Abstract: According to a vehicular communication system (10) of the present invention, a specified time slot in compliance with one broadcast time slot corresponded to one attribute pertinent to or possessed by a vehicle (1) among a plurality of attributes corresponded to a plurality of broadcast time slots of programs, respectively, according to the broadcast program list. Even though the IGN switch (101) of the vehicle (1) is set at the OFF state, the vehicular communication system (10) is operated or kept at the operating state so as to receive the program broadcasted in the specified time slot.

Abstract: A mobile video system includes a first video source, a second video source, a first video monitor, a second video monitor, an audio signal receiver, and a wireless transmitter. One of the first video source and the second video source generates a first audiovisual signal. One of the first video monitor and the second video monitor receives a video portion of at least one of the first audiovisual signal and the second audiovisual signal. The wireless transmitter transmits an audio portion of one of the first audiovisual signal or the second audiovisual signal to the audio signal receiver. A video portion of the first audiovisual signal or the second audiovisual signal is displayed on the first video monitor, on the second video monitor, or on both the first video monitor and the second video monitor.

Abstract: A Video Display Unit (VDU) docking system for a dedicated fiber optic in-flight-entertainment (IFE) system allows VDUs to be quickly replaced by personnel who do not need specialized training in fiber coupling without risk of damage to fiber optic components of the dedicated fiber optic IFE system. In some embodiments, a VDU docking station is configured to receive a VDU such that when a VDU is inserted therein, the VDU becomes automatically communicatively coupled with a fiber optic distribution network of the IFE system via a blind mate connection. In some arrangements, a blank LRU having no operative user interface elements but sufficient functionality to maintain communicative coupling is mounted in the VDU docking station in lieu of a VDU. In some configurations, the VDU docking station includes an embedded switch for maintaining communicative coupling across the VDU docking station in the absence of a VDU.

Abstract: A video signal processing system and method is disclosed. The video signal processing system includes at least two receiving modules configured for independently receiving signals for the same video program. Each receiving module is further configured for processing the signals received and providing a corresponding video stream. The video signal processing system further includes a synchronization module and a data processing module. The synchronization module is configured for determining a latency difference between the at least two video streams, and the data processing module is configured for comparing and combining the at least two video streams to provide a merged video stream, which may have a reduced number of damaged or missing frames.

Abstract: In video/audio information such as a movie in a mobile terminal connected to a terminal of a seat terminal for a mobile terminal, the video is converted into video data and transmitted to a seat terminal of a front seat via a transmission path. The video data are decoded by a video decoder of the seat terminal of the front seat and displayed on a video display section. Furthermore, audio is listened to by a user via a headphone of the user's own seat.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect an active device configured to utilize content; identify the content and a current location of the content; detect an idle device configured to selectively deliver the content; detect a transition parameter for determining a transition to the idle device; and transition the content from the active device to the idle device wherein the idle device is capable of utilizing the content based on the transition parameter.

Abstract: A video file system for an aircraft carrying a person having a personal electronic device (PED) for displaying video files includes a ground-based video server and an aircraft-based video system. The ground-based video server stores video files, with each video file being updatable from an available status to an unavailable status. The aircraft-based video system copies video files from the ground-based video server while the aircraft is on the ground. A determination is made, via communications with the ground-based video server and while the aircraft is airborne, whether a given video file has been updated from the available status to the unavailable status. The PED is permitted to display the given video file if it has the available status, and is not permitted to display the given video file if it has the unavailable status.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a data reading unit that reads data from a storage device that can store pieces of data, the data reading unit being connectable to the storage device, an input panel that accepts an input a password used to decrypt encrypted data stored in the storage device, a password storing unit that stores the input password, a data decrypting unit that decrypts the encrypted data by using the stored password, a decrypted data storing unit that temporarily stores the decrypted data, and a re-decrypting unit that decrypts other encrypted data stored in the storage device by using the stored password.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes a server that includes a real time operating system, at least one cabin function application that runs on the real time operating system, and at least one in-flight entertainment application that runs on another operating system on top of the real time operating system. Thus, an in-operation entertainment system is capable of providing audio and/or visual content to a large number of locations in a cabin of the vehicle, and a cabin function system is capable of providing various cabin applications, e.g., lighting level control, attendant calling, air conditioning control, etc. at different locations in the vehicle cabin in a manner that is isolated and prioritized over the entertainment system.

