WO2005000437A2 - System and method for downloading files - Google Patents

System and method for downloading files Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2005000437A2
WO2005000437A2 PCT/US2004/017666 US2004017666W WO2005000437A2 WO 2005000437 A2 WO2005000437 A2 WO 2005000437A2 US 2004017666 W US2004017666 W US 2004017666W WO 2005000437 A2 WO2005000437 A2 WO 2005000437A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
communication
entertainment
database
interface
files
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2004/017666
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2005000437A3 (en
Inventor
Albert J. Stopniewicz
Belinda Bradford
Original Assignee
Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Panasonic Avionics Corporation filed Critical Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Priority to EP04754296A priority Critical patent/EP1634454A2/en
Priority to AU2004251677A priority patent/AU2004251677B2/en
Priority to JP2006515179A priority patent/JP2006527540A/en
Priority to CA2527647A priority patent/CA2527647C/en
Publication of WO2005000437A2 publication Critical patent/WO2005000437A2/en
Publication of WO2005000437A3 publication Critical patent/WO2005000437A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/21Server components or server architectures
    • H04N21/214Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel, hospital
    • H04N21/2146Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel, hospital located in mass transportation means, e.g. aircraft, train or bus
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/4104Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
    • H04N21/4126The peripheral being portable, e.g. PDAs or mobile phones
    • H04N21/41265The peripheral being portable, e.g. PDAs or mobile phones having a remote control device for bidirectional communication between the remote control device and client device
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/414Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
    • H04N21/41422Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance located in transportation means, e.g. personal vehicle
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/436Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or one or more peripheral devices inside the home
    • H04N21/4363Adapting the video or multiplex stream to a specific local network, e.g. a IEEE 1394 or Bluetooth® network
    • H04N21/43637Adapting the video or multiplex stream to a specific local network, e.g. a IEEE 1394 or Bluetooth® network involving a wireless protocol, e.g. Bluetooth, RF or wireless LAN [IEEE 802.11]

Definitions

  • the present invention 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 OF THE INVENTION 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.
  • the present invention 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.
  • the entertainment apparatus can select one or more files from the available file libraries and can download the selected files.
  • the entertainment apparatus is configured to present the files regardless of whether communication with the database systems is maintained.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 2A is an exemplary block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a database system and an entertainment apparatus for the entertainment system of Fig. 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 of Fig. 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 of Fig. 1 in which the entertainment apparatus is configured to communicate with a plurality of database systems.
  • Fig. 3 B is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the entertainment apparatus of Fig. 3 A.
  • FIG. 4 A is an exemplary block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a user interface for the entertainment system of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 4B is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the user interface of Fig. 4A.
  • Fig. 5 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an entertainment apparatus for the entertainment system of Fig. 1 in which the entertainment apparatus includes a plurality of user interfaces.
  • Fig. 6 A is an exemplary block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the user interface of Fig. 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 of Fig. 6A.
  • Fig. 7A is a detail drawing illustrating one embodiment of the entertainment system of Fig. 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 of Fig. 7A in which the entertainment apparatus is installed in an aircraft.
  • Fig. 8 A is a detail drawing illustrating one embodiment of the user interface of Figs. 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 of Fig. 8 A 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 of Fig. 8A in which the interface video system includes at least one seatback display system.
  • Fig. 8 A is a detail drawing illustrating one embodiment of the entertainment system of Fig. 7A in which the entertainment apparatus is installed in an aircraft.
  • Fig. 8 A is a detail drawing illustrating one embodiment of the user interface of Figs. 4A-B in which the entertainment apparatus is installed in
  • FIG. 8D is a detail drawing illustrating another alternative embodiment of the user interface of Fig. 8 A in which the user interface includes a personal entertainment system.
  • 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 invention. The figures do not describe every aspect of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.
  • the entertainment system 100 comprises at least one database system 200 each being configured to communicate with a mobile entertainment apparatus 300.
  • Each database system 200 is configured to store and provide one or more file libraries (not shown).
  • the file libraries can comprise any suitable type of files and can be provided in any appropriate analog and/or digital file format.
  • 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 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.
