PERSONAL SPACE UNIT WITH USER CUSTOMIZABLE ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

A customizable personal space unit having a personal area having at least one customizable feature; a communications subsystem configured to receive configuration information for the at least one customizable feature; and a processor communicating with said communications subsystem, the process configuring the at least one customizable feature of the personal chamber based on the received configuration information.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to personal space units. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to personal space units having a user controlled customizable environment. The personal space unit can take a wide variety of forms.

BACKGROUND

Modern travel has become increasingly more demanding and wait times are now longer than ever. It is common for an international traveler to arrive at the airport as much as four and five hours before a scheduled departure in order to navigate the extensive security and customs checks that have become mandatory in recent years. Further, it is common for a traveler to have a scheduled interval of several hours between connecting flights. Delays can lengthen these wait times even more.

Modern travel is therefore can be a rather stressful and impersonal experience. Accordingly, travelers may experience exhaustion and stress which can result in a loss of energy and productivity when the traveler arrives at the final destination.

Accordingly, a modern traveler often has many hours of waiting in airports or bus and train stations. Furthermore, modern office workers commonly work longer hours than previous generations. Therefore, some offices now have a designated room where a tired worker can take a brief rest during a longer workday.

Personal nap chambers presently exist in airports and office buildings, among other places. However, the nap chambers available are statically configured uniformly for all users. Known personal nap chambers do not provide a customizable environment that can be personalized to increase the user's enjoyment and relaxation during the travel experience.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a customizable personal space unit comprising: a personal area having at least one customizable feature; a communications subsystem configured to receive configuration information for the at least one customizable feature; and a processor communicating with said communications subsystem, the process configuring the at least one customizable feature of the personal chamber based on the received configuration information.

The present disclosure further provides a method of customizing a personal space unit having an enclosed personal chamber defining an interior space and an access door, the method comprising steps of: confirming a user identification; determining whether said user identification corresponds to an existing user profile stored in a storage; if said user identification corresponds to an existing user profile: retrieving said existing user profile from said storage; and configuring at least one environment feature of said personal space chamber based on information contained in said existing user profile; if said identification does not correspond to an existing user profile: creating a new user profile; saving said new user profile; configuring at least one environment feature of said personal space chamber based on information contained in said new user profile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a personal space unit in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a bottom plan view of at least one embodiment of a personal space unit in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a front end elevational view of at least one embodiment of a personal space unit in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2C is a right side elevational view of at least one embodiment of a personal space unit in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2D is a rear end elevational view of at least one embodiment of a personal space unit in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2E is a left side elevational view of at least one embodiment of a personal space unit in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2F a top plan view of at least one embodiment of a personal space unit in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein the access door is in an open position;

FIG. 4 is a lower perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein the access door is in an open position;

FIG. 5 is a cutaway side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of at least one embodiment of a control system for at least one personal space unit; and

FIG. 7 is a diagram of one embodiment of a method for configuring a personal space unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides a personal space unit having a user customizable environment where the environment can be customized by selecting a wide variety of environment features that can be selected and inputted by way of a user interface. The user interface can take a number of forms, as is discussed in further detail below. Further, the environment features can be a wide variety features directed towards the user's comfort or entertainment as is also discussed below.

The personal space unit includes a personal area that can take a wide variety of forms, including but not limited to a hotel room, a personal space chamber located in a public space, an overnight train compartment, a first class aircraft cabin and an office space among other arrangements. The use of a personal space chamber in the description below is for illustration purposes only and can in fact take a wide variety of forms.

The personal space unit is designed to provide an environment where an individual can privately rest, work, be entertained, or sleep in an otherwise public setting. In at least one embodiment the personal space unit has an enclosed chamber which is sized to accommodate a human in a comfortable position. Typically, in such embodiments the chamber will accommodate a human in a reclining or semi-reclining position. A adjustable seating surface may be provided that can be adjusted between, for example, a first fully reclining position and a second seated position.

In one embodiment, the personal space unit has an access door to allow access and egress from the personal space chamber. Further, an additional luggage compartment may be provided where a user can safely and securely store luggage or other large personal items during use of the personal space unit. A smaller compartment may be provided within the personal space unit for stowing smaller, personal items such as wallets, cell phones, books, magazines, among other personal items. A stowable table may also be included to provide a surface to eat, work or support the user's arms.

A disinfectant or cleaning system may also be included so that the personal space unit may be automatically disinfected or cleaned between each use.