Abstract: A remote control handset 10 is provided for navigating a user interface of an entertainment device, the user interface having a hierarchical menu structure. The remote control handset 10 has a button 40 on its upper surface 20, and a button 120 on its lower surface 80. The button 40 on its upper surface 20 is used to navigate deeper into the hierarchical menu structure, and the button 120 on its lower surface 80 is used to navigate in the other direction (i.e. higher) in the menu structure. The remote control handset 10 is thus configured to make navigation of a graphical interface having hierarchical menu structure more intuitive, logical, and efficient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cabin management system for an aircraft or spacecraft, comprising: at least one first terminal, which acts as an interface for one or more passengers; at least one second terminal, which performs safety-related functions; and at least one means set up to provide and/or receive video data to/from the first terminal and safety-related data to/from the second terminal.

Abstract: An in-flight entertainment system includes a server and a server client interface. The server/client interface interfaces with the server and a display unit to retrieve a specified data block requested by the display unit, where the server/client interface sends a command to a storage device controller of the server to retrieve the specified data block from a storage device under the control of the server. The server/client interface operating based on its own control logic.

Abstract: A communication apparatus including multiplexed data receiving unit that receives multiplexed data including at least audio data, an extracting unit that extracts the audio data from the multiplexed data, a telephone unit that transmits/receives telephone audio data, and an audio output unit that outputs at least one of the extracted audio data and the telephone audio data. The telephone unit continues to transmit/receive the telephone audio data when an occurrence of an initiating event of the multiplexed data receiving unit is detected while the telephone audio data is being received. The audio output unit outputs the telephone audio data when the occurrence of the initiating event is detected while the telephone audio data is being received. The multiplexed data receiving unit initiates receiving the multiplexed data when the occurrence of the initiating event is detected while the telephone audio is being received.

Abstract: A system (1) for storing and/or retrieving a data-set is proposed, wherein the data-set comprises a plurality of data-files, the system comprising: storage(3) for storing the data-set; at least one client(2) being operable to write the data-set to the storage and/or to read the data-set from the storage; to receive an access-request from the client for accessing at least one data-file of the data-set in the storage, wherein the storage master(5) is operable to send an access-message to the storage, wherein the storage is operable to cache further data-files or blocks thereof of the same data-set and/or to allocate storage space for further data-files or blocks thereof of the same data-set as a reaction on the access-message.

Abstract: A method of modelling a flight of an aircraft using at least one computer system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: sourcing flight details from at least one data source using at least one data acquisition system, the flight details representative of the activity of the aircraft within a flight information region, and compiling a flight model from the flight details using a processing system, the flight model indicating the activity of the aircraft over the duration of the flight in two or more FIRs or for an entire flight undertaken in a single FIR.

Abstract: A satellite transponder switch (STS) maintains a table that maps set-top boxes (STBs) to carrier frequencies. The STS receives a first request from a first STB for a first transponder band and a second request from a second STB for a second transponder band. The STS receives contact from the first STB on a control channel upon power-up of the first STB and in response to the contact from the first STB, assigns a first carrier frequency to the first STB. The STS frequency shifts the first transponder band to a first carrier frequency assigned to the first STB and the second transponder band to a second carrier frequency assigned to the second STB. The STS outputs a signal that comprises the frequency-shifted first and second transponder bands to the first STB and the second STB. The frequency-shifted first and second transponder bands are separated by a separation band. A first carrier frequency of the signal is unique to the first STB and a second carrier frequency of the signal is unique to the second STB.

Abstract: An improved user experience is provided for passengers on a vessel such as an airplane, train or ship. Passengers can customize their travel experience ahead of time by accessing a web-based server system to indicate preferences with respect to a number of in-flight entertainment options. The passenger's experience is also enhanced by allowing passengers to share preferences such as media playlists with others. Meals can be ordered on-demand once on board, and seat-to-seat chat as well as group chatting is also made available through an in-seat or other proximate entertainment device.

Abstract: An improved user experience is provided for passengers on a vessel such as an airplane, train or ship. Passengers can customize their travel experience ahead of time by accessing a web-based server system to indicate preferences with respect to a number of in-flight entertainment options. The passenger's experience is also enhanced by allowing passengers to share preferences such as media playlists with others. Meals can be ordered on-demand once on board, and seat-to-seat chat as well as group chatting is also made available through an in-seat or other proximate entertainment device.

Abstract: A modular, scalable, extensible, In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) data communication system is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises a hub providing connection between one or more server/switch line replaceable unit including at least one server and a plurality of passenger video display units. A server, such as, for example, an audio server, a video server, an audio/video server, a game server, an application server, a file server, etc., provides data (e.g., entertainment programming, internet file data, etc.) to the video display unit. In one embodiment, the connection between the plurality of server/switch line replacement units, the hub and the plurality of video display units is provided by passive fiber optic links.