  • AVI Audio Video Interleave
  • JPEG Joint Photographic Experts Group
  • MPEG Moving Picture Experts Group
  • WAV Waveform
  • MP3 MPEG Audio Layer 3
  • the entertainment apparatus 300 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 the database systems 200, the entertainment apparatus 300 is configured to select one or more files from the available file libraries and to download the selected files, preferably in real-time.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300 can store the files and can present the files regardless of whether communication with the database systems 200 is maintained. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the entertainment apparatus 300 can have at least one user interface 400 for selecting the files from the database systems 200 and for controlling the download of the selected files to the entertainment apparatus 300. Presentation of the files likewise can be controllable via the user interface 400. If the entertainment apparatus 300 is installed in a vehicle 800 (shown in Figs. 7A-B), for example, the user interface 400 preferably includes a personal entertainment system 600 (shown in Figs. 6A-B) for storing and presenting the files. Being removably coupled with the entertainment apparatus 300, the personal entertainment system 600 can retain the files even if disconnected from the entertainment apparatus 300.
  • a vehicle 800 shown in Figs. 7A-B
  • the user interface 400 preferably includes a personal entertainment system 600 (shown in Figs. 6A-B) for storing and presenting the files. Being removably coupled with the entertainment apparatus 300, the personal entertainment system 600 can retain the files even
  • the entertainment system 100 can be provided in any suitable manner, such as via one or more hardware components and/or software components.
  • the entertainment system 100 A is shown as comprising a database system 200A and an entertainment apparatus 300A.
  • the entertainment system 100A can include any number of database systems 200A and entertainment apparatuses 300A.
  • the database system 200A 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 apparatus 300 A in the manner described above with reference to Fig. 1.
  • the database system 200A can be configured to communicate with the entertainment apparatus 300A in any suitable manner such that communications signals 510 can be exchanged between the database system 200A and the entertainment apparatus 300A.
  • the database system 200A and the entertainment apparatus 300A can be coupled via a communication system 500, such as communication bus 500A illustrated in Fig. 2A.
  • the communication bus 500A can be configured to substantially fixedly and/or removably couple the database system 200A and the entertainment apparatus 300A and can comprise any suitably 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.
  • the database system 200A can be directly or indirectly coupled with the communication system 500.
  • the database system 200 A shown in Fig. 2A coupled with, and configured to communicate with, the communication system 500 via a communication interface 210A.
  • the communication interface 210A is disposed substantially between the database system 200A and the communication system 500 and is configured to facilitate the exchange of the communications signals 510 between the database system 200 A and the communication system 500, and, therefore, the entertainment apparatus 300A.
  • the communication system 500 comprises a telephone network (not shown), for example, the communication interface 210A can comprise a modem for coupling the database system 200 A with the telephone network.
  • the communication interface 210A can be disposed substantially within, or separate from, the database system 200A.
  • the communication signals 510 exchanged between the database system 200 A and the entertainment apparatus 300A can comprise any suitable type of communication signals and include one or more outgoing communication signals 510a and or incoming signals 510b.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300A is configured to transmit the outgoing communication signals 510a to the database system 200A.
  • Illustrative types of outgoing communication signals 510a include 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 apparatus 300 are exemplary instructions.
  • Typical queries include queries to verify that the entertainment apparatus 300A can communicate with the database system 200A and/or queries to ascertain system information, such as an operational status and/or file library content, concerning the database system 200A.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300A likewise can provide various types of information to the database system 200A via the outgoing communication signals 510a. The information typically is provided by the entertainment apparatus 300A in response to an information request, such as an instruction and/or a query, from the database system 200A.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300 A can be configured to automatically provide the information when communications with the database system 200A are initiated, for example, to negotiate a communication connection between the entertainment apparatus 300 A and the database system 200A.
  • the provided information can include system information, such as an operational status and/or available memory, for the entertainment apparatus 300A.
  • 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 apparatus 300A.
  • PIN personal identification number
  • the entertainment apparatus 300A can transmit other types of information to the database system 200A, as desired.
  • the database system 200A is configured to transmit the incoming communication signals 510b to the entertainment apparatus 300 A.
  • the incoming communication signals 510b can include one or more instructions, queries, and/or other types of information.
