a passenger, and wherein the output state controllable is a lighting level and/or noise cancellation within the suite, such that, in use, if the sensor input indicates that a passenger is asleep, and the aircraft suite state is “seat in bed configuration” and/or the one or more preferences indicate that the passenger has provided consent, then the controller controls the output state such that a lighting level, within the suite is adjusted, optionally based on the destination time zone and/or noise cancellation is turned on.

63. An aircraft passenger suite according to claim 49, wherein the sensor equipment further comprises a distance sensor for measuring a distance between a first location within the suite and a second location within the suite and providing a distance input to the controller, wherein, in use, the controller controls the at least one output state based on the distance input.

64. An aircraft passenger suite comprising an aircraft seat for use by a passenger, the aircraft passenger suite also comprising: a controller for controlling a number of output states of the aircraft passenger suite, the controller comprising: a first receiver operable to receive a logic condition input; and a second receiver operable to receive image, pressure and/or physiological sensor data from sensor equipment, the sensor data providing an indication of one or more attributes of a passenger of the aircraft passenger suite, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of the output states of the aircraft passenger suite based on both the logic condition input and the sensor data.

65. An aircraft passenger suite according to claim 64, wherein the controller is communicatively coupleable to a personal electronic device of the passenger, and wherein the controller is: configured to receive the sensor data from the personal electronic device and /or configured to receive the logic condition input from the personal electronic device.

66. An aircraft passenger suite comprising an aircraft seat for use by a passenger, the aircraft passenger suite also comprising: a controller for controlling a number of output states of the aircraft passenger suite, the controller comprising a logic condition receiver operable to receive a logic condition input, wherein the logic condition input optionally includes an indication of passenger consent; and sensor equipment, optionally comprising an image sensor, said sensor equipment operable to provide a sensor input to the controller, the sensor input providing an indication of at least one attribute of a passenger of the aircraft passenger suite, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of the output states of the aircraft passenger suite based on both the logic condition input and the sensor input, and wherein the output state controllable by the controller comprises at least one of: providing an indication of whether or not medical assistance is required; and controlling a display device of the aircraft passenger suite to aid passenger comfort.

67. An aircraft passenger suite according to claim 66, wherein the sensor equipment comprises a physiological sensor arranged to detect a physiological condition of the passenger, wherein the physiological sensor optionally comprises a breathing rate sensor, a heart rate sensor and/or a body temperature sensor and wherein, if the physiological sensor comprises a breathing rate sensor, the output state controllable optionally comprises displaying a measured and/or desired breathing pattern to the passenger via the display device.

68. An aircraft passenger suite according to claim 66, wherein the output state controllable comprises providing an indication of whether or not medical assistance is required to a crew information panel.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

[0060] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an aircraft passenger suite, in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

[0061] FIG. 1B shows an alternative view of the aircraft passenger suite of FIG. 1A;

[0062] FIG. 2 shows schematically a control arrangement for use with any of the aircraft passenger suites described;

[0063] FIG. 3 shows schematically a control arrangement in accordance with the first embodiment;

[0064] FIG. 4 shows schematically a control arrangement in accordance with a second embodiment;

[0065] FIG. 5 shows schematically a control arrangement in accordance with a third embodiment;

[0066] FIG. 6 shows schematically a control arrangement in accordance with a fourth embodiment;

[0067] FIG. 7 shows schematically a control arrangement in accordance with a fifth embodiment;

[0068] FIG. 8 shows schematically a control arrangement in accordance with a sixth embodiment;

[0069] FIG. 9 shows schematically a control arrangement in accordance with a seventh embodiment;

[0070] FIG. 10A shows a perspective view of an aircraft passenger suite in accordance with an eighth embodiment;

[0071] FIG. 10B shows schematically a control arrangement in accordance with the eighth embodiment;

[0072] FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of an aircraft passenger suite in accordance with a ninth embodiment;

[0073] FIG. 11B shows an alternative view of the aircraft passenger suite of FIG. 11A;

[0074] FIG. 11C shows schematically a control arrangement in accordance with the ninth embodiment;

[0075] FIG. 12A shows a side view of an aircraft passenger suite in accordance with a tenth embodiment;

[0076] FIG. 12B shows schematically a control arrangement in accordance with the tenth embodiment;

[0077] FIG. 13 shows schematically a control arrangement in accordance with an eleventh embodiment;

[0078] FIG. 14 shows schematically a control arrangement in accordance with a twelfth embodiment;

[0079] FIG. 15 shows schematically a control arrangement in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment;

[0080] FIG. 16 shows schematically a control arrangement in accordance with a fourteenth embodiment; and

[0081] FIG. 17 shows schematically a control arrangement for use with any of the aircraft passenger suites described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an aircraft passenger suite 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B shows a portion of the suite 100 from an alternative perspective.