Abstract: A communication system is provided for use with a mobile platform. The communication system can be configured to store video data on-board to allow pseudo-live or live broadcasts to be played as the mobile platform traverses a number of broadcasts regions. The mobile platforms can be automobiles, aircraft, boats, ships, trains, or other vehicles. The communication system allows Internet access, movies, and other entertainment and business functions to be performed.

Abstract: A cabin services system for an aircraft is disclosed. The cabin services system comprises at least one wireless network, the at least one wireless network providing at least one cabin service. The cabin services system further includes a cabin attendant panel for communicating with the at least one wireless networks and configured to control the at least one cabin service.

Abstract: A content upload system includes: a content distributing server that is installed in an airplane and distributes audio-video contents into the airplane; and a plurality of content accumulating servers that are installed in a plurality of airports, in which the airplane is parked, and transmit the audio-video contents to the content distributing server through a network. The content distributing server selectively writes audio-video contents that have not been stored in the content distributing server of audio-video contents transmitted from the content accumulating server while the airplane is parked on the airport.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide video display units including at least one video display monitor at least one sheet of polarized material configured to extend on a viewing surface of the at least one video display monitor. The video display unit is adapted for use in an aircraft in-flight entertainment system. Some video display units include a plurality of video display monitors. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A service network in which a monitoring system is implemented under the aspect of weight and space optimization. The service network for an aircraft includes a multi-purpose flight attendant panel, a bus system and a switch, wherein the multi-purpose flight attendant panel and the switch are connected via the bus system, wherein the switch includes an interface for at least one recording device, and wherein the multi-purpose flight attendant panel includes a control device for controlling the recording 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: A digital broadcast receiving apparatus has two systems as a receiving system: a first receiving demodulation section including a first tuner 2 and the like; and a second receiving demodulation section including a second tuner 5 and the like. A controller 19 establishes either a first receiving mode or second receiving mode. In the first receiving mode, both the receiving systems receive the broadcasting waves of the same station to be viewed according to the signals from a vehicle speed detecting section 15 and receiving level detecting sections 16 and 17. In the second receiving mode, one of the two receiving systems receives the broadcasting wave of the station to be viewed, and the other of them receives the broadcasting wave of another station.

Abstract: A method for wireless communication of aircraft. The method includes, inter alia, in any feasible order, (1) in accordance with detecting a touchdown of the aircraft, assigning a first priority for transmitting information and a second priority for receiving media content; (2) in accordance with detecting an arrival of the aircraft at the gate, assigning a third priority for receiving media content; (3) in accordance with detecting a departure of the aircraft, assigning the first priority for transmitting information and the second priority for receiving media content; and (4) in accordance with detecting a departure ready of the aircraft, assigning a fourth priority for receiving essential media content and the second priority for receiving other media content. The first priority is greater than the second priority; and the fourth priority is greater than the second priority.

Abstract: The invention essentially concerns an aircraft seat (1), comprising control units (17.2, 22.2, 27), at least one node (11-15) to execute a particular action or function, and a display (22.1) for viewing video data. Said node (11-15) and said display (22.1) are capable of being actuated by the control units (17.2, 22.2, 27). A keyboard (17.1) for transmitting a command signal addressed to the control units (17.2, 22.2, 27) is connected to said control units (17.2, 22.2, 27). The control units are shared between the display (22.1), the keyboard (17.1) and the node (11-15).

Abstract: An in-flight entertainment system with hand-out terminals is described. An embodiment of the invention comprises a server having digital content, which is communicatively linked to a communications network, a connector located proximate to each passenger seat of an aircraft, each connector being communicatively linked to the network, and hand-out terminals. Each hand-out terminal is configured to be coupled to one of the connectors to permit a passenger at the seat to which the connector is proximate to access the digital content.

Abstract: The invention provides a visible light communication apparatus for in-flight entertainment system in an aircraft cabin in which a visible light communication (VLC) system is used for wireless communication of various contents data for in-flight entertainment. The invention provides a visible light communication apparatus for in-flight entertainment system in an aircraft cabin comprising an illuminating apparatus for illuminating the aircraft cabin via light emitted from an OLED element 20, and a visible light communication apparatus 19 for modulating a light quantity of light emitted from the OLED element 20 via electric signals to perform optical communication from an area distribution box 17 to a seat electronics box 18 by modulating the emission of the OLED element 20 so as to construct an in-flight entertainment system for offering information for service to passengers within the aircraft cabin.

