Abstract: A system and method for streaming numerous video on demand (VOD) streams over a network, such as a local area medium sized network on a vehicle such as an aircraft. The system and method that provides redundant and restricted paths for streaming numerous VOD streams while providing maximum bandwidth for traffic from multiple sources with minimal packet loss due to contention.

Abstract: A USB repeater assembly is provided for connecting a vehicle passenger entertainment system to a seat electronics box that may be at some distance from the entertainment system. The assembly comprises a host connector that connects with the seat electronics box and a device connector that connects with the passenger entertainment system. The passenger entertainment system comprises a USB personal control unit. The repeater assembly is housed within a shell, preferably a hardened one, enclosing a portion of the connectors as well as USB repeater circuitry and through-connects for connections associated with other components of the passenger entertainment system.

Abstract: An improved multi-camera surveillance system for use on a vehicle such as an aircraft, and a method for implementing the same. The multi-camera surveillance system is capable of displaying a user-selected image from any camera or user-selected images from multiple cameras at multiple viewing stations by flight and cabin crew, as well as recording and maintaining the images at storage locations on the aircraft and making the images available for viewing and recording at locations external to the aircraft by gate personnel, security officers, and incident investigators.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for updating software configurations of line-replaceable unit (LRU) computers in a restricted architecture network such as an in-flight entertainment system (IFES). Operating in an efficient and parallel manner, each of the LRUs independently creates an individual configuration file that identifies current software components. Each of the LRUs transmits its respective configuration file to a configuration server either automatically upon startup or manually upon request. The configuration server updates a system configuration data file with the current configuration files received from the individual LRUs. In a downloading method, a download server sends a list of desired software components to the LRUs. Each of the LRUs independently and simultaneously transfer (download) the needed software from the download server. The LRU independently requests the download server to download the needed software components. The file transfers utilize standard protocols, such as FTP.

Abstract: A multimedia delivery system of a vehicle is provided comprising a passive configuration plug designed as a line-replaceable unit that permits quick and easy reconfiguration based on changing needs of the vehicle owner. The system comprises a plurality of multimedia servers comprising multimedia data files, a plurality of end user display devices that display information from the multimedia servers, and a configuration plug designed as a line-replaceable unit comprising: a frame, one or more covers connected to the frame, a plug mount comprising an end-user device plug and a server plug, wherein both the device plug and the server plug each contain a plurality of cable connectors, a plurality of cables, each connecting to a connector of the device plug on one end, and a connector of the server plug on an other end, the connections defining a cable mapping between the devices and the servers.

Abstract: An antenna assembly for installation in a vehicle, such as an aircraft, and a method for using the same. The antenna assembly includes at least one window mounted antenna for an aircraft for enabling the aircraft to communicate wirelessly with a network, such as a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). The window mounted antenna includes a panel that is transparent to visible light and has at least one antenna element, which can be etched onto the panel. The panel can attach to the interior window of the aircraft, or to an inner surface of the inner pressure window of the aircraft, or can replace the interior window, so as to position the antenna element in a side-looking direction with respect to the aircraft.

Abstract: A live mapping display system onboard a vehicle may determine a geographic position of a vehicle, access stored image data corresponding to the geographic position, position a camera to direct the camera toward a target region proximate a geographic region corresponding to the accessed stored image data, receive live image data from the camera of a captured image of the target region, generate a display image including the stored image data combined with the live image data, and display the display image.

Abstract: A security camera has an adjustable turret that holds a lens assembly which can be aimed in various directions. The camera also has a compact housing which, in combination with the adjustable directionality of the turret, enables universal mounting to various structures and positions in an aircraft cabin. The camera operates in light and dark conditions, as the lens assembly is configured to focus visible and infrared light wavelengths onto a fixed focal plane. In an embodiment, the camera includes an infrared illumination source to illuminate a field of view during dark conditions. The lens assembly includes a rigid barrel with a pinhole aperture through which light enters a series of lens elements. An optical sensor is mounted to an opposite end of the barrel at the fixed focal plane to generate an electronic image signal, and the sensor is rotatably adjustable to yield a correct image orientation depending on the turret position.

Abstract: An antenna assembly for installation in a vehicle, such as an aircraft, and a method for using the same. The antenna assembly includes at least one window mounted antenna for an aircraft for enabling the aircraft to communicate wirelessly with a network, such as a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). The window mounted antenna includes a panel that is transparent to visible light and has at least one antenna element, which can be etched onto the panel. The panel can attach to the interior window of the aircraft, or to an inner surface of the inner pressure window of the aircraft, or can replace the interior window, so as to position the antenna element in a side-looking direction with respect to the aircraft.

