Abstract: A system and method for communicating audio or video information using inductive magnetic coupling between first and second adjacent seats on a mobile platform. A transceiver is located on the first seat and receives signals from an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system on the mobile platform. The transceiver passes the data on to a transmitter subsystem that generates low power inductive magnetic energy which is received by a receiver subsystem located on the second seat. The low power inductive magnetic energy is converted to electrical signals at the second seat and the information is output to a receiver unit of the receiver subsystem on the second seat. The receiver unit generates an output signal that is applied to an audio jack associated with a personal control unit (PCU) located on the second seat.

Abstract: A system for controlling display and operation of simultaneous transmissions of at least two media includes an entertainment unit capable of transmitting at least two media simultaneously. A wireless interface device is used to select a first and second media from the at least two media. A display device in electrical communication with the entertainment unit receives and displays a video portion associated with each of the first and second selected media. At least two wireless receivers are provided for receiving an audio portion associated with each of the first and second media. The wireless interface device is further provided for independently controlling operation of each of the first and second media.

Abstract: A vehicle-hosted local network includes a subscriber data source that transmits audio data and compressed video data to respective subscriber data sinks on the network. The subscriber data source includes a demultiplexer that separates compressed audio data and compressed video data contained in one compressed source signal. A pre-processing circuit processes in parallel the separated audio data and the separated video data to provide the audio data and the compressed video data that is transmitted to the respective subscriber data sinks on the network.

Abstract: An in-flight entertainment system is described. The system includes a plurality of media players that are installed at fixed locations within an aircraft cabin. Individual media players are provided with a dedicated media data storage device physically coupled to the media player such that a playing of specific media requires local access to that media content. The media players are responsive to a centralised signal sent to the media players to effect a display of specific content items at that media player.

Abstract: An area entertainment system includes an antenna for receiving digital satellite radio signals, and an intermediate frequency (IF) down converter connected to the antenna for down converting the digital satellite radio signals. Electronic boxes are spaced throughout the area, and each electronic box includes at least one IF tuner in communications with the IF down converter.

Abstract: Vehicular entertainment systems where devices in the systems can each utilize a common type of storage units are presented. A vehicular entertainment system can include a media server head unit in communication over a network with a plurality of media players that are installed about the cabin of a vehicle. Media content can be stored on a plurality of field replaceable storage units where each of the storage units can be installed in any one of the players or the server. Each of the storage units can store a substantially identical content set including passenger content, player content, server content, crew content, or other types of content. The server or players can be restricted from accessing content to which they lack rights, possibly based on a location identifier that indicates roles or responsibilities of the players at their installed location.

Abstract: A vehicle information system for passenger vehicles, such as automobiles and aircraft, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The vehicle information system includes a universal antenna system and a universal receiver system for receiving viewing content provided by diverse content sources during travel, including international travel. The universal antenna and receiver system provide selected viewing content for distribution throughout the vehicle information system and presentation via one or more passenger interfaces. As the vehicle approaches the coverage region of a selected content source, the vehicle information system automatically reconfigures the universal antenna and receiver system to receive viewing content from the content source without requiring manual adjustment to, or replacement of, the universal antenna system and/or the universal receiver system.

Abstract: A method of providing rebroadcast programming includes encoding a rebroadcast program, specifying a preferred play time, and providing a broadcast that fits the preferred play time. The encoding of the rebroadcast program can use a replay plan which prioritizes portions of the rebroadcast. A priority can be assigned to commercials which have been made to be shortened or dropped, or an alternative commercial substituted, depending on time limitations. A rebroadcast packaging and playlist are provided.

Abstract: An aircraft in-flight entertainment system preferably includes, in one embodiment, a satellite TV receiver, at least one passenger video display connected to the receiver, and a processor connected to the receiver for determining an undesired condition and for generating a substitute image on the passenger video display rather than permit display of an undesired image which would otherwise be produced. The undesired condition may relate to a weak signal or component malfunction. Accordingly, the undesired image may be an undesired default text message or a degraded picture image. Other embodiments of the in-flight entertainment system are directed to providing a moving map image flight information channel integrated with the programming channels of the system.

Abstract: A wireless network system arranges a plurality of access points along the aisles in a vehicle having two or more aisles. The positions of the access points on the first aisle and the positions of the access points on the second aisle are arranged in a zigzag pattern. The distance between neighboring access points is thus great, and there is no signal interference between adjacent access points.

