Abstract: One or more Wireless Access Points (WAPs) are provided for a transportation vehicle. One WAP includes a combined board having a first area with micro-processor components and a second area with antenna elements, the second area located at a periphery of the combined board; a metallic cover placed over the first area; and a non-metallic cover placed over the metallic cover and the second area.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments are directed at devices, methods, and systems for fixing distortions of content displayed on in-flight entertainment (IFE) monitors in a commercial passenger vehicle. An IFE monitor can receive angular measurement data from one or more gyroscope sensors to determine a differential angle of tilt of the IFE monitor. In response to determining that the differential angle of tilt is non-zero, the IFE monitor can detect that content displayed on the IFE monitor is subject to distortion. The IFE monitor can automatically apply a perspective correction to the content displayed on the IFE monitor for fixing the perceived distortion.

Abstract: In-vehicle entertainment (WE) monitor systems can be reconfigurable and modular to improve heat dissipation characteristics and to enable separate removal or installation of one or more parts within the WE monitor system without affecting the rest of the IVE monitor system. A modular system for providing in-vehicle entertainment to passengers on a commercial passenger vehicle includes a main housing, a peripheral housing, and a display panel that are separately removable or installable. A main printed circuit board (PCB) in the main housing is electrically connected to a secondary PCB in the peripheral housing via the first data cable and the secondary PCB is electrically connected to the display panel via the second data cable in a series configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments are directed at devices, methods, and systems for fixing distortions of content displayed on in-flight entertainment (IFE) monitors in a commercial passenger vehicle. An IFE monitor can receive angular measurement data from one or more gyroscope sensors to determine a differential angle of tilt of the IFE monitor. In response to determining that the differential angle of tilt is non-zero, the IFE monitor can detect that content displayed on the IFE monitor is subject to distortion. The IFE monitor can automatically apply a perspective correction to the content displayed on the IFE monitor for fixing the perceived distortion.

Abstract: In-vehicle entertainment (WE) monitor systems can be reconfigurable and modular to improve heat dissipation characteristics and to enable separate removal or installation of one or more parts within the WE monitor system without affecting the rest of the IVE monitor system. A modular system for providing in-vehicle entertainment to passengers on a commercial passenger vehicle includes a main housing, a peripheral housing, and a display panel that are separately removable or installable. A main printed circuit board (PCB) in the main housing is electrically connected to a secondary PCB in the peripheral housing via the first data cable and the secondary PCB is electrically connected to the display panel via the second data cable in a series configuration.

Abstract: A unibody optical grade plastic monitor for a seatback device for a vehicle entertainment system for a commercial passenger vehicle. The monitor has a light weight layer cross-sectional structure that includes a front optical grade plastic cover and a rear plastic cover, a touch panel, a display panel, and one or more layers of anti-reflection plastic films (e.g., Mosmite(s)) between the touch panel and the display panel.

Abstract: A device for inputting data into an information processing apparatus using a communication cable. The device includes a sensing field including signal lines. The sensing field generates one or more signals when an object is proximate thereto. The device further includes at least one processor connected to the signal lines. The processor receives the signals and generates data based on the signals. The device additionally includes a port in communication with the processor for data output. The port is configured to connect to the cable and communicate the data over the cable to the information processing apparatus. The device includes a light source configured to illuminate keyboard symbols corresponding to areas of the sensing field. The device also includes an exterior surface covering the sensing field and obscuring the keyboard symbols from visibility unless the light source is providing illumination.

Abstract: A protective display monitor cover for safeguarding a display monitor from injury caused by broken glass from the display monitor. The cover includes a substantially transparent glass panel configured to cover the active display area of the display monitor. The cover has a rim attached to, and surrounding the perimeter, of the glass panel. The exterior surface of the glass panel is flush with the front surface of the rim. A transparent film is applied on, and adhered to, the exterior surface of the glass panel and the front surface of the rim. The film extends sufficiently onto the front surface of the rim such that the film remains adhered to the rim upon an impact to the glass panel which breaks the glass panel, thereby containing any broken glass from the cover and/or display monitor from escaping the cover.

Abstract: A device for use in a vehicle having an entertainment system. The device includes an information processing system including a data processor and memory in communication with one another, with the data processor executing a control system. The device includes an electronic paper display connected in communication to the control system and displaying information in accordance with commands received from the control system. The device includes a communication module connected in communication with the information processing system, with the communication module being connectable to the vehicle entertainment system. The communication module is configured to receive information from the vehicle entertainment system according to at least one communication protocol and communicate the information to the control system, in which the control system generates commands for the electronic paper display in accordance with information received from the vehicle entertainment system.

Abstract: A cart including a housing and a first foot and a second foot mounted to the housing bottom. Each foot is moveable back and forth from a direction away from one end of the cart towards the other end, and each foot including a recess opening downwardly away from the housing bottom. The cart includes a low pressure source in fluid communication pathway extending from each recess to the low pressure source. Each fluid communication pathway includes a valve operable for opening and closing the fluid communication pathway between the recess and the low pressure source. The cart includes a first motor connected to one foot and another motor connected to the other foot, with each motor operable for moving its respective foot back and forth. The cart includes a control system connected in communication with each motor and each valve, with the control system controlling each motor to move its respective foot back and forth.