  • Illustrative queries include queries to verify that the database system 200A can communicate with the entertainment apparatus 300A and/or queries to ascertain the system information for the entertainment apparatus 300 A.
  • the database system 200A can provide various types of information to the entertainment apparatus 300A via the incoming communication signals 510b.
  • the database system 200A can provide the information in response to a request, such as an instruction and/or a query, from the entertainment apparatus 300A and/or automatically upon initiation of communications with the entertainment apparatus 300 A.
  • the information can include the system information for the database system 200A, one or more library files selected for download, and/or a catalog of the file libraries available on the database system 200A.
  • 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 infonnation 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.
  • the database system 200A preferably is configured to require authorization prior to permitting access to the library files.
  • the database system 200A can condition library file access upon receipt of valid authorization information and/or transaction information from the entertainment apparatus 300A. As desired, the database system 200A can process the transaction information by calculating the total download fees and/or by processing the payment information. The database system 200A likewise can generate a transaction report, which can be downloadable from the database system 200A and/or forwarded to a billing address associated with the transaction information. If the entertainment system 100A is configured to permit the entertainment apparatus 300A to upload files to the database system 200A, the outgoing communication signals 510a can comprise one or more files to be uploaded as well as file information about the files.
  • 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 the database system 200A.
  • the database system 200A likewise can provide incoming communication signals 510b to the entertainment apparatus 300 A, which incoming signals 510b comprise information related to the status of the database system 200A to upload the files.
  • the information can include the operational status and/or available memory, with regard to the database system 200A.
  • the database system 200A can provide information about acceptable content ratings to the entertainment apparatus 300 A and/or inhibit the entertainment apparatus 300A from uploading files with inappropriate content. As illustrated in Fig.
  • the database system 200A includes a server system 220 for storing the file libraries and for providing selected file libraries to the entertainment apparatus 300 A.
  • the server system 200 can be provided as any type of server system.
  • the server system 200 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.
  • LAN local area network
  • WAN wide area network
  • the server system 200 is configured to communicate with the Internet 230 such that the database system 200 A can provide content, including file libraries from third-party content providers, from the Internet 230.
  • the server system 200 can be configured to permit content to be added to, modified, and/or deleted from the file libraries, as desired.
  • the memory system 224 is configured to store and provide at least a portion of the file libraries.
  • the memory system 224 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 the processing system 222 and/or performance data related to the current and/or historical operational status of the database system 200A.
  • the memory system 224 can comprise any suitable type of memory system, such as any electronic, magnetic, and/or optical storage media, without limitation.
  • 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.
  • SRAMs static random access memories
  • DRAMs dynamic random access memories
  • EEPROMs electrically- erasable programmable read-only memories
  • FLASH memories hard drives (HDDs), compact disks (CDs), and/or digital video disks (DVDs) of any kind.
  • the entertainment system 100 A comprises a portable, handheld system with the database system 200A and the entertainment apparatus 300A disposed within a common housing (not shown)
  • the memory system 224 preferably comprises electronic memory media because the handheld system should have a small size and a light weight.
  • the memory system 224 can include one or more mechanical and/or optical media if the entertainment system 100 A 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.
  • the processing system 222 can comprise any type of processing system, such as one or more microprocessors ( ⁇ Ps), central processing units (CPUs) and/or digital signal processors (DSPs) of any kind.
  • the processing system 222 is configured to receive the outgoing communication signals 510a provided by the entertainment apparatus 300A and to perform one or more functions, as necessary, in response to the outgoing communication signals 510a.
  • the processing system 222 can provide the result of the functions to the memory system 224 and/or the entertainment apparatus 300 A, as desired. For example, upon receiving an instruction from the entertainment apparatus 300 A to select one or more files from the file libraries for downloading, the processing system 222 can execute an appropriate instruction set from the memory system 224. The processing system 222 thereby can identify the selected files in the memory system 224 and provide the selected files to the entertainment apparatus 300A via the communication system 500.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300 A can be coupled with, and configured to communicate with, the communication system 500 directly or indirectly via one or more intermediate systems, such as a communication interface 310A as illustrated in Fig. 2A.
  • the communication interface 310A preferably is provided substantially in the manner discussed in more detail above with reference to the communication interface 210A.