Abstract: A low-profile D-subshell connector system is provided with interlocking components that can be used where space limitations are required. The system comprises a connector plug that has a connector; a backshell that houses a portion of the connector and is affixed to the connector; and a latch that is affixed to the connector and backshell. The latch comprises an angled tab that is resiliently pivotally mounted to a front portion of the latch. The tab comprises a wide region, a narrow region, and a release protrusion extending perpendicular from a top surface of the tab. A catch assembly engages the tab of the latch, the catch comprising a front portion having a notch therein. A part of the catch front portion serves to engage the wide region of the tab, thereby forcing the tab to pivot when the connector is partially inserted; and the narrow region of the tab resides in the catch notch when the connector is fully inserted.

Abstract: A system and method utilizing Internet Protocol (IP) sequencing to identify components of a passenger flight information system (PFIS). More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method which assigns an IP address to each line replaceable unit (LRU), such as a seat electronics box (SEB) or other seat components of a PFIS, so that the components can be readily identified by the PFIS when communication is to occur between the components and, for example, a head end unit of the PFIS. Once the IP sequencing process has been performed, the PFIS can be used to provide services to the passengers, such as audio and video entertainment. Such entertainment can be set in accordance with an auto-scripting process in which the flight crew can select the theme for the flight.

Abstract: A system and method for streaming numerous video on demand (VOD) streams over a network, such as a local area medium sized network on a vehicle such as an aircraft. The system and method that provides redundant and restricted paths for streaming numerous VOD streams while providing maximum bandwidth for traffic from multiple sources with minimal packet loss due to contention.

Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly transferring content to and from a vehicle, in particular, an aircraft. The content includes, for example, data, voice, video and multimedia, that can be wirelessly exchanged over a wireless communication link between an aircraft and a ground station while the aircraft is at or near a parking gate, or between aircraft. In an example, the system employs long distance metropolitan area technology, such as IEEE Standard 802.16 wireless technology, to increase transfer range. The parameter of the wireless communication link can be adjusted based on, for example, the location of the link. The content can further be provided between the vehicle and ground station based on priorities, such as the available link speed, importance of the information, and/or anticipated connection time between the vehicle and ground station.

Abstract: A wireless communication system for a vehicle includes a seat or overhead video display unit, a control and audio unit that is associated with and located remotely with respect to the video display unit, a first wireless transceiver associated with the video display unit, a second wireless transceiver associated with the control and audio unit, where the first and second wireless transceivers are linked together for communication. The video display unit receives audiovisual content and splits audio content for transmission to the control unit. The control unit can similarly transmit control and selection information to the video display unit.

Abstract: A system and method permit remote recovery of audio from audiovisual or multimedia content for a video display unit. Audio is recovered from the audiovisual content sent to a first network address and is packetized for transmission over a network that may utilized an existing wiring infrastructure that provides audio and video-on-demand content to a second network address. The audio packets are reassembled by hardware associated with the second network address and analog audio created from the audio packets is provided at an output to an audio device.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes a server that includes a real time operating system, at least one cabin function application that runs on the real time operating system, and at least one in-flight entertainment application that runs on another operating system on top of the real time operating system. Thus, an in-operation entertainment system is capable of providing audio and/or visual content to a large number of locations in a cabin of the vehicle, and a cabin function system is capable of providing various cabin applications, e.g., lighting level control, attendant calling, air conditioning control, etc. at different locations in the vehicle cabin in a manner that is isolated and prioritized over the entertainment system.

Abstract: A software architecture for integrating an in-flight entertainment system and a vehicle cabin functions system. A first network serves the in-flight entertainment system, and a second network serves the vehicle cabin functions system. A first set of common functions is available via the first network, and a second set of common functions is available via the second network. At least one interface links the first and second sets of common functions and is adapted to link at least one additional service to at least one of the first and second networks.

Abstract: In one aspect, cabin interphone handsets and passenger announcement speakers in the cabin of a vehicle communicate over an internet protocol data network. Each handset of the system has an internet protocol presence and each passenger announcement speaker of the system has an internet protocol presence. Each handset includes announcement and call management functions so that each handset can communicate with one or more handsets over the network as well as make passenger announcements via one or more passenger announcement speakers. The call setup function and PA function may utilize voice over internet protocol. In another aspect, methods are provided for making interphone calls and passenger announcements using the system.