WO2021034328A1

WO2021034328A1 - Passenger seat with pico projector

Info

Publication number: WO2021034328A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/047697
Authority: WO
Inventors: James A. HALLFORD
Original assignee: Safran Seats Usa Llc
Priority date: 2019-08-22
Filing date: 2019-08-22
Publication date: 2021-02-25

Abstract

Described are passenger seats having an in-flight entertainment system, and the in-flight entertainment system includes a pico projector. The passenger seat includes a seat back having a forward surface and an aft surface, and the aft surface defines a viewing region having a region area. The pico projector is configured to provide a projection having a projection area that is less than the region area. The in-flight entertainment system also includes an adjuster system having a position sensor and an adjuster. The adjuster is configured to control a position of the pico projector relative to the viewing region.

Description

PASSENGER SEAT WITH PICO PROJECTOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The field of the invention relates to in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems for passenger seats, and, more particularly, to an IFE system with a pico projector.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Many passenger vehicles such as aircraft, buses, trains, and the like include passenger seats that provide individualized passenger entertainment via an IFE system. Traditionally, IFE systems have included a video monitor mounted to the aft side of a seat back of a passenger seat, and a passenger in an aft passenger seat may use the video monitor to watch videos, pay games, monitor flight information, access other entertainment items or information, etc. Typically, the passenger controls the information via a touch screen interface or a handset.

[0003] The monitors for traditional IFE systems are expensive, cumbersome, and add significant weight to the passenger seat. For example, it is common for monitors to weigh at least 2-5 pounds (without accounting for assembly mechanisms). In addition to being bulky and heavy, the monitors require cabling mechanisms and support mechanisms (e.g., tilt mechanisms). The location of the equipment needed for traditional IFE systems greatly increases the complexity and cost of various safety mechanisms that are required for the seat to meet certain certifications (e.g., aircraft seat certifications) and be marketable.

SUMMARY

[0004] The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings and each claim.

[0005] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a passenger seat includes a seat back and an IFE system. The seat back includes a forward surface and an aft surface, and the aft surface defines a viewing region having a region area. The IFE system includes a pico projector, an adjuster system, and a controller. The pico projector is mounted on the passenger seat and is configured to provide a projection having a projection area that is less than the region area. The pico projector includes a light source configured to generate a light source output and an optics assembly configured to receive the light source output, combine the light source output, and generate the projection. The adjuster system includes a position sensor and an adjuster. The position sensor is configured to detect an orientation of the pico projector relative to the viewing region, and the adjuster is configured to control a position of the pico projector relative to the viewing region. The controller is configured to receive the detected orientation from the position sensor, determine a projection angle of the projection based on the detected orientation, compare the determined projection angle to a predefined projection angle, and control the adjuster such that the pico projector provides the projection at the predefined projection angle.

[0006] In some embodiments, the seat back includes a top end of the passenger seat, the adjuster of the adjuster system includes an extendable arm that is movable between a stowed position and a raised position, and the pico projector is mounted on the extendable arm. The extendable arm may include a first arm portion connected to the seat and a second arm portion connected to the first arm portion, and the pico projector may be mounted on the second arm portion. The second arm portion may be movable relative to the first arm portion. In various embodiments, the second arm portion is pivotable relative to the first arm portion.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the position sensor is a first position sensor, and the adjuster system includes a second position sensor configured to detect a position of the projection on the viewing region. The adjuster may be configured to control a position of the pico projector relative to the viewing region, and the controller is configured to receive the detected position from the position sensor, compare the detected position to a predefined position, and control the adjuster such that the pico projector provides the projection at the predefined position. [0008] According to certain examples, the passenger seat includes an interface controller communicatively coupled to the pico projector and configured to provide an interface for a passenger to the IFE system. In some examples, the interface controller includes a touchless control system having an infrared sensor. In various aspects, the passenger seat includes a tray table pivotally connected to the seat back, the tray table includes a forward edge and an aft edge in a deployed position, and the pico projector is mounted on the tray table proximate to the forward edge.

