Abstract: A method and system may provide offline communications on an aircraft by establishing a mesh network for client devices of airline personnel to communicate peer-to-peer. A first client device executing an airline application on an aircraft determines that the first client device is unable to access an online airline database. The first client device provides, via a short-range communication protocol over a dedicated secure communication channel, a request to open a communication session with a second client device. The request includes identification information for the first client device and an indication of the airline application executing on the first client device. In response to the second client device determining that the first client device has permission to communicate airline data peer-to-peer with the second client device in a mesh network, the first client device receives airline data via the mesh network, and stores a local copy of the airline data.

Abstract: Mapping of an avionic network is obfuscated by interposing a network module between an external-access node and a bus of an avionics network. First and second network maps are generated and loaded on the network module. The network map accessible to the external-access node is changed from the first network map to the second network map, to disrupt any reconnaissance of the avionics network.

Abstract: A method and a networking device for transmitting an information stream are provided. The method is executable by a router. The router and a device are located on-board a vehicle and communicatively coupled by an on-board LAN. The router is communicatively coupled to external systems. The method comprises: establishing a first channel between the device and a first external system by using the on-board LAN; transmitting, via the first channel, the information stream; monitoring decision metrics associated with external systems; identifying a second external system to be prioritized over the first external system; switching from the first to a second channel, the switching being seamless to a user, the switching comprising establishing the second channel between the device and the second external system by using the on-board LAN, storing a portion of the information stream; and transmitting via the second channel, the information stream without interruption during the switching.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and apparatus for transfer of data between a host device (400) and a peripheral device (300) via a USB Type-C connector (100; 304) of the host device. A data controller is described that has a path controller (309, 310; 706) for establishing signal paths between circuitry of the host device and contacts (101) of said USB Type-C connector. The path controller is operable in at least first and second modes. In the first mode the path controller establishes separate signal paths to each of at least first, second, third and fourth contacts (A6, A7, B6, B7) of the USB Type-C connector and a plurality of the established signal paths are for transfer of analogue audio data. In the second mode the path controller establishes a pair of signal paths to only a subset of said first to fourth contacts to provide a differential digital data path.

Abstract: A method and system may provide offline communications on an aircraft by establishing a mesh network for client devices of airline personnel to communicate peer-to-peer. A first client device executing an airline application on an aircraft determines that the first client device is unable to access an online airline database. The first client device provides, via a short-range communication protocol over a dedicated secure communication channel, a request to open a communication session with a second client device. The request includes identification information for the first client device and an indication of the airline application executing on the first client device. In response to the second client device determining that the first client device has permission to communicate airline data peer-to-peer with the second client device in a mesh network, the first client device receives airline data via the mesh network, and stores a local copy of the airline data.

Abstract: An entertainment and connectivity system includes a processor for transferring information between a vehicle based user device and a server to validate a user's government identity before granting the user device access to the internet. The vehicle based server has an internet protocol address and communicates with user devices. The user devices each have an onboard internet protocol address mapped to the internet protocol address of the vehicle based server. A processor associated with the vehicle based server receives requests for internet service originating from the user devices. The requests include travel information or internet subscription plan information for a user of each of the user devices. The vehicle based server, or a ground based server that receives the request, generates an internet connection authorization decision based on validation of the user's government identity or the user's internet subscription plan information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying and controlling a remotely executed application on a display of a vehicle are disclosed. A method may include: receiving, by one or more processors, one or more video signals from one or more video sources onboard the vehicle; receiving, by the one or more processors, at a client module, a video signal including an image or display of the application executing on a remote server through a network; combining, by the one or more processors, via a video router, the received one or more video signals from the one or more video sources onboard the vehicle and the video signal including the image or display of the application executing on the remote server; and selectively displaying, by the one or more processors, on a display of the vehicle, the video signal including the image or display of the application executing on the remote server.

