US20120173667A1 - System and Method for Downloading Files - Google Patents

Abstract

A passenger entertainment system for use on aircraft and other types of vehicles and methods for manufacturing and using same. The entertainment system comprises a mobile entertainment apparatus that can communicate with a database system having at least one file library. When communicating with the database system, the entertainment apparatus can select and download one or more files from the file libraries. Once the selected files have been downloaded, the entertainment apparatus can present the files regardless of whether communication with the database system is maintained. If the entertainment apparatus is installed in a vehicle, for example, a passenger in the vehicle can download the files during travel to a portable personal entertainment system, which can retain the files even if disconnected from the entertainment apparatus. The passenger thereby can view the files at any time, including after disembarking the vehicle, by removing the personal entertainment system from the vehicle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation application of co-pending U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 10/772,565, filed on Feb. 4, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/476,071, filed on Jun. 4, 2003. Priority to each of the prior applications is expressly claimed, and the disclosures of the applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
FIELD
• The present disclosure relates generally to entertainment systems and more particularly, but not exclusively, to passenger entertainment systems for use on aircraft and other types of vehicles.
BACKGROUND
• Vehicles, such as automobiles and aircraft, often provide entertainment systems to satisfy passenger demand for entertainment while traveling.
• Conventional passenger entertainment systems include overhead cabin viewing systems or seatback viewing systems with individual controls such that viewing content is selectable by the passengers. The viewing content can include audio and video materials that are derived from a variety of sources. Prerecorded viewing content, such as motion pictures and music, can be provided by internal sources, such as audio and video players, that are installed in the vehicle. External content sources can transmit additional content, including live television programming, to the entertainment systems via wireless communication systems.
• Since travel schedules can be hectic and unpredictable, passengers often cannot enjoy viewing content in its entirety. Viewing content can be interrupted for numerous reasons during travel. For example, the beginning portions of some live television programming may not be available for viewing because travel departure times do not necessarily correlate with the starting times of the programming. Once travel has been completed, the passengers likewise are required to disembark before the viewing content has been completely presented. Such interruptions of viewing content frequently are a source of passenger complaints.
• In view of the foregoing, a need exists for an improved entertainment system that overcomes the aforementioned obstacles and deficiencies of currently-available entertainment systems.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• The present disclosure is directed toward an entertainment system that is configured to download files from one or more database systems and to present the downloaded files regardless of whether communication with the database systems is maintained.
• The entertainment system comprises one or more database systems and a mobile entertainment apparatus. Each database system includes at least one file library and is configured to communicate with the entertainment apparatus. When in communication with one or more of the database systems, the entertainment apparatus can select one or more files from the available file libraries and can download the selected files. Once the selected files have been downloaded, the entertainment apparatus is configured to present the files regardless of whether communication with the database systems is maintained.
• Preferably comprising a mobile entertainment apparatus, the entertainment apparatus can be provided as a portable, handheld device and/or can be installed in a vehicle, such as an automobile or an aircraft. If the entertainment apparatus is installed in a vehicle, for example, a passenger in the vehicle can download the selected files during travel. The files preferably are stored in a portable personal entertainment system, which is removably coupled with the entertainment apparatus and which can retain the files even if disconnected from the entertainment apparatus. The passenger thereby can view the files at any time, including after disembarking the vehicle once travel is completed, by removing the personal entertainment system from the vehicle.
• Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is an exemplary top-level block diagram of an embodiment of an entertainment system for downloading files.
• FIG. 2A is an exemplary block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a database system and an entertainment apparatus for the entertainment system ofFIG. 1 in which the database system and the entertainment apparatus are coupled via a wired communication system.
• FIG. 2B is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the database system and the entertainment apparatus ofFIG. 2A in which the database system and the entertainment apparatus are coupled via a wireless communication system.
• FIG. 3A is an exemplary block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an entertainment apparatus for the entertainment system ofFIG. 1 in which the entertainment apparatus is configured to communicate with a plurality of database systems.
• FIG. 3B is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the entertainment apparatus ofFIG. 3A.
• FIG. 4A is an exemplary block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a user interface for the entertainment system ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 4B is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the user interface ofFIG. 4A.
• FIG. 5 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an entertainment apparatus for the entertainment system ofFIG. 1 in which the entertainment apparatus includes a plurality of user interfaces.
• FIG. 6A is an exemplary block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the user interface ofFIG. 4A in which the user interface includes a personal entertainment system.
• FIG. 6B is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the user interface ofFIG. 6A.
• FIG. 7A is a detail drawing illustrating one embodiment of the entertainment system ofFIG. 1 in which the entertainment apparatus is installed in an automobile.
• FIG. 7B is a detail drawing illustrating an alternative embodiment of the entertainment system ofFIG. 7A in which the entertainment apparatus is installed in an aircraft.
• FIG. 8A is a detail drawing illustrating one embodiment of the user interface ofFIGS. 4A-B in which the entertainment apparatus is installed in a vehicle and has an interface video system that includes at least one overhead display system.
• FIG. 8B is a detail drawing illustrating an alternative embodiment of the user interface ofFIG. 8A in which the interface video system includes a combination of overhead display systems and seatback display systems.
• FIG. 8C is a detail drawing illustrating another alternative embodiment of the user interface ofFIG. 8A in which the interface video system includes at least one seatback display system.
• FIG. 8D is a detail drawing illustrating another alternative embodiment of the user interface ofFIG. 8A in which the user interface includes a personal entertainment system.
• It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It also should be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. The figures do not describe every aspect of the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Since currently-available entertainment systems have limited file downloading capabilities, an entertainment system that provides a wide range of downloading capabilities and that permits passengers to retain downloaded files upon disembarking can prove much more desirable and provide a basis for a wide range of entertainment system applications, such as passenger entertainment systems for use on aircraft and other types of vehicles. This result can be achieved, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by employing anentertainment system100 as shown inFIG. 1.
• Theentertainment system100 comprises at least onedatabase system200 each being configured to communicate with a mobile entertainment apparatus300. Eachdatabase system200 is configured to store and provide one or more file libraries (not shown). Being available for downloading to the entertainment apparatus300, the file libraries can comprise any suitable type of files and can be provided in any appropriate analog and/or digital file format. Although the file libraries may be provided in any uncompressed format, the file libraries likewise can be provided in a compressed format to facilitate file downloads.
• The file libraries, for example, can have entertainment files, including audio files, such as music or audio books, and/or video files, such as motion pictures, television programming, or any other type of audiovisual work. Illustrative file formats for the video files include Audio Video Interleave (AVI) format, Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) format, and Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) format; whereas, Waveform (WAV) format and MPEG Audio Layer 3 (MP3) format comprise exemplary formats for the audio files. As desired, other types of files, including application software files, such as media player programs or games, and/or textual files, such as forms or reference materials, can be included in thedatabase system200. Application software files typically are provided in an executable (EXE) format, and exemplary file formats for the textual files include document text file (DOC) format, Portable Document Format (PDF), and text file (TXT) format.
• The entertainment apparatus300 preferably comprises a mobile entertainment apparatus, being, for example, installed in a vehicle, such as an automobile or an aircraft, and/or provided as a portable, handheld device. When in communication with one or more of thedatabase systems200, the entertainment apparatus300 is configured to select one or more files from the available file libraries and to download the selected files, preferably in real-time. Once the selected files have been downloaded, the entertainment apparatus300 can store the files and can present the files regardless of whether communication with thedatabase systems200 is maintained.
• As illustrated inFIG. 1, the entertainment apparatus300 can have at least oneuser interface400 for selecting the files from thedatabase systems200 and for controlling the download of the selected files to the entertainment apparatus300. Presentation of the files likewise can be controllable via theuser interface400. If the entertainment apparatus300 is installed in a vehicle800 (shown inFIGS. 7A-B), for example, theuser interface400 preferably includes a personal entertainment system600 (shown inFIGS. 6A-B) for storing and presenting the files. Being removably coupled with the entertainment apparatus300, thepersonal entertainment system600 can retain the files even if disconnected from the entertainment apparatus300. Thereby, the files can be downloaded during travel and presented at any time, including after travel is completed, by removing thepersonal entertainment system600 from thevehicle800.