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 distribution system for vehicle information systems and methods for manufacturing and using same. The distribution system supports high-bandwidth communications among system resources via one or more active routing systems. Comprising a plurality of communication ports coupled via a high-speed switching system, each routing system transparently splits incoming communication signals received via an input communication port. The routing system thereby can provide the incoming communication to a plurality of output communication ports without effecting signal bandwidth. By providing each routing system with a bypass system, the distribution system likewise can bypass one or more of the high-speed switching system in the event of a distribution system failure such that communications among the system resources can be maintained.

Abstract: An area entertainment system includes a headend unit, and electronic boxes spaced throughout the area. 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 electronic boxes. The entertainment system further includes user control units connected to the electronic boxes, with each user control unit permitting user selection of the digital satellite radio signals.

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: An information system in an aircraft, whereby information system data relating to informing, instructing and entertaining passengers can be visually presented. The information system includes an aircraft window with at least one pane and a control unit. The at least one pane, is coated with a translucent display that is coupled to the control unit, which, for the purpose of presenting information, is equipped to supply electrical current in a targeted manner to the display.

Abstract: A media enhancement module (13) can be used in conjunction with a media delivery system such as an in-flight entertainment system to enhance media delivered to a user depending on the user's preferences. The module (13) can be provided between a media transmission network and a media player device (15) to receive a media signal from the transmission network and process the media signal to provide the user selected enhancement.

Abstract: In an in-vehicle image display system, each of a car navigation device and a rear-seat display device includes an own image-drawing IC. The car navigation device interfaces with a TV tuner and a DVD player. When receiving a request signal from the rear-seat display device, the car navigation device forwards relevant image data to the rear-seat display device using a dedicated line. The rear-seat display device converts the forwarded image data to image signals using the own image-drawing IC to thereby display them. Thus, the car navigation device and the rear-seat display device can display different display window images with a simple system structure where no image-drawing IC used for the rear-seat display device is provided within the car navigation device.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for aircraft multimedia distribution, including a multimedia server provided within an aircraft of an airline and a multimedia communications network within the aircraft coupled to the multimedia server. The multimedia server is configured to distribute, over the aircraft multimedia communications network, multimedia in-flight to a device of a passenger for at least one of viewing, listening and purchasing by the passenger.

Abstract: Described are a vehicle optical communications system and network to exchange high bandwidth optical data between vehicles or between a vehicle and a stationary host. The vehicle optical communications system includes a communications module and a sensor having pixels for detecting an image in a field of view. Each pixel can generate a pixel data signal responsive to an incident optical data signal that includes vehicle data transmitted from a remote optical transmitter. The communications module provides remote data in response to the pixel data signals. The vehicular communications system optionally includes an optical transmitter to enable bi-directional communication. Data can be transmitted through a multi-node network of vehicular communication systems deployed in vehicles or on stationary hosts located between or around the data transmitter and intended data receiver.

Abstract: A networked personal video recording (“PVR”) system couples a plurality of clients to one or more PVR media servers over a network. One or more PVR media servers include television tuners to tune television signals. A storage medium buffers the television signals to implement PVR functionality. For example, the PVR media server records television programs for clients. Clients are assigned to television tuners, and the clients display television programs received at the assigned tuner. The network transfers the buffered television signals to the clients.

Abstract: A passenger entertainment system having video-on-demand, audio-on-demand, near video-on-demand, and digital and audio broadcast capabilities delivers multiple programming signals to the passenger seats. The system allocates an RF channel and one of multiple streams in that RF channel to a particular program channel so that channel surfing may be available to the passengers even when multiple programming signals are delivered on a single RF channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy and multimedia data transport network and rail notably intended for embedded multimedia equipment on board aircraft. The network is connected with at least one data server and at least one energy supply box. The network includes: one or more energy and data transport rails; at least a first interconnection box to interconnect a first energy and data transport rail, the data server and the energy supply box; and a connection module for each terminal or group of multimedia terminals, the connection module including a cable to link a predetermined point of the rail to the associated multimedia terminal or terminals.

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 aircraft in-flight entertainment system includes a satellite weather information receiver receiving a weather related programming channel from a satellite, and at least one passenger display connected to the satellite weather information receiver for displaying weather related information corresponding to a selected geographic area. A passenger control unit is associated with each passenger display for selecting the geographic area.