A wide variety of customizable environment features may be provided such that the internal environment of the personal space unit can be customized to suit a particular user's preferences, as is discussed in further detail below. Examples of possible environment features can include a climate control system, a multimedia system, an olfactory system, a targeted advertising system, a map system, a lighting system, an audio/visual system, a visual projection system, a telecommunications system, a flight tracking system, a mood lighting system, an electronic device charging system, a sound cancellation system, an adjustable seating system, a boarding pass coordinated alarm system, a scheduling system, among other environment features as discussed below. This list of features is however not limiting and other features or combinations of features are considered to be within the scope of the present embodiments.

During or prior to use of the personal space chamber, a user may select and customize the environment features by way of an interface. The user interface can take a wide variety of forms as will be discussed in further detail below. In at least one embodiment the user interface will be a touchscreen located within the personal space chamber. However the user interface may also be an interactive website, a smart phone/mobile device application, an external touch screen, or a combination of these interfaces, among other possible interfaces.

In one embodiment, the user can create a user profile using the interface, where user preferences are saved for future use. The user profile is saved, and may be stored in wide variety of locations, depending on the implementation. In one embodiment, a user can have a consistent experience across a network of personal space units by configuring subsequently occupied units based on a single user profile saved in storage that is in communication with a network of units. The storage may include a central location such as a network server, a mobile location such as the user's laptop, mobile device, or portable memory media such as a USB key, punch card, CD/DVD ROM, magnetic tape, or at an immediately local location such as a physical memory located directly in the personal space unit, among other arrangements.

In this way, in one embodiment the user can create a new user profile or modify an existing user profile, reserve a personal space unit, and preconfigure a personal space unit from a remote location before arrival at the destination where the personal space unit is located. In this embodiment, the personal space unit will be reserved and configured for the user upon arrival at the destination.

Alternatively, a user may find an unoccupied personal space unit at the destination and proceed to load an existing user profile or create a new user profile in order to configure the personal space unit pursuant to the user's preferences. Such a new user profile may be stored for future use of personal space units. In this way, continuity can be provided across multiple uses of a network of personal space units. For example, a movie that is half completed could be resumed during a subsequent use of a personal space unit.

All components discussed herein can be constructed of any suitable materials that will be readily understood by the skilled person. For example, any structural components identified may be constructed of steel, aluminum, plastics and wood, among other suitable materials. Further, any tactile surfaces may be covered in or constructed from vinyl, leather, cloth or any other suitable material.

Turning to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A to 2F, at least one embodiment of a personal space unit 10 is illustrated. Personal space unit 10 can include a first personal chamber 12 and a second luggage chamber 20. Personal chamber 12 can take any outward shape including cylindrical, prismatic, rectangular, cubic, spherical, among any other suitable shape. Personal chamber 12 consists of an outer shell which defines an inner cavity, as discussed in further detail below.

Personal chamber 12 has an access door 14 that provides access to and egress from personal chamber 12. Access door 14 can take a wide variety of forms, including a swinging door, a sliding door, and a roll-up door, among any other suitable door configurations. Access door 14 may be powered pneumatically (by, for example, a compressed air cylinder), mechanically (by, for example, a rack and pinion system), electrically (by, for example, a solenoid) or by any other means.

Personal chamber 12 can have, in one embodiment, an external interface 16. External interface 16 can take a wide variety of forms including a push button key pad, a touch screen, a credit card slot, a Bluetooth™ interface adapted to work with a mobile device, or a traditional handle, among other arrangements that will be readily understood by the skilled person. In this way, the external interface 16 provides access to engage the personal space unit 10 and open the access doors of the personal chamber 12 and, in some embodiments, the luggage chamber 20. In at least one embodiment, a credit card slot is included to provide payment authentication and identification of the user, among other functions that will be discussed in further detail below. In at least one embodiment, a locking mechanism may be included in external interface 16.

In some embodiments, personal chamber 12 can include a window 18 on its upper surface. Window 18 can be opaque, transparent, privacy glass, or two-way glass, among any other suitable arrangement.

Luggage chamber 20 can take any size or shape based on its intended application. Luggage chamber 20 has an outer shell and an inner chamber in analogous manner to personal chamber 12 as discussed above. In one embodiment, luggage chamber 20 further functions as a pedestal in order to elevate personal chamber 12 off the ground to improve accessibility. However, this is merely optional and in other configurations the luggage chamber 20 may be beside or on top of personal chamber 12. In other embodiments, no luggage chamber 20 is provided.