[0083] The suite 100 includes an aircraft seat 110. The seat 110 comprises a seat pan 111 and a back rest 112. The seat also comprises a leg rest (not shown). Also provided is an ottoman 115 located opposite the seat 110, which provides a footrest function for a passenger sat in the seat 110. The ottoman 115 may also make up part of a bed surface when the seat 110 is moved to a bed configuration. The suite 100 also includes a shell structure 120, or shroud, which defines the boundary of the suite 100. The shell structure 120 has a gap 122 to allow entrance/exit to the suite 100. The suite 100 also comprises a display device 130.

[0084] The suite 100 comprises a controller (not shown), which is configured to control output states of the suite 100 (e.g. to control the environment of the suite 100), as will be described in more detail below. The controller comprises a processing system. The processing system comprises one or more processors and/or memory. The controller also comprises one or more interfaces (which may be physical and/or logical interfaces) via which data can be received and/or outputted.

[0085] In this embodiment, the suite 100 comprises a video camera equipment 151 located above the display device 130, and facing the seat 110. The suite 100 also comprises a thermal imaging equipment 152 located beneath the ottoman 115. The suite 100 also comprises a pressure sensor 154 arranged within the seat pan 111. The video camera equipment 151, thermal imaging equipment 152 and pressure sensor 154 are each examples of sensor equipment. The sensor equipment provides a sensor input to the controller. That is, the video camera equipment 151 provides video data to the controller, the thermal imaging equipment 152 provides thermal image data to the controller and/or the pressure sensor 154 provides pressure sensor data to the controller. The sensor input provides an indication of at least one attribute of a passenger of the suite 100. The controller does the controlling of the output states based on a logic condition input received via a logic condition receiver of the controller, and the sensor input received from the sensor equipment.

[0086] The suite 100 may comprise more, fewer and/or different components in other examples. Similarly, the sensor equipment may comprise more, fewer and/or different components in other examples. The items shown in the suite 100 may be located in different positions within the suite 100 in other examples.

[0087] FIG. 2 shows schematically a control arrangement 200 for use in any of the aircraft passenger suites described herein, including the aircraft passenger suite 100 shown in FIG. 1.

[0088] The control arrangement 200 comprises multiple inputs and one or more controllable output states. The controller of the suite 100 is configured to receive the inputs and, based on those inputs, control the output states of the suite 100.

[0089] The inputs include a logic condition input 210 and a sensor input 220. Both the logic condition input 210 and the sensor input 220 are provided to the controller. The logic condition input 210 is received via a first receiver of the controller. The sensor input 220 is received via a second receiver of the controller. The controller determines one or more attributes 230 of a passenger of the suite 100, using the sensor input 220. In some cases, determining the passenger attribute(s) 230 is also based on the logic condition input 210. This is depicted using a dashed line in FIG. 2. In other cases, determining the passenger attribute(s) 230 is not based on the logic condition input 210. The controller then controls one or more output states 240 of the suite 100, based on the passenger attribute(s) 230 and the logic condition input 210. Hence, the output state(s) 240 is controlled based on both the logic condition input 210 and the sensor input 220.

[0090] In the following figures, specific examples of the control function of various aircraft passenger suites 100 will be given. Some of these examples are illustrated with aircraft passenger suites 100 that differ from the design of the suite 100 in FIG. 1. However, the features of the suites are similar, unless otherwise stated, and so will be described with reference to like reference numerals. Any of the control functions and/or arrangements described herein may be used with any of the suites described herein.

[0091] FIG. 3 shows schematically a control arrangement 300 according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the logic condition input 210 includes an aircraft state. The sensor input 220 includes thermal imaging data obtained from a thermal imaging equipment, video data obtained from a video equipment, and/or pressure sensor data obtained from a pressure sensor. The sensor input 220 indicates that a passenger has entered the suite. The aircraft state is “boarding”. Accordingly, the controller controls the output state such that a welcoming message is displayed and/or welcome lighting is turned on. As such, the controller changes the suite 100 by controlling the output state.