Abstract: A system has a plurality of machine readable tags, and includes a server system for synchronizing the display of interactive mobile content on a user device with a destination of a vehicle, the system. Each of the machine readable tags encodes an address, and is mounted within the vehicle for access by persons in the vehicle. The system receives a request from the user device, generated by scanning one of the machine readable tags, and determines the destination of the vehicle. A coupon is selected and provided that corresponds with the destination of the vehicle. The users on the vehicle that have selected the coupon for download are determined, each of the users who have downloaded the coupon are notified of the identities of the other users who downloaded the coupon, and transportation of all of the users is facilitated, to the location of the restaurant so they may utilize the coupon which each of them downloaded.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for managing overhead bin space in an aircraft or other vehicle. An available space or the used space with an overhead bin can be measured using a set of sensors. Using information from the set of sensors, a dongle can determine a shape and volume of the used or unused space within the overhead bin. With this information, the available space can then be reported including the number of roller bags that would fit in the overhead bin or whether there are objects that are not roller bags within the overhead bin.

Abstract: A system and related method provide an ability at a local level to develop and modify an aircraft lighting configuration. Local maintenance may modify and replace a lighting configuration file associated with an aircraft lighting control defining default values and preset intensities for interior, exterior, cabin, and cargo bay lighting. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) offers a maintenance technician and a crewmember efficient flight deck control of each zone and field enabling efficient user control of each aspect of aircraft lighting.

Abstract: A method and system facilitate communication between a constellation of satellites and a mobile platform-mounted mobile communicator. The method and system may include the use of a first antenna suited for operation using a first frequency band in a first geographic region and a second antenna suited for operation using either the first or a second frequency band in a second geographic region. The method and system may use a controller to determine which antenna to activate based on one or more of a geographic indicator or a signal indicator. The system used by the method to facilitate the communication may have one or more enclosures over the antennas and controller for mounting to a mobile platform.

Abstract: In some implementations, a satellite communication system is a capable of utilizing converged data transmissions over a satellite network to improve various aspects of services provisioned through the satellite network. For example, the system includes multiple electronic components that operate within a common software application framework to enable the ability to perform monitored operations in real-time. The system uses the monitored data to dynamically and intelligently adjust network configurations of the satellite network configuration to dynamically and intelligently improve to the provisioning of network-based services under varying network conditions.

Abstract: Networking methods and systems are provided for a transportation vehicle, e.g. an aircraft. One method includes registering with a switching device, multicast network addresses assigned to each of a plurality of regions of an aircraft, each region including a plurality of seat devices configured to store media files of a media library of an in-flight entertainment system, the media files assigned to one of a plurality of tiers. A range of the multicast network addresses are reserved for each tier and the multicast network addresses are distributed across different regions of the aircraft, based on where media files are intended to be stored. Based on registered multicast network addresses, the switching device selectively forwards specific media files associated with specific multicast network addresses for storage at one or more seat devices located within a region associated with the specific multicast network address.

Abstract: A method and system may provide automated passenger seat assignment procedures for an airline. A server device may determine passengers for a departing flight who are eligible to receive seat assignment notifications. When an eligible passenger is next in a standby or upgrade queue, the server device may transmit an electronic communication such as an email, short message service (SMS) message, push notification, etc., to the passenger's network-enabled device. The electronic communication may indicate that a seat assignment is available and may provide instructions for accepting or declining the available seat assignment. If the user accepts, for example, by transmitting an electronic reply message to the server device accepting the available seat assignment, the server device may transmit an electronic boarding pass to the user corresponding to the available seat assignment.

Abstract: Computing technology for a transportation vehicle is provided. For example, the computing technology executes a method for generating an encrypted message by a computing device for a passenger of a transportation vehicle, based on an identifier identifying the transportation vehicle and a passenger seat identifier identifying a passenger seat; providing the encrypted message to a processor executable entertainment system of the transportation vehicle; decrypting the encrypted message and validating the passenger seat identifier based on an authorized login by the passenger to the entertainment system while the passenger is on the transportation vehicle; and after validation, presenting the decrypted message to a device accessible to the passenger.