If luggage chamber 20 is designed to support personal chamber 12, luggage chamber 20 is constructed of sufficiently strong materials to support the weight of personal chamber 12.

Luggage chamber 20 has an access door 22. In some embodiments, access door 22 will take the form of an internal drawer, as discussed in further detail below. However, access door 22 can also be a sliding door or a hinged door, among other types of doors. Access door 22 may be powered and actuated by any suitable means as discussed above in relation to access door 14.

Luggage chamber 20 may also include an external interface 24 that is analogous to external interface 16. In at least one embodiment, external interface 24 is a simple latched handle. In other embodiments, luggage chamber 20 has no dedicated interface, and alternatively is opened or closed based on input made to external interface 16. Further, luggage chamber 20 may include a lock in one embodiment. Such a lock may be manually actuated, for example with a key that a user takes into personal chamber 12 during the use of personal chamber 12. Alternatively, a lock may be electronically actuated, for example the lock may engage when door 14 is closed, ensuring that the luggage is not accessed while a user is within personal chamber 12. Other options for locking luggage chamber 20 are possible.

Turning to FIG. 3, one embodiment of the interior of chambers of personal space unit 10 is illustrated, wherein access door 14 and access door 22 are in an opened position. As shown in the example of FIG. 3, a number of environment features can be incorporated within the internal space of personal chamber 14 that can be modified and adjusted according to the user's desires. By way of non-limiting examples, a multimedia system having a flat screen monitor 30 (or alternatively a touch screen), a fold-down work surface 32, or an adjustable lower seat surface 34 may be included (as also can be seen in FIG. 5), among various other environment features discussed in further detail below.

Work surface 32 may take a wide variety of forms, and may extend from a wall, ceiling or floor of personal chamber 12. For example, work surface 32 may fold to reduce or expand the work surface, may be hinged to stow work surface 32, among other options.

Turning to FIG. 4, a further view of the interior of the personal chamber is illustrated. In this example, an adjustable upper seat surface 36 included. Upper seat surface 36 (as also can be seen in FIG. 5) may, in one embodiment, be reclined between a first, fully reclining position and a second, upright seated position. Upper seat surface 36 and lower seat surface 34 may be adjusted by any known means, including manually, pneumatically, electrically or mechanically, among other arrangements. Further, both lower seat surface 34 and upper seat surface 36 may be adjustable such that the relative hardness or softness of the surfaces may be varied to suit the user's preferences. For example, this may be done using air or fluid pressure within the seat or within pockets or bladders within the seat. In one embodiment, both lower seating surface 34 and upper seating surface 36 may be heated or cooled depending on the user's preference.

Turning to FIGS. 5, a cutaway view of the interior of at least one embodiment of personal space unit 10 is illustrated. Environment features such as monitor 30, work surface 32, adjustable lower seat surface 34 and upper seat surface 36 each may be included in at least one embodiment. In at least one embodiment, a cup holder 38 may be included.

As also can be seen in FIG. 5, in at least one embodiment a track system 15 is provided to mount access door 14 to personal chamber 12. A personal storage chamber may be included at any convenient space within personal chamber 12 to store personal effect such as shoes, etc. Further, an outlet (not shown) may be provide to charge and/or provide a data link between a mobile device and the user interface of the personal space unit 10.

A cleaning system may be included in some embodiments to sterilize the interior of the personal chamber upon completion of use. The cleaning system can take a wide variety of forms. In one embodiment, the cleaning system could simply be alcohol based wipes provided for the user's use.

An automated cleaning system could also be included. Such a cleaning system could, for example, robotically vacuum, spray a disinfectant and dry the chamber. One or more cameras could, in one embodiment, be included to check the interior surfaces after such a cleaning. A remote station could thus check the state of the personal space unit 10 and dispatch a worker if a more thorough cleaning is required.

Alternatively, a notification such as a text message, email or other electronic signal could be sent to a worker in the vicinity of personal space unit 10 who is tasked with cleaning the units following completion of use of the unit, among other arrangements.

As discussed above, a user interface is provided which allows the user to configure the environment features to suit the user's individual preferences. The user interface can take a wide variety of forms including a wireless link to a mobile device, touch screen, wall-mounted key pad, remote control, among any other suitable data input methods.

