Abstract: A mobile apparatus for configuring, testing or providing portable electronic devices for accessing an on-board system of a mobile platform provides a single convenient location for ensuring proper configuration. Portable electronic devices pre-configured for connection to the on-board system are easily tested and re-configured if needed. Further, external components, such as PC cards or disk drives may be provided for configuring the portable electronic devices for accessing the on-board system. Entire portable electronic devices having limited components also may be provided for accessing the on-board system.

Abstract: A power splitter device includes a power input port, at least three power output ports that each have a separate, resettable overcurrent protection circuit with a maximum current rating; and a port switch configured to provide power from the input port to selectable combinations of one or more of the output ports. The combinations of one or more of the output ports include at least one combination of at least two of the output ports. In addition, the port switch is configured to prevent power from being applied to all of the output ports simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a broadband data communication system onboard a mobile platform during an emergency response situation wherein an onboard emergency response apparatus uses the broadband communication system to transmit and receive broadband communications between the emergency response apparatus and an emergency response center. The broadband communication system has multiple users onboard the mobile platform and allows broadband communication between the multiple onboard users and a ground station. During an emergency response situation, the inbound and outbound data streams between the broadband communication system and the ground station are allocated so that the emergency response apparatus can engage in broadband communication with the emergency response center without being delayed by other users of the broadband communication system while still allowing the other users to use the broadband communication system.

Abstract: A laptop computer transport and support system for a mobile environment such as an airplane, bus or train is embodied as a wheeled clamshell style backpack carrying case with a retractable handle. The system is employed by unzipping three case edges and lifting a hinged protective cover thereby exposing a computer. The backpack straps unhook from the cover and secure to a user's seatback or around a user's headrest while strap posts at an opposite backpack strap end extend from the case and prevent strap interference with the user. A foldable or detachable handle permits retractable handle posts to extend on each side of the user and support the system against the seatback instead of the user when the system is used. Optionally, computer peripherals within a compartmentalized base are connected within the base to a docking station port and provide the computer with quick access to the peripherals.

Abstract: A communication method for equitably distributing access to a shared broadband signal having a defined bandwidth to ensure that each user accessing the system receives at least a predetermined minimum bandwidth connection. The method uses a server system that includes at least one server and a plurality of client systems connected to at least one server. A respective user utilizes each client system. The method includes controlling user access to the shared broadband signal, monitoring an amount of the signal bandwidth used by each user, and controlling an amount of the signal bandwidth available to each user based on a total usage of the bandwidth.

Abstract: A laptop computer transport and support system for a mobile environment such as an airplane, bus or train is embodied as a wheeled clamshell style backpack carrying case with a retractable handle. The system is employed by unzipping three case edges and lifting a hinged protective cover thereby exposing a computer. The backpack straps unhook from the cover and secure to a user's seatback or around a user's headrest while strap posts at an opposite backpack strap end extend from the case and prevent strap interference with the user. A foldable or detachable handle permits retractable handle posts to extend on each side of the user and support the system against the seatback instead of the user when the system is used. Optionally, computer peripherals within a compartmentalized base are connected within the base to a docking station port and provide the computer with quick access to the peripherals.

Abstract: A laptop computer transport and support system for a mobile environment such as an airplane, bus or train is embodied as a wheeled clamshell style backpack carrying case with a retractable handle. The system is employed by unzipping three case edges and lifting a hinged protective cover thereby exposing a computer. The backpack straps unhook from the cover and secure to a user's seatback or around a user's headrest while strap posts at an opposite backpack strap end extend from the case and prevent strap interference with the user. A foldable or detachable handle permits retractable handle posts to extend on each side of the user and support the system against the seatback instead of the user when the system is used. Optionally, computer peripherals within a compartmentalized base are connected within the base to a docking station port and provide the computer with quick access to the peripherals.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for monitoring a position and an activity of an individual wearing the monitoring apparatus as well as providing real time access to a wireless LAN. The monitoring apparatus includes a set of hardware, a controller, a power source and at least one user-wearable article. The set of hardware includes a positioning receiver, which determines the position of the individual and generates a position signal in response thereto, and one or more video cameras, which monitor an associated activity of the individual and generate an associated activity video signal in response thereto. The controller, which is coupled to the set of hardware, receives the signal transmitted therefrom and forwards these signals to a remote monitoring station in real time via a wireless interface. The power supply provides electrical power to the set of hardware and the controller. The articles house the set of hardware, the controller and the power supply and is wearable by the individual.

