Human operations: software systems that monitor passengers and equipment

This paper presents new perspectives in commercial aircraft human operations. Recent escalation in the complexity of in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems has brought with it passenger confusion, and added responsibilities for cabin and maintenance crews. In today's complex and failure-prone IFE environment, software solutions have a definite place in assisting flight and maintenance personnel. An example of software-assisted temperature monitoring illustrates how power supply modules gain reliability and, thus, lower maintenance cycles. Software data logs of temperature readings over time can be used to anticipate thermally-sensitive device failures. Cabin personnel can use software to spot equipment problems. Properly done, such approaches may allow prompt in-flight quick fixes. Other human operation considerations include software's ability to remotely monitor passenger interaction with the IFE equipment. Properly implemented, "smart" software can even reduce the "Robo-Cop" policing of passengers that IFE systems require.