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 system and method for connecting control devices for display and computing equipment of in-flight entertainment systems (IFESs) in a physical location independent manner in environments where the control devices cannot be co-located and directly connected to the display/computing equipment, such as on an aircraft or other vehicle having space restrictions. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for enabling the use of improved passenger control units (PCU) including control devices such as pointing devices, keyboards, joysticks, and game controllers, and so on, with interactive in-flight entertainment systems.

Abstract: An in-flight entertainment (IFE) system includes a network having at least one wireless router for communicating wirelessly between a network server and one or more video display unit (VDU) in the cabin. The wireless transmission of video signals provides a reduced architecture that avoids a need for cables to carry a signal to the VDU's. In an embodiment, the IFE system further facilitates the use of a remote wireless device, such as a laptop computer, as the VDU. Clients may select from a variety of programs which can be distributed in an on-demand or broadcast manner. Encryption means are further provided to enable control over content distribution to only authorized devices.

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: Electrically conductive elements, such as imaging elements, can be prepared by applying electrically conductive coating compositions to a suitable support. The coating compositions include a polyaniline-protonic counter-ion complex in a first solvent that has certain Hansen solubility parameters, and a film-forming binder in a second common coating solvent. The total solids in the coating composition is less than or equal to about 10 weight %, and the weight ratio of the binder to the complex is at least about 1:1. Under these formulation conditions, the polyaniline protonic counter-ion complex is solubilized, rather than being in dispersed form, and is readily applied to form a thin, relatively transparent, electrically conductive film. Antistatic layers of photographic elements can be prepared in this manner.

Abstract: Electrically conductive elements, such as imaging elements, can be prepared by applying electrically conductive coating compositions to a suitable support. The coating compositions include a polyaniline-protonic counter-ion complex in a first solvent that has certain Hansen solubility parameters, and a film-forming binder in a second common coating solvent. The total solids in the coating composition is less than or equal to about 10 weight %, and the weight ratio of the binder to the complex is at least about 1:1. Under these formulation conditions, the polyaniline protonic counter-ion complex is solubilized, rather than being in dispersed form, and is readily applied to form a thin, relatively transparent, electrically conductive film. Antistatic layers of photographic elements can be prepared in this manner.

Abstract: Imaging element, such as photographic electrostatographic thermal imaging elements are comprised of a support, an imaging-forming layer, and a transparent electrically-conductive layer which includes an effective amount of polypyrrole/poly(styrene sulfonic acid). In a preferred embodiment, the polypyrrole/poly(styrene sulfonic acid) is dispersed in a binder.

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.