A wide variety of environment features may be accessed and configured by way of the user interface including any one of or a combination of: a multimedia system, an audio system, a visual system, an olfactory system, a climate control system, a visual projection system, a lighting system, a flight tracking system, an adjustable seating system and a boarding pass coordinated alarm system, among other environment features. Further, other information such as credit card information, passwords, access to repositories, feeds, subscriptions, etc., can also be stored in a profile.

The multimedia system may include various components, including one or more of a monitor, a touch screen interface, a media player, USB/RCA/SD card/other portable media compatibility, keyboard, mouse, among other features. The multimedia system may be self-contained or may have access to a network such as the Internet. The multimedia system may have a Bluetooth™ or other short range wired or wireless interface to synchronize with a user's smartphone and provide options such as listening to music stored on such a device or watching videos or viewing pictures on such a device. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth™, or a landline may be provided to enable a smartphone or laptop computer, or any other compatible device access to the Internet.

The multimedia system may further include a map system that can provide access to maps of various airports and the location of personal space units (both occupied and available) around other airports that the user may be visiting in the future.

In this way, a user can access the Internet or other provided content to watch visual media, listen to audio media, play games, access e-mail, make video, audio and conference calls or produce documents among other options. Further, games and various computer programs may be included in the multimedia system to allow the user to access certain features without connecting to the Internet, such as a variety of stored music, movies, TV shows or other content that can be played according to the user's tastes. Such content may be provided freely or at a predetermined cost. Such content may be stored at a remote location so that is may be accessed from a network of personal space units. A customizable profile may allow access to social media, RSS feeds, magazine subscriptions, photo archives, virtual private networks, i-tunes™ accounts, banking profiles, Skype™ or voice over IP services, among other personalized information. In one embodiment, a user could access enterprise servers, home servers or office servers to retrieve content stored in such locations.

The audio system may be a speaker/headphone system with volume control such that the user can adjust the volume to suit their needs. The audio system may have other controls that may be set by a user, such as equalizer setting, bass, treble, etc. Further, the audio system can access libraries of material such as music, audio books, podcasts, ambient noise such as waves, birds, etc., and such material can be customized for a particular user.

The video system may include a video monitor 30 to display visual media such as movies, pictures, etc., as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5. Video monitor 30 may have a fold down configuration to allow the video monitor to be moved out of the way when not in use.

In some embodiments the video monitor 30 will have touch screen capabilities and double as the user interface for the environment features as discussed above. Otherwise the user interface could include a second touchscreen or use a keyboard, mouse, stylus or other input functionality.

In some embodiments, a visual projection system may be included that has a projector adapted to display different patterns, or light displays within the interior of personal chamber 12 according to the user's preferences. The visual projection system could further include strategically placed LED lights that can be controlled to provide a light display. Such a system could project an environment, such as a beach, skyline, forest, star lit sky, among others, or project personal photographs, photo albums, etc.

An olfactory system (not shown) can be included in some embodiments. The olfactory system may be adapted to emit a wide variety of scents into personal chamber 12. Suitable scents can take any form.

A climate control system allows the user to modify the interior temperature and ventilation and to suit the user's preferences. An air conditioner unit or heating unit or both may be included in the personal space unit to provide climate control, or alternatively, the personal space unit may be connected to a larger climate control network by a series of ducts. Further, thermal tubes, among other climate control devices, could be provided within the rest area to control the temperature of the rest area.

A lighting system can provide a wide variety of adjustable lighting arrangements that can be modified depending on the user's preferences. For example, a reading light (not shown) may be positioned for use when reading, and a series of mood lights may be positioned around the interior of personal chamber 12 to provide various lighting arrangements. Light can be produced in any color or intensity. Further, window 18 may also be adjusted to increase or decrease opacity, thereby increasing or decreasing the amount of light permitted to enter personal chamber. In other embodiments, shutters or other window coverings can be opened or closed on window 18, either manually or automatically, to regulate the amount of light permitted to enter personal chamber 12. The lighting system could have configurable modes, such as light levels for sleeping, movie watching, listening to music, etc. The lighting system could be configured to dim the lights for sleeping or to increase brightness slowly when waking a user up.

A flight tracking system may be included which allows the user to track their flight and other schedule changes through the visual system or multimedia system. Further, a boarding pass or flight information coordinated alarm system may be included which allows the user to input flight information by any known means, including inputting the flight number directly or by scanning a boarding pass. In this way, the alarm system can alert the user when a certain amount of time has elapsed, or alternatively, when a preset amount of time exists until the flight is scheduled to depart.