[0092] FIG. 4 shows schematically a control arrangement 400 according to a second embodiment. In this embodiment, the logic condition input 210 includes an aircraft state. The sensor input 220 includes thermal imaging data obtained from a thermal imaging equipment, video data obtained from video equipment and/or pressure sensor data obtained from a pressure sensor. The sensor input 220 indicates that the passenger is not sitting in the seat 110. The aircraft state is “ready for TTL”. Accordingly, the controller controls the output state such that a message/warning light within the suite 110 is turned on, and/or a message/warning is provided to the crew.

[0093] FIG. 5 shows schematically a control arrangement 500 according to a third embodiment. In this embodiment, the logic condition input 210 includes an aircraft state. The sensor input 220 includes thermal imaging data obtained from a thermal imaging equipment, video data obtained from video equipment, pressure sensor data obtained from a pressure sensor and/or distance measurement data obtained from a distance sensor. The sensor input 220 indicates that the passenger is sitting in the seat 110 correctly, but that luggage is not stowed. The aircraft state is “ready for TTL”. Accordingly, the controller controls the output state such that a message/warning light within the suite 110 is turned on, and/or a message/warning is provided to the crew.

[0094] FIG. 6 shows schematically a control arrangement 600 according to a fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the logic condition input 210 includes an aircraft state and/or a suite state. The sensor input 220 includes thermal imaging data obtained from a thermal imaging equipment, video data obtained from video equipment, pressure sensor data obtained from a pressure sensor and/or distance measurement data obtained from a distance sensor. The sensor input 220 indicates that the passenger is sitting in the seat 110 correctly. The aircraft state is “ready for TTL”. However, the suite state indicates that the seat is not positioned correctly for TTL. Accordingly, the controller controls the output state such that a message/warning light within the suite 110 is turned on, a message/warning is provided to the crew and/or automatic actuation of seat movement is performed.

[0095] FIG. 7 shows schematically a control arrangement 700 according to a fifth embodiment. In this embodiment, the logic condition input 210 includes an aircraft cabin state and/or a suite state. The sensor input 220 includes thermal imaging data obtained from a thermal imaging equipment, video data obtained from video equipment, pressure sensor data obtained from a pressure sensor and/or distance measurement data obtained from a distance sensor. The sensor input 220 indicates that the passenger is sitting in the seat 110 and ready to receive a meal. The cabin state is “meal time”. The suite state is “meal table stowed”. Accordingly, the controller controls the output state such that the meal table is deployed, and/or suite lighting is adjusted to focus light onto the meal table.

[0096] FIG. 8 shows schematically a control arrangement 800 according to a sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, the logic condition input 210 includes an aircraft state and/or a suite state. The sensor input 220 includes thermal imaging data obtained from a thermal imaging equipment, video data obtained from video equipment, pressure sensor data obtained from a pressure sensor and/or distance measurement data obtained from a distance sensor. The sensor input 220 indicates that the passenger (or a part of the passenger) is not in a position which will obstruct movement of the meal table. The aircraft state is “in flight”. The suite state is “meal table stowed”. Accordingly, the controller controls the output state such that the meal table is deployed.

[0097] FIG. 9 shows schematically a control arrangement 900 according to a seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, the logic condition input 210 includes an aircraft state and/or a suite state. The sensor input 220 includes thermal imaging data obtained from a thermal imaging equipment, video data obtained from video equipment, pressure sensor data obtained from a pressure sensor and/or distance measurement data obtained from a distance sensor. The sensor input 220 indicates that the passenger (or a part of the passenger) is not in a position which will obstruct movement of the seat towards the bed position. The aircraft state is “in flight”. The suite state is “seat not in bed position”. Accordingly, the controller controls the output state such that the seat is moved to the bed position.

[0098] FIG. 10A shows a perspective view of aircraft suite 100 in accordance with a eighth embodiment of the invention. Here, the seat 110 is in a bed configuration. The seat 110 comprises a seat pan portion 111, a back rest portion 112, and a leg rest portion 113, which cooperatively form part of a bed. The ottoman 115 also forms part of the bed. Each of the portions of the seat 110 and/or the ottoman 115 include a support surface for supporting part of the passenger's body. In this embodiment, each of the portions of the seat 110 and the ottoman 115 comprise a respective pressure pad 154 (i.e. including pressure sensors). The pressure pads 154-a, 154-b, 154-c, 154-d are arranged under the support surfaces of the respective seat portions and ottoman.

[0099] FIG. 10B shows schematically a control arrangement 1000 according to the eighth embodiment. In this embodiment, the logic condition input 210 includes an aircraft cabin state. The sensor input 220 includes thermal imaging data obtained from a thermal imaging equipment, pressure sensor data obtained from a pressure sensor and/or distance measurement data obtained from a distance sensor. The cabin state is “lights dimmed for night-time”. The sensor input 220 indicates that the passenger has got out of bed. Accordingly, the controller controls the output state such that a light is turned on within the suite 100.