• Theentertainment system100 can be provided in any suitable manner, such as via one or more hardware components and/or software components. Turning toFIG. 2A, for example, theentertainment system100A is shown as comprising adatabase system200A and an entertainment apparatus300A. Although shown and described as having onedatabase system200A and one entertainment apparatus300A for purposes of illustration, it is understood that theentertainment system100A can include any number ofdatabase systems200A and entertainment apparatuses300A. In the manner discussed in more detail above regarding the database system200 (shown inFIG. 1), thedatabase system200A is configured to store and provide one or more file libraries (not shown). Each file library can comprise any suitable type of files and is available for downloading to the entertainment apparatus300A in the manner described above with reference toFIG. 1.
• Thedatabase system200A can be configured to communicate with the entertainment apparatus300A in any suitable manner such that communications signals510 can be exchanged between thedatabase system200A and the entertainment apparatus300A. For example, thedatabase system200A and the entertainment apparatus300A can be coupled via acommunication system500, such as communication bus500A illustrated inFIG. 2A. Comprising a wired communication system, the communication bus500A can be configured to substantially fixedly and/or removably couple thedatabase system200A and the entertainment apparatus300A and can comprise any suitable type of wired communication system, such as one or more communication cables and/or computer networks, including a local area networks (LANs) and/or wide area networks (WANs), of any kind.
• Thedatabase system200A can be directly or indirectly coupled with thecommunication system500. For example, thedatabase system200A shown inFIG. 2A is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, thecommunication system500 via acommunication interface210A. Thecommunication interface210A is disposed substantially between thedatabase system200A and thecommunication system500 and is configured to facilitate the exchange of the communications signals510 between thedatabase system200A and thecommunication system500, and, therefore, the entertainment apparatus300A. If thecommunication system500 comprises a telephone network (not shown), for example, thecommunication interface210A can comprise a modem for coupling thedatabase system200A with the telephone network. Although shown and described as being disposed substantially within thedatabase system200A, thecommunication interface210A can be disposed substantially within, or separate from, thedatabase system200A.
• The communication signals510 exchanged between thedatabase system200A and the entertainment apparatus300A can comprise any suitable type of communication signals and include one or more outgoing communication signals510aand/orincoming signals510b. The entertainment apparatus300A is configured to transmit the outgoing communication signals510ato thedatabase system200A. Illustrative types of outgoing communication signals510ainclude instructions and queries. Instructions for selecting one or more files from the file libraries and instructions for controlling the download of the selected files to the entertainment apparatus300 are exemplary instructions. Typical queries include queries to verify that the entertainment apparatus300A can communicate with thedatabase system200A and/or queries to ascertain system information, such as an operational status and/or file library content, concerning thedatabase system200A.
• The entertainment apparatus300A likewise can provide various types of information to thedatabase system200A via the outgoing communication signals510a. The information typically is provided by the entertainment apparatus300A in response to an information request, such as an instruction and/or a query, from thedatabase system200A. As desired, the entertainment apparatus300A can be configured to automatically provide the information when communications with thedatabase system200A are initiated, for example, to negotiate a communication connection between the entertainment apparatus300A and thedatabase system200A. The provided information can include system information, such as an operational status and/or available memory, for the entertainment apparatus300A. Transaction information, including payment information, such as a credit card number, and/or authorization information, such as a personal identification number (PIN) or a password, can be provided by the entertainment apparatus300A. It will be appreciated that the entertainment apparatus300A can transmit other types of information to thedatabase system200A, as desired.
• Similarly, thedatabase system200A is configured to transmit the incoming communication signals510bto the entertainment apparatus300A. Like the outgoing communication signals510adescribed above, the incoming communication signals510bcan include one or more instructions, queries, and/or other types of information. Illustrative queries include queries to verify that thedatabase system200A can communicate with the entertainment apparatus300A and/or queries to ascertain the system information for the entertainment apparatus300A.
• In the manner described above with reference to the entertainment apparatus300A, thedatabase system200A can provide various types of information to the entertainment apparatus300A via the incoming communication signals510b. Thedatabase system200A can provide the information in response to a request, such as an instruction and/or a query, from the entertainment apparatus300A and/or automatically upon initiation of communications with the entertainment apparatus300A. The information can include the system information for thedatabase system200A, one or more library files selected for download, and/or a catalog of the file libraries available on thedatabase system200A. The catalog can provide information, such as a title, a file size, a download fee, a content description, a content rating, and parental labeling guideline requirements, about the files in the available file libraries. If a download fee is associated with a preselected file, the information can indicate whether a sample portion of the preselected file can be downloaded for free such that the content of the file can be previewed prior to purchase.
• Thedatabase system200A preferably is configured to require authorization prior to permitting access to the library files. Thedatabase system200A, for example, can condition library file access upon receipt of valid authorization information and/or transaction information from the entertainment apparatus300A. As desired, thedatabase system200A can process the transaction information by calculating the total download fees and/or by processing the payment information. Thedatabase system200A likewise can generate a transaction report, which can be downloadable from thedatabase system200A and/or forwarded to a billing address associated with the transaction information.
• If theentertainment system100A is configured to permit the entertainment apparatus300A to upload files to thedatabase system200A, the outgoing communication signals510acan comprise one or more files to be uploaded as well as file information about the files. For example, the file information can include information, such as a title, a file size, a content description, and a content rating, about the files and can be utilized to facilitate storing the uploaded files in the appropriate file libraries of thedatabase system200A. Thedatabase system200A likewise can provide incoming communication signals510bto the entertainment apparatus300A, whichincoming signals510bcomprise information related to the status of thedatabase system200A to upload the files. The information can include the operational status and/or available memory, with regard to thedatabase system200A. To inhibit files with inappropriate content from being stored in the file libraries, thedatabase system200A can provide information about acceptable content ratings to the entertainment apparatus300A and/or inhibit the entertainment apparatus300A from uploading files with inappropriate content.
• As illustrated inFIG. 2A, thedatabase system200A includes aserver system220 for storing the file libraries and for providing selected file libraries to the entertainment apparatus300A. Comprising aprocessing system222 and amemory system224, theserver system200 can be provided as any type of server system. Theserver system200 typically includes one or more computer systems, such as personal computer systems, which are coupled, and configured to communicate, via as a computer network, such as a local area network (LAN) and/or a wide area network (WAN), of any kind. Preferably, theserver system200 is configured to communicate with theInternet230 such that thedatabase system200A can provide content, including file libraries from third-party content providers, from theInternet230. Theserver system200 can be configured to permit content to be added to, modified, and/or deleted from the file libraries, as desired.
• Thememory system224 is configured to store and provide at least a portion of the file libraries. Thememory system224 likewise can store and provide other types of information, including instruction code, such as software or firmware, intermediate calculation results, and other information associated with theprocessing system222 and/or performance data related to the current and/or historical operational status of thedatabase system200A. Preferably comprising a non-volatile memory system, thememory system224 can comprise any suitable type of memory system, such as any electronic, magnetic, and/or optical storage media, without limitation. For example, exemplary storage media can include one or more static random access memories (SRAMs), dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), electrically-erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), FLASH memories, hard drives (HDDs), compact disks (CDs), and/or digital video disks (DVDs) of any kind.
• If theentertainment system100A comprises a portable, handheld system with thedatabase system200A and the entertainment apparatus300A disposed within a common housing (not shown), for example, thememory system224 preferably comprises electronic memory media because the handheld system should have a small size and a light weight. In contrast, thememory system224 can include one or more mechanical and/or optical media if theentertainment system100A is installed in a vehicle, such as an automobile, with mechanical and/or optical media being located in a storage space, such as the trunk, of the vehicle.