A targeted advertising system may be added, wherein targeted ads could be provided to the personal space unit, the ads having been specifically chosen based on various characteristics of the user. For example, a user having a first-class boarding pass may be targeted with ads for luxury goods, among other arrangements. Further, if the user has entered particular destination information, targeted ads relating to restaurants, hotels or attractions in that area could be generated. Further, a demonstration of new products could also be provided to the user.

Further the advertising system could be linked to the user profile such that an airline or other travel company could target a user with specific ads that relate to the user's previous activities or current travel itinerary. For example, if the user is a consistent business traveler to a particular destination, the airline or travel company could provide a variety of targeted ads to the user based on restaurants, hotels or other services that would appeal to business travelers at the destination. Furthermore, if the user has demonstrated based on previous uses that a particular type of tourist service is preferred (such as but not limited to guided tours, sporting events, car rentals, or a particular type of restaurant) the targeted ads may relate to these types of tourist services.

As discussed above, the user interface may provide an adjustable seating system that includes an adjustable seating surface. In at least one embodiment, adjustable seating surface includes lower seating surface 34 and upper seating surface 36 as discussed above. The seating may be adjusted for angle through reclining upper or lower surfaces, for firmness generally or for specific areas (e.g. lumbar support, headrest, arm rests), among other options. Further, the adjustable seating system may be customizable with respect to the firmness and density of the adjustable seating surface.

Any of the above features may be configured by a user. Thus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a user can store a user profile and recall this profile before reaching the destination in order to preconfigure an available personal space unit. Alternatively, the user can recall the saved user profile upon finding an available personal space unit at the destination.

The storage of the personal profile may occur in a number of ways. For example, the user can create a profile and download it to an available personal space unit before reaching the destination to preconfigure an available personal space unit, or alternatively can create a profile directly using the user interface upon finding an available personal space unit at the destination.

References now made to FIG. 6. In one embodiment, personal chamber 12 can be controlled utilizing a processor 100. Processor 100 is configured to execute code, generally stored in memory 110 and to configure and operate the personal chamber 12.

In one embodiment, personal chamber 12 includes a communications subsystem 120 communicating with processor 100. Communications subsystem 120 is used to communicate with external devices or servers to obtain personalization information for the personal chamber 12. Communications subsystem 120 is not limited to any particular communications subsystem but may be configured based on the deployment of personal chamber 12. In particular, if communication subsystem 120 was only required for short range communications, communications subsystem 120 could include a Bluetooth™ interface, a wired short range interface such as a USB jack, a near field communications interface, and IrDA interface among others. For long range communications, communications subsystem 120 could include a cellular or Wi-Fi connection or a wired connection to a router, for example.

Processor 100 is further configured to control a plurality of features for personal chamber 12. These are shown in FIG. 6 as features 140, 142 and 144 and could include any of the features described above. In some embodiments, processor 100 may be capable of controlling a feature directly. For example, a feature may include the preprogramming of a music selection, which may be done directly by processor 100. In other scenarios, processor 100 may communicate with controllers or control processors for specific features, such as to control climate within personal chamber 12.

In one embodiment processor 100 may also be controllable via a master processor, for example through a network connection, for system maintenance and upgrades.

A user interface 130 could further be used to interact with processor 100. For example, user interface 130 may be a touch screen, as described above, and may therefore allow a user to reconfigure or adjust the settings of features within personal chamber 12. In other instances, user interface 130 could include a keyboard or keypad, mouse, stylus, among others. Further, user interface 130 could include a credit card reader, boarding pass reader, or a keypad for entering an issued access code to allow payment or identity verification, for example.

User interface 130 may further be used to display or provide information to a user. For example, a monitor could be used to display movies, social media feeds, games, Internet, advertisements, etc. Audio systems or other outputs can be used as described above.

Depending on the configuration of the system, the personal chamber 12 may be configured through one or both of long or short range communications. For example, a personal chamber 12 may interact with a smart phone 160 or other device through short range communications to configure the features for a user. As such, smart phone 160 may include an application for configuring the personal chamber 12, and such application may seek to establish a Bluetooth connection at the earliest opportunity with communications subsystem 120. In this case, personal chamber 12 may be a stand-alone unit and not have a central network connection.

In other embodiments, communications subsystem 120 may communicate with a server 150 and obtain the configuration information from server 150.