[0009] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a passenger seat includes a seat back and an IFE system. The seat back includes a forward surface and an aft surface, and the aft surface defines a viewing region having a region area. The IFE system includes a pico projector, an adjuster system, and a controller. The pico projector is mounted on the passenger seat and is configured to provide a projection having a projection area that is less than the region area. The pico projector includes a light source configured to generate a light source output and an optics assembly configured to receive the light source output, combine the light source output, and generate the projection. The adjuster system includes a position sensor and an adjuster. The position sensor is configured to detect a position of the projection on the viewing region, and the adjuster is configured to control a position of the pico projector relative to the viewing region. The controller is configured to receive the detected position from the position sensor, compare the detected position to a predefined position, and control the adjuster such that the pico projector provides the projection at the predefined position.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the seat back includes a top end of the passenger seat, the adjuster of the adjuster system includes an extendable arm that is movable between a stowed position and a raised position, and the pico projector is mounted on the extendable arm. In some aspects, the extendable arm includes a first arm portion connected to the seat and a second arm portion connected to the first arm portion, the pico projector is mounted on the second arm portion, and the second arm portion is movable relative to the first arm portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the passenger seat includes a tray table pivotally connected to the seat back, the tray table includes a forward edge and an aft edge in a deployed position, and the pico projector is mounted on the tray table proximate to the forward edge. In various examples, the controller is configured to control at least one of the light source or the optics assembly based on a difference between the detected position and the predefined position. In some aspects, the passenger seat includes an interface controller communicatively coupled to the pico projector that is configured to provide a projected interface to a passenger for interfacing with the IFE system.

[0012] According to various embodiments, the position sensor is a first position sensor and the adjuster system includes a second position sensor configured to detect an orientation of the pico projector relative to the viewing region. The adjuster may be configured to control a position of the pico projector relative to the viewing region. The controller may be configured to receive the detected orientation from the position sensor, determine a projection angle of the projection based on the detected orientation, compare the determined projection angle to a predefined projection angle, and control the adjuster such that the pico projector provides the projection at the predefined projection angle.

[0013] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a passenger seat assembly includes a forward passenger seat, an aft passenger seat, and an aft seat IFE system. The forward passenger seat includes a seat back with a forward surface and an aft surface, and the aft surface defines a viewing region having a region area. The aft passenger seat includes an arm support. The aft seat IFE system includes a pico projector, an adjuster system, and a controller. The pico projector is mounted on the arm support and is configured to provide a projection having a projection area that is less than the region area. The pico projector includes a light source configured to generate a light source output and an optics assembly configured to receive the light source output, combine the light source output, and generate the projection. The adjuster system includes a position sensor and an adjuster, where the adjuster is configured to control a position of the pico projector relative to the viewing region. The controller is communicatively coupled to the light source and the optics assembly and is configured to control the light source and the optics assembly to control the projection.

[0014] In some embodiments, the arm support includes at least one of an armrest or a center console of the aft passenger seat. The adjuster may include an extendable arm that is movable between a stowed position and a raised position, and the pico projector may be mounted on the extendable arm. In various examples, the extendable arm includes a first arm portion connected to the seat and a second arm portion connected to the first arm portion. In some aspects, the pico projector is mounted on the second arm portion. The second arm portion may be movable relative to the first arm portion. [0015] In various embodiments, the position sensor is configured to detect a position of the projection on the viewing region, and the controller is configured to receive the detected position from the position sensor, compare the detected position to a predefined position, and control the adjuster such that the pico projector provides the projection at the predefined position.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the position sensor is configured to detect an orientation of the pico projector relative to the viewing region, and the controller is configured to receive the detected orientation from the position sensor, determine a projection angle of the projection based on the detected orientation, compare the determined projection angle to a predefined projection angle, and control the adjuster such that the pico projector provides the projection at the predefined projection angle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a passenger seat with an IFE system according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is a side view of the passenger seat and IFE system of Figure 1.

[0019] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a passenger seat with an IFE system according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 is a side view of the passenger seat and IFE system of Figure 3.

[0021] Figure 5 is a side view of a passenger seat and IFE system according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 is a diagram of an IFE system for a passenger seat according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the IFE system including a pico projector, a controller, and an adjuster system.

[0023] Figure 7 is a diagram of the pico projector of Figure 6.

[0024] Figure 8 is a flowchart depicting a process for controlling an IFE system with a pico projector according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

[0026] The described embodiments of the invention provide IFE systems with pico projectors for passenger seats. While the IFE systems with pico projectors are discussed for use with aircraft seats, they are by no means so limited. Rather, embodiments of the IFE systems with pico projectors may be used in passenger seats or other seats of any type or otherwise as desired. Moreover, while the IFE systems with pico projectors are discussed as being on a passenger seat, in other examples, the pico projectors may be provided at locations adjacent to or proximate to a passenger seat, such as on an overhead bin, a cabin wall, or other suitable location within the cabin of a vehicle (e.g., a cabin of an aircraft).

[0027] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a passenger seat 100 includes an IFE system 102 that has a pico projector 104. The pico projector 104 is mounted on the passenger seat 100 and is configured to provide a projection 106 in a viewing region 108 on the passenger seat 100. The pico projector 104 has a reduced weight compared to a traditional IFE monitor. In some examples, the pico projector 104 has a reduced weight of from about 0.15 pounds to about 0.50 pounds, such as about 0.25 pounds. However, in other examples, the pico projector 104 may be less than 0.15 pounds and/or greater than 0.50 pounds.