• Being coupled with, and configured to communicate with, thememory system224, theprocessing system222 can comprise any type of processing system, such as one or more microprocessors (μPs), central processing units (CPUs) and/or digital signal processors (DSPs) of any kind. Theprocessing system222 is configured to receive the outgoing communication signals510aprovided by the entertainment apparatus300A and to perform one or more functions, as necessary, in response to the outgoing communication signals510a. Theprocessing system222 can provide the result of the functions to thememory system224 and/or the entertainment apparatus300A, as desired. For example, upon receiving an instruction from the entertainment apparatus300A to select one or more files from the file libraries for downloading, theprocessing system222 can execute an appropriate instruction set from thememory system224. Theprocessing system222 thereby can identify the selected files in thememory system224 and provide the selected files to the entertainment apparatus300A via thecommunication system500.
• The entertainment apparatus300A can be coupled with, and configured to communicate with, thecommunication system500 directly or indirectly via one or more intermediate systems, such as acommunication interface310A as illustrated inFIG. 2A. Thecommunication interface310A preferably is provided substantially in the manner discussed in more detail above with reference to thecommunication interface210A. Being disposed substantially between the entertainment apparatus300A and thecommunication system500, thecommunication interface310A is configured to facilitate the exchange ofcommunications signals510 between the entertainment apparatus300A and thecommunication system500, and, therefore, thedatabase system200A. Although thecommunication interface310A is shown and described as being disposed substantially within the entertainment apparatus300A, thecommunication interface310A can be separate from the entertainment apparatus300A.
• The entertainment apparatus300A has at least oneuser interface400 for selecting the files from thedatabase systems200A and for controlling the download of the selected files to the entertainment apparatus300A. Theuser interface400 can be coupled with, and configured to communicate with, thecommunication interface310A and/or thecommunication system500 directly or indirectly via one or more intermediate systems. For example, the entertainment apparatus300A is illustrated inFIG. 2A as being provided with acomputer system320 that couples theuser interface400 and thecommunication interface310A. Although thecomputer system320 is shown and described as being substantially separate from theuser interface400, it will be appreciated that thecomputer system320 can be disposed substantially within theuser interface400.
• Thecomputer system320 is configured to receive and process instructions provided by theuser interface400 and/or the incoming communication signals510bprovided by thedatabase system200A and to provide the outgoing communication signals510a. Similarly, the incoming communication signals510bfrom thedatabase system200A can be received and processed by thecomputer system320. Thecomputer system320 can process the incoming communication signals510bbased at least in part on the instructions provided by theuser interface400. As desired, thecomputer system320 can provide the incoming communication signals510b, such as the incoming communication signals510bthat include downloaded files, to theuser interface400 for presentation.
• As shown inFIG. 2A, thecomputer system320 can include aprocessing system322 that is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, amemory system324. Comprising any suitable type of processing system in the manner described in more detail above with reference to theprocessing system222, theprocessing system322 is configured to perform one or more functions, as necessary, on the instructions from theuser interface400 and/or the incoming communication signals510bprovided by thedatabase system200A. In the manner discussed above, theprocessing system322 can perform the functions by receiving and executing a series of instructions, which can be provided in the form of instruction code that is stored in, and provided by, thememory system324. Theprocessing system322 can provide the result of the functions to theuser interface400, thememory system324, and/or thedatabase system200A, as desired. For example, theprocessing system322 can provide the outgoing communication signals510ato thedatabase system200A.
• Thememory system324 is configured to store the selected files downloaded from thedatabase system200A and to provide the files to theuser interface400 for presentation. In the manner described in more detail above with reference to thememory system224, thememory system324 can store and provide other types of information, including instruction code and other information associated with theprocessing system322 and/or performance data related to the current and/or historical operational status of the entertainment apparatus300A. Preferably comprising a non-volatile memory system, thememory system324 can comprise any suitable type of memory system, including any electronic, magnetic, and/or optical storage mediums in the manner described above regarding thememory system224. Theuser interface400 preferably is configured to permit files to be added to, modified, and/or deleted from thememory system324.
• As will be described in more detail below with reference toFIGS. 4A-B, eachuser interface400 is configured to permit a user (not shown) to interact with theentertainment system100A and includes an input system410 (shown inFIG. 4A), an interface audio system430 (shown inFIG. 4A), and/or an interface video system440 (shown inFIG. 4A). Theinput system410 permits the user to communicate the instructions, such as instructions for selecting one or more files from the available file libraries and/or instructions for controlling the presentation of the selected file, to the entertainment apparatus300A. Theinterface audio system430 and theinterface video system440 are respectively configured to present an audio portion and a video portion of the downloaded files. Other information, such as a menu of file libraries available for downloading, can be presented to the user via theinterface system400.
• Turning toFIG. 2B, theexemplary entertainment system100B includes adatabase system200B that is configured to communicate with an entertainment apparatus300B. Although shown and described as having onedatabase system200B and one entertainment apparatus300B for purposes of illustration, it is understood that theentertainment system100B can include any number ofdatabase systems200B and entertainment apparatuses300B. In the manner described above, thedatabase system200B is configured to store and provide one or more file libraries (not shown), and each file library can comprise any suitable type of files and is available for downloading to the entertainment apparatus300B.
• Thedatabase system200B and the entertainment apparatus300B can be coupled via awireless communication system500, such as thesatellite system500B illustrated inFIG. 2B. Thesatellite system500B can comprise any number of geostationary satellites (not shown), which are configured to communicate with a terrestrial station (not shown). When thedatabase system200B and the entertainment apparatus300B each are within transmission range of at least one of the satellites, communications signals510 can be exchanged between thedatabase system200B and the entertainment apparatus300B via thesatellite system500B. Although shown and described as asatellite system500B for purposes of illustration, it is understood that thewireless communication system500 can comprise any suitable type of wireless communication system, such as a cellular communication system (not shown).
• In the manner discussed above with regard to thedatabase system200A (shown inFIG. 2A), thedatabase system200B comprises aserver system220 for storing the file libraries and for providing selected file libraries to the entertainment apparatus300B. Theserver system220 is configured to receive and process outgoing communication signals510aprovided by the entertainment apparatus300B and to provide incoming communication signals510bthe manner discussed above with reference toFIG. 2A. Thedatabase system200B preferably is configured to communicate with, and provide content from, theInternet230 and to permit content to be added to, modified, and/or deleted from the file libraries. Thedatabase system200B is shown as being provided with acommunication interface210B for facilitating the exchange of the communications signals510 between thedatabase system200B and the entertainment apparatus300B. Although shown and described as being disposed substantially within thedatabase system200B, thecommunication interface210B can be disposed substantially within, or separate from, thedatabase system200B.
• Being disposed substantially between thedatabase system200B and thesatellite system500B, thecommunication interface210B includes anantenna system212 that is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, atransceiver system214. Theantenna system212 and thetransceiver system214 each can be provided in any suitable manner. Preferably having one or more antenna elements (not shown), theantenna system212 is configured to receive the outgoing communication signals510bfrom the entertainment apparatus300B via thesatellite system500B. Theantenna system212 provides the outgoing communication signals510bto thetransceiver system214, which can be configured to process the outgoing communication signals510bas desired. Illustrative processes include decoding, demodulating, and/or analog-to-digital converting the outgoing communication signals510b. Upon processing the outgoing communication signals510b, thetransceiver system214 provides the processed outgoing communication signals510bto theserver system220.
• Theantenna system212 likewise can transmit the incoming communication signals510aprovided by thedatabase system200B. Theserver system220 provides the incoming communication signals510ato thetransceiver system214, which is configured to process the incoming communication signals510a. For example, thetransceiver system214 can encode, modulate, and/or analog-to-digital convert the incoming communication signals510aas desired. Thetransceiver system214 provides the processed incoming communication signals510ato theantenna system212 for transmission to thesatellite system500B. When the communication signals510 are exchanged, theantenna system212 is directed substantially toward one or more of the satellites in thesatellite system500B. Theantenna system212 preferably is coupled with an antenna controller (not shown) for steering theantenna system212 such that theantenna system212 can track the satellites in any known manner such as by locking onto the outgoing communication signals510btransmitted by thesatellite system500B.