Abstract: A method for improving data throughput across a local area network (LAN) that is adapted for use onboard an aircraft (mobile LAN) and that may also be connected to at least one wide area network (WAN). To improve data throughput across the computer network, the mobile LAN's system software automatically evaluates and modifies, if necessary, the operation parameter settings of a personal computer connected to the mobile LAN. The present invention also discloses a real-time throughput optimization procedure that is comprised of sending a series of sample file types to a predetermined recipient and setting the operational parameter settings on the user's PC and the data packet size to a set of values that produce the fastest throughput for the file type associated with the user's primary activity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a broadband data communication system onboard a mobile platform during an emergency response situation wherein an onboard emergency response apparatus uses the broadband communication system to transmit and receive broadband communications between the emergency response apparatus and an emergency response center. The broadband communication system has multiple users onboard the mobile platform and allows broadband communication between the multiple onboard users and a ground station. During an emergency response situation, the inbound and outbound data streams between the broadband communication system and the ground station are allocated so that the emergency response apparatus can engage in broadband communication with the emergency response center without being delayed by other users of the broadband communication system while still allowing the other users to use the broadband communication system.

Abstract: A method for providing communication service onboard a remote location where landline and cellular telephone service is unavailable. The method utilizes a communication system that includes an onboard local area network (LAN) having an onboard server, at least one smart communication device operable by an onboard user, and a base station server system having a base station server. The method connects the smart device to the onboard LAN using one of a plurality of input/output (I/O) interfaces, utilizes a wireless communication link and IP telephony to exchange communications between the onboard server and the base station server; and controls data flow within the communication system.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus for configuring, testing or providing portable electronic devices for accessing an on-board system of a mobile platform provides a single convenient location for ensuring proper configuration. Portable electronic devices pre-configured for connection to the on-board system are easily tested and re-configured if needed. Further, external components, such as PC cards or disk drives may be provided for configuring the portable electronic devices for accessing the on-board system. Entire portable electronic devices having limited components also may be provided for accessing the on-board system.

Abstract: A power splitter device includes a power input port, at least three power output ports that each have a separate, resettable overcurrent protection circuit with a maximum current rating; and a port switch configured to provide power from the input port to selectable combinations of one or more of the output ports. The combinations of one or more of the output ports include at least one combination of at least two of the output ports. In addition, the port switch is configured to prevent power from being applied to all of the output ports simultaneously.

Abstract: A communication method for equitably distributing access to a shared broadband signal having a defined bandwidth to ensure that each user accessing the system receives at least a predetermined minimum bandwidth connection. The method uses a server system that includes at least one server and a plurality of client systems connected to at least one server. A respective user utilizes each client system. The method includes controlling user access to the shared broadband signal, monitoring an amount of the signal bandwidth used by each user, and controlling an amount of the signal bandwidth available to each user based on a total usage of the bandwidth.

Abstract: A portable network mini-hub is provided that allows users to rapidly set up and configure a portable local area network, regardless of the connection method or available power, in order to share common pay per use mobile Internet services. The portable network mini-hub comprises a wireless module, a plurality of USB ports, a plurality of RJ ports, an Ethernet hub, and a power source, wherein a plurality of network devices communicate through the portable network mini-hub to form a portable local network.

Abstract: A network architecture for blocking access to mobile pay per use Internet services is provided that comprises an Internet Protocol (IP) sniffer that pings the network devices to determine presence of a network device and which further communicates the presence thereof to a server such that access to the Internet services by the network device may be blocked. Generally, the IP sniffer sweeps all possible combinations of addresses in a LINKLOCAL network to detect the addition of a network device on a port and reconfirms for a period of time to verify the presence thereof. Once the network device is confirmed, a signal is transmitted to the server such that the sharing violation may be further investigated or terminated. The IP sniffer is preferably in the form of a module within a seat electronics box of a mobile platform.

Abstract: A laptop computer transport and support system for a mobile environment such as an airplane, bus or train is embodied as a wheeled clamshell style backpack carrying case with a retractable handle. The system is employed by unzipping three case edges and lifting a hinged protective cover thereby exposing a computer. The backpack straps unhook from the cover and secure to a user's seatback or around a user's headrest while strap posts at an opposite backpack strap end extend from the case and prevent strap interference with the user. A foldable or detachable handle permits retractable handle posts to extend on each side of the user and support the system against the seatback instead of the user when the system is used. Optionally, computer peripherals within a compartmentalized base are connected within the base to a docking station port and provide the computer with quick access to the peripherals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing security for user data displayed on a color display screen of a portable computer to prevent viewing of the user data by individuals other than the operator of the computer and who are otherwise positioned to be able to view the display screen. The computer is operated to electronically superimpose an obscuring colored mosaic on the user data while the user data is displayed on the color display screen. The computer can save the user data without the obscuring colored mosaic to an internal storage device, or can fax or print the user data without the obscuring colored mosaic. Specially tinted glasses are used by the operator to allow the obscuring colored mosaic superimposed over the user data to be filtered, and therefore allow only the user to view the user data.