[0028] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the passenger seat 100 includes at least one seat base 110 and at least one seat back 112. The number of seat bases 110 and/or seat backs 112 should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. In various examples, the number of seat backs 112 correspond with the number of passengers that the passenger seat is capable of carrying. In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the passenger seat 100 is capable of carrying one passenger, and accordingly has one seat back 112. However, in other examples, the passenger seat 100 may be capable of carrying any desired number of passengers, such as one passenger, two passengers, three passengers, four passengers, or any other desired number of passengers. In these examples, the passenger seat 100 can likewise have any desired number of corresponding seat backs 112.

[0029] The seat base 110 of the passenger seat 100 may include a leg assembly 114, a support frame 116, an armrest 118, a divider 120, and/or other components. Cushioning 121 may be provided on any of the components of the seat base 110. The seat back 112 is connected to the seat base 110, and is often pivotable relative to the seat base 110 such that the seat back 112 can be positioned in various positions such as a taxi-takeoff-landing (TTL) position, a reclined position, etc. The seat back 112 includes a forward side 122, an aft side 124, and a top end 126 that is opposite from the seat base 110. In some cases, other components of the passenger seat 100 such as a tray table 128 may be supported on the seat back 112. Cushioning 129 may be provided on any of the components of the seat back 112.

[0030] As best illustrated in Figure 1, the aft side 124 of the seat back 112 provides the viewing region 108, and the viewing region 108 has a viewing region area. In some cases, the viewing region 108 is visually distinguished from other portions of the aft side 124, although it need not be in other examples. In some cases, the viewing region 108 is provided at a predetermined location on the aft side 124, although it need not be in other examples. As described in detail below, the pico projector 104 of the IFE system 102 is configured to provide the projection 106 with a projection area that is less than the viewing region area.

[0031] The passenger seat 100 includes at least one support 130 that supports the pico projector 104 of the IFE system 102 on the passenger seat 100. As discussed in detail below, in some examples, the support 130 is adjustable and is an adjuster of an adjuster system of the IFE system 102. In some examples, the support 130 is an existing component of the passenger seat 100 such as the armrest 118, the tray table 128, a center console, and/or other existing structures of the passenger seat 100. As some non-limiting examples, Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the tray table 128 as the support 130, and Figure 7 illustrates the armrest 118 as the support 130. In other examples, the support 130 is an additional component provided on the passenger seat 100. As one non-limiting example, and as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the support 130 is an extendable arm 132 that is attached to the passenger seat 100. In other examples, the support may be other suitable types of supports that support the pico projector 104 of the IFE system 102. In addition, all of the components of the pico projector 104 (discussed with reference to Figures 6 and 7 below) need not be provided on a single support 130 or at a single location on the passenger seat 100.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in some examples, the extendable arm 132 is provided at the top end 126 of the seat back 112. In other examples, the extendable arm 132 may be provided at other locations on the seat back 112 and/or the seat base 110 as desired. In certain aspects, the extendable arm 132 is movable between a stowed position and a raised position as represented by arrow 134 in Figure 2. In some optional examples, in the stowed position, the extendable arm 132 may be at least partially or completely housed within the seat back 112

[0033] In some examples, the extendable arm 132 includes at least two arm portions 136, and the pico projector 104 may be supported on one of the arm portions 136. In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the extendable arm 132 includes two arm portions 136A-B, and the pico projector 104 is supported on the arm portion 136B. In other examples, the extendable arm 132 includes more than two arm portions 136, and the pico projector 104 may be supported on other arm portions 136. In various examples, the arm portion 136B extends from the arm portion 136A at a non-zero angle at least when the extendable arm 132 is in the deployed position. As one non-limiting example, the arm portion 136B is at a right angle relative to the arm portion 136A, although in other examples, the arm portion 136B may be at an oblique angle relative to the arm portion 136A. In various examples, the arm portion 136B is fixed relative to the arm portion 136A such that the arm portion 136B always extends at the non zero angle relative to the arm portion 136A. In other examples, the arm portion 136B is movable relative to the arm portion 136A as represented by arrow 138 in Figure 2 such that the angle of the arm portion 136B relative to the arm portion 136A may be selectively controlled. Various suitable mechanisms may be utilized with the extendable arm 132 such that the arm portion 136B is movable relative to the arm portion 136A, including, but not limited to, hinges, pins, clips, springs, straps, etc. In one non-limiting example, the arm portion 136B is pivotable relative to the arm portion 136A. In certain examples, the arm portion 136B may optionally be movable to a zero angle relative to the arm portion 136A such that the extendable arm may be completely housed within the seat back 112 in the stowed position. In other examples, the arm portion 136B need not be at a zero angle to have the extendable arm housed within the seat back 112 in the stowed position. [0034] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate an example of a passenger seat 300 that is substantially similar to the passenger seat 100 except that the tray table 128 is the support 130, and the pico projector 104 of the IFE system 102 is provided in the tray table 128. As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the tray table 128 includes a table surface 344 and has a forward edge 340 and an aft edge 342 in a deployed position of the tray table 128. In some cases, the pico projector 104 is provided on the tray table 128 more proximate to the forward edge 340 than the aft edge 342 such that a use region 346 of the table surface 344 is provided between the pico projector 104 and the aft edge 342. The use region 346 may be a portion of the table surface 344 that the passenger may utilize without interfering with the projection 106. The pico projector 104 may be provided in the table surface 344, although it need not be in other examples. Moreover, the pico projector 104 may be provided at other locations on the tray table 128 and need not define the use region 346.