• Although shown and described as comprising thedatabase system200A inFIG. 2A and thedatabase system200B inFIG. 2B for purposes of illustration, it is understood that the database system200 (shown inFIG. 1) can comprise any type of database system and is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. For example, the database system220B can be substantially integrated with thesatellite system500B. Stated somewhat differently, the database system220B can be disposed substantially within one or more of the geostationary satellites and/or the terrestrial station that form thesatellite system500B. If the database system220B is disposed substantially within the geostationary satellites, the communication signals510, and therefore the selected files, can be directly downloaded from thesatellite system500B to the entertainment apparatus300B.
• Turning to the entertainment apparatus300B, the entertainment apparatus300B has acomputer system320 and at least oneuser interface400, each being provided in the manner discussed above regarding the entertainment apparatus300A (shown inFIG. 2A). In the manner described above, thecomputer system320 is configured to receive and process instructions provided by theuser interface400 and/or the incoming communication signals510bprovided by thedatabase system200A and to provide the outgoing communication signals510a; whereas, theuser interface400 is configured to permit a user (not shown) to interact with theentertainment system100B. The entertainment apparatus300B is shown as being provided with acommunication interface310B for facilitating the exchange of the communications signals510 between thedatabase system200B and the entertainment apparatus300B. Although shown and described as being disposed substantially within the entertainment apparatus300B, thecommunication interface310B can be disposed substantially within, or separate from, the entertainment apparatus300B.
• Thecommunication interface310B is disposed substantially between the entertainment apparatus300B and thesatellite system500B. Preferably being provided substantially in the manner discussed above with reference to thecommunication interface310A, thecommunication interface310B comprises anantenna system312 that is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, atransceiver system314. Theantenna system312 is configured to receive incoming communication signals510afrom thedatabase system200B via thesatellite system500B and provides the incoming communication signals510ato thetransceiver system314, which can be configured to process the incoming communication signals510a. Thetransceiver system314, for example, can decode, demodulate, and/or analog-to-digital convert the incoming communication signals510aas desired. Upon processing the incoming communication signals510a, thetransceiver system314 provides the processed incoming communication signals510ato thecomputer system320.
• The outgoing communication signals510bprovided by thecomputer system320 likewise can be transmitted by theantenna system312 to thedatabase system200B via thesatellite system500B. Thecomputer system320 provides the outgoing communication signals510bto thetransceiver system314, which processes the outgoing communication signals510b. Exemplary processes can include encoding, modulating, and/or analog-to-digital converting the outgoing communication signals510bas desired. Thetransceiver system314 can provide the processed outgoing communication signals510bto theantenna system312 for transmission to thesatellite system500B. When the communication signals510 are exchanged, theantenna system312 is directed substantially toward one or more of the satellites in thesatellite system500B. Since the entertainment apparatus is mobile, theantenna system312 preferably is coupled with an antenna controller (not shown) for steering theantenna system312 such that theantenna system312 can track the satellites in any known manner such as by locking onto the incoming communication signals510atransmitted by thesatellite system500B. Although the entertainment apparatus300 is shown as comprising the entertainment apparatus300A inFIG. 2A and the entertainment apparatus300B inFIG. 2B for purposes of illustration, it is understood that the entertainment apparatus300 (shown inFIG. 1) can comprise any type of entertainment apparatus and is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.
• It will be appreciated that theentertainment system100 ofFIG. 1 can communicate with a plurality ofdatabase systems200, which can be provided in any suitable combination and/or configuration. As illustrated inFIGS. 3A-B, for example, theentertainment systems100C,100D includes an entertainment apparatuses300C,300D that can be configured to be in wired communication with one ormore database systems200A and/or wireless communication with one ormore database systems200B. Turning toFIG. 3A, the entertainment system100C includes the entertainment apparatus300C that is configured to communication with adatabase system200A, afirst database system200B′, and asecond database system200B″. Being provided in the manner described above with reference toFIGS. 2A-B, each of thedatabase systems200A,200B′, and200B″ is configured to store and provide one or more file libraries (not shown).
• The entertainment apparatus300C includes acomputer system320 and at least oneuser interface400, each being provided in the manner discussed above regarding the entertainment apparatus300A (shown inFIG. 2A). In the manner described above, thecomputer system320 is configured to receive and process instructions provided by theuser interface400 and/orcommunication signals510 provided by one or more of thedatabase systems200A,200B′, and200B″ and to providecommunication signals510 to thedatabase systems200A,200B′, and200B″. As shown inFIG. 3A, thedatabase systems200A,200B′, and200B″ can be coupled with thecomputer system320 substantially in a star arrangement. Theuser interface400 is configured to permit a user (not shown) to interact with the entertainment system100C. The entertainment apparatus300C can be in communication with any combination of thedatabase systems200A,200B′, and200B″, depending, for example, upon the availability of eachdatabase systems200A,200B′, and200B″.
• The entertainment apparatus300C can include acommunication interface310B′ for facilitating the exchange of the communications signals510 between thedatabase systems200B′,200B″ and the entertainment apparatus300C. As shown inFIG. 3A, thecommunication interface310B′ includes afirst antenna system312′, which is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, afirst transceiver system314′, and asecond antenna system312″, which is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, asecond transceiver system314″. The first andsecond antenna systems312′,312″ each are provided in the manner described above with reference to the antenna system312 (shown inFIG. 2B); whereas, the first andsecond transceiver systems314′,314″ can be provided in the manner described above regarding the transceiver system314 (shown inFIG. 2B). As shown inFIG. 3A, thecommunication interface310B′ comprises a substantially separate communication interface for eachdatabase systems200B′,200B″. Stated somewhat differently, thefirst antenna system312′ and thefirst transceiver system314′ are configured to exchange first communication signals510′ between thefirst database system200B′ and the entertainment apparatus300C; whereas, thesecond antenna system312″ and thesecond transceiver system314″ are configured to exchange second communication signals510″ between thesecond database system200B″ and the entertainment apparatus300C.
• In the manner set forth above with reference to thecommunication interface310B (shown inFIG. 2B), thefirst antenna system312′ is configured to receive first communication signals510′ from thefirst database system200B′. Thefirst antenna system312′ provides the first communication signals510′ to thefirst transceiver system314′, which processes the first communication signals510′ and provides the processed first communication signals510′ to thecomputer system320. The first communication signals510′ provided by thecomputer system320 likewise can be processed by thefirst transceiver system314′ and transmitted by thefirst antenna system312′ to thefirst database system200B′.
• Similarly, thesecond antenna system312′ is configured to receive second communication signals510″ from thesecond database system200B″ and to provide the second communication signals510″ to thesecond transceiver system314″. Upon processing the second communication signals510″, thesecond transceiver system314″ can provide the processed second communication signals510″ to thecomputer system320. The second communication signals510″ provided by thecomputer system320 can be processed by thesecond transceiver system314″ and transmitted by thesecond antenna system312″ to thesecond database system200B″. Thereby, thecomputer system320 can be configured to communicate with each of thedatabase systems200A,200B′, and200B″.
• Like the entertainment system100C, theentertainment system100D is shown inFIG. 3B as comprising the entertainment apparatus300D, adatabase system200A, afirst database system200B′, and asecond database system200B″. The entertainment apparatus300D is configured to be in wired communication with thedatabase system200A and in wireless communication with the first andsecond database systems200B′,200B″. Thedatabase systems200A,200B′, and200B″ each is provided in the manner described above with reference toFIG. 3A and is configured to store and provide one or more file libraries (not shown).