Abstract: An entertainment system for a vehicle accommodating a passenger with a personal electronic device executing a screen sharing application. The entertainment system includes a network onboard the vehicle and information processing devices connected to the network. Each device includes a data processor, and at least one including a display monitor and a screen sharing server executed by the data processor of the device with the screen sharing server being receptive to a display data stream communicated over the network to the screen sharing server by execution of the screen sharing application of the portable electronic device. The display data stream is communicated after pairing of the screen sharing application the device. A media player application executed by the data processor of the device determines if the display data stream is encrypted. If so, the media player application requests a license and after receipt of the license, a decrypted display data stream is rendered the display monitor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a vehicle entertainment system are provided. One method includes generating by a processor, a plurality of media sets for storing a plurality of media files at a transportation vehicle, each of the plurality of media set configured to store a first set of media files playable at the same time by all passengers, a second set of media files playable at the same time by up to X percentage of the passengers and a third set of media files playable at the same time by up to Y percentage of the passengers; distributing by the processor, the plurality of media files for storage across a plurality of smart monitors of the transportation vehicle; monitoring user access of the plurality of media files on the transportation vehicle; and modifying by the processor, an assignment of a media file between the first set, the second set and the third set based on a plurality of factors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing dual fidelity communications to devices on board a vehicle. The systems and method integrate light fidelity (LiFi) communications with traditional vehicle radio frequency (RF) communications and/or wired communications systems. The systems and method may include detecting data packets addressed to devices on-board the vehicle and determining a metric associated with a data packet and or data stream associated with the data packet. Based on the determined metric, the data packet is routed over the LiFi communication system or the traditional RF or wired communication system.

Abstract: An interface architecture for a cabin monument has an energy supply interface module; a data interface module; a first energy input connection coupled to a first input of the energy supply interface module, which connection is designed or configured to be connected to an external energy supply; a first data input connection coupled to the data interface module, which connection is designed or configured to obtain data from an external data source and forward the data to the data interface module; a first energy output connection coupled to a first output of the energy supply interface module, which connection is designed or configured to deliver electrical energy to a load that can be connected to the energy output connection; and a communication interface which couples the energy supply interface module to the data interface module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for managing communications of portable devices within a vehicle through an in-vehicle router system. The in-vehicle router system includes a plurality of out-of-band interfaces used to determine a user type associated with a portable device used to manage a connection with a wireless access point. The out-of-band interface receives a query from a portable device via a first communication link. The query includes identifying information of the portable device and a request for network credentials to a second communication link with a wireless access point. A user type is determined based on a location of the out-of-band interface and a unique identifier. Network credentials associated with the determined user type are retrieved. The network credentials are provided to the portable device via the first communication link. Access to the second communication link is restricted based on the user type and/or vehicle status information.

Abstract: Control of access to an on-line service, the access to the service being requested, via a communication network, by a terminal suitable for receiving data broadcast by a plurality of devices for data transmission by light modulation producing a light beam. In particular: each transmission device is characterized by a unique identifier; and each transmission device belongs to a group of devices. The following steps, carried out by a server connected to the transmission devices, are provided: upon receiving a request from the terminal to access the service via a second transmission device identified by a second identifier, verifying whether a previous access request for said same terminal was accepted for a first transmission device identified by a first identifier; and, when the first and second identifiers correspond to devices of the same group, processing the access request.

Abstract: An IP communication system has a switching hub having at least first to (n+1)-th ports (where n is an integer equal to or greater than two); first to n-th IP devices connected to the respective first to n-th ports; and an IP address setting unit connected to the (n+1)-th port. The IP address setting unit transmits, to the switching hub, a first port open instruction to open the first port and to close the second to n-th ports, and thereafter transmits, to the switching hub, a first IP address to be set to the first IP device. Upon reception of the first port open instruction from the IP address setting unit, the switching hub opens the first port and closes the second to n-th ports. Upon reception of the first IP address, the switching hub transmits the first IP address to the first IP device.

