Abstract: Systems, processes and methods are described for increasing the reliability of packet delivery while reducing end-to-end latency and power consumption in a low power wireless network. The packet is forwarded during a transmit timeslot utilizing link layer broadcast transmissions. A preset number of retransmission timeslots are provided to retransmit the packet. To reduce energy consumption for recipients, a recipient can enter a sleep mode after receiving the packet for the remaining retransmit timeslots.

Abstract: An entertainment system including a removable seat-back display unit and a docking station. The seat-back display unit can include a rotating latch butterfly release mechanism that prevents unauthorized release of the display unit from the docking station. The system can include a three-point attachment system that provides additional protection against accidental detachment of the display unit, and provide safety in the event of partial dislodging. The system can include a current control pin system that ensures that current is not provided from the docking station to the display unit until the respective connectors have been properly engaged. The system can also include a heat dissipation system that employs the docking station to share the heat dissipation load with the display unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for providing content recommendations to a user based on an elapsed playback time of the current content on the user device. A recommendation server having memory and a processor can be used to compare an elapsed playback time of the current content and compare the elapsed playback time with one or more threshold values. If the elapsed playback time is less than a first threshold, anticorrelated content with respect to the current content can be recommended and presented on or using the user device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for providing content recommendations to a user based on an elapsed playback time of the current content on the user device. A recommendation server having memory and a processor can be used to compare an elapsed playback time of the current content and compare the elapsed playback time with one or more threshold values. If the elapsed playback time is less than a first threshold, anticorrelated content with respect to the current content can be recommended and presented on or using the user device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein that utilize a decentralized control panel architecture to monitor or control components or (sub-)systems of an aircraft or other vehicle. A controller can be used to receive information from multiple input sources and send a command to one or more output devices based on the received information. The received information may be of different types or formats that can be read by the controller. The controller may cause a visual or physical change to an actuator based on the command. One or more control panel entities can be communicatively coupled with the controller and used to access information about one or more (sub-)systems of the vehicle and send commands where appropriate.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for pairing wireless peripherals with networked devices. Knowledge of the location of the networked devices can be used to properly route or transmit audio to paired wireless peripherals, regardless of whether the wireless peripherals are paired with the correct networked devices provided they are networked with other potential devices. This can be accomplished by prompting users to select an input based on an audio challenge to determine which of the wireless peripherals should be mapped to which of the networked hosts.

Abstract: Vehicle power distribution systems are described comprising one or more advanced master control units in electrical communication with a vehicle power source. The advanced master control unit is configured to receive the vehicle current and generate a first current in response to the vehicle current. Power outlets and/or data ports may be in electrical communication with the advanced master control unit, such that they can receive the first current. The system may also have a simple power supply that can receive the first current and convert this to a second current, which can be used to power in-flight entertainment devices and other components of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for pairing wireless peripherals with networked devices. Knowledge of the location of the networked devices can be used to properly route or transmit audio to paired wireless peripherals, regardless of whether the wireless peripherals are paired with the correct networked devices provided they are networked with other potential devices. This can be accomplished by prompting users to select an input based on an audio challenge to determine which of the wireless peripherals should be mapped to which of the networked hosts.

Abstract: Transaction systems and methods are described for verifying transactions in a vehicle. The transactions utilize blockchains of a cryptocurrency to allow for verification of a transaction even where a live Internet connection is unavailable. The systems and methods utilize a digital wallet stored in the vehicle that allows for transactions with a passenger having a passenger digital wallet. A plurality of local nodes disposed in the vehicle store a local and updated copy of the blockchain to allow for verification of the cryptocurrency transactions even during periods of intermittent internet connectivity.

Abstract: A MODMAN modem manager unit in an aviation broadband satellite terminal has a media interface slot integrated into the MODMAN. The media interface slot is exclusively dedicated to interface an external storage device. The external storage device is configured to be attached to or removed from the dedicated media interface slot, and the dedicated media interface slot is configured to allow transfer and storage of instructions and data specific for an APM Aircraft Personality Module via said dedicated media interface slot onto an attached external storage device. When interacting with the MODMAN via the dedicated media interface slot, the attached external storage device is configurable to act as dedicated APM in said aviation broadband satellite terminal.