• Being provided in the manner described with reference toFIG. 3A, the entertainment apparatus300C includes acomputer system320 and at least oneuser interface400. In the manner described above, thecomputer system320 is configured to receive and process instructions provided by theuser interface400 and/orcommunication signals510 provided by one or more of thedatabase systems200A,200B′, and200B″ and to providecommunication signals510 to thedatabase systems200A,200B′, and200B″. As shown inFIG. 3A, thedatabase systems200A,200B′, and200B″ can be coupled with thecomputer system320 substantially in a daisy-chain, or series, arrangement whereby files downloaded from the first andsecond database systems200B′,200B″ are provided to thedatabase system200A. Thedatabase system200A thereby is configured to store a copy, such as an archival copy, of the files downloaded from the first andsecond database systems200B′,200B″. Theuser interface400 is configured to permit a user (not shown) to interact with the entertainment system100C. The entertainment apparatus300C can be in communication with any combination of thedatabase systems200A,200B′, and200B″, depending, for example, upon the availability of eachdatabase systems200A,200B′, and200B″.
• The entertainment apparatus300D can be provided with acommunication interface310B″ for facilitating the exchange of the communications signals510 with thedatabase systems200B′,200B″. As shown inFIG. 3B, thecommunication interface310B″ includes anantenna system312, which is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, atransceiver system314. Theantenna system312 and thetransceiver system314 are respectively provided in the manners described above with reference to the antenna system312 (shown inFIG. 2B) and the transceiver system314 (shown inFIG. 2B). As shown inFIG. 3B, thecommunication interface310B″ comprises an integrated communication interface for coupling the entertainment apparatus300D with thedatabase systems200B′,200B″.
• In the manner described above, theantenna system312 is configured to receive first communication signals510′ from thefirst database system200B′ and/or second communication signals510″ from thesecond database system200B″. Theantenna system312 provides the receivedcommunication signals510′,510″ to thetransceiver system314. Thetransceiver system314 processes the communication signals510′,510″ and provides the processed communication signals510′,510″ to thecomputer system320. The communication signals510′,510″ provided by thecomputer system320 likewise can be processed by thetransceiver system314 and transmitted by theantenna system312 to therespective database systems200B′,200B″.
• FIG. 4A illustrates the details of one embodiment of theuser interface400 for theentertainment system100 ofFIG. 1. The exemplary user interface400A is configured to permit a user (not shown) to communicate and otherwise interact with theentertainment system100 and includes aninput system410 and an output system (not shown). The output system can comprise aninterface audio system430 and/or aninterface video system440. The user interface400A can be integrated into, and/or separable from, the entertainment apparatus300 (shown inFIG. 1).
• Theinput system410 permits the user to communicate instructions, such as instructions for selecting one or more files from the available file libraries and/or instructions for controlling the presentation of the selected file, to the entertainment apparatus300. Typically comprising one or more pushbuttons (not shown), such as a keyboard or a keypad, and/or a pointing device (not shown), such as a mouse or trackball, theinput system410 can be provided in any suitable manner. As desired, theinput system410 can be combined with one or more other systems of the user interface400A. Theinput system410 and theinterface video system440, for example, can be combined in the form of a touch screen. Further, if a fee is required for downloading and/or presenting files via theentertainment system100, theinput system410 can include a credit card reader; otherwise, the user can provide his payment information via the keyboard and/or pointing device.
• The entertainment apparatus300 is configured to communicate with the user via theinterface audio system430 and/or theinterface video system440. Theinterface audio system430 can audibly present information to the user; whereas, theinterface video system440 can present information to the user visually. The interface system400A can be configured to present any type of information, including instructions for using theentertainment system100, a catalog of file libraries available for download, and any downloaded files. For example, theinterface video system440 can provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to facilitate interaction with theentertainment system100 and/or an interactive menu of the available file libraries, including files available for downloading and/or files previously downloaded to the interface system400A. The interface system400A thereby can assist the user in selecting one or more files to be presented via the entertainment apparatus300.
• Once the user has made his selection and, as necessary, entered his payment and/or authorization information, the entertainment apparatus300 can download the selected files. Theinterface audio system430 and theinterface video system440 are respectively configured to present an audio portion and a video portion of the files. As desired, the entertainment apparatus300 can provide additional functionality for controlling the presentation of the files. For example, theinput system410 can be configured to rewind, fast forward, and/or pause the presentation the files. Theinput system410 likewise can include a volume control, mixing, equalization, and/or muting functions and/or can perform general file management functions, such as transferring and/or deleting one or more of the files and can provide a file directory to facilitate organization of the files. As desired, theinput system410 can provide file editing functionality.
• As shown inFIG. 4A, theinterface audio system430 includes anaudio system432 that is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, aspeaker system434 and one or more audio communication ports. The audio communication ports can include one or moreaudio output ports436,audio input ports438, and/or microphone ports (not shown). Being configured to receive the audio portion of the selected file, theaudio system432 can include one or more coder/decoders (CODECs), amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), mixers, and/or equalizers for processing the audio portion. The processed audio portion of the selected file can be audibly presented via thespeaker system434 and/or a secondary speaker system (not show), such as a set of head phones, that is coupled with theaudio output port436. Preferably, the manner by which the audio portion is processed and/or audibly presented is controllably via theinput system410.
• Theinterface video system440 is illustrated inFIG. 4A as comprising avideo system442 that is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, adisplay system444. Thevideo system442 can receive and process the video portion of the selected file, which processed video portion is visually presented via thedisplay system444. Thedisplay system444 can be configured to visually present graphical information and/or textual information. The manner by which the video portion of the selected file is processed and/or visually presented preferably is controllably via theinput system410. Although preferably visually presented as a digital image, the visual portion can be converted by thevideo system442 to an analog image that can be presented by thedisplay system444.
• Theinterface audio system430 and theinterface video system440 are coupled with, and configured to communicate with theinput system410 via aninterface processing system420. Theinterface processing system420 is configured to receive and process instructions provided by theinput system410 and/or the incoming communication signals510b(shown inFIGS. 2A-B) provided by a database system200 (shown inFIG. 1) and to provide the outgoing communication signals510a(shown inFIGS. 2A-B) to thedatabase system200. For example, the processes performed by theinterface processing system420 on the outgoing communication signals510bcan include encoding, modulating, and/or analog-to-digital converting the outgoing communication signals510b; whereas, the incoming communication signals510acan be decoded, demodulated, and/or digital-to-analog converted by theinterface processing system420. Being provided in the manner described in more detail above with reference to the computer system320 (shown inFIGS. 2A-B), theinterface processing system420 includes aprocessing system422 and amemory system424 and can be substantially integrated with, or separate from, thecomputer system320.
• Thememory system424 is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, theprocessing system422 and is configured to receive and store the selected files downloaded from thedatabase system200 and, under the control of theinput system410, to provide the files to theinterface audio system430 and/or theinterface video system440 for presentation. In the manner described in more detail above with reference to the memory system324 (shown inFIG. 2A), thememory system424 can store and provide other types of information, including instruction code and other information associated with theprocessing system422 and/or performance data related to the current and/or historical operational status of the user interface400A. Preferably comprising a non-volatile memory system, thememory system424 can comprise any suitable type of memory system, including any electronic, magnetic, and/or optical storage mediums in the manner described above regarding thememory system324. Theinput system410 preferably is configured to permit files to be added to, modified, and/or deleted from thememory system424.
• Comprising any suitable type of processing system in the manner described in more detail above with reference to the processing system322 (shown inFIG. 2A), theprocessing system422 is configured to perform one or more functions, as necessary, on the instructions by theinput system410 and/or the incoming communication signals510bprovided by thedatabase system200. In the manner discussed above, theprocessing system422 can perform the functions by receiving and executing a series of instructions, which can be provided in the form of instruction code that is stored in, and provided by, thememory system424. Theprocessing system422 can provide the result of the functions to theinterface audio system430, theinterface video system440, thememory system424, and/or thedatabase system200, as desired. For example, theprocessing system422 can provide the outgoing communication signals510ato thedatabase system200.
• In the manner described above with reference toFIG. 1, the entertainment apparatus300 can include a plurality ofuser interfaces400. The entertainment apparatus300 typically will have more than oneuser interface400 when installed in a vehicle800 (shown inFIGS. 7A-B). Eachuser interface400 can be provided in the manner described in more detail above with regard to the user interface400A (shown inFIG. 4A). Theuser interfaces400 can share one or more common interface elements, as desired. As illustrated inFIG. 4B, for example, an entertainment apparatus300F has a plurality of user interfaces400B. The user interfaces400B each include aninput system410, aninterface audio system430, and aninterface video system440 that are provided in the manner described above with reference to the user interface400A. The user interfaces400B, however, are configured to share a commoninterface processing system420.
