Abstract: An access control system for controlling individualized access, by passengers of a vehicle, to data transmissions and electrical power including a transmission source; a passenger access interface; and a control circuit in communication with the transmission source. The control circuit includes: a microprocessor with memory storage, the microprocessor having a control signal emitter in communication with the transmission source, where the control signal determines access between the transmission source and the passenger access interface; and a portable memory device including stored access control software readable by the microprocessor for determining when a control signal is to be emitted, the portable memory device being removable by the passenger.

Abstract: A portable media device for use in cooperation with passenger entertainment systems installed in vehicles, such as automobiles and aircraft, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The portable media device is configured to communicate with one or more content sources, which provide viewing content and which may be proximate to, and/or remote from, the portable media device. Preferably being configured to wirelessly communicate with the content sources, the portable media device can select content from any available content source and can download and present the selected content in any conventional manner. The selected content can be streamed to the portable media device for contemporaneous presentation and/or stored by the portable media device for viewing at any time, including after disembarking the vehicle once travel is completed. As desired, the portable media device likewise can be configured to transmit appropriate upload content to the content sources.

Abstract: A multimedia playing device for use in a vehicle. The multimedia playing device is mounted within the dashboard of a vehicle and is able to wirelessly transmit video to various display devices located in the vehicle. The multimedia playing device is able to accommodate any number of multimedia playing devices. The audio may be directly transmitted to the stereo system of the vehicle. In another aspect, the invention is a docking device for use in a vehicle. The docking device is adapted to be placed within the cup holder of a vehicle. An external media device is connected to the docking device in order to transmit the video and audio data. The docking device is able to wirelessly transmit video to display devices located in the vehicle. The audio may be directly transmitted to the stereo system of the vehicle and/or to the display device.

Abstract: A terminal data loading device on a mobile platform includes a media unit for receiving a transportable media element containing media data and outputting a media signal to a control processor unit. The control processor unit outputs an information signal to a wireline communication unit. The wireline communication unit outputs a wireline signal to a network on the mobile platform.

Abstract: The present invention provides a movie channel to a user on a mobile device. Movie based content associated with a movie channel is automatically delivered and stored on a mobile electronic device for access by a user. Using the device, users can quickly and efficiently access movie information without having to type in information, or specifically request the movie information to be downloaded to the device. The movie channel includes several different modes for categorically displaying different types of movie information. Some example modes include: a movies mode; a theaters mode; and a current top movies mode. The movies mode is organized to display information relating to particular movies on the electronic device. The theaters mode is arranged to display information relating to particular theaters on the electronic device. The current top movies mode displays information relating to the current “hot” movies.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing information to the public by way of publicly accessible devices. A network of video displays are deployed at publicly accessible locations such as inside public transportation vehicles or at public transportation stations. The video feed to these video displays are provided by a video distribution hub which receives the video feed from a network hub. Different audio feeds are accessible to end users or by telephone. End users can call a telephone interface which receives and routes audio feeds from an audio distribution hub. End users can access audio feeds which may be synchronized with a video feed to provide a complete audio visual experience to the end user. For more useful content, the video displayed at any location may be adjusted to be relevant to the area where the video display is deployed. Audio content synchronized to one of these disparate video feeds can be accessed by the end user by dialing different options through the telephone interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an emergency reporting network system for vehicles such as automotive vehicles. This invention also relates to a security device used in an emergency reporting network system and able to communicate picture information of the vehicle's interior.

Abstract: A vehicle sound system is constructed and arranged to establish a sound image at a desired location spaced from the sound source.

