Reconfigurable overhead unit, system and method

An overhead unit (1) for presenting information, gathering information, transferring information, lighting and/or alarm signals in an individualized manner in a carriage or fuselage, the overhead unit comprising:

• a function module (2),
• a fixation module (3) for removably attaching the overhead unit to a rail,
• two receival modules (5a, 5b) for receiving signals,
• two transmission modules (4a, 4b) for sending messages, and
• a processing module (6) for processing messages,
• wherein the two receival modules and the two transmission modules are operationally connected to the processing module, p1 wherein the fixation module comprises a mechanical fixation system (7) configured to interlock with a fixation system of the rail,
• wherein the overhead unit comprises a proximal longitudinal end (9) and a distal longitudinal end (10) which define a longitudinal direction (L) which is configured to essentially coincide with the longitudinal direction of the rail when the overhead unit is attached to the rail,
• wherein the two receival modules comprise a proximal receival module located at the proximal end of the overhead unit and a distal receival module located at the distal end of the overhead unit, wherein each of the two receival modules comprises a respective sensor,
• wherein the two transmission modules comprise a proximal transmission module located at the proximal end of the overhead unit and a distal transmission module located at the distal end of the overhead unit, wherein each of the two transmission modules comprises a respective transmission source,
• wherein the processing module of the overhead unit is configured to receive signals via the two receival modules from a neighbouring overhead unit or from a neighbouring control unit, and/or wherein the processing module of the overhead unit is configured to cause the two transmission modules to send out signals to a neighbouring overhead unit and/or the control unit, and
• wherein each of the two receival modules further comprises a respective electromagnetic-wave (EM-wave) sensor for receiving signals and each of the two transmission modules further comprises a respective EM-wave source, wherein an EM-wave produced by either of the two transmission modules is non-penetrable with respect to the overhead unit.