• Being provided in the manner described above with reference to the interface processing system420 (shown inFIG. 4A), the commoninterface processing system420 couples theinput system410, theinterface audio system430, and theinterface video system440 for each user interface400B. For each user interface400B, the commoninterface processing system420 is further configured to receive and process instructions provided by theinput system410 and/or the incoming communication signals510b(shown inFIGS. 2A-B) provided by a database system200 (shown inFIG. 1) and to provide the outgoing communication signals510a(shown inFIGS. 2A-B) to thedatabase system200 in the manner described above. For example, when installed in thevehicle800 having passenger seats810 (shown inFIGS. 7A-B) that are divided into rows, the entertainment apparatus300F can advantageously provide eachpassenger seat810 with the user interface400B such that each row ofpassenger seats810 shares a commoninterface processing system420.
• Turning toFIG. 5, an entertainment apparatus300E is shown that comprises adatabase system200A, acommunication interface310B that is configured to communicate with adatabase system200B (shown inFIG. 2B), acomputer system320, and a plurality ofuser interfaces400. Thedatabase system200A and thecomputer system320 are provided in the manner described in more detail above with reference toFIG. 2A; whereas, theuser interfaces400 are provided in the manner set forth above regarding the user interface400A (shown inFIG. 4A). Thecommunication interface310B is provided, and is configured to communicate with thedatabase system200B, in the manner discussed above with reference toFIG. 2B. As shown inFIG. 5, thedatabase system200A, thecommunication interface310B, thecomputer system320, and the plurality ofuser interfaces400 are coupled, and configured to communicate, via adistribution system330.
• Thedistribution system330 can comprise any type of distribution system for distributing communication signals510 (shown inFIGS. 2A-B). For example, thedistribution system330 can be provided as an analog distribution system, a digital distribution system, a modulated distribution system, a fiber optic distribution system, a wired distribution system, a wireless distribution system, and/or a broadband distribution system of any kind. In a preferred embodiment, thecomputer system320 and thedistribution system330 form a communication network for coupling thedatabase system200A and thecommunication interface310B with theuser interfaces400. Thedistribution system330 is configured to receive the communication signals510 (shown inFIGS. 2A-B) from thedatabase system200A and/or thecommunication interface310B and to provide the communication signals510 to thecomputer system320 and/or one or more of theuser interfaces400. Thecomputer system320 and theuser interfaces400 can communicate viadistribution system330 provide the communication signals510 to thedatabase system200A and/or thecommunication interface310B.
• If the entertainment apparatus330E is installed on a vehicle800 (shown inFIGS. 7A-B), for example, thedistribution system330 can comprise any suitable type of distribution, including a wired distribution system, in the manner discussed above. Preferably, thedistribution system330 is provided as a wireless local area network (WLAN) of any kind. Exemplary wireless local area networks include wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks in accordance with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 802.11 and/or wireless metropolitan-area networks (MANs) in accordance with IEEE Standard 802.16. Thereby, thedatabase system200A, thecommunication interface310B, thecomputer system320, and the plurality ofuser interfaces400 can be coupled, and configured to communicate, without the weight and other drawbacks associated with wired communication systems that are installed in vehicles.
• As desired, the entertainment apparatus300E can be configured to store a copy, such as an archival copy, of the files downloaded via thecommunication interface310B. The copy of the files can be stored, for example, by thedatabase system200A and/or thecomputer system320. Being provided in the manner described above with reference toFIG. 2A, thedatabase system200A includes a server system220 (shown inFIG. 2A) with a memory system224 (shown inFIG. 2A); whereas, thecomputer system320 includes a memory system324 (shown inFIG. 2A). Preferably comprising a non-volatile memory system, thememory systems224,324, can comprise any suitable type of memory systems, including any electronic, magnetic, and/or optical storage mediums in the manner described above. The copy of the files preferably is stored on an array of hard disks. Although shown and described as separate systems for purposes of illustration, thedatabase system200A and thecomputer system320 can be combined to form a single system.
• Theuser interfaces400 can be divided into two or more interface groups. As shown inFIG. 5, theuser interfaces400 are associated with one of two user interface groups: afirst interface group400′; and asecond interface group400″. Theuser interfaces400 can be divided into theinterface groups400′,400″ based upon any criteria. If the entertainment apparatus300E is installed on a vehicle800 (shown inFIGS. 7A-B), for example, thefirst interface group400′ can be associated with a first class section of thevehicle800; whereas, thesecond interface group400″ can be associated with a coach class section of thevehicle800. Similarly, the first andsecond interface groups400′,400″ may be respectively associated with the operator and passengers of thevehicle800. The functionality of theuser interfaces400 in thefirst interface group400′ can differ from the functionality of theuser interfaces400 in thesecond interface group400″. For example, theuser interfaces400 associated the first class section of thevehicle800 can access premium content that is not available to theuser interfaces400 associated the coach class section. Theuser interfaces400 associated the coach class section likewise might require payment of a fee prior to permitting access to the entertainment apparatus300E; whereas, theuser interfaces400 associated the first class section may not require payment of the fee to access the entertainment apparatus300E.
• Returning toFIG. 4A, the illustrated user interface400A includes one ormore communication ports450. Eachcommunication port450 can comprise any suitable type of communication port, including a wired communication port, such as a universal serial bus (USB) communication port, and/or a wireless communication port, such as an infrared (IR) communication port. Being configured to couple the user interface400A with a peripheral device (not shown), thecommunication port450 is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, theinterface processing system420. The peripheral device thereby can communicate with theinterface audio system430 and theinterface video system440 as well as with thedatabase systems200 via the entertainment apparatus300.
• FIG. 6A illustrates auser interface400C that includes apersonal entertainment system600A. Thepersonal entertainment system600A preferably comprises a portable personal entertainment system, such as a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a MPEG Audio Layer 3 (MP3) device. As shown inFIG. 6A, thepersonal entertainment system600A includes aninput system610, anaudio system630, avideo system640, amemory system660, and/or acommunication port650A, each being coupled, and configured to communicate, via aprocessing system620. Theinput system610 permits a user to communicate instructions to thepersonal entertainment system600A. Typically comprising one or more pushbuttons (not shown), such as a keyboard or a keypad, and/or a pointing device (not shown), such as a mouse, trackball, or stylus, theinput system610 can be provided in any suitable manner.
• As illustrated inFIG. 6A, thecommunication port650A of thepersonal entertainment system600A can be removably coupled with a communication port450A of theuser interface400C via awired communication system700, such as a communication bus700A. Thepersonal entertainment system600A and theuser interface400C thereby are configured to exchange communication signals710. By coupling thepersonal entertainment system600A with theuser interface400C, theinput system610 can communicate instructions to the entertainment apparatus300 (shown inFIG. 1) in the manner described above with reference to the input system410 (shown inFIG. 4A). As a result, the user can employ theinput system610 to access the available database systems200 (shown inFIG. 1), to select one or more files from the available file libraries, and/or to control the presentation of the selected files.
• In the manner described above regard the interface audio system430 (shown inFIG. 4A) and the interface video system440 (shown inFIG. 4A), the entertainment apparatus300 is configured to communicate with the user via theaudio system630 and/or thevideo system640 of thepersonal entertainment system600A. Theaudio system630 can audibly present information to the user; whereas, thevideo system640 can present information to the user visually. In the manner described above with reference to the user interface400A (shown inFIG. 4A), thepersonal entertainment system600A can be configured to present any type of information, including instructions for using theentertainment system100, a catalog of file libraries available for download, and any downloaded files. For example, thevideo system640 can provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to facilitate interaction with theentertainment system100 and/or an interactive menu of the available file libraries, including files available for downloading and/or files previously downloaded to thepersonal entertainment system600A in the manner set forth above.
