System and method for compartment control

Abstract

An interactive switch system for a stowage compartment system for a mobile platform (for example, commercial aircraft) is provided. The switch system is mounted to a moveable structure, such as an overhead stowage bin, and is responsive to a local input from a user, as well as to a remote input from an external control/monitoring panel. The switch system has at least one indicator surface responsive to the local input and the remote input to display indicator data. The indicator surface has a portion that forms at least one user input device for enabling the local input. The switch system further comprises a control system disposed behind the indicator surface. The control system is responsive to the local input and the remote input to transmit the indicator data to the indicator surface.

1 . An interactive switch system adapted for use on a moveable component, the switch system comprising:
 an indicator surface including:   first and second opposing sides;   a first portion forming a user engageable surface for enabling a user to generate a local input signal by pressing against the first side of the indicator surface;   a second portion forming a display surface for displaying information to the user concerning operation of the moveable component;   a control system disposed adjacent the second side of the indicator surface, the control system including:   a controller for receiving the local input signal and a remote input signal from an external system remotely located from the switch system; and   at least one light generating element responsive to the controller, and disposed adjacent the second side of the indicator surface, for generating light that is transmitted via the display surface to the user to apprise the user of an operational condition of the moveable component.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the indicator surface forms a single piece component. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the display surface comprises a translucent portion. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the first portion of the indicator surface is sufficiently translucent to pass light therethrough. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the light generating element comprises at least one first light emitting diode (LED) and at least one second LED, with each of the first LED and second LED operating to illuminate the display surface. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the control system includes a switch positioned in proximity to the second surface of the indicator surface, and in communication with the controller, the switch being responsive to pressure applied to the first portion of the indicator surface by the user, to thus enable generation of the local input. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the first and second portions of the indicator surface cooperatively form an arrow shaped symbol when either of the first LED or the second LED are turned on, and the user engageable surface is depressed. 
   
   
       8 . A mobile platform comprising:
 a body structure having an interior cabin area;   an overhead stowage compartment system mounted within the interior cabin area, the overhead stowage compartment system including:
 at least one stowage compartment; 
   a controller in communication with the stowage compartment and responsive to a movement of the stowage compartment to generate data; and
 a switch system including an indicator surface, the switch system coupled to the stowage compartment and enabling the generation of a signal to move the stowage compartment, the switch system in communication with the controller to transmit the signal and to receive the data, the switch displaying the data on the indicator surface. 
   
   
   
       9 . The mobile platform of  claim 8 , wherein the switch system further comprises:
 a control system disposed behind the indicator surface and responsive to the data to display the data on the indicator surface.   
   
   
       10 . The switch of  claim 9 , wherein the indicator surface further comprises:
 an area forming a first, manually engageable user input device;   an area forming first indicator panel disposed adjacent to the first, manually engageable user input device;   an area forming second indicator panel disposed adjacent to the second, manually engageable user input device;   a first light source in communication with the control system and disposed adjacent the first indicator panel and the first, manually engageable user input device, the first indicator panel enabling the transmission of light therethrough; and   a second light source coupled to the printed circuit board and disposed adjacent the second indicator panel and the second, manually engageable user input device, the second indicator panel enabling the transmission of light therethrough.   
   
   
       11 . The mobile platform of  claim 10 , wherein the control system illuminates at least one of the first light source and second light source in response to the indicator data. 
   
   
       12 . The mobile platform of  claim 10 , wherein the first user input device and the second user input device are responsive to pressure to enable generation of a local input. 
   
   
       13 . The mobile platform of  claim 9 , further comprising a conductor in communication with the controller and the switch system, the conductor operable to transmit at least one of data and power between the controller and the switch system, the data indicative of a status of the compartment. 
   
   
       14 . The mobile platform of  claim 10 , wherein the intensity of the first light source and second light source is dependent on a lighting condition of the interior cabin area. 
   
   
       15 . The mobile platform of  claim 12 , wherein the first and second user input devices provide at least one of audible and tactile feedback in response to the pressure. 
   
   
       16 . A method for operating an overhead stowage compartment in an interior area of a mobile platform using a switch, the method comprising:
 proving a switch system coupled to a stowage compartment;   transmitting an operational signal to the switch system; and   displaying the operational signal on an indicator surface of the switch system.   
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising:
 actuating the switch system to generate the operational signal;   transmitting the operational signal to a controller in communication with the switch system; and   moving the stowage compartment in response to the operational signal.   
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 inputting an operational signal at the switch system by a user input device on the switch system;   transmitting the operational signal to a controller of the switch system in communication with the switch; and   moving the stowage compartment in response to the operational signal.