Patent Application
20070252038
This invention relates generally to anti-hijacking security and control systems, more specifically to method and systems for controlling access to a pilot's cabin and a cabin luggage compartment by providing a remotely controlled lock arrangement selectively actuated by a crew member inside the airplane's cockpit.
Security measures in airports like metal detectors, x-rayed luggage inspection and random passenger checks have increase since the terrorist attacks on Sep. 11, 2001. However, more security measures need to b a implemented board commercial aircrafts other than placing secret federal air marshals among the passengers. Even though, access to the pilot's cabin is usually controlled by the crew members, it is possible for a single person or a small group of individuals to hijack and take control of an aircraft by gaining access to the pilot's cabin area since access to said pilot's cabin is prevented only by a single door. Moreover, even if access to the pilot's cabin is prevented a possible hijacker or terrorist could potentially be carrying explosive material inside a carry-on bag or luggage which he/she could access anytime during the duration of the flight. Thus, what is needed is an internal security and control system to secure an aircraft and its passengers.
Briefly stated, the invention comprises a security system for monitoring and securing an aircraft carrying passengers, said aircraft having flight crew members and a pilot, wherein said aircraft has a pilot cabin and a main passenger cabin, the security system comprising at least one luggage storage compartment including an electrically controlled lock, a central control unit connected to said electrically controlled lock and being remotely located from said luggage storage compartment. The security system may have an identity validation device connected to at least one of: a first access control input device, a second access control input device, and said central control unit; a lock arrangement connected to at least one of: the first access control input device, the second access control input device, said central control unit, and said identity validation device, wherein said lock arrangement selectively locks a pilot's cabin door based at least on one of: an identity validation device output signal, a first access control input device output signal, a second access control input device output signal, a central control unit output signal, and a luggage storage compartment status signal; an access control arrangement substantially separating the main passenger cabin from at least one of: a pilot's cabin area, a lavatory area, a storage area and a crew working area, wherein said access control arrangement is selectively actuated to either prevent or allow the free movement of passengers inside the aircraft when at least one of: a pilot's cabin door is opened, a pilot's cabin door is closed, a luggage storage compartment is opened, a luggage storage compartment is closed, and a central control unit generates an access control signal.
Preferably, a central video/audio unit is connected to a video/audio monitoring unit that receives video and audio signals from at least one video/audio camera, both units being located inside a pilot's cabin, and further comprising a transmitting/receiving unit connected to said central video/audio unit to selectively establish bidirectional communication between said aircraft and a remote land location.
Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures showing illustrative embodiments of the invention, in which:
Throughout the figures, the same reference numbers and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like elements, components, portions or features of the illustrated embodiments. The subject invention will be described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in view of the illustrative embodiments.
Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structure. It is clear that changes and modifications to the described embodiments can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
The central control unit 1 sends at least one control signal SL to security locks 5, which are remotely located throughout the entire passenger's cabin 6. In the preferred embodiment, central control unit 1 sends 4 control signals SL1-SL4 to zones 1-4, respectively. The controlled zones 1-4 are established by symmetrically dividing the zones among the entire length and width of the aircraft based on its seating arrangement, as shown in
The operation of the embodiments described above will be explained in detail with reference to
When the passengers board the aircraft, they will be required to store their carry-on luggage inside the overhead bins 2 and proceed to seat in their assigned seats 3. Before takeoff, the appropriate crew members will make sure that there is no carry-on luggage under the seats or on possession of any passenger. Once this is confirmed, the appropriate crew members will make sure that all the overhead bins 2 are securely closed and will proceed to inform the pilot or any other authorized crew member. The pilot or any other authorized crew member who have access to the switching unit 10 will actuate at least one switch 15 to operate the security locks 5 and the lock the overhead bins 2. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the overhead bins 2 remain closed and locked until the aircraft has arrived to its final destination. However, if a passenger needs to have access to an overhead bin 2 during the flight, the appropriate authorized crew members or the pilot will be notified so that the desired overhead bin 2 is securely unlocked and opened with the supervision of a crew member. After the passenger is done, the carry-on luggage will be stored again inside the overhead bin 2, which will closed and securely locked by the appropriate authorized crew member or the pilot.
In order to verify and monitor the status of the overhead bins 2, a monitoring unit 11 is provided as shown in
Security lock 5 could be an additional lock means complementing the already installed locks of overhead bins 2. However, the already installed lock could be replaced by an integral security lock that will provide both a manual and a remote operation of the lock. It is also envisioned that a bypass unit 17 could be provided to allow opening of said overhead bin 2 in case there's a faulty or defective lock 5. The bypass unit could be in the form of a key/lock arrangement, a code/keypad arrangement or any other mechanism that would allow bypassing the security lock 5 control circuit.
In a second embodiment of the invention, a security video system is also implemented. A central video/audio unit 8 is provided inside the pilot's cabin to control and manage the security video system. Security cameras 7 are selectively located throughout the passenger's cabin to monitor any suspicious situation inside the cabin. Preferably, the location of said cameras is unknown to the passengers, however the cameras could also be positioned in locations visually accessible to the passengers to serve as an additional deterrent means to a possible hijacker or terrorist. A video/audio monitor unit 12 is provided to selectively control the cameras 7 and provide the received video and/or audio signals to the pilot or authorized crew member. A remote control mechanism 20 is provided to selectively control the movement and/or angle of view of said cameras 7. A visual display 21 is provided to show the received video image. An audio means 22 such as a speaker could also be provided so that the pilot or an authorized crew member could listen to any suspicious conversation. It is important to point out that this security video system is provided as a mechanism to prevent possible hijacking and suicidal attempts and should not be used to illegally invade the passenger's privacy.
A receiving/transmitting unit 13 is also provided to allow bidirectional communication between the aircraft and a land location while the aircraft is flying. The video/audio signals transmitted from the cameras 7 could be re-transmitted to a remote land location such as control tower or an airline's headquarter. That way, the pilot could receive further instructions on how to handle a possible hijacking or suicidal situation. In the preferred embodiment a satellite communication link is provided, however, the bidirectional communication could be implemented by any known wireless communication means that allow long distance links and doesn't interfere with the proper operation of the aircraft.
Although certain preferred embodiments and methods have been disclosed herein, it will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications of such embodiments and methods may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and rules and principles of applicable law.