Abstract: A video/audio system includes a video/audio output unit (head unit) 1 for outputting video information and audio information to a monitor 5 or an audio transmitter 6; a video/audio output unit (external player) 2 which is connected to the video/audio output unit 1 via a common signal line 3 and carries out switching output of external video information and audio information to the monitor 5 or audio transmitter 6; and a remote control unit 4 for selectively operating the video/audio output units 1 and 2 externally. The video/audio output units 1 and 2 operate in at least one of the single and combined circuit modes in response to the signal transmitted through the common signal line 3.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for a centralized vehicular electronics system utilizing Ethernet with audio video bridging are provided. In this regard, electronic devices in a vehicle may be communicatively coupled via one or more Ethernet links and information may be communicated between the electronic devices over the Ethernet link(s) utilizing audio video bridging. At least one of multimedia, control, diagnostic, and sensory information between the electronic devices. Accordingly, resources on the one or more Ethernet links may be reserved via AVB to give priority to one of multimedia, control, diagnostic, and sensory information. Information communicated between the devices may be secured utilizing MACsec and related protocols. The electronic devices may comprise two or more network ports and may be enabled to forward packets between the two or more ports. The Ethernet links may comprise optical and/or copper cabling.

Abstract: A vehicular audio/visual system that receives a transmitted electric wave of video or sound, and that outputs the electric wave by switching to an output mode corresponding to user's instruction from among output modes corresponding to multiple types of media includes: a positional information detecting unit that detects positional information of a vehicle; a receiving area storage unit that stores at least one of an area in which the electric wave can be received and an area in which it is difficult to receive the electric wave; a receiving area determination unit that refers to the receiving area storage unit on the basis of the detected positional information and determines whether the electric wave can be received; an output mode switching unit that prohibits an output mode that outputs the electric wave as video or music from being entered when it is determined that the electric wave cannot be received.

Abstract: The multichannel data transfer apparatus is connected to a transmission line in which a plurality of connected nodes have their respective transmission channels and transmit compressed data in a predetermined present embodiment in accordance with bandwidths assigned to the respective channels, and the multichannel data transfer apparatus includes a calculating device that, when there is a request to change the number of transmission channels used to transmit compressed data in the transmission period, calculates a data compression rate and a transmission bandwidth for each of the transmission channels to be used in transmitting the compressed data to the transmission line when the number of the transmission channels is actually changed, and a notifying device that notifies each transmission channel of at least one of the calculated transmission bandwidth and transmission compression rate.

Abstract: An entertainment system capable of quickly permitting a viewer in a moving body to assume a posture of safety is provided. An entertainment system includes a capturing portion for generating a landscape image by capturing a landscape on a traveling direction of a vehicle, a contents information outputting portion for outputting contents information containing image information, a position-in-a-traveling-direction sensing portion for sensing a position on the traveling direction of the vehicle based on the landscape image generated by the capturing portion, a composite image generating portion for generating a contents image from the contents information output by the contents information outputting portion, and generating a composite image by combining the contents image with the landscape image such that the contents image is arranged on surroundings of the sensed position, and a displaying portion for displaying the composite image generated by the first composite image generating portion.

Abstract: The methods and systems of the present invention are particularly adaptable as additions in the form of displaying means, such as monitors, that can works in conjunction with any type of motor vehicle including cars, box trucks, boats, ships, yachts, trains, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, tractor trailer trucks, or motor scooters. The methods of the present invention can be combined as an addition to any part of the motor vehicle in order to turn the motor vehicle into a mobile displaying platform for displaying advertisements or other information.

Abstract: The present rear seat entertainment system provides a second display and interface in the front section of a motor vehicle for control of a media player with a rear mounted first display. The second display shows still video images (or screen shots) from the media player for real time updates on the status of the first display in the rear section of the vehicle according to adjustments made by the second user interface. The entertainment system includes a portable controller with the second display incorporated therein.

Abstract: An information system suitable for use in cooperation with portable media devices, such as an Apple iPod® digital electronic media device, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The information system provides a user-friendly communication interface for coupling with a portable media device and can perform a plurality of integration tasks simultaneously, enabling the personal media device to become fully integrated with the information system. Viewing content thereby can be selected from video and/or audio viewing content stored internally within the personal media device, and the selected viewing content can be communicated from the personal media device to the information system for presentation via a video presentation system and/or an audio presentation system of the information system. The personal media device likewise can receive control commands and/or operating power from the information system.