  • the communication interface 310A is configured to facilitate the exchange of communications signals 510 between the entertainment apparatus 300A and the communication system 500, and, therefore, the database system 200A.
  • the communication interface 310A is shown and described as being disposed substantially within the entertainment apparatus 300A, the communication interface 310A can be separate from the entertainment apparatus 300A.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300A has at least one user interface 400 for selecting the files from the database systems 200 A and for controlling the download of the selected files to the entertainment apparatus 300 A.
  • the user interface 400 can be coupled with, and configured to communicate with, the communication interface 310A and/or the communication system 500 directly or indirectly via one or more intermediate systems.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300A is illustrated in Fig.
  • the computer system 320 is configured to receive and process instructions provided by the user interface 400 and/or the incoming communication signals 510b provided by the database system 200A and to provide the outgoing communication signals 510a. Similarly, the incoming communication signals 510b from the database system 200 A can be received and processed by the computer system 320. The computer system 320 can process the incoming communication signals 510b based at least in part on the instructions provided by the user interface 400.
  • the computer system 320 can provide the incoming communication signals 510b, such as the incoming communication signals 510b that include downloaded files, to the user interface 400 for presentation.
  • the computer system 320 can include a processing system 322 that is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, a memory system 324.
  • the processing system 322 is configured to perform one or more functions, as necessary, on the instructions from the user interface 400 and/or the incoming communication signals 510b provided by the database system 200A.
  • the processing system 322 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, the memory system 324.
  • the processing system 322 can provide the result of the functions to the user interface 400, the memory system 324, and/or the database system 200A, as desired.
  • the processing system 322 can provide the outgoing communication signals 510a to the database system 200A.
  • the memory system 324 is configured to store the selected files downloaded from the database system 200A and to provide the files to the user interface 400 for presentation.
  • the memory system 324 can store and provide other types of information, including instruction code and other information associated with the processing system 322 and/or performance data related to the current and/or historical operational status of the entertainment apparatus 300A.
  • the memory system 324 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 system 224.
  • the user interface 400 preferably is configured to permit files to be added to, modified, and/or deleted from the memory system 224. As will be described in more detail below with reference to Figs.
  • each user interface 400 is configured to permit a user (not shown) to interact with the entertainment system 100 A and includes an input system 410 (shown in Fig. 4A), an interface audio system 430 (shown in Fig. 4A), and/or an interface video system 440 (shown in Fig. 4A).
  • the input system 410 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 apparatus 300A.
  • the interface audio system 430 and the interface video system 440 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 the interface system 400.
  • the exemplary entertainment system 100B includes a database system 200B that is configured to communicate with an entertainment apparatus 300B.
  • the entertainment system 100B can include any number of database systems 200B and entertainment apparatuses 300B.
  • the database system 200B 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 apparatus 300B.
  • the database system 200B and the entertainment apparatus 300B can be coupled via a wireless communication system 500, such as the satellite system 500B illustrated in Fig. 2A.
  • the satellite system 500B can comprise any number of geostationary satellites (not shown), which are configured to communicate with a terrestrial station (not shown).
  • communications signals 510 can be exchanged between the database system 200B and the entertainment apparatus 300B via the satellite system 500B.
  • the wireless communication system 500 can comprise any suitable type of wireless communication system, such as a cellular communication system (not shown).
  • the database system 200B comprises a server system 220 for storing the file libraries and for providing selected file libraries to the entertainment apparatus 300B.
  • the server system 220 is configured to receive and process outgoing communication signals 510a provided by the entertainment apparatus 300B and to provide incoming communication signals 510b the manner discussed above with reference to Fig. 2A.
  • the database system 200B preferably is configured to communicate with, and provide content from, the Internet 230 and to permit content to be added to, modified, and/or deleted from the file libraries.
  • the database system 200B is shown as being provided with a communication interface 210B for facilitating the exchange of the communications signals 510 between the database system 200B and the entertainment apparatus 300B. Although shown and described as being disposed substantially within the database system 200B, the communication interface 210B can be disposed substantially within, or separate from, the database system 200B.
  • the communication interface 210B includes an antenna system 212 that is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, a transceiver system 214.