Abstract: An inflight entertainment system includes video display units that communicate with user terminals through Bluetooth signaling and include a network interface communicating with a content server and a satellite network interface and/or a ground network interface. A time reference message is received which contains a master time reference from the satellite network interface and/or the ground network interface. A local time generator is updated based on the master time reference. Rate request messages are received from the user terminals containing indications of time broadcast rates requested by the user terminals. A scheduled time broadcast rate is determined based on the indications of the time broadcast rates requested by the user terminals. The video display unit transmits, through a Bluetooth transceiver at time instances which are determined based on the scheduled time broadcast rate, broadcast time messages that each contain an indication of a present local time of the video display unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed allowing a passenger of a vehicle to use a personal electronic device to control a saving, on a storage device, of image data of video streams arising from cameras of the vehicle. The system includes at least one client/server module configured to receive and retransmit image data of a video stream received from one of the cameras to the storage device. The client/server module includes a processor configured to connect the personal electronic device to the client/server module, a receiver for receiving a request, originating from the personal electronic device, including an item representative of a set of images of the video stream to be saved and a transmitter for transmitting to the storage device image data of the video stream corresponding to the item, with a view to their saving.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring a public announcement message to an onboard public announcement system (OPAS) installed on a vehicle using a personal electronic device. The personal electronic device establishes a wireless network connection to the OPAS to transmit a public announcement message stored on a personal electronic device. The personal electronic device transmits the public announcement message to the OPAS via the wireless network connection. The personal electronic device may download messages from a remote public announcement server for transfer to the OPAS. The personal electronic device may also record messages and control the playback of messages on the OPAS.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a host unit for a distributed antenna system. The host unit includes a first radio access network (RAN) interface module to communicate with a RAN node. The host unit also includes a distribution module configured to distribute transport signals between one or more downstream RJ45 connectors and the first RAN interface module. One or more non-permanent connectors are included to couple the distribution module to a second RAN interface module and one or more upstream RJ45 jacks. The one or more upstream RJ45 jacks are configured to pass Ethernet signals therethrough. The distribution module is configured to couple a downlink portion of the first transport signals and either a downlink portion of the second transport signals or a downlink Ethernet signal from one of the upstream RJ45 jacks to a first twisted pair cable connected to one of one or more downstream RJ45 jacks.

Abstract: A real-time multimodal travel estimation and routing system having a first mode for air-based travel and a second mode for ground-based travel, and a method for estimating a time of arrival to a ground-based destination having a first mode for air-based travel and a second mode for ground-based travel is disclosed. The real-time multimodal travel estimation and routing system is configured to receive an input designating a ground-based destination, a request for an available ground-based travel option, and display an estimated time of arrival to the ground-based destination based on first data stored on-board the aircraft for the second mode and real-time flight information for the aircraft for the first mode. The system is further configured to receive an update of real-time information for the available ground-based travel option and update the first data stored on-board the aircraft.

Abstract: Consumable data objects are transferred from a source server to a vehicle server. The availability of a first data communications link from the source server to a vehicle server is detected and a count of consumable data objects stored on the vehicle server is generated. If the first data communications link is detected, the count is transmitted to the source server over the link. An identifier of the vehicle server is derived from the first data communications link, and this identifier is associated with the count. A consumable data object replenishment count is generated based upon an evaluation of the count in relation to historic use data derived from past counts.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for personalized in-flight entertainment. In one embodiment, an in-flight content personalization method is disclosed. Flight information associated with an aircraft may be received at an airline server. One or more passengers related to the flight information may be identified, and content for synchronization to an in-flight entertainment server located on the aircraft for the one or more passengers may be determined. After determining that the airline server is operatively connectable to the in-flight entertainment server, the content may be synchronized. In another embodiment, an in-flight entertainment personalization method is disclosed. Content may be received at an in-flight entertainment server from an off-aircraft airline server via a network connection. A user request for personalized content may be received from a device located on an aircraft during flight. The personalized content for responding to the user request may be identified and provided.