Abstract: A seat-mounted electronics assembly for a vehicle including a seat with a back portion and a rear surface. A display panel having a screen mounted on a screen-side and a mounting assembly mounting the display panel on the rear surface. The mounting assembly allowing pivotal movement of the display panel relative to the seat between a stowed position and at least one viewing position so that when the display panel is in the viewing position, the display panel is located higher than when the display panel is in the stowed position and when the display panel is in the stowed position, the display panel is substantially parallel to the rear surface of the seat and the screen-side is oriented substantially in the forward direction. And when the display panel is in the viewing position, the screen-side is oriented substantially in the rearward direction.

Abstract: An information system suitable for use in cooperation with portable media devices, such as an Apple iPhone® digital electronic media device, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The information system includes a wireless access point and supports a simple manner for seamlessly integrating the personal media device with the information system, immersing a user in a rich and intuitive media environment. When disposed within a predetermined range of the wireless access point, the portable media device and the vehicle information system can initiate, and maintain, communications, preferably without requiring authentication of the portable media device. The personal media device thereby can exchange control commands and viewing content with the information system. Thereby, a user can advantageously enjoy selected viewing content provided by the information system via the personal media device.

Abstract: An information system suitable for use in cooperation with portable media devices, such as an Apple iPod® digital electronic media device, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The information system supports a simple manner for seamlessly integrating the personal media device with the information system, immersing a user in a rich and intuitive media environment. When the personal media device and the information system are coupled, viewing content from the personal media device can be integrated “on the fly” into the information system via an interactive user interface system. The personal media device likewise can receive control commands and/or operating power from the information system. Thereby, the user can advantageously enjoy his own personal viewing content from the personal media device via the larger video presentation system and/or the enhanced audio presentation system of the information system, while recharging an internal battery system of the personal media device.

Abstract: There is provided a console for a vehicle. The console includes an assembly housing adapted to mount against an interior surface of the vehicle. A wireless receiver, houseable in the assembly, is adapted to receive wireless signals from at least one input video source. A display device, houseable in the assembly and operatively coupled to the wireless receiver, is adapted to reproduce the wireless signals. The wireless signals are at least one of radio frequency, infrared, and optical signals. The console may further include a processor adapted to execute applications associated with the console, and an operating system adapted to manage the applications associated with the console. The console may also include a web browser adapted to interact with one of the Internet and the World Wide Web. The console may also further includes signal processing facilities adapted to perform at least one of signal processing and signal conversion, with respect to the wireless signals.

Abstract: A removable vehicle entertainment system is provided. The system includes a video display screen for displaying entertainment to an occupant of the vehicle. The system can be removed from the docking bracket in the vehicle, and attached to an external docking station such that the system can be used independently of the power supply and speakers of the vehicle. Further, the system can be used as a self-contained personal entertainment system. The system includes mechanical and/or electrical componentry that determines audio mute and video display configuration based on a power signal and a docked signal.

Abstract: A seat back entertainment system includes a seat panel connected to a frame of a vehicle seat. A video unit provides a video signal. A display device is mounted to the seat panel. The display device displays the video signal provided by the video unit. One or more compartments formed in the seat panel.

Abstract: System and method for on board digital entertainment, communication and information system for mass transportation medium (static or mobile) is presented. The system consists of server, software algorithm and client devices. Client devices are connected wirelessly to the server and the server is connected to other servers and external medium wirelessly thereby providing seamless connectivity to the client devices to the server and to outside world. A server design is presented with multiple redundancies to provide un-interrupted services. A client design is presented that enables connectivity to a known server and can be manufactured with low cost. A software algorithm is presented that can prioritize among multiple tasks.

Abstract: A vehicle seat interconnect includes a cable that propagates data signals along a length of the cable and a transceiver provided on at least one vehicle seat of a vehicle. The transceiver is wirelessly coupled with the cable and transmits the data signals between the transceiver and the cable.

Abstract: A system for receiving direct broadcast satellite signals in a mobile craft is disclosed. Generally, the system includes an orientation system for determining the first orientation of the mobile craft, a controller or processor for determining first position control data, and an electronically-pointable antenna adapted to receive first position control data from the controller, such that the antenna is pointable in accordance therewith, such that a first direct broadcast satellite signal is receivable from a first direct broadcast satellite, and a direct broadcast satellite receiver for processing a first radio frequency signal corresponding to the first direct broadcast satellite signal received by the electronically-pointable antenna.