Configuration information may be configured at server 150 by a user ahead of time. For example, a user may use a web interface through a computer 170 to reserve a personal space unit 10 and to provide configuration information.

Also, server 150 could be configured through a web interface or an application from a mobile device 160 and this information can then be provided to communications subsystem 120.

Configuration information received at personal chamber 12 may be stored in memory 110 for use by processor 100 to configure the unit.

Further, changes to a configuration performed at personal chamber 12 could be stored in memory 110 and also conveyed to a server 150 or smartphone 160 for future configurations.

In some embodiments, a plurality of personal space units 10 may be placed in close proximity to each other. In such a case, various components can be shared between the personal space units. For example, a single communications subsystem 120 could be used by a plurality of personal space units 10. In other embodiments, one processor 100 could be used to control a plurality of personal space units 10.

A method is provided herein for configuring a personal space unit. This method can be employed on a mobile device or on the user interface as described above, among other arrangements.

With reference to FIG. 9, one embodiment of a method is illustrated for configuring a personal space unit. The method starts at block 200 and then proceeds to block 210 where payment may be confirmed and the user is identified. This step can be accomplished by swiping a credit card or bank card in a card reader located on the outside of the personal chamber, inputting credit card information via a key pad, inputting identification information using a touch screen or uploading the information from a mobile device, among other methods of confirming payment and user identity. The payment in some embodiments may be made ahead of time, and thus block 210 is merely used in these cases to verify identity of a user. In some embodiments, the payment may be confirmed and the user may be identified by way of a boarding pass, an access code issued to the user or a mobile device among other arrangements.

Once identification and/or payment has been confirmed process then proceeds to block 220, where a decision is made whether the user is a preexisting user having a user profile or a new user who needs to configure a new profile. This step is accomplished by comparing the user's identity with a database of registered users. Such database may be local or remote. Further, information about a user may be pre-loaded onto a personal space unit 10 when a user has made a reservation, and the check of block 220 may compare the identity provided with the pre-stored identity information.

If the user is a new user, the process proceeds to block 230 where default settings are used. The user may also be prompted to create a new user profile using the user interface. As discussed above, the user interface can take a variety of forms including a mobile device or a touchscreen located on the inside of the personal space unit. Creating the user profile will involve selecting and modifying settings for a wide variety of environment features that have been discussed above.

The process proceeds to block 235 in which a check is made to determine wither settings have been changed. If no, the process continues to loop at block 235.

From block 235, if settings are changed the process proceeds to block 240, where the user profile is saved to storage. Storage could take a wide variety of forms, including a local memory located in the personal space unit, a portable memory such as a USB drive or mobile device, or a server located at a remote location, among other forms of memory that will be readily understood by the skilled person.

After the user profile has been saved, the process proceeds to block 250 where the various environment features of the user are actuated or modified in order to configure the personal space unit 10 according to the user profile. The environmental features are actuated or modified in real time so that the environment of the personal space unit is adjusted as quickly as possible.

Further, from block 220, if the user has been confirmed as an existing user, the existing user profile can be retrieved at block 260. Once the user profile has been retrieved, the process proceeds to block 250 where the various environment features of the user are actuated or modified in order to configure the personal space unit according to the user profile.

In either of the above cases (i.e.: user is a new user or an existing user), once the personal space unit has been configured according to the user profile, the process proceeds from block 250 to block 235, where a check is made to determine if settings have been changed. In this way, the user can continually adjust or modify the settings of the personal space unit in real time to ensure the user's maximum comfort.

Based on the above, an example use of the system is described. A user is flying to a destination with a three hour layover at an airport. The user decides to use the personal space units at the layover airport and thus accesses a reservation and configuration system. This may be done from home, for example, prior to the trip, or through an application on a smartphone, tablet, laptop, pc, hotel or airline reservation system or other device during the trip. In one embodiment, the reservation allows the personal space unit to be preconfigured for when the user arrives at the destination.

The user wants to relax in his stay in the personal space unit and thus configures access to an online music repository he subscribes to and chooses that jazz music be played. He decides to have the seat reclined, with low light level and pictures of his family to be displayed. The pictures are stored in a different repository, for which access is configured.

The user saves the reservation, and may pay for the use. Once the user arrives at the layover airport, the user proceeds to the personal space unit and identifies himself by swiping his credit card. The unit automatically accesses the profile and configures the seating, lighting, projection system and audio system in accordance with the reservations.