Abstract: An entertainment system includes a video display unit facing a passenger seat and a track pad assembly integrated with an armrest of the passenger seat. The track pad assembly includes a track pad that is operable to control the video display unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for delivering programming content to vehicles (e.g., seagoing vessels) in a cost-effective manner. In some embodiments, programming content may be delivered to vehicles over previously deployed networks (e.g., satellite networks), using excess network capacity which may not otherwise be used to deliver data. By opportunistically employing excess network capacity (e.g., as the capacity becomes available), data constituting programming content may be delivered to vehicles over a period of time, such as via multicast transmission. A vehicle may store received data on one or more onboard servers. After an item of programming content has been received, the item may be made accessible to the vehicle's crew and/or passengers, such as by streaming the item to one or more suitably configured playback devices. Content may be served to playback devices “on demand” and/or according to a programming schedule.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of wireless transceivers deployed in a vehicle cabin and a processor configured to receive a relay signal from a transceiver, including a device identification and a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) associated with a device signal. The processor is also configured to use the RSSI and device identification, associated with a single device, included in relay signals from multiple transceivers to determine a device location and store the device location and corresponding possessor identification and location in memory.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide for In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) content distribution onboard an aircraft to Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) of passengers over Universal Serial Bus (USB). One embodiment comprises system that includes a media server disposed within the aircraft. The media server provides IFE content streams to the PEDs of passengers. The system further includes an Ethernet network that is electrically coupled to the media server, and a plurality of IFE distribution units that are disposed within the aircraft. At least one of the IFE distribution units includes an Ethernet interface that is electrically coupled to the Ethernet network, a USB port located proximate to a seat within the aircraft, and a controller. The controller is electrically coupled to the Ethernet interface and the USB port, and converts the IFE content streams from the media server from Ethernet frames to USB frames for presentation to the PEDs.

Abstract: An intelligent synchronization tool ensures access to desired content in a manner that automatically keeps the content current on the portable media device. A variation threshold or user-specified degree of content variation may be introduced among content downloaded to a user's mobile device to prevent the user from becoming bored. Furthermore, intelligent synchronization may automatically populate the portable media device with popular content to save a user time and/or use passive monitoring techniques to ascertain a user's preferences for subsequent population.

Abstract: A system and method provide automatic access to applications or data. A portable physical device, referred to herein as a Personal Digital Key or “PDK”, stores one or more profiles in memory. In one embodiment, a biometric profile is acquired in a secure trusted process and uniquely associated with a user that is authorized to use and associated with the PDK. The PDK wirelessly transmits identification information including a unique PDK identification number, and optionally the biometric profile and a profile over a secure wireless channel to a reader. A computing device is coupled to the reader. An auto login server is coupled to the reader and the computing device and launches one or more applications associated with a user name identified by the received profile.

Abstract: A system and method provide automatic access to applications or data. A portable physical device, referred to herein as a Personal Digital Key or “PDK”, stores one or more profiles in memory, including a biometric profile acquired in a secure trusted process and uniquely associated with a user that is authorized to use and associated with the PDK. The PDK wirelessly transmits identification information including a unique PDK identification number, the biometric profile and a profile over a secure wireless channel to a reader. A computing device is coupled to the reader. An auto login server is coupled to the reader and the computing device and launches one or more applications associated with a user name identified by the received profile.

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products facilitate conditional access to a content embedded with watermarks. For such a content, when copy control rules associated with an embedded watermark message prohibits unconditional access to the content, it is determined whether or not an exception to the copy control rules exists, and if an exception to the copy control rules exists, the content is conditionally accessed. Additional watermark messages can be extracted while the content is being conditionally accessed, and based on the additionally extracted watermark messages, it is verified that conditional access to the content has been fulfilled.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an entertainment system that includes a plurality of wireless access points. Each wireless access point includes a mass memory, at least one radio transceiver, and at least one processor. The at least one radio transceiver is configured to communicate with seat display devices. The at least one processor is configured to receive entertainment content comprising a plurality of content items, and store the entertainment content in the mass memory. The at least one processor selects a subset of content items from among the content items of the entertainment content stored in the mass memory, based on a defined rule, and downloads the subset of content items from the mass memory to a plurality of the seat display devices through the at least one radio transceiver for local storage within mass memory of the seat display devices.

Abstract: A passenger cabin system includes a plurality of passenger control units, a plurality of passenger service units, and a programming code. The programming code is stored on a computer readable medium for dynamically linking each of the passenger control units to a separate one of the passenger service units.

Abstract: A tunable projected artificial magnetic minor (PAMM) includes a plurality of artificial magnetic minor (AMM) cells and a control module. The AMM cells collectively produce an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) having a geometric shape a distance from a surface of the tunable PAMM for an electromagnetic signal in a given frequency range. The control module is operably coupled to the plurality of AMM cells and provides control information to one or more of the AMM cells to tune at least one of the geometric shape of the AMC and the distance of the AMC from the surface of the tunable PAMM.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a system to measure transceiver parameters and test network interfaces at a physical layer without requiring specialized interface fixtures and excessive preparation and intervention.