[0035] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a passenger seat arrangement 501 that includes passenger seats 500 that are substantially similar to the passenger seat 100 except that the armrest 118 is the support 130, and the pico projector 104 is provided in the armrest 118. In this example, the pico projector 104 provides the projection 106 on the aft side 124 of a forward passenger seat 500 (i.e., the right passenger seat 500 in Figure 5). In other examples of a passenger seat arrangement, the location of the support 130 of one passenger seat may be different from the location of the support 130 of another passenger seat. As one non-limiting example, one passenger seat of a passenger seat arrangement may include an extendable arm 130 as a support (similar to Figures 1 and 2), and another passenger seat of the same passenger arrangement may include the armrest 118 as the support 130 (similar to Figure 5).

[0036] Figure 6 is a diagram of the IFE system 102, and Figure 7 is a diagram of the pico projector 104.

[0037] As illustrated in Figure 6, in addition to the pico projector 104, the IFE system 102 includes a controller 648 and an adjuster system 650. Optionally, a user interface 652 is provided as part of the IFE system 102 that a user such as a passenger of an aircraft can use to selectively interact with the IFE system 102. Various other components such as communication units, speakers, etc. may be included as part of the IFE system 102 as desired. When the IFE system 102 is incorporated with a passenger seat, the various components of the IFE system 102 may be supported at various locations on a passenger seat, such as on the seat back 112, the seat base 110, the tray table 128, the armrest 118, a center console, or other suitable location. It will be appreciated that the various components of the IFE system 102 need not be supported at the same location on a passenger seat.

[0038] The controller 648 may include one or more of a general purpose processing unit, a processor specially designed for IFE applications, a processor specially designed for wireless communications (such as a Programmable System On Chip from Cypress Semiconductor or other suitable processors), or other suitable types of processing units. A memory may be provided with the controller 648, although it need not in other examples. The memory may include a long-term storage memory and/or a short-term working memory. The memory may be used by the controller 648 to store a working set of processor instructions. The processor may write data to the memory. The memory may include a traditional disk device. In some aspects, the memory may include either a disk based storage device or one of several other type storage mediums to include a memory disk, USB drive, flash drive, remotely connected storage medium, virtual disk drive, or the like. The controller 648 is communicatively coupled to the pico projector 104, the adjuster system 650, and optionally the user interface 652, and is configured to selectively control various components of the pico projector 104 and/or the adjuster system 650 based on various inputs as discussed in detail below.

[0039] Referring to Figure 7, the pico projector 104 generally includes a pico controller 754, a light source 756, and an optics assembly 758. In some aspects, some or all of the components of the pico projector 104 may be included together in a single package or sensor suite, such as within the same enclosure. In additional or alternative aspects, some of the components may be included together in an enclosure and the other components may be separate.

[0040] The pico controller 754 may be a processing unit that is similar to or different from the controller 648. Moreover, while the pico controller 754 and controller 648 are illustrated as separate components, in some embodiments, a single controller (e.g., just the pico controller 754 or just the controller 648) may perform the various control functions of the IFE system 102. The pico controller 754 is configured to receive an input signal, such as a video signal or other input signal. Based on the input signal, the pico controller 754 is configured to generate a light source control signal for the light source 756 and/or an optics control signal for the optics assembly 758. [0041] The light source 756 may be one or more light emitting devices such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, or other suitable light sources that output light. The light source control signal from the pico controller 754 controls one or more characteristics of the light source output such as color, brightness or intensity, etc. The optics assembly 758 is configured to receive the light source output, combine or arrange the light source output, and generate a visual projection. The optics assembly 758 may include various suitable components for controlling the light source output and generating the projection such as various lenses, mirror assemblies, etc. In some cases, the optics control signal from the pico controller 754 may control one or more characteristics of the projection 106.