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: An integrated apparatus is disclosed that can directly connect to a portable digital video camera and can record uncompressed video and audio data, along with associated metadata, in the field and elsewhere. Most preferably, the integrated apparatus includes a removable, recordable, reusable digital magazine that may be mounted. Most preferably, the integrated apparatus also supports a variety of input and output formats, and the apparatus may be easily connected to other computing systems, either directly or through network connections, wired or wireless. The digital magazine can be mounted in a variety of docking stations and can be directly connected to a network, allowing the video and audio data to be easily stored and transferred.

Abstract: In a video processing system, a method and system for joint broadcast receiving and cellular communication via a mobile terminal or device with UMTS as an integration channel are provided. Broadcast information may be received at a mobile terminal via a VHF/UHF broadcast communication path. Cellular information, comprising voice and data, may be received at the mobile terminal from a bidirectional cellular communication path. Broadcast information may be received at the mobile terminal via the bidirectional cellular communication path. The information may be received from a service provider. Uplink cellular related information may be transmitted via an uplink path of the bidirectional cellular communication path. The mobile terminal may comprise a common interface that facilitates communication between at least one cellular processor that processes the cellular information and a broadcast processor that processes the broadcast information.

Abstract: A content management system for providing comprehensive content management for one or more vehicle information systems and methods for manufacturing and using same. The content management system includes a content control system for providing content storage and controlling the overall functionality of the content management system. Being configured to communicate with a selected vehicle information system in a wired and/or wireless manner, the content management system can upload content to update the vehicle information system for access during subsequent travel. The content management system likewise can download content, such as performance data compiled during prior travel, from the vehicle information system. The content management system thereby can provide ensured comprehensive content management under the control of the content control system.

Abstract: An inflight communication system is disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes a video display unit (VDU) with a detachable module having a plurality of user interface elements thereon to facilitate, for example, recovery from failure of one of the user interface elements in that the detachable module can be replaced without replacing the entire VDU. In some embodiments, the system includes a VDU with integrated and/or rendered flight attendant call button and/or reading light control button. In some embodiments, the system includes a public address (PA) system that bypasses the IFE head end servers when delivering PA audio to seat audio/visual (A/V) systems, thereby reducing or eliminating the risk of PA audio output failure on seat A/V systems due to server crashes and improving synchronization between the PA audio output on the public loudspeakers and the seat A/V systems.

Abstract: An overhead video system for an aircraft is disclosed. The overhead video system comprises a wireless overhead video unit; and at least one mounting rail detachably coupled to the wireless overhead video unit. The mounting rail provides structural support and electrical power to the wireless overhead video unit. A system in one embodiment may use mounting rails that double as power rails supplying power to the wireless overhead video unit. Video control and content streaming is accomplished over a wireless link. The power rail control may be accomplished remotely via a standard or solid state relay. Normal rail power for the rail mounted video system may come from the utility bus.

Abstract: An inflight entertainment (IFE) system provides screen configurable video display unit (VDU) roles. Screen configurable VDU roles allow a role for each VDU in the system to be specified in the field through user inputs on the VDU and advertised to the head end system to create awareness of the specified role. Screen configurable VDU roles can reduce the number of discrete VDU line replaceable unit (LRU) types deployed on a single aircraft and across a fleet of aircraft, reducing hardware and software upgrade and sparing costs, while adding substantial flexibility to the system by removing cabin positioning restrictions on certain VDU types and facilitating system reconfiguration.

Abstract: A method for an antenna architecture for handling various Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) channels may be provided. The method may comprise receiving, at a first circuit, a first signal within a 850 MHz band, a 1900 MHz band and/or a 2100 MHz band, wherein the first circuit is integrated within the mobile terminal and is operably coupled to a first antenna and/or a second antenna. Second signals within the 850 MHz band, the 1900 MHz band and/or the 2100 MHz band may be received at a second circuit, wherein the second circuit is integrated within the mobile terminal and is operably coupled to the first antenna. A video broadcast signal may be received at a third circuit, wherein the third circuit is integrated within the mobile terminal and is operably coupled to a third antenna.

Abstract: A method for an antenna architecture that handles World band cellular and broadcast channels may be provided. The method may comprise receiving at a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) integrated within a mobile terminal, first signals via a first antenna, where the first signals comprise signals within at least one of a 2100 MHz band and a 1900 MHz band. The method may further comprise receiving at a second RFIC integrated within the mobile terminal, second signals via the first antenna, where the second signals comprise signals within at least one of a 1900 MHz band, a 1800 MHz band, a 900 MHz band and a 850 MHz band. Additionally, third signals may be received via the first antenna at a third RFIC integrated within the mobile terminal, where the third signals comprise signals within a VHF/UHF broadcast band.