Abstract: A wireless communication system performs high-quality communication using Multicast communication where re-transmission processing is performed. The wireless communication system includes a program distribution unit for distributing a program using the Multicast communication; a first communication path for transmitting the program distributed from the program distribution unit; first communication units; user terminals; and a second and the user terminal and is also a wireless communication path where the re-transmission of a frame is performed, wherein the first communication unit selects a Multicast frame of a program requested by the user terminal from the first communication path, converts the selected Multicast frame into a Unicast frame, and transmits the converted Unicast frame to the user terminal.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems and components are implemented on a multipassenger transit vehicle to provide passenger access to a pre-assigned interactive electronic media device associated with a passenger identification (ID) code or associated with an on-board situs location. The electronic media device may include a storage component, and a battery module that can periodically be replaced or recharged. Security techniques may provide protection against unauthorized usage of each electronic media device, and also help prevent unauthorized removal of the electronic media device from its approved location in the transit vehicle. Selective content may be accessible or downloaded via a communication node, wherein such content may include application programs or informational data specifically correlated with a media device location or a designated vehicle passenger.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a removable memory unit (RMU) that facilitates concatenation of said memory modules irrespective of their individual physical interfaces, enables encryption/decryption keys (including cryptographic ignition keys (CIKs)) to reside onboard the RMU, provides for physical separation of RED and BLACK data in cross-domain environments and implements zeroization functionality onboard the RMU. Further embodiments provide a swappable IO backplane and adapter plates for incorporation into a wide variety of platforms.

Abstract: A television system allows a viewer of a text-enhanced television program to pause the program at a particular frame, browse the enhancements at his or her leisure, and then resume viewing the program from that frame, without losing continuity of the video and enhancement portions of the program, or program content. This is accomplished by time-shifting the television program for later playback. Time-shifting is accomplished through the use of mass storage devices such as semiconductor memory, optical disks, magnetic storage and other FIFO data storage structures. Markers are available that allow the viewer to return to the program at the point that he stopped watching, replaying the program from that point. Text enhancements are provided through the VBI present in a conventional television broadcast signal, through an Internet connection, or by a wireless means such as a pager or cordless telephone.

Abstract: A portable entertainment system for a vehicle includes a portable housing, a transceiver, a processor, a memory, and a rechargeable battery. The transceiver communicates through RF signals with Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) operated by vehicle passengers. The rechargeable battery supplies power to the transceiver, the processor, and the memory. The memory is coupled to the processor and includes entertainment content and further includes computer readable program code that causes the processor to communicate a list, of at least some of the entertainment content available in the memory, to the PEDs. A content selection message is received through the transceiver from one of the PEDs that requests communication of a selected one of the entertainment content identified in the list. The selected entertainment content is communicated through the transceiver to the PED. The transceiver, the processor, and the memory are enclosed within the portable housing.

Abstract: An inflight entertainment (IFE) system preloads from head end equipment onto seat end video caches subsets of prerecorded video entertainment programs from a library of prerecorded video entertainment programs stored on the head end equipment. Preloading is done independent of play requests made by passengers using the IFE system. The selected subsets are selected using selection metrics such as program popularity, passenger demographics and/or passenger preferences. The same or a different subset may be selected for different passengers. As a result of the selective preloading of the seat end video caches, if the head end equipment or the distribution system becomes inoperable during the flight, the IFE system is able to continue to deliver a limited offering of popular, demographically indicated and/or passenger preferred video entertainment from the seat end video caches, without requiring a large multiplier in storage capacity or loading time.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring an electronic device is disclosed. A location identifier module comprising a location identifier is positioned at a location, and the electronic device is positioned at the location. The electronic device is configured based on the location identifier.

Abstract: An in-flight entertainment (IFE) system for an aircraft includes a phased array antenna and control circuitry associated therewith to be carried by the aircraft and to generate dual antenna beams for television programming and Internet data from respective spaced apart satellites. A television programming distribution system is to be carried by the aircraft and coupled to the phased array antenna and control circuitry to provide television programming within the aircraft. At least one access point is to be carried by the aircraft and coupled to the phased array antenna and control circuitry to provide a wireless local area network (WLAN) within the aircraft for the Internet data.

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.