Abstract: A method and associated system are provided for testing components of a vehicle entertainment system, comprising: interconnecting, via a network, a server computer comprising media content, and a plurality of user computers comprising software and hardware via which the user can interact with the media content; loading a test agent component onto a first of the user computers; loading a first scenario file comprising a series of user entry events that emulate user entry actions via a user interface device of the first user computer; executing the user entry events of the first scenario file by the test agent to generate system events that would normally be generated by a user operating the first user computer to interact with media server; and responding to the first user computer, by the server computer, to the system events.

Abstract: A method and associated system are provided for testing components of a vehicle entertainment system, comprising: interconnecting, via a network, a server computer comprising media content, and a plurality of user computers comprising software and hardware via which the user can interact with the media content; loading a test agent component onto a first of the user computers; loading a first scenario file comprising a series of user entry events that emulate user entry actions via a user interface device of the first user computer; executing the user entry events of the first scenario file by the test agent to generate system events that would normally be generated by a user operating the first user computer to interact with media server; and responding to the first user computer, by the server computer, to the system events.

Abstract: An in-flight entertainment system is shown wherein digital content servers are interconnected with network servers such that the content servers can communicate with one another and with a portable data loader. The loader stores digital content files that are to be downloaded to the content servers. A script downloaded to each content server is executed by the server to download some of the files from the portable data loader and cross-load other files from other content servers. Alternatively, a content inventory list is downloaded to each content server that indicates which content server is to download each content file and which content servers are to receive the content file. Each content server parses the list to identify files for which it is the download server, request download of those files, identify other files that it should have and request cross-load of those files from other content servers.

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 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 remote diagnostics kit is provided to permit an in-flight entertainment system of an aircraft to be diagnosed remotely by an operator who is not on-site with the aircraft. The kit includes a remote computer, such as a laptop, that is connected to the IFE or a unit to be diagnosed. A technician operating a base computer accesses the remote computer over an appropriate communications network or series of networks. For example, in an embodiment, the remote computer includes a wireless modem, such as a cellular telephone modem, which the base computer accesses over the Internet. The base computer and remote computer are equipped with appropriate software to permit communication between the base and remote computers. Accordingly, through the base computer, the technician can command operation of a diagnostics program running at the remote computer, and output from the diagnostics program is transmitted to the base computer for display.

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.

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.