[0100] FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of an aircraft suite 100 in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11B shows an alternative view of the suite 100 shown in FIG. 11A. In this embodiment, the suite 100 comprises a feature light 135. The feature light 135 may be used to aid passenger comfort. For example, blue or green light may be emitted from the feature light 135, which may reduce passenger anxiety. The suite 100 also comprises a pulsating light 137. The pulsating light 137 may be used to aid passenger comfort, e.g. by causing emitted light to pulsate at a particular rate or rhythm.

[0101] In this embodiment, a thermal image sensor 152 is installed in a pre-existing screw hole underneath the display device 130. A breathing rate sensor 156 is installed in a second pre-existing screw hole underneath the display device 130. The pre-existing screw holes are comprised in the housing of the display device 130. Using pre-existing screw holes to mount sensors facilitates retrofitting of existing suites with sensor equipment. Further, such an arrangement is relatively unobtrusive and/or spatially efficient.

[0102] FIG. 11C shows schematically a control arrangement 1100 according to the ninth embodiment. In this embodiment, the logic condition input 210 includes one or more user preferences. The sensor input 220 includes heart rate data obtained from a heart rate sensor, and/or breathing rate data obtained from a breathing rate sensor. The sensor input 220 indicates that the passenger is anxious. The logic condition input 210 indicates that the passenger has provided consent. Accordingly, the controller controls the output state such that the suite 100 is cooled, suite lighting is adjusted and/or a guided breathing pattern is shown to the passenger. Controlling the output state may involve controlling (e.g. turning on and/or adjusting) the feature light 135 and/or the pulsating light 137.

[0103] FIG. 12A shows a side view of an aircraft suite 100 in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the invention. Here, a display 140 is provided on an exterior surface of the shell structure 120. The display 140 is configured to display an indication of whether or not the passenger of the suite 100 requires medical assistance.

[0104] FIG. 12B shows schematically a control arrangement 1200 according to the tenth embodiment. In this embodiment, the logic condition input 210 includes one or more user preferences. The sensor input 220 includes heart rate data obtained from a heart rate sensor, breathing rate data obtained from a breathing rate sensor and/or body temperature data obtained from a body temperature sensor. The sensor input 220 indicates that the passenger requires medical attention. The logic condition input 210 indicates that the passenger has provided consent. Accordingly, the controller controls the output state such that an indication that the passenger requires medical assistance is provided, and/or the medical data of the passenger is recorded for use by the crew and/or medical support on the ground. The indication may be displayed, e.g. via the display 140 outside the suite 100.

[0105] FIG. 13 shows schematically a control arrangement 1300 according to an eleventh embodiment. In this embodiment, the logic condition input 210 includes one or more user preferences. The sensor input 220 includes heart rate data obtained from a heart rate sensor, breathing rate data obtained from a breathing rate sensor and/or body temperature data obtained from a body temperature sensor. The sensor input 220 indicates that the passenger is hotter than expected. The logic condition input 210 indicates that the passenger has provided consent. Accordingly, the controller controls the output state such that the suite 100 is cooled and/or the seat 110 is cooled.

[0106] FIG. 14 shows schematically a control arrangement 1400 according to a twelfth embodiment. In this embodiment, the logic condition input 210 includes one or more user preferences. The sensor input 220 includes heart rate data obtained from a heart rate sensor, breathing rate data obtained from a breathing rate sensor and/or body temperature data obtained from a body temperature sensor. The sensor input 220 indicates that the passenger is colder than expected. The logic condition input 210 indicates that the passenger has provided consent. Accordingly, the controller controls the output state such that the suite 100 is heated and/or the seat 110 is heated.

[0107] FIG. 15 shows schematically a control arrangement 1500 according to a thirteenth embodiment. In this embodiment, the logic condition input 210 includes an aircraft suite state and/or one or more user preferences. The sensor input 220 includes heart rate data obtained from a heart rate sensor, breathing rate data obtained from a breathing rate sensor and/or movement data (e.g. obtained from one or more pressure sensors or image sensors). The sensor input 220 indicates that the passenger is sleeping. The logic condition input 210 indicates that the passenger has provided consent. The aircraft suite state is “seat in bed configuration”. Accordingly, the controller controls the output state such that a lighting level within the suite 100 is adjusted, blinds are adjusted and/or noise cancellation is turned on.