Abstract: An aircraft in-flight entertainment system includes a plurality of seat electronic boxes (SEBs) spaced throughout the aircraft. Each SEB is configurable for passing a registration token along to an adjacent SEB. Cabling connects the SEBs together in a daisy chain configuration. Registration circuitry is connected to the cabling for identifying a location of each SEB based upon passing of the registration token among the plurality of SEBs.

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: An information and communication system arranged in a vehicle permitting vehicle passengers to access locally held information and/or to use external applications and services includes a server. At least one transmitting and receiving unit connected to the server is provided and has access to at least one radio network. A plurality of access points are distributed in the vehicle and connected to the server. The passengers access applications or information or communicate with external partners or services via the system. The data exchange between the devices of the users and the system takes place with high bandwidth via the access points.

Abstract: A multimedia playing device for use in a passenger cabin having a plurality of seats for multiple passengers. The device employs an electronic component to ascertain the individual seat location of each device from the plurality of seats. User rights based on the individual seat location provide the user with varying levels of access to stored audio and video on the device. User communications are also communicable to the crew of the plane or train using wireless transmissions to and from the individual playing devices. Electronic storage of data for production of audio and video is minimized by the pre-loading of portions of available movies and songs and the like, and subsequent streaming wirelessly of remaining portions based on the user's choice.

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 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: An aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system for an aircraft includes a radome to be carried by the aircraft, and a dual-beam satellite antenna and at least one positioner coupled thereto to be carried by the aircraft and protected by the radome. The dual-beam satellite antenna is to generate dual antenna beams for television programming and Internet data from respective spaced apart satellites. The dual-beam satellite antenna includes a first aperture for receiving the television programming, and a second aperture adjacent the first aperture for receiving the Internet data. A television programming distribution system is to be carried by the aircraft and coupled to the dual-beam satellite antenna to provide television programming within the aircraft. At least one access point is to be carried by the aircraft and coupled to the dual-beam 0satellite antenna to provide a wireless local area network (WLAN) within the aircraft for the Internet data.

Abstract: An advertisement system for passenger vehicles, such as automobiles and aircraft, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The advertisement system includes at least one advertisement content source that is configured to communicate with a vehicle information system installed aboard the passenger vehicle. When a system user selects viewing content available from the vehicle information system for presentation, the advertisement content source can combine advertising content with the selected viewing content to generate an aggregate play list. During presentation of the aggregate play list, the advertisement system can measure and/or analyze the user response to the presented advertisement content. The advertisement system advantageously can be provided as a part of an overall strategy for managing sales of advertising and providing advertisement-trafficking services via an interactive vehicle information system.

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: A system and method for providing a passenger's preferred content in a transportation unit are provided. A user computer (6) in communication with a server (2) over a network (4) provides the uploading of personal content, and the loaded personal content is transferred to the transportation unit for a subsequent replay.

Abstract: A method of delivering programming to passenger seats with a wireless in-flight entertainment system in an aircraft cabin uses a configurable cabin antenna system. Control data and programming is delivered with a head end server and received with one or more access points connected to the head end server. One or more antenna systems, connected to the access points, are disposed at optimum selected locations in the aircraft cabin to provide the programming to the passengers. One or more personal electronic devices (PEDs) located receive the programming from the one or more configurable antennas. Beams of the one or more antenna systems are adjusted to deliver programming to the one or more PEDs at a required bit error rate.

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 wireless communication system for a vehicle includes a seat or overhead video display unit, a control and audio unit that is associated with and located remotely with respect to the video display unit, a first wireless transceiver associated with the video display unit, a second wireless transceiver associated with the control and audio unit, where the first and second wireless transceivers are linked together for communication. The video display unit receives audiovisual content and splits audio content for transmission to the control unit. The control unit can similarly transmit control and selection information to the video display unit.

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 networked personal video recording (“PVR”) system couples a plurality of clients to one or more PVR media servers over a network. One or more PVR media servers include television tuners to tune television signals. A storage medium buffers the television signals to implement PVR functionality. For example, the PVR media server records television programs for clients. Clients are assigned to television tuners, and the clients display television programs received at the assigned tuner. The network transfers the buffered television signals to the clients.