Abstract: A rail system for use in a vehicle comprises a rail mounted to an overhead portion of the vehicle, wherein the rail includes at least one track electrically connected to a vehicle power supply and at least one other track electrically connected to a media source, a support member removably mounted to the rail, and a console coupled to the support member, wherein the console is electrically connected to the at least one track for receiving power from the vehicle power supply and to the at least one other track for receiving data from the media source.

Abstract: [Problem] To obtain an on-train video information delivery control and display system that is capable of efficiently delivering moving images and still images by digital transmission and providing moving images and still images to passengers inside a train passenger compartment while avoiding cost increase and without having to divide the transmission path of the moving images and still images.

Abstract: An optical ring network for use, for example, in a motor vehicle, includes an optical data line that defines a ring network, a playback transducer and at least one data source connected to the optical data line, where the data source provides compressed data onto the optical data line. The network also includes at least one data sink connected to the optical data line, which receives the compressed data from the optical data line. The data sink includes a bit stream decoder that decompresses the received compressed data and provides the decompressed data to the playback transducer. The local network transmits audio and video data in compressed form via the data line, and has a single bit stream decoder, centrally situated at the respective data sink, for decompressing the audio and/or video data. As a result, the individual data sources no longer need their own bit stream decoder for decompressing the data.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus is disclosed which includes a reproducing element for reproducing each of a plurality of content data items a reproduction status detecting element for detecting status of each content data item being reproduced by the reproducing element a selecting element for selecting the content data item being reproduced by the reproducing element depending on the reproduction status of the content data item detected by the reproduction status detecting element a content identification data generating element for generating content identification data for identifying the content data item selected by the selecting element from the plurality of content data items and a transmitting element for transmitting to a second data processing apparatus the content identification data generated by the content identification data generating element.

Abstract: A portable video system comprises a video unit for facilitating play of a video medium, the player having a hinge, a display pivotally attached to the video player on the hinge, and a base unit secured to a substrate for selectively coupling a control panel of the video unit to the substrate, wherein the control panel can be selectively un-coupled from the base unit.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting receiver is equipped with: either at least one lookup table of positive and negative weighted BER factors each assigned to one of predetermined classes of BER of a receivable broadcast signal or a function for deriving said weighted BER factors; at least one counter adapted to classify measured values of BER of the broadcast signal received, obtain BER factors assigned to the measured values, and add up said weighted BER factors as BER is measured at regular time intervals; and control means for controlling said switching means based on the count of said counter, thereby generating proper switching timing for switching broadcast layers in response to the varying reception status of the broadcast signal. As a result, in switching the layers to be presented, frequent switching of the layers can be suppressed while preventing disturbances in video and audio caused by reception errors. The receiver can easily manage holding time for holding the current layer as it is prior to a switching.

Abstract: Pre-recorded video library (PVL) is much more difficult to realize than other pre-recorded multimedia library (PML). Among the existing, mature mobile mass storages, portable HDD (with 1?<disk diameter<3.5?) is the only one that can store a PVL. Accordingly, the present invention discloses a portable video hard-disk drive (pVHDD). It should be removable from the mobile video device.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring broadcast programs from the beginning of the programs is provided. The system includes a tuner configured to receive and decode broadcast signals and provide programming as an output. The system also includes a buffer coupled to the tuner that stores programming from the tuner and provides buffered programming as an output delayed in time from the programming provided by the tuner. The system further includes processing circuitry coupled to the tuner and buffer that determines if the tuner is selected as a source for programming, and if a program is in progress when the tuner is selected. The processing circuitry provides the tuner programming as an output of the system if a program is not in progress when the tuner is selected, and provides the buffered programming as an output of the system if a program is in progress when the tuner is selected.

