Airline passenger seat modular user interface device
First Claim
1. A video display unit for a vehicle, comprisinga module carrier unit directly affixed to a portion of the video display unit, comprising:
- a plurality of passenger interface modules that perform different functions, the functions including at least one of inputting signals from one or more user devices and outputting signals to one or more user devices, the modules having a common size and shape case and a common electrical connector;
an outer case portion comprising a plurality of recessed sockets, each having a common size and shape and a common electrical connector, the plurality of sockets being configured so that any one of the passenger interface modules having the different functions is connectable to any one of the sockets to electrically mate the electrical connector of the one of the passenger interface modules to the electrical connector of the one of the sockets; and
a communications interface connected to a processor located near a seat of a passenger in the vehicle; and
a cover panel having holes in it, the cover panel being affixed to a portion of the video display unit and covering the module carrier unit while providing access to the passenger interface modules through the holes.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A module carrier unit comprises a plurality of passenger interface modules that perform different functions, the functions including at least one of inputting and outputting information, the modules having a common size, shape, and interface; an outer case portion comprising a plurality of receptacles, each having a common size, shape, and interface designed to receive one of the modules, the plurality of receptacles being such that a first module having a first function is operable in a first receptacle, and a second module having a second function is operable in the first receptacle, the modules being removably connected to the receptacles; and a communications interface that performs at least one of transmitting and receiving data to and from a processor located near a seat of a passenger in the vehicle.
97 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A video display unit for a vehicle, comprising
a module carrier unit directly affixed to a portion of the video display unit, comprising: -
a plurality of passenger interface modules that perform different functions, the functions including at least one of inputting signals from one or more user devices and outputting signals to one or more user devices, the modules having a common size and shape case and a common electrical connector; an outer case portion comprising a plurality of recessed sockets, each having a common size and shape and a common electrical connector, the plurality of sockets being configured so that any one of the passenger interface modules having the different functions is connectable to any one of the sockets to electrically mate the electrical connector of the one of the passenger interface modules to the electrical connector of the one of the sockets; and a communications interface connected to a processor located near a seat of a passenger in the vehicle; and a cover panel having holes in it, the cover panel being affixed to a portion of the video display unit and covering the module carrier unit while providing access to the passenger interface modules through the holes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification