Boeing plans to provide Location-based services onboard aircraft

Boeing plans to install wireless beacons dispersed at fixed locations within a passenger cabin of the aircraft. When passengers move in the aircraft with their smartphone, the wireless beacons will help determine their exact position within the aircraft.

Further, an app on the smartphone displays a map of a Layout Of Passenger Accommodations (LOPA) for aircraft. The app modifies the map to indicate the location of the smartphone, allowing the user to identify his or her location within cabin.

The map can also be used to indicate seats, exits, lavatories, emergency equipment, etc., that are present onboard aircraft.

Further, the app may provide additional location-based services onboard aircraft by providing information to passengers regarding the availability of space in storage bins.

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