[0042] The pico projector 104 optionally includes a power source 760 such as a battery or other suitable power source. In other examples, the power source 760 may be omitted, and the pico projector 104 may be powered via an external power source (e.g., power is supplied by a vehicle such as an aircraft). In such examples, the omission of the individual power source 760 may provide improved heat management of the pico projector 104.

[0043] Referring back to Figure 6, the adjuster system 650 includes an adjuster 662 and at least one sensor 664. The adjuster 662 is an actuating device that is configured to control a position of the pico projector 104. In some examples, the adjuster 662 may be the support 130 (e.g., the extendable arm 132), although it need not be in other examples. In various aspects, the adjuster 662 may be various suitable types of actuators including, but not limited to, electric motors, solenoids, pneumatic actuator, hydraulic actuators, piezoelectric actuators, shape-memory alloys, chain or belt actuators, etc. The sensor 664 may be various suitable devices for detecting a characteristic of the IFE system 102. As some non-limiting examples, the sensor 664 may detect an orientation of the pico projector 104, a position of a projection from the pico projector 104, or other suitable characteristics. The adjuster 662 and/or the sensor 664 may be provided at the same location as the pico projector 104 or at a different location. As one non-limiting example, the adjuster 662 may be provided at the same location as the pico projector 104 (e.g., on the seat back 112), and the sensor 664 is provided at a different location (e.g., an aft passenger seat, another location on the seat back 112, the seat base 110, etc.).

[0044] The user interface 652 may be various suitable devices or mechanisms that allow a user to interact with the IFE system 102. In certain aspects, the user interface 652 may be used to manually control various characteristics of the pico projector 104 discussed below. In some examples, the user interface 652 is a physical interface such as buttons, switches, a passenger control unit, etc. In certain examples, the user interface 652 may be various types of touchless interfaces such as gesture-based interfaces, projected interfaces, etc. As one non limiting example, the user interface 652 may be a projected keyboard and/or control pad. As another non-limiting example, the user interface 652 may be a gesture-based control system with at least one infrared sensor. Various other suitable types of user interfaces 625 may be utilized as desired.

[0045] As mentioned, in other examples, the pico projector may be provided at a location that is adjacent or proximate to the passenger seat 100 but not on the passenger seat 100. For example, in some cases, the pico projector may be provided on an overhead bin above a passenger seat 100 such that the pico projector provides the projection 106 on the viewing region 108. In other examples, the pico projector may be on a cabin wall or other suitable location within a cabin of a vehicle proximate or adjacent to the passenger seat.

[0046] Figure 8 is a flowchart depicting a process 800 for controlling the IFE system 102 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0047] At block 802, the controller 648 determines whether the IFE system 102 is activated. In certain examples, the IFE system 102 may be activated by a passenger using the user interface 652. In some examples, the IFE system 102 may be activated automatically.

[0048] At block 804, the controller 648 receives a signal from the sensor 664 that includes information about a detected characteristic of the pico projector 104. In certain examples where more than one sensor 664 is provided, block 804 may include receiving a plurality of signals from the sensors 664. In cases with a plurality of sensors 664, each sensor 664 may detect the same characteristic or a difference characteristic of the pico projector 104 compared to another sensor 664. As one non-limiting example, the sensor 664 is an accelerometer or other suitable sensor, and the detected characteristic includes an orientation of the pico projector 104 relative to the viewing region 108. As another non-limiting example, the sensor 664 is a position sensor, and the detected characteristic includes a position of the projection 106 on the viewing region 108. As a further non-limiting example, the sensor 664 is a projection quality sensor, and the detected characteristic includes one or more of a brightness of the projection 106 on the viewing region 108, a sharpness or blurriness of the projection 106 on the viewing region 108, combinations thereof, or other suitable characteristics. Various other types of sensors 664 may be utilized to detect various other characteristics of the pico projector 104.

[0049] At block 806, the controller 648 compares the detected characteristic with a predetermined characteristic. In certain cases, the predetermined characteristic may correspond to a particular viewing experience for a viewer of the projection 106. As one non limiting example, the controller 648 may compare a detected orientation of the pico projector 104 to a predetermined orientation that corresponds with a particular viewing experience. As another non-limiting example, the controller 648 may compare a detected position of the projection 106 on the viewing region 108 to a predetermined position on the viewing region 108 that corresponds with a particular viewing experience. In some examples, block 806 includes determining a second characteristic based on the detected characteristic, and comparing the determined second characteristic to the predetermined characteristic. As one non-limiting example, block 806 may include the controller 648 determining a projection angle of the projection 106 based on the detected orientation of the pico projector 104, and comparing the determined projection angle to a predetermined projection angle.

[0050] At block 808, the controller 648 determines whether the detected characteristic matches the predetermined characteristic.

