Abstract: A method for controlling an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system using network protocols, such as TCP/IP, HTTP, or FTP. Control of a plurality of functions, including in-seat and broadcast audio and video, overhead reading light control, and flight attendant call, are implemented using a network client, a network server, and a network server program, each communicating with network protocols. The network client may be visible or invisible to a user of the in-flight entertainment system, depending on whether a web browser or a virtual web browser is used as a network client. The software for each line replaceable unit (LRU) may be designed, redesigned, or tested independently from other components within the IFE system. Particular functions of the IFE system can be made available only to particular parts of the IFE system, allowing different levels of access to the IFE system for different passenger classes.

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: Each unit of a daisy chain of separate and independent multiplexing units (10,12,14) is arranged to accept a group of local audio inputs (Audio 1-Audio 8) and an additional input (18,20,22) from a prior unit in the chain to time division multiplex the additional input with the local units. Each unit provides a single serial bit stream output (20,22,24) which comprises the additional input to the next identical multiplexer unit in the chain. The next multiplexer unit time division multiplexes all of its inputs to provide a single output which includes a serial presentation of its own local inputs and the local inputs of the preceding multiplexer unit of the chain. This single serial output of the next multiplexer next forms the additional input of a still further multiplexer unit of the chain, which itself may have its own local inputs. The third multiplexer unit provides a single output that is a serial presentation of the local inputs of all three multiplexers.