[0108] FIG. 16 shows schematically a control arrangement 1600 according to a fourteenth embodiment. The control arrangement 1600 is similar to that shown in FIG. 15. In this case, however, the sensor input 220 is received from a personal electronic device of the passenger. Therefore, in this example, the sensor equipment does not form part of the suite 100. A breathing rate sensor, heart rate sensor and/or movement sensor provided in a personal electronic device of the passenger are used to obtain sensor data, which is then sent to the controller of the suite 100. The controller receives sensor input from such sensors, and uses the sensor input, along with the logic condition input, to control the output states of the suite 100. The sensor input 220 indicates that the passenger is sleeping. The logic condition input 210 indicates that the passenger has provided consent. The aircraft suite state is “seat in bed configuration”. Accordingly, the controller controls the output state such that a lighting level within the suite 100 is adjusted, blinds are adjusted and/or noise cancellation is turned on. It should be noted that sensor data generated by other types of sensor may be received from a personal electronic device, may be combined with other logic condition inputs, and/or may be used to control other output states of the suite 100, in other examples.

[0109] FIG. 17 shows schematically a control arrangement for use within any of the aircraft suites described. The control arrangement comprises multiple inputs (on the left hand side of the figure), a processor (in the middle) and a number of outputs or responses (on the right hand side).

[0110] The inputs can include one or more of: an aircraft/cabin status, which may be input via an on-board computer or by cabin crew; passenger preferences and/or consent, which may be input via a touch pad, tablet or personal electronic device; a thermal imaging feed, received from one or more cameras; pressure pad data, received from one or more pressure pads; distance measurement data, received from one or more distance sensors; a video feed, received from one or more video cameras; passenger pulse and/or heart rate monitor data; passenger breathing rate data; passenger body temperature data; further data received via a personal electronic device; a seat actuation status; a door actuation status; a meal table actuation status; and/or a seat belt status.

[0111] The processor is configured to receive one or more inputs from those described above, and determine information that is useable to generate a response. Such information can include one or more of: a number of passengers in the suite; the position of the passenger; the posture of the passenger; the occupation of the suite; a health and/or comfort status of the passenger; a furniture condition; and a luggage position.

[0112] The outputs controlled by the processor, based on the inputs and the information determined, can include one or more of: an illumination change; seat actuation; table actuation; door actuation; suite temperature and/or air circulation change; seat cushion temperature change; noise cancellation; a message displayed within the suite; a message displayed outside the suite; and/or updating a passenger profile.

[0113] Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

[0114] In examples described above, the sensor input provides an indication of one or attributes of a passenger. In other examples, the sensor input provides an indication of attribute(s) of other objects, such as furniture items of the suite 100, luggage, etc. For example, the sensor input may provide an indication of the presence of luggage on the floor of the suite 100, or the position of a moveable item of furniture (e.g. a table or seat).

[0115] In examples described above, the output state helps control the environment of the suite 100. In other examples, the output state controllable is external to the suite 100. For example, the output state controllable may comprise a message or alert displayed outside of the suite 100, for example to be seen/heard by cabin crew.

[0116] In examples described above, the controller receives sensor input and uses the sensor input to determine one or more attributes of a passenger. In other examples, the one or more attributes of the passenger are received by the controller. For example, the sensor input received from the sensor equipment may itself comprise one or more passenger attributes. In such examples, the one or more passenger attributes may be determined by the sensor equipment and then sent to the controller. The controller uses the one or more passenger attributes to control the output state(s) of the suite. For example, a heart rate sensor may determine a value of a heart rate of the passenger, and send the determined value to the controller.

[0117] In examples where the sensor equipment comprises an image sensor, image analysis (e.g. involving performing object recognition on obtained image data) may be performed at the sensor equipment and/or at the controller.

[0118] In some examples, the logic condition input includes an aircraft state, the sensor equipment includes a thermal imaging equipment, a video equipment and/or a distance measurement equipment, and the output state includes a message/alert displayed within the suite and/or externally, for example to the cabin crew. If the aircraft state is “landed” and/or “deboarding” and the sensor input indicates that no passenger is present in the suite but that luggage has been left in the suite (e.g. in a stowage compartment), the output state may be controlled such that a message/alert is displayed. In some cases, a video feed from inside the stowage compartment is displayed to the exiting passenger and/or crew, to make the passenger and/or crew aware of the left luggage. The left luggage may be detected based on distance measurement data from the distance measurement equipment.

[0119] Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

[0120] It should be noted that throughout this specification, “or” should be interpreted as “and/or”.