[0051] At block 810, the controller 648 controls the IFE system 102 such that the detected characteristic matches the predetermined characteristic. As one non-limiting example, controlling the IFE system 102 may include controlling the adjuster 662 of the adjuster system 650 to adjust or change a position of the pico projector 104 relative to the viewing region 108. As another non-limiting example, controlling the IFE system 102 may include controlling the light source 756 to control a color, brightness or intensity, or other characteristic of the light source output. As another non-limiting example, controlling the IFE system 102 may include controlling the optics assembly 758 to control focus, zoom, or other characteristic. Various other aspects of the IFE system 102 may be controlled as desired.

[0052] Compared to traditional IFE systems with monitors, the IFE system 102 with the pico projector 104 reduces the weight of the overall passenger seat, reduces the number of components needed to provide IFE, and reduces the complexity of the design of the passenger seat to accommodate the IFE system 102. The simple and compact configuration of the pico projector 104 may also minimize or reduce installation, maintenance, and/or replacement costs of the IFE system.

[0053] A collection of exemplary embodiments, including at least some explicitly enumerated as “Examples,” providing additional description of a variety of embodiment types in accordance with the concepts described herein are provided below. These examples are not meant to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive; and the invention is not limited to these example embodiments but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

[0054] Example 1. A passenger seat comprising: a seat back comprising a forward surface and an aft surface, wherein the aft surface defines a viewing region having a region area; and an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system comprising: a pico projector mounted on the passenger seat and configured to provide a projection having a projection area that is less than the region area, the pico projector comprising: a light source configured to generate a light source output; and an optics assembly configured to receive the light source output, combine the light source output, and generate the projection; an adjuster system comprising a position sensor and an adjuster, wherein the position sensor is configured to detect an orientation of the pico projector relative to the viewing region, and wherein the adjuster is configured to control a position of the pico projector relative to the viewing region; and a controller configured to: receive the detected orientation from the position sensor; determine a projection angle of the projection based on the detected orientation; compare the determined projection angle to a predefined projection angle; and control the adjuster such that the projection is provided at the predefined projection angle.

[0055] Example 2. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the seat back comprises a top end of the passenger seat, wherein the adjuster of the adjuster system comprises an extendable arm that is movable between a stowed position and a raised position, and wherein the pico projector is mounted on the extendable arm.

[0056] Example 3. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the extendable arm comprises a first arm portion connected to the seat and a second arm portion connected to the first arm portion, wherein the pico projector is mounted on the second arm portion and the second arm portion is movable relative to the first arm portion.

[0057] Example 4. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the second arm portion is pivotable relative to the first arm portion.

[0058] Example 5. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the position sensor is a first position sensor, and wherein the adjuster system comprises a second position sensor configured to detect a position of the projection on the viewing region, wherein the adjuster is configured to control a position of the pico projector relative to the viewing region, and wherein the controller is configured to: receive the detected position from the position sensor; compare the detected position to a predefined position; and control the adjuster such that the projection is provided at the predefined position.

[0059] Example 6. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, further comprising an interface controller communicatively coupled to the pico projector and configured to provide an interface for a passenger to the IFE system, wherein the interface controller comprises a touchless control system comprising an infrared sensor.

[0060] Example 7. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the passenger seat comprises a tray table pivotally connected to the seat back, wherein the tray table comprises a forward edge and an aft edge in a deployed position, and wherein the pico projector is mounted on the tray table proximate to the forward edge.

[0061] Example 8. A passenger seat comprising: a seat back comprising a forward surface and an aft surface, wherein the aft surface defines a viewing region having a region area; and an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system comprising: a pico projector mounted on the passenger seat and configured to provide a projection having a projection area that is less than the region area, the pico projector comprising: a light source configured to generate a light source output; and an optics assembly configured to receive the light source output, combine the light source output, and generate the projection; an adjuster system comprising a position sensor and an adjuster, wherein the position sensor is configured to detect a position of the projection on the viewing region, and wherein the adjuster is configured to control a position of the pico projector relative to the viewing region; and a controller configured to: receive the detected position from the position sensor; compare the detected position to a predefined position; and control the adjuster such that the pico projector provides the projection at the predefined position.

[0062] Example 9. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the seat back comprises a top end of the passenger seat, wherein the adjuster of the adjuster system comprises an extendable arm that is movable between a stowed position and a raised position, and wherein the pico projector is mounted on the extendable arm.

[0063] Example 10. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the extendable arm comprises a first arm portion connected to the seat and a second arm portion connected to the first arm portion, wherein the pico projector is mounted on the second arm portion and the second arm portion is movable relative to the first arm portion.

[0064] Example 11. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the passenger seat comprises a tray table pivotally connected to the seat back, wherein the tray table comprises a forward edge and an aft edge, and wherein the pico projector is mounted on the tray table proximate to the forward edge.