• Once the user has made his selection and, as necessary, entered his payment and/or authorization information, thepersonal entertainment system600A can download the selected files. Theaudio system630 and thevideo system640 of thepersonal entertainment system600A are respectively configured to present an audio portion and a video portion of the files. In the manner described above with reference toFIG. 4A, thepersonal entertainment system600A can provide additional functionality for controlling the presentation of the files. For example, theinput system610 can be configured to rewind, fast forward, and/or pause the presentation the files. Theinput system610 likewise can include a volume control, mixing, equalization, and/or muting functions and/or can perform general file management functions, such as transferring and/or deleting one or more of the files and can provide a file directory to facilitate organization of the files. As desired, theinput system610 can provide file editing functionality.
• In the manner described above regarding the interface audio system430 (shown inFIG. 4A), theaudio system630 can include a speaker system and one or more audio communication ports (not shown). The audio communication ports can include one or more audio output ports, audio input ports, and/or microphone ports. The audio portion of the selected file thereby can be audibly presented via the speaker system and/or a secondary speaker system, such as a set of head phones, which is coupled with the audio output port. Thevideo system640 can have a display system (not shown) in the manner described above regarding the interface video system440 (shown inFIG. 4A). Thevideo system640 can visually present the video portion of the selected file and can be configured to visually present graphical information and/or textual information. The manner by which the video portion of the selected file is processed and/or visually presented preferably is controllably via theinput system610.
• Theprocessing system620 can receive and process instructions provided by theinput system610 and/or the communication signals710 provided by a database system200 (shown inFIG. 1) and provide the communication signals710 to thedatabase system200 in the manner described above with reference to the interface processing system420 (shown inFIG. 4A). Thememory system660 is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, theprocessing system620 and is configured to receive and store the selected files downloaded from thedatabase system200 and, under the control of theinput system610, to provide the files to theaudio system630 and/or thevideo system640 for presentation. Preferably comprising a non-volatile memory system, thememory system660 can comprise any suitable type of memory system, including any electronic, magnetic, and/or optical storage mediums in the manner described above regarding the memory system424 (shown inFIG. 4A). Theinput system610 preferably is configured to permit files to be added to, modified, and/or deleted from thememory system660.
• Advantageously, thememory system660 is configured to retain the files even if thepersonal entertainment system600A is disconnected from theuser interface400C. The files therefore can be presented via thepersonal entertainment system600A even when thepersonal entertainment system600A is no longer in communication with the entertainment apparatus300 (shown inFIG. 1) and/or the database systems200 (shown inFIG. 1). Therefore, if the entertainment apparatus300 is installed in a vehicle800 (shown inFIGS. 7A-B), for example, a passenger in thevehicle800 can download the selected files during travel. Once stored, the files can be retained in thememory system660 of thepersonal entertainment system600A, which can be disconnected from the entertainment apparatus300. The passenger thereby can view the files at any time, including after disembarking thevehicle800 once travel is completed, by removing thepersonal entertainment system600A from thevehicle800.
• Theuser interface400D shown inFIG. 6B includes apersonal entertainment system600B that is coupled with theuser interface400D via awireless communication system700B. Being provided in the manner described above with regard to thepersonal entertainment system600A (shown inFIG. 6A), thepersonal entertainment system600B includes aninput system610, anaudio system630, avideo system640, amemory system660, and/or acommunication port650B, each being coupled, and configured to communicate, via aprocessing system620. Thecommunication port650B of thepersonal entertainment system600B is configured to communicate with acommunication port450B of theuser interface400D. As illustrated inFIG. 6B, thecommunication port650B of thepersonal entertainment system600B can be removably coupled with thecommunication port450B of theuser interface400D via thewireless communication system700B. Thepersonal entertainment system600B and theuser interface400D thereby are configured to exchange communication signals710.
• By coupling thepersonal entertainment system600B with theuser interface400D, theinput system610 can communicate instructions to the entertainment apparatus300 (shown inFIG. 1) in the manner described above with reference to thepersonal entertainment system600A (shown inFIG. 6A). As a result, the user can employ theinput system610 to access the available database systems200 (shown inFIG. 1), to select one or more files from the available file libraries, and/or to control the presentation of the selected files. In the manner described above, thepersonal entertainment system600B is advantageously configured to retain the files even if thepersonal entertainment system600B is disconnected from theuser interface400D. The files therefore can be presented via thepersonal entertainment system600B even when thepersonal entertainment system600B is no longer in communication with the entertainment apparatus300 (shown inFIG. 1) and/or the database systems200 (shown inFIG. 1).
• The entertainment apparatus300 (shown inFIG. 1) can be installed in a wide variety ofvehicles800, such as an automobile, a bus, an aircraft, a boat, or a locomotive of any kind.FIG. 7A illustrates theentertainment system100 with the entertainment apparatus300 being installed in anautomobile800A. As shown inFIG. 7A, anantenna system312 is mounted on theautomobile800A and is configured to exchange communication signals510 with adatabase system200B via acommunication system500B in the manner set forth above with reference toFIG. 2B. Theantenna system312 is coupled with atransceiver system314, which can receive and process the communication signals510 and which is configured to provide the processed communication signals510 to acomputer system320 in the manner discussed above. Thetransceiver system314 likewise can receive and process the communication signals510 provided by thecomputer system320 and can provide the processed communication signals510 to theantenna system312. Thecomputer system320, in turn, is configured to communicate with one ormore user interfaces400 via adistribution system330.
• As shown inFIG. 7A, theuser interfaces400 can be associated withseats810 in theautomobile800A. For example, adriver seat810A is provided with auser interface400 that is associated with afirst interface group400′; whereas, passenger seats810B includeuser interfaces400 that are associated with asecond interface group400″. In the manner discussed with regard toFIG. 5, the functionality of theuser interfaces400 in thefirst interface group400′ can differ from the functionality of theuser interfaces400 in thesecond interface group400″. For example, since the driver needs to pay attention to the road, theuser interface400 associated with thefirst interface group400′ likely does not include an interface video system440 (shown inFIG. 4A); whereas, theuser interfaces400 in thesecond interface group400″ can includeinterface video systems440. Similarly, the input system410 (shown inFIG. 4A) for theuser interface400 in thefirst interface group400′ can be configured to mute the interface audio systems430 (shown inFIG. 4A) for each of theuser interfaces400 in theautomobile800A.
• As desired, the entertainment apparatus300 of theentertainment system100 likewise can be installed in anaircraft800B as illustrated inFIG. 7B. As shown inFIG. 7B, anantenna system312 is mounted on the outer fuselage of theaircraft800B and is configured to exchange communication signals510 with adatabase system200B via acommunication system500B in the manner set forth above with reference toFIG. 2B. Theantenna system312 is coupled with atransceiver system314, which can receive and process the communication signals510 and which is configured to provide the processed communication signals510 to acomputer system320 in the manner discussed above. Thetransceiver system314 likewise can receive and process the communication signals510 provided by thecomputer system320 and can provide the processed communication signals510 to theantenna system312.
• Thecomputer system320 also is coupled with adatabase system200A. Thedatabase system200A is provided in the manner described above with reference toFIG. 2A and is disposed within theaircraft800B. Being configured to communicate with thedatabase system200A in the manner described above, thecomputer system320 is configured to exchange communication signals510 with thedatabase system200A via adistribution system330. Thereby, thecomputer system320 can communicate with, and download one or more selected files from, thedatabase system200A and thedatabase system200B.
• Thedistribution system330 likewise couples thecomputer system320 with one ormore user interfaces400. As shown inFIG. 7B, theuser interfaces400 can be associated withseats810 in theaircraft800B. For purposes of illustration, theseats810 in theaircraft800B are divided into three interface groups.Seats810A comprise seats for the flight crew; whereas, seats810B comprise passenger seats. The passenger seats810B are further divided into firstclass passenger seats810B′ and coachclass passenger seats810B″, which includeuser interfaces400 and are respectively associated with first andsecond interface groups400′,400″. Theflight crew seats810A also includeuser interfaces400 that are associated with athird interface group400′″.