Abstract: A cart for providing service to passengers in a vehicle. The cart includes a housing having a storage volume with one or more openings to the storage volume, opposite housing sidewalls, and wheels connected to the bottom of the housing. The cart also includes a wireless communication module supported by the housing, with the wireless communication module configured to establish a data communications link in accordance with at least one wireless communication protocol. A data processor is supported by the housing and connected in communication with the wireless communication module with the data processor executing a control system, and the control system receiving information via the data communications link. Sidewalls of the housing support an electronic display connected in communication to the control system and displaying information in accordance with commands received from the control system.

Abstract: A device for inputting data into an information processing apparatus using a communication cable. The device includes a sensing field including signal lines. The sensing field generates one or more signals when an object is proximate thereto. The device further includes at least one processor connected to the signal lines. The processor receives the signals and generates data based on the signals. The device additionally includes a port in communication with the processor for data output. The port is configured to connect to the cable and communicate the data over the cable to the information processing apparatus. The device includes a light source configured to illuminate keyboard symbols corresponding to areas of the sensing field. The device also includes an exterior surface covering the sensing field and obscuring the keyboard symbols from visibility unless the light source is providing illumination.

Abstract: A device for use in a vehicle having an entertainment system. The device includes an information processing system including a data processor and memory in communication with one another, with the data processor executing a control system. The device includes an electronic paper display connected in communication to the control system and displaying information in accordance with commands received from the control system. The device includes a communication module connected in communication with the information processing system, with the communication module being connectable to the vehicle entertainment system. The communication module is configured to receive information from the vehicle entertainment system according to at least one communication protocol and communicate the information to the control system, in which the control system generates commands for the electronic paper display in accordance with information received from the vehicle entertainment system.

Abstract: A cart for providing service to passengers in a vehicle. The cart includes a housing having a storage volume with one or more openings to the storage volume, opposite housing sidewalls, and wheels connected to the bottom of the housing. The cart also includes a wireless communication module supported by the housing, with the wireless communication module configured to establish a data communications link in accordance with at least one wireless communication protocol. A data processor is supported by the housing and connected in communication with the wireless communication module with the data processor executing a control system, and the control system receiving information via the data communications link. Sidewalls of the housing support an electronic display connected in communication to the control system and displaying information in accordance with commands received from the control system.

Abstract: A device for inputting data into an information processing apparatus using a communication cable. The device includes a sensing field including signal lines. The sensing field generates one or more signals when an object is proximate thereto. The device further includes at least one processor connected to the signal lines. The processor receives the signals and generates data based on the signals. The device additionally includes a port in communication with the processor for data output. The port is configured to connect to the cable and communicate the data over the cable to the information processing apparatus. The device includes a light source configured to illuminate keyboard symbols corresponding to areas of the sensing field. The device also includes an exterior surface covering the sensing field and obscuring the keyboard symbols from visibility unless the light source is providing illumination.

Abstract: A cart including a housing and a first foot and a second foot mounted to the housing bottom. Each foot is moveable back and forth from a direction away from one end of the cart towards the other end, and each foot including a recess opening downwardly away from the housing bottom. The cart includes a low pressure source in fluid communication pathway extending from each recess to the low pressure source. Each fluid communication pathway includes a valve operable for opening and closing the fluid communication pathway between the recess and the low pressure source. The cart includes a first motor connected to one foot and another motor connected to the other foot, with each motor operable for moving its respective foot back and forth. The cart includes a control system connected in communication with each motor and each valve, with the control system controlling each motor to move its respective foot back and forth.

Abstract: An extension and retraction device including a housing and a slip ring mounted within the housing. The slip ring includes a stator and rotor rotatably mounted therein. The rotor includes rotor leads and annular sections defined circumferentially around the rotor. Each rotor lead includes opposite ends with one end electrically connected to one of the annular sections. The stator includes a contact for each annular section in sliding electrical engagement with the annular section. Each contact includes a stator lead having one end electrically connected to the stator and another end extending out of an opening of the housing. A reel is mounted within the housing with the reel and rotor rotatable about a substantially common axis. A cord extending through another opening of the housing is retracted into the housing when the reel rotates in one direction, and the cord is extended from the housing when the cord is pulled and the reel rotates in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An extension and retraction device including a housing and a slip ring mounted within the housing. The slip ring includes a stator and rotor rotatably mounted therein. The rotor includes rotor leads and annular sections defined circumferentially around the rotor. Each rotor lead includes opposite ends with one end electrically connected to one of the annular sections. The stator includes a contact for each annular section in sliding electrical engagement with the annular section. Each contact includes a stator lead having one end electrically connected to the stator and another end extending out of an opening of the housing. A reel is mounted within the housing with the reel and rotor rotatable about a substantially common axis. A cord extending through another opening of the housing is retracted into the housing when the reel rotates in one direction, and the cord is extended from the housing when the cord is pulled and the reel rotates in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A cable retraction system for use with a cable. The system includes a slider configured to slide in a vertical plane within a channel; and a spring having a first segment connected to the slider and a second segment with a bent tip that traverses a groove and ramp segment with a movement of the slider. In an initial state, the cable does not retract and the bent tip is located at a lowest position of the groove and ramp segment in the vertical plane; and after the cable is pulled, the slider slides upwards in the channel and the bent tip of the second spring traverses a ramp of the groove and ramp segment.

Abstract: A cable retraction system for use with a cable. The system includes a slider configured to slide in a vertical plane within a channel; and a spring having a first segment connected to the slider and a second segment with a bent tip that traverses a groove and ramp segment with a movement of the slider. In an initial state, the cable does not retract and the bent tip is located at a lowest position of the groove and ramp segment in the vertical plane; and after the cable is pulled, the slider slides upwards in the channel and the bent tip of the second spring traverses a ramp of the groove and ramp segment.