Abstract: A networked personal video recording (“PVR”) system couples a plurality of clients to one or more PVR media servers over a network. One or more PVR media servers include television tuners to tune television signals. A storage medium buffers the television signals to implement PVR functionality. For example, the PVR media server records television programs for clients. Clients are assigned to television tuners, and the clients display television programs received at the assigned tuner. The network transfers the buffered television signals to the clients.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating information via a plurality of different networks may comprise requesting in a mobile terminal capable of receiving and processing cellular frequency band services and VHF/UHF broadcast frequency band services, media having a specified quality of service. A description of said requested media and/or a quality of service associated with the requested media may be displayed via a user interface in the mobile terminal. An input may be received in the mobile terminal that indicates at least one required quality of service associated with the requested media. Based on information stored in the mobile terminal, at least one required quality of service associated with the requested media may be determined. One or more required quality of service associated with the requested media may be stored in a profile within the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating information via a plurality of different networks may comprise circuitry in a mobile terminal that receives broadcast information via a VHF/UHF broadcast communication path and simultaneously receives in the mobile terminal, cellular information via a cellular communication path. The system may further comprise circuitry in the mobile terminal that switches between processing of the broadcast information received via the VHF/UHF broadcast communication path and the cellular information received via the cellular communication path based on a measured broadcast signal statistic associated with a signal bearing the broadcast information and a measured cellular signal statistic associated with a signal bearing the cellular information. The broadcast information and the cellular information may be the same information. The broadcast information and the cellular information may comprise video data. The cellular information may comprise voice data.

Abstract: An interface for a bulkhead monitor in an in-flight entertainment system, and a method for using the same. More specifically, a one-wire interface use to electrically couple a tapping unit and its associated monitor in an in-flight entertainment system. The wire has a first end for coupling to an input of a comparator in the tapping unit, and a second end for coupling to an input of a comparator in the monitor, to couple the tapping unit to the monitor. The interface further includes a second wire for coupling the wire to a load, such as an indicator which indicates an on or off condition of at least the video monitor. The wire of the interface can also carry a signal indicating a indicating at least one of transmitting state and a receiving state of a microcontroller of the monitor.

Abstract: A method for an antenna architecture that handles US 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 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 and a 850 MHz band and receiving at a third RFIC integrated within the mobile terminal, third signals via the first antenna, where the third signals comprise signals within a VHF/UHF broadcast band.

Abstract: A method for an antenna architecture may comprise receiving at a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) integrated within a mobile terminal, first signals via at least a first antenna, where the first signals may comprise signals within a 2100 MHz band. Second signals may be received at a second RFIC integrated within the mobile terminal via at least one of the first antenna and at least one other antenna, where the second signals may comprise signals within at least one of an 1800 MHz band and a 900 MHz band. Third signals may be received at at least a third RFIC integrated within the mobile terminal via at least one of the first antenna and at least one other antenna, where the third signals may comprise VHF/UHF broadcast signals within at least one of a DVB broadcast band, an ATSC broadcast band and an ISDB broadcast band.

Abstract: A video display unit includes a housing coupled to a portion of an aircraft cabin, a local area network interface disposed at least partially within the housing, and a video decoder disposed within the housing. The video decoder receives video content via the network interface, and decodes the video content. The video display unit also has a display screen coupled to the housing. The display screen displays the video content, and allows a passenger to interact with the display in response to on-screen instructions, including the use of a magnetic card reader to, for example, purchase an item via credit card.

Abstract: The Content Delivery Handoff System enables a passenger's wireless device, operating in an airborne wireless cellular network, to receive selected content and to ensure continuity and/or completion of the content delivery when the aircraft reaches its destination before the entirety of the selected content is delivered to the passenger. This completion of content delivery can occur in a spatially and temporally disjunct manner where the delivery of the remainder of the selected content occurs at a terrestrial location or on a subsequent flight and at a later time.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable media player of the type used in in-flight entertainment systems on flights and the like. The device includes a datastore configured to store the individual media items. The media items are separate into their audio and visual components, each being stored separately. The device provides for the appropriate recombination of these components on selection of a specific media item.

Abstract: A remote diagnostics kit is provided to permit an in-flight entertainment system of an aircraft to be diagnosed remotely by an operator who is not on-site with the aircraft. The kit includes a remote computer, such as a laptop, that is connected to the IFE or a unit to be diagnosed. A technician operating a base computer accesses the remote computer over an appropriate communications network or series of networks. For example, in an embodiment, the remote computer includes a wireless modem, such as a cellular telephone modem, which the base computer accesses over the Internet. The base computer and remote computer are equipped with appropriate software to permit communication between the base and remote computers. Accordingly, through the base computer, the technician can command operation of a diagnostics program running at the remote computer, and output from the diagnostics program is transmitted to the base computer for display.