[0065] Example 12. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the controller is further configured to control at least one of the light source or the optics assembly based on a difference between the detected position and the predefined position.

[0066] Example 13. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, further comprising further comprising an interface controller communicatively coupled to the pico projector, and wherein the interface controller is configured to provide a projected interface to a passenger for interfacing with the IFE system.

[0067] Example 14. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the position sensor is a first position sensor, and wherein the adjuster system comprises a second position sensor configured to detect an orientation of the pico projector relative to the viewing region, wherein the adjuster is configured to control a position of the pico projector relative to the viewing region, and wherein the controller is configured to: receive the detected orientation from the position sensor; determine a projection angle of the projection based on the detected orientation; compare the determined projection angle to a predefined projection angle; and control the adjuster such that the pico projector provides the projection at the predefined projection angle.

[0068] Example 15. A passenger seat assembly comprising: a forward passenger seat comprising a seat back, wherein the seat back comprises a forward surface and an aft surface, and wherein the aft surface defines a viewing region having a region area; an aft passenger seat comprising an arm support; and an aft seat in-flight entertainment (IFE) system comprising: a pico projector mounted on the arm support and configured to provide a projection having a projection area that is less than the region area, the pico projector comprising: a light source configured to generate a light source output; and an optics assembly configured to receive the light source output, combine the light source output, and generate the projection; an adjuster system comprising a position sensor and an adjuster, wherein the adjuster is configured to control a position of the pico projector relative to the viewing region; and a controller communicatively coupled to the light source and the optics assembly, wherein the controller is configured to control the light source and the optics assembly to control the projection.

[0069] Example 16. The passenger seat assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the arm support comprises at least one of an armrest or a center console of the aft passenger seat.

[0070] Example 17. The passenger seat assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the adjuster comprises an extendable arm that is movable between a stowed position and a raised position, and wherein the pico projector is mounted on the extendable arm.

[0071] Example 18. The passenger seat assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the extendable arm comprises a first arm portion connected to the seat and a second arm portion connected to the first arm portion, wherein the pico projector is mounted on the second arm portion, and wherein the second arm portion is movable relative to the first arm portion. [0072] Example 19. The passenger seat assembly of claim 15, wherein the position sensor is configured to detect a position of the projection on the viewing region, and wherein the controller is configured to: receive the detected position from the position sensor; compare the detected position to a predefined position; and control the adjuster such that the pico projector provides the projection at the predefined position.

[0073] Example 20. The passenger seat assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the position sensor is configured to detect an orientation of the pico projector relative to the viewing region, and wherein the controller is configured to: receive the detected orientation from the position sensor; determine a projection angle of the projection based on the detected orientation; compare the determined projection angle to a predefined projection angle; and control the adjuster such that the pico projector provides the projection at the predefined projection angle.

[0074] Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims below.

Claims

CLAIMS That which is claimed is:

1. A passenger seat comprising: a seat back comprising a forward surface and an aft surface, wherein the aft surface defines a viewing region having a region area; and an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system comprising: a pico projector mounted on the passenger seat and configured to provide a projection having a projection area that is less than the region area, the pico projector comprising: a light source configured to generate a light source output; and an optics assembly configured to receive the light source output, combine the light source output, and generate the projection; an adjuster system comprising a position sensor and an adjuster, wherein the position sensor is configured to detect an orientation of the pico projector relative to the viewing region, and wherein the adjuster is configured to control a position of the pico projector relative to the viewing region; and a controller configured to: receive the detected orientation from the position sensor; determine a projection angle of the projection based on the detected orientation; compare the determined projection angle to a predefined projection angle; and control the adjuster such that the pico projector provides the projection at the predefined projection angle.

2. The passenger seat of claim 1, wherein the seat back comprises a top end of the passenger seat, wherein the adjuster of the adjuster system comprises an extendable arm that is movable between a stowed position and a raised position, and wherein the pico projector is mounted on the extendable arm.

3. The passenger seat of claim 2, wherein the extendable arm comprises a first arm portion connected to the seat and a second arm portion connected to the first arm portion, wherein the pico projector is mounted on the second arm portion, and wherein the second arm portion is movable relative to the first arm portion.

4. The passenger seat of claim 3, wherein the second arm portion is pivotable relative to the first arm portion.

5. The passenger seat of claim 1, wherein the position sensor is a first position sensor, and wherein the adjuster system comprises a second position sensor configured to detect a position of the projection on the viewing region, wherein the adjuster is configured to control a position of the pico projector relative to the viewing region, and wherein the controller is configured to: receive the detected position from the position sensor; compare the detected position to a predefined position; and control the adjuster such that the pico projector provides the projection at the predefined position.