The user decides that the seat is more comfortable when slightly less reclined, and uses an interface within the personal space unit to change the setting. The change is provided back to a server and stored for the next time the user uses a personal space unit.

Similarly, a businesswoman decides to use the personal space unit to do some work during a layover. The businesswoman may configure the seat to be in an upright position, high light level, a specific temperature, and configure virtual private network (VPN) access or voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) access to do some work. The businesswoman could also access web based mail or an enterprise server through a linked device.

Once the businesswoman arrives at the layover airport, she swipes her mobile device, which has near field communications capabilities, to identify herself, and the unit is configured appropriately for her needs.

In another example, a user creates a profile and uses it at a personal space unit on the first leg of a multi-part journey. After using the personal space unit for a length of time, the user must depart the chamber and board a connecting flight. However, the user was watching a movie streamed from an online source, or alternatively, from a provided database, and the movie was not finished. In one example, the movie is stopped mid-scene, and the user boards an aircraft. The user may then seamlessly start the movie from the stopped scene on a participating airline. In other cases, the user profile could be reloaded at a different personal space unit located in a different airport during the user's return trip, and the unfinished movie, along with other environment settings, could be restored to the same settings that the user had specified during the initial use.

In yet another example, a user could log in and create a user profile at home using a desktop computer terminal connected to the internet before arriving at a destination, which in this case is a customizable hotel room. The user could both reserve and preconfigure a hotel room such that when the user arrives at the hotel, the hotel room has been set to a particular temperature, selected music is playing and a lighting scheme of choice is employed.

Other examples for use of the personal space unit are possible and the examples above are provided for illustration only.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention are meant to be illustrative of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications, which would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. The only limitations to the scope of the present invention are set out in the following appended claims.

Claims

1. A customizable personal space unit comprising:

a personal area having at least one customizable feature;

a communications subsystem configured to receive configuration information for the at least one customizable feature; and

a processor communicating with said communications subsystem, the process configuring the at least one customizable feature of the personal chamber based on the received configuration information.

2. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1 wherein the personal area is selected from the group consisting of: a personal space chamber, a hotel room, an airplane cabin, a train cabin and an office.

3. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1 further comprising a luggage chamber having an access door.

4. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein said at least one customizable feature includes an adjustable seating surface, said adjustable seating surface being adjustable between a first reclining position and a second seated position.

5. The customizable personal space unit of claim 4, wherein the adjustable seating surface is inflatably adjustable.

6. The customizable personal space unit of claim 5, wherein the adjustment is for a particular area of the seating surface.

7. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, further comprising a user interface for adjusting the at least one customizable feature.

8. The customizable personal space unit of claim 7, wherein said user interface is a touchscreen located within said interior space of said personal area.

9. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one customizable feature includes choice of a scent for an olfactory system.

10. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one customizable feature includes choice of audio for an audio system.

11. The customizable personal space unit of claim 10, wherein the audio includes access to a network repository or mobile device repository.

12. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one customizable feature includes temperature setting for a climate control system.

13. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one customizable feature includes departure tracking for a particular flight.

14. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one customizable feature includes light settings for a lighting system.

15. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one customizable feature includes projection options and images for a visual projection system.

16. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one customizable feature includes access to servers for a visual system.

17. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one customizable feature includes a targeted advertising system.

18. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the communications subsystem includes network access to a network server.

19. The customizable personal space unit of claim 18, wherein the customizable personal space unit access the network server for the configuration information upon verification of a user identity.

20. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the customizable personal space unit communicates with a mobile device for the configuration information.

21. The customizable personal space unit of claim 1, wherein the customizable personal space unit communicates with a mobile device or network server upon the at least one customizable feature being reconfigured.

22. A method of customizing a personal space unit having an enclosed personal chamber defining an interior space and an access door, the method comprising steps of:

confirming a user identification;

determining whether said user identification corresponds to an existing user profile stored in a storage;

if said user identification corresponds to an existing user profile: retrieving said existing user profile from said storage; and configuring at least one environment feature of said personal space chamber based on information contained in said existing user profile;

if said identification does not correspond to an existing user profile: creating a new user profile; saving said new user profile; configuring at least one environment feature of said personal space chamber based on information contained in said new user profile.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the confirming user identification includes confirming payment.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the environment feature is selected from at least one of a multimedia system, a projection system, an audio system, an olfactory system, an adjustable seating system, a lighting system and a visual system.