Distribution of Information to Airline Passengers

Distribution of Information to Airline Passengers

      This article describes a system whereby essential
informative and entertainment information can be distributed to the
passengers of a commercial airliner.  Present methods include
announcements by the crew or video tape and headphones connected to
an outlet in the seat.  The new method is also applicable to other
situations where the public are similarly positioned, such as in
ferries, motorcoaches or waiting in seated queues.

      Proposed is the use of a color LCD display array in a
waterproof, shatterproof housing which would physically replace the
tray table in each seat-back.  By its nature, it would be able to
carry meals and drinks and act as a writing surface in the same way
as present day tray tables.  It would also provide the following
forms of information and entertainment to passengers:
1) Emergency notices - large letters, many languages.
2) Services videos, e.g., emergency precautions, duty-free
   menu, meals menu, landing care information and assistance.
3) Movie - with selectable sub-titles.
4) Radar plot - our position, winds, temperature, ETA.
5) Personal Computer facilities.
   Using the touch-sensitive surface, the passenger can
   interact with stored computer programs such as word processing,
   spread-sheeting, fax and telex facilities, and programs
   of a recreational nature.
6) Games.
7) Travelog, where we are going, currency, hotel
   information, etc.
8) Advertise...