• As was discussed above, the functionality of theuser interfaces400 in the threeinterface groups400′,400″, and400′″ can differ. In the manner set forth above with reference toFIG. 7A, theuser interfaces400 provided on theflight crew seats810A likely does not include an interface video system440 (shown inFIG. 4A); whereas, theuser interfaces400 for the passenger seats810B can includeinterface video systems440. The input system410 (shown inFIG. 4A) for theuser interfaces400 provided on theflight crew seats810A can be configured to mute the interface audio systems430 (shown inFIG. 4A) for each of theuser interfaces400 in theaircraft800B.
• Further, the functionality of theuser interfaces400 for the firstclass passenger seats810B′ can differ from the functionality of theuser interfaces400 for the coachclass passenger seats810B″. In the manner discussed above regardingFIG. 5, theuser interfaces400 associated the firstclass passenger seats810B′ can, for example, access premium content that is not available to theuser interfaces400 associated the coachclass passenger seats810B″. Theuser interfaces400 associated the coachclass passenger seats810B″ likewise can require a fee to be paid prior to permitting access to the entertainment apparatus300; whereas, theuser interfaces400 associated the firstclass passenger seats810B′ may be able to access the entertainment apparatus300E without requiring payment of the fee.
• With reference toFIGS. 7A-B, it will be appreciated that theentertainment system100 can be configured to download and present files that relate to the destination of thevehicle800. For example, passengers can download files that provide information relating to hotel accommodations or a map of the destination city. If the destination is an airport terminal, files comprising information, such as arrival and departure times and gate information, for other flights may be downloaded to assist the passenger with making his connecting flight or with meeting others who are arriving at the airport terminal on different flights.
• FIGS. 8A-D illustrate various configurations for the user interface400 (shown inFIG. 4A) when the entertainment apparatus300 (shown inFIG. 1) is installed in avehicle800. Theuser interfaces400 include aninput system410, an interface audio system430 (shown inFIG. 4A), and an interface video system440 (shown inFIG. 4A). Turning to theuser interface400 shown inFIG. 8A, theinterface video system440 has adisplay system444 for visually presenting information from the entertainment apparatus300. The illustrateddisplay system444 is provided as one or moreoverhead display systems444A. Theinput system410 is provided on anarmrest820 of theseats810 as shown inFIG. 8A. Theseats810 are shown as comprisingseats810A and seats810B, and theuser interfaces400 for theseats810A,810B are respectively associated with first and secondfirst interface groups400′,400″. Having different levels of functionality, theinput system410 for theseats810A includefunctionality410A, which functionality is not provided on theinput system410 for theseats810B.
• Theinterface audio system430 illustrated inFIG. 8A includes aspeaker system434 for audibly presenting information from the entertainment apparatus300. Thespeaker system434 can comprise one or moreoverhead speakers434A and/or one or more speaker systems disposed within theseats810 of thevehicle800. Within theseats810, thespeaker systems434 can be provided in any suitable manner, including, for example, as aspeaker system434B in theheadrest840 of theseat810 and/or in thebase850 of theseat810. In the manner discussed above with reference toFIG. 4A, theinterface audio system430 likewise can include one or more audio communication ports, such as anaudio output port436, for audibly presenting information. Theaudio output ports436 can be provided, for example, on thearmrest820 of theseats810 as shown inFIG. 8A.
• Thedisplay system444 of theuser interface400 shown inFIG. 8B includes one or moreoverhead display systems444A provided in the manner discussed above with reference toFIG. 8A as well as one or moreseatback display systems444B being coupled with aback surface860 of theseatback830. Theinput system410 likewise can include be provided withfunctionality410A that is accessible via thearmrest820 of theseats810 and/orfunctionality410B that is provided on theback surface860 of theseatback830 as shown inFIG. 8B. As desired, theseatback display systems444B can be provided substantially separately from, or in combination with, thefunctionality410B. Theseatback display systems444B, for example, can comprise touch screens to provide thefunctionality410B on theseatback830.
• In contrast to theseats810 shown inFIG. 8A, theseats810 inFIG. 8B are not divided intointerface groups400′,400″ and have substantially the same level of functionality. As such, theinput systems410 for theseats810 both includefunctionality410A. Being provided in the manner discussed above with reference toFIG. 8A, thespeaker system434 inFIG. 8B includes one or moreoverhead speakers434A. No speaker systems4343 are shown as being disposed in theseats810 inFIG. 8B. Theinterface audio system430 likewise has one or more audio communication ports, such as anaudio output port436, which are provided on thearmrest820 of theseats810.
• FIG. 8C illustrates auser interface400 with adisplay system444 that includes one or moreseatback display systems444B and with aninput system410 that is provided on thearmrest820 of theseats810, each being provided in the manner discussed above with reference toFIG. 8B. Theinterface audio system430 of theuser interface400 is shown as having one or more audio communication ports, such as anaudio output port436, which are provided on thearmrest820 of theseats810. For audio information to be audibly presented by theuser interface400 ofFIG. 8C, a peripheral device (not shown), such as a set of head phones, is coupled with theaudio output port436.
• Theuser interface400 ofFIG. 8D is shown as including apersonal entertainment system600. As illustrated inFIG. 8D, thepersonal entertainment system600 is removably coupled with theuser interface400 via acommunication port450 that is provided by theinput system410. Althoughuser interface400 provides one or moreseatback display systems444B, information from the entertainment apparatus300 can be visually presented via avideo system640 of thepersonal entertainment system600. Thepersonal entertainment system600 likewise includes aninput system610, which can be used to provide instructions to the entertainment apparatus300 in the manner discussed above. Similarly, information from the entertainment apparatus300 can be audibly presented via anaudio system630 of thepersonal entertainment system600.
• Although the coupling between thepersonal entertainment system600 and theuser interface400 is illustrated as a wired connection, a wireless connection can be employed to couple thepersonal entertainment system600 and theuser interface400. In a preferred embodiment, for example, the entertainment apparatus300 as installed in thevehicle800 can comprise a hot spot. The hot spot can be provided as a wireless local area network (WLAN) of any kind, including a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) network in accordance with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 802.11 and/or a wireless metropolitan-area network (MAN), which also is known as WiMax Wireless Broadband, in accordance with IEEE Standard 802.16. Thereby, upon entering thevehicle800, thepersonal entertainment system600 can automatically establish communications with the entertainment apparatus300, and communications with the entertainment apparatus300 can automatically terminate when thepersonal entertainment system600 is removed from thevehicle800.
• In the manner discussed above, thepersonal entertainment system600 is advantageously configured to retain the files downloaded via the entertainment apparatus300 even if thepersonal entertainment system600 is disconnected from theuser interface400. The files therefore can be presented via thepersonal entertainment system600 even when thepersonal entertainment system600 is disconnected from thecommunication port450. Therefore, if a passenger in thevehicle800 downloads selected files during travel, the files can be stored and retained by thepersonal entertainment system600. The passenger thereby can view the files at any time, including after disembarking thevehicle800 once travel is completed, by removing thepersonal entertainment system600 from thevehicle800.
• The disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, and specific examples thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims (1)

1. A vehicle information system suitable for installation aboard a passenger vehicle, comprising:

a headend system for communicating with a local content source for providing a first content library associated with a first passenger seat group within the passenger vehicle and a remote content source including a second content library associated with a second passenger seat group within the passenger vehicle;

a first portable media device associated with the first passenger seat group for presenting a first content catalog of first content files available from the first content library and for receiving a selected first content file from the first content library; and

a second portable media device associated with the second passenger seat group for presenting a second content catalog of second content files available from the second content library, said headend system verifying that a content rating of a selected second content file satisfies a predetermined content standard and enabling said second portable media device to receive the verified second content file from the second content library,

wherein the second content library is different from the first content library and is not available to said first portable media device.

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