Abstract: A video display system for use in a vehicle, includes a display disposed in a vehicle for viewing by an operator of the vehicle and a controller in communication with the display. The controller determines when the vehicle is in motion. The controller prohibits display of video information by the display when the vehicle is in motion and stores the video information that is not being displayed. The controller permits display of the stored video information when the vehicle is not in motion. A method of video display in a vehicle is also provided. The method includes determining when a vehicle is in motion, prohibiting display of video information when the vehicle is in motion, storing the video information that is not being displayed, and permitting display of the video information that was stored, by an operator of the vehicle when the vehicle is not in motion.

Abstract: A method of registering a device with a wireless home entertainment hub in a home entertainment system includes broadcasting by a wireless home entertainment hub a request for a reply from at least one unregistered device. The reply is received from at least one of the unregistered devices and a list of the at least one unregistered device is presented to a user for the purpose of the user selecting a device to register. An indication of the registration of the device selected by the user for registration is stored, and the selected device is removed from the list of unregistered devices after the indication of the registration is stored.

Abstract: A method of connecting a legacy device in a home entertainment system containing a wireless home entertainment hub utilizing a home theatre network interface box includes obtaining a registration with the wireless home entertainment hub for the home theatre network interface box. The home theatre network interface box is connected to the legacy device and the home theatre network interface device is identified at the wireless home entertainment hub according to the functionality of the legacy device. An instruction from the wireless home entertainment hub to transmit data produced by the legacy device to at least one sink device in the home entertainment system is received, where the legacy device is a source device. Representation of the data produced by the legacy device from the home theatre network interface box to the at least one sink device is transmitted.

Abstract: A car theater video and audio entertainment system is provided with a host box. An interior of the host box is installed with a memory, a wireless signal receiving antenna, a booster, and plural sets of video and audio multiplexers. An input end of the host box is connected to a VCD/DVD player, and an output end of the host box is connected to a plurality of display screens and a plurality of control panels. The control panel is provided with more than two insertion holes for receiving a game controller, an earphone, or a pair of head-mounted virtual glasses. The memory stores a lot of video files, music files, image files, and video game software. By using the control panel to control the host box, each user can choose a channel according to his or her preferences, without interfering with or being interfered by other users.

Abstract: A user interface device for presenting selected viewing content and methods for manufacturing and using same. The user interface device is adapted for installation at a suitable location via any of a wide variety of conventional mounting systems. The user interface device thereby can select and present viewing content and, when not in use, can be stowed in a manner that does not interfere with the user. A malfunctioning user interface device can be easily removed from the mounting system and replaced with another user interface device, minimizing inconvenience to the user and facilitating repairs. Since the user interface devices are produced with a common docking interface system, each user interface device can, without modification, be engaged by any other mounting system. Thereby, only one version of the user interface device needs to be produced, purchased, and inventoried.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment center includes a plurality of bays for receiving electronically reproducible entertainment. The bays include memory card bays. The entertainment center has a plurality of channel readers with each channel reader capable of reading a separate entertainment channel accessible through one of the plurality of bays. There is also a plurality of receivers for receiving wireless transmitted entertainment from each of the channel readers. Each of the receivers is capable of selecting to receive the entertainment channel being projected by one of the channel readers and playing the selected channel to a passenger in a vehicle such that each passenger can hear and view an entertainment channel that is different from that viewed and heard by any other passenger.

Abstract: An image-processing system includes a power source, a plurality of signal processing circuits, and a plurality of switching units. The power source provides power to the image-processing system. The signal processing circuits, each including a first input end, a second input end and an output end, generate output image signals at the output ends according to input image signals received at the first input ends. The switching units, each having an input end coupled to the power source, an output end coupled to the second input end of a corresponding signal processing circuit and a control end, connect corresponding signal processing circuits to the power source, or isolate corresponding signal processing circuits from the power source according to control signals received at the control ends.

Abstract: A wide display (200) displays video obtained from a content source on a screen (230) in single-screen display mode or in dual-screen display mode. A video processing apparatus (600) switches the mode of video display from dual-screen display mode to single-screen display mode when a plurality of same videos are displayed on split screens (210) and (220) formed by splitting the screen (230) of the wide display (200).