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: An entertainment system that exhibits advantages of fiber-to-the-seat systems, has improved failure recovery characteristics, and reduces the connection components is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for simultaneously receiving DBS and data signals on a mobile platform using a single beam receive antenna aperture and transmitting data signals from a mobile platform using the single beam transmit antenna aperture. A single beam receive antenna aperture receives first RF signals having a first polarization and second RF signals having a second polarization, the single beam receive antenna aperture outputting output signals having the first polarization. A first RF converter down-converts the output signals to first down-converted signals having the first polarization. A second RF converter down-converts the output signals to second down-converted signals having the second polarization. The first RF signals suitably include DBS signals, and the second RF signals suitably include data services signals.

Abstract: A system for controlling signal processing in a multi-network device is disclosed and may include one or more circuits that enable receiving of a digital video broadcast signal. The one or more circuits may enable processing a channel of the digital video broadcast signal according to a first selection. At least one channel of the digital video broadcast signal may include broadcast multimedia content. The one or more circuits may enable receiving a cellular communication signal and processing the cellular communication signal according to a second selection. The broadcast multimedia content may include Internet content. The one or more circuits may enable storing at least a portion of the received digital video broadcast signal and at least a portion of the received cellular communication signal in a commonly accessible memory.

Abstract: A location may be determined by accepting location information from at least two sources using at least two location technologies, for each set of location information from each source, adjusting the location information using at least one of (A) confidence in the source, (B) error range of the source, (C) an error model for the source, and (D) application-specific context information, and combining adjusted locations to generate a final location these location technologies assume a degree of cooperation. The location technologies may include a combination of a “tag” that is placed on the object to be tracked, and one or more receivers/transmitters that work in concert with the tag to locate the object.

Abstract: A system for a mobile wireless device to receive and display a video stream while preventing overflow or starvation of its receive buffer by requesting changes to the video streaming or encoding rates and by controlling the video playback frame rate. The current receive buffer level is used to make comparisons with several thresholds, the results of which are used to trigger actions. If the current receive buffer level has risen above a start level, then playback of the video can begin. If the current receive buffer level rises above an early detection threshold, then the video streaming device is requested to slow its streaming rate. If the current receive buffer level rises above a high level threshold, then the video streaming device is requested to stop streaming the video. If the current receive buffer level drops below a low level threshold, then the playback frame rate is slowed.

Abstract: An in-flight entertainment system is shown wherein digital content servers are interconnected with network servers such that the content servers can communicate with one another and with a portable data loader. The loader stores digital content files that are to be downloaded to the content servers. A script downloaded to each content server is executed by the server to download some of the files from the portable data loader and cross-load other files from other content servers. Alternatively, a content inventory list is downloaded to each content server that indicates which content server is to download each content file and which content servers are to receive the content file. Each content server parses the list to identify files for which it is the download server, request download of those files, identify other files that it should have and request cross-load of those files from other content servers.

Abstract: FIG. 1 shows an electronic program guide unique to viewer A grouped from an electronic program guide based on electronic program guide data; the program type is set in an (a) column and the display mode of each program is set in a (b) column. In FIG. 1, a news program is displayed in text and a music program is displayed in an icon of musical notes on a music sheet. A sports program is displayed in an icon of a bat and a ball. Since the music program and the sports program are thus displayed in such icon images of reminding the viewer of the program contents, the viewer A can quickly determine the program contents visually.

Abstract: A digital data delivery system that delivers video data of a content and audio data of the same content respectively to a first receiver and a second receiver, which are independent of each other, to reproduce the video data and the audio data at the first and second receivers in such a manner as to secure synchronous reproductions between the two data.

Abstract: A method and software for providing on-demand entertainment content that includes a server containing stored digital content and configured to transmit their respective stored digital content to the electronic digital display units located proximate to a passenger seat that decodes and displays the video content upon receiving it, and having a user interface that permits a passenger to request the digital movie content stored in the server.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for an aircraft video control station. In an embodiment, the aircraft video control station comprises a wall mounted control panel, a desktop, a seat that is stowed when not in use, and a cabinet that contains the wall mounted control panel, the desktop, and the seat. The cabinet may have a depth in the range of about 10 inches to about 37 inches, and preferably has a depth of 15 inches. The seat may be in the form of a swing out seat.