Abstract: Systems, processes and methods are described for increasing the reliability of packet delivery while reducing end-to-end latency and power consumption in a low power wireless network. The packet is forwarded during a transmit timeslot utilizing link layer broadcast transmissions. A preset number of retransmission timeslots are provided to retransmit the packet. To reduce energy consumption for recipients, a recipient can enter a sleep mode after receiving the packet for the remaining retransmit timeslots.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for reducing an end-to-end latency occurring in link layer unicast transmissions by shifting the timeslots in the super frame of the TDMA mode based on membership to a multicast group. In this manner, transmission to all of the multicast subscribers occupy adjacent timeslots, which results in an optimization of slot allocation and improvement of the end-to-end latency for multicast communication.

Abstract: An entertainment system including a removable seat-back display unit and a docking station. The seat-back display unit can include a rotating latch butterfly release mechanism that prevents unauthorized release of the display unit from the docking station. The system can include a three-point attachment system that provides additional protection against accidental detachment of the display unit, and provide safety in the event of partial dislodging. The system can include a current control pin system that ensures that current is not provided from the docking station to the display unit until the respective connectors have been properly engaged. The system can also include a heat dissipation system that employs the docking station to share the heat dissipation load with the display unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed of a service cart for an aircraft or other vehicle, which includes a thermoelectric device capable of generating a current as a result of a temperature differential between a cold compartment of the cart and an ambient environment. The current can be either stored in a battery or other storage device, and used to power one or more electronic components associated with the cart.

Abstract: An entertainment system including a removable seat-back display unit and a docking station. The seat-back display unit can include a rotating latch butterfly release mechanism that prevents unauthorized release of the display unit from the docking station. The system can include a three-point attachment system that provides additional protection against accidental detachment of the display unit, and provide safety in the event of partial dislodging. The system can include a current control pin system that ensures that current is not provided from the docking station to the display unit until the respective connectors have been properly engaged. The system can further include a floating pin connector dock that can allow for installation of the display unit even when the connectors of the display unit and docking station become misaligned. The system can also include a heat dissipation system that employs the docking station to share the heat dissipation load with the display unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for registering and monitoring a status of a plurality of units of an in-flight entertainment system disposed within a vehicle. Using a portable computing device, each of the units can be registered with the server by reading a unique machine-readable identifier disposed on or near each unit. The identifier could be a barcode or other indicia or a NFC tag, for example. Location information about each unit can also be obtained via manual input or by reading a second identifier.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for managing overhead bin space in an aircraft or other vehicle. An available space or the used space with an overhead bin can be measured using a set of sensors. Using information from the set of sensors, a dongle can determine a shape and volume of the used or unused space within the overhead bin. With this information, the available space can then be reported including the number of roller bags that would fit in the overhead bin or whether there are objects that are not roller bags within the overhead bin.

Abstract: Systems for determining a flight stage of an aircraft are described in which a vibration sensor and a sensor for determining a pitch of the aircraft are utilized. A server receives signals from the vibration sensor and pitch sensor, and determines the flight stage using a set of algorithms. Depending on the flight stage determined, a command signal can be generated and transmitted to cause one or more components of the aircraft to change in function or power on or off.

Abstract: System and methods are described herein for automatically associating one or more passenger mobile devices with one or more specific wireless access points depending on each passenger location within the aircraft or other vehicle, and the status of each of the wireless access points including its functionality and load. In preferred embodiments, a tag can be captured or read by the passenger's device, which can then cause the passenger's device to connect with a specific wireless access point. In some embodiments, the passenger's device can also be automatically directed to a landing page, such as using a web browser of the passenger's device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for outputting audio information via both wired and wireless outputs from a in-flight or in-vehicle entertainment system. An audio output device can include a wireless transmitter and an audio output port. A transmission power of the wireless transmitter can be controlled via a processor based on a measured received signal strength indicator (RSSI) level of a connected slave device and a transmission power of the connected slave device.