Abstract: In an integrated type video reproducing equipment having a reproducing unit for reproducing the video information, a display unit for displaying the reproduced video information, and a chassis for supporting them, the equipment is provided with supporting means for supporting the displacement of both the units, and fixing means for fixing the displacement so that both the units are able to displace in a predetermined direction and to fixe and house in a predetermined position. Thus, there is provided a small-sized video reproducing equipment which is superior in the operability and visibility when in use as well as in the housing efficiency when housed.

Abstract: The invention, in its several embodiments, pertains to audiovisual consoles, more particularly to audiovisual consoles for use in cars. In some embodiments, a device is provided that includes a control user interface and a play user interface, wherein the control user interface is adapted to receive inputs to define a first list of audiovisual elements from which a user, via the play user interface, may select to play on a presentation device.

Abstract: An aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system includes a headend unit, and a plurality of seat electronic boxes (SEBs) spaced throughout the aircraft. The headend unit includes a digital satellite radio receiver. A local area network (LAN) connects the digital satellite radio receiver for providing digital satellite radio signals to the SEBs. The IFE system further includes a plurality of passenger control units (PCUs) connected to the plurality of SEBs, with each PCU permitting passenger selection of the digital satellite radio signals.

Abstract: An in-car video system includes a first display device installed in a front part of a car and having a first light-sensitive element to receive remote control light output from a remote control transmitter, a second display device installed in a location posterior to the first display device and having a second light-sensitive element to receive remote control light output from a remote control transmitter, and a control section for controlling the display on the first and second display devices according to output signals of the first and second light-sensitive elements. The control section includes a display operation detecting unit operable to detect an operating state of the first or second display device according to an output of the first and second light-sensitive elements, and a moving/stationary state detecting unit operable to detect whether the car is moving or stationary.

Abstract: This invention discloses an entertainment system for providing entertainment to a user thereof, the system including an entertainment source for providing entertainment in a distributable form, entertainment distribution apparatus for distributing the entertainment and a plurality of entertainment delivery units, each entertainment delivery unit including receiving apparatus for receiving the entertainment from the entertainment source via the entertainment distribution apparatus, wherein at least one of the plurality of entertainment delivery units includes personalization apparatus adapted to receive a removable personalization element including personalization information, and the at least one of the plurality of entertainment units personalizes the entertainment based on the personalization information, and the personalization information includes at least one of the following: entertainment preference information; gaming information; and telecommunications information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system of providing broadcast informations, comprising: a receiving processing unit for receiving both program and advertisement informations broadcasted and for extracting only the advertisement information therefrom; a reproducing unit being connected to the receiving processing unit for fetching both the program and advertisement informations from the receiving processing unit and for re-producing both the program and advertisement informations; an accumulating unit being connected to the receiving processing unit for fetching only the extracted advertisement information from the receiving processing unit and for accumulating the advertisement information; and a control unit being operable by an operator and being connected to both the accumulating unit and the reproducing unit for fetching at least operator-selected one of the accumulated advertisement informations from the accumulating unit and for transferring the at least operator-selected advertisement information to t

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: An apparatus and a method generate customized content for in-route entertainment on a mobile element, such as an aircraft. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a shared program input for receiving a shared program stream, which includes primary entertainment content (e.g., video segments) intended for a plurality of mobile elements; a supplemental content input for receiving customized supplemental content, such as advertising and branding segments; a scheduler providing scheduling information, which indicates insertion points in the shared program stream for customized supplemental input as a function of characteristics of the mobile element; and an output for outputting the shared program stream, the customized supplemental content, and the scheduling information for subsequent generation of an entertainment content stream customized for the mobile element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a large capacity, user defined audio content delivery system. The system delivers uninterrupted music and delivers information content (e.g., news by evaluating and encoding an input audio stream while outputting another stream. Undesirable audio content (e.g., advertisements and unwanted news) are not present in the output audio stream as only desired portions of information content are stored for playback on demand. The invention also includes a user interface that is simple enough to facilitate utilization of the audio system in an automobile and employs standard hardware available in typical computing and/or personal digital assistant equipment. Additionally, the audio system can be portable (e.g., as portable as a personal digital assistant) and can be updated in real time or off line via a personal computer.