Methods of assigning seats to utilize transformable seat assemblies

• Main Authors: Dessalegn, Haftom Y, Schultz, John G
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 02.03.2021
• Subjects: AIRCRAFT; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSIONTRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; CALCULATING; COMPUTING; COSMONAUTICS; COUNTING; DATA PROCESSING SYSTEMS OR METHODS, SPECIALLY ADAPTED FORADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL, SUPERVISORYOR FORECASTING PURPOSES; EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLYING SUITS; PARACHUTES; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PHYSICS; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE,COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL, SUPERVISORY OR FORECASTINGPURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TRANSPORTING

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media storing instructions for utilizing space associated with unoccupied seats in organized seating arrangements are disclosed herein. The disclosed techniques identify unoccupied seats within an organized seating arrangement, such as seats on an aircraft. Upgradable seats within the organized seating arrangement are determined based upon the unoccupied seats and the transformation capabilities of the seats. Upgradable seats are directly in front of or behind unoccupied seats, such that either the upgradable seat or the associated unoccupied seat is transformable to enable an upgrade. An occupant of a seat is selected for an upgrade associated with an upgradable seat and assigned the upgrade to enable the occupant to utilize a portion of the space associated with the unoccupied seat while sitting in the upgradable seat.