6. The passenger seat of claim 1, further comprising an interface controller communicatively coupled to the pico projector and configured to provide an interface for a passenger to the IFE system, wherein the interface controller comprises a touchless control system comprising an infrared sensor.

7. The passenger seat of claim 1, wherein the passenger seat comprises a tray table pivotally connected to the seat back, wherein the tray table comprises a forward edge and an aft edge in a deployed position, and wherein the pico projector is mounted on the tray table proximate to the forward edge.

8. A passenger seat comprising: a seat back comprising a forward surface and an aft surface, wherein the aft surface defines a viewing region having a region area; and an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system comprising: a pico projector mounted on the passenger seat and configured to provide a projection having a projection area that is less than the region area, the pico projector comprising: a light source configured to generate a light source output; and an optics assembly configured to receive the light source output, combine the light source output, and generate the projection; an adjuster system comprising a position sensor and an adjuster, wherein the position sensor is configured to detect a position of the projection on the viewing region, and wherein the adjuster is configured to control a position of the pico projector relative to the viewing region; and a controller configured to: receive the detected position from the position sensor; compare the detected position to a predefined position; and control the adjuster such that the pico projector provides the projection at the predefined position.

9. The passenger seat of claim 8, wherein the seat back comprises a top end of the passenger seat, wherein the adjuster of the adjuster system comprises an extendable arm that is movable between a stowed position and a raised position, and wherein the pico projector is mounted on the extendable arm.

10. The passenger seat of claim 9, wherein the extendable arm comprises a first arm portion connected to the seat and a second arm portion connected to the first arm portion, wherein the pico projector is mounted on the second arm portion, and wherein the second arm portion is movable relative to the first arm portion.

11. The passenger seat of claim 8, wherein the passenger seat comprises a tray table pivotally connected to the seat back, wherein the tray table comprises a forward edge and an aft edge in a deployed position, and wherein the pico projector is mounted on the tray table proximate to the forward edge.

12. The passenger seat of claim 8, wherein the controller is further configured to control at least one of the light source or the optics assembly based on a difference between the detected position and the predefined position.

13. The passenger seat of claim 8, further comprising further comprising an interface controller communicatively coupled to the pico projector, and wherein the interface controller is configured to provide a projected interface to a passenger for interfacing with the IFE system.

14. The passenger seat of claim 8, wherein the position sensor is a first position sensor, and wherein the adjuster system comprises a second position sensor configured to detect an orientation of the pico projector relative to the viewing region, wherein the adjuster is configured to control a position of the pico projector relative to the viewing region, and wherein the controller is configured to: receive the detected orientation from the position sensor; determine a projection angle of the projection based on the detected orientation; compare the determined projection angle to a predefined projection angle; and control the adjuster such that the pico projector provides the projection at the predefined projection angle.

15. A passenger seat assembly comprising: a forward passenger seat comprising a seat back, wherein the seat back comprises a forward surface and an aft surface, and wherein the aft surface defines a viewing region having a region area; an aft passenger seat comprising an arm support; and an aft seat in-flight entertainment (IFE) system comprising: a pico projector mounted on the arm support and configured to provide a projection having a projection area that is less than the region area, the pico projector comprising: a light source configured to generate a light source output; and an optics assembly configured to receive the light source output, combine the light source output, and generate the projection; an adjuster system comprising a position sensor and an adjuster, wherein the adjuster is configured to control a position of the pico projector relative to the viewing region; and a controller communicatively coupled to the light source and the optics assembly, wherein the controller is configured to control the light source and the optics assembly to control the projection.

16. The passenger seat assembly of claim 15, wherein the arm support comprises at least one of an armrest or a center console of the aft passenger seat.

17. The passenger seat assembly of claim 15, wherein the adjuster comprises an extendable arm that is movable between a stowed position and a raised position, and wherein the pico projector is mounted on the extendable arm.

18. The passenger seat assembly of claim 17, wherein the extendable arm comprises a first arm portion connected to the seat and a second arm portion connected to the first arm portion, wherein the pico projector is mounted on the second arm portion, and wherein the second arm portion is movable relative to the first arm portion.

19. The passenger seat assembly of claim 15, wherein the position sensor is configured to detect a position of the projection on the viewing region, and wherein the controller is configured to: receive the detected position from the position sensor; compare the detected position to a predefined position; and control the adjuster such that the pico projector provides the projection at the predefined position.

20. The passenger seat assembly of claim 15, wherein the position sensor is configured to detect an orientation of the pico projector relative to the viewing region, and wherein the controller is configured to: receive the detected orientation from the position sensor; determine a projection angle of the projection based on the detected orientation; compare the determined projection angle to a predefined projection angle; and control the adjuster such that the pico projector provides the projection at the predefined projection angle.