  • the antenna system 212 and the transceiver system 214 each can be provided in any suitable manner.
  • the antenna system 212 is configured to receive the outgoing communication signals 510b from the entertainment apparatus 300B via the satellite system 500B.
  • the antenna system 212 provides the outgoing communication signals 510b to the transceiver system 214, which can be configured to process the outgoing communication signals 510b as desired.
  • Illustrative processes include decoding, demodulating, and/or analog- to-digital converting the outgoing communication signals 510b.
  • the transceiver system 214 Upon processing the outgoing communication signals 510b, the transceiver system 214 provides the processed outgoing communication signals 510b to the server system 220.
  • the antenna system 212 likewise can transmit the incoming communication signals 510a provided by the database system 200B.
  • the server system 220 provides the incoming communication signals 510a to the transceiver system 214, which is configured to process the incoming communication signals 510a.
  • the transceiver system 214 can encode, modulate, and/or analog-to-digital convert the incoming communication signals 510a as desired.
  • the transceiver system 214 provides the processed incoming communication signals 510a to the antenna system 212 for transmission to the satellite system 500B.
  • the antenna system 212 is directed substantially toward one or more of the satellites in the satellite system 500B.
  • the antenna system 212 preferably is coupled with an antenna controller (not shown) for steering the antenna system 212 such that the antenna system 212 can track the satellites in any known manner such as by locking onto the outgoing communication signals 510b transmitted by the satellite system 500B.
  • the database system 200 shown in Fig. 1
  • the database system 220B can be substantially integrated with the satellite system 500B.
  • the database system 220B can be disposed substantially within one or more of the geostationary satellites and/or the terrestrial station that form the satellite system 500B. If the database system 220B is disposed substantially within the geostationary satellites, the communication signals 510, and therefore the selected files, can be directly downloaded from the satellite system 500B to the entertainment apparatus 300B.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300B has a computer system 320 and at least one user interface 400, each being provided in the manner discussed above regarding the entertainment apparatus 300A (shown in Fig. 2A).
  • the computer system 320 is configured to receive and process instructions provided by the user interface 400 and/or the incoming communication signals 510b provided by the database system 200 A and to provide the outgoing communication signals 510a; whereas, the user interface 400 is configured to permit a user (not shown) to interact with the entertainment system 100B.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300B is shown as being provided with a communication interface 310B for facilitating the exchange of the communications signals 510 between the database system 200B and the entertainment apparatus 300B. Although shown and described as being disposed substantially within the entertainment apparatus 300B, the communication interface 310B can be disposed substantially within, or separate from, the entertainment apparatus 300B.
  • the communication interface 310B is disposed substantially between the entertainment apparatus 300B and the satellite system 500B.
  • the communication interface 310B comprises an antenna system 312 that is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, a tiansceiver system 314.
  • the antenna system 312 is configured to receive incoming communication signals 510a from the database system 200B via the satellite system 500B and provides the incoming communication signals 510a to the transceiver system 314, which can be configured to process the incoming communication signals 510a.
  • the transceiver system 314, for example, can decode, demodulate, and/or analog-to-digital convert the incoming communication signals 510a as desired.
  • the transceiver system 314 Upon processing the incoming communication signals 510a, the transceiver system 314 provides the processed incoming communication signals 510a to the computer system 320.
  • the outgoing communication signals 510b provided by the computer system 320 likewise can be transmitted by the antenna system 312 to the database system 200B via the satellite system 500B.
  • the computer system 320 provides the outgoing communication signals 510b to the transceiver system 314, which processes the outgoing communication signals 510b. Exemplary processes can include encoding, modulating, and/or analog-to-digital converting the outgoing communication signals 510b as desired.
  • the transceiver system 314 can provide the processed outgoing communication signals 510b to the antenna system 312 for transmission to the satellite system 500B.
  • the antenna system 312 is directed substantially toward one or more of the satellites in the satellite system 500B. Since the entertainment apparatus is mobile, the antenna system 312 preferably is coupled with an antemia controller (not shown) for steering the antenna system 312 such that the antenna system 312 can track the satellites in any known manner such as by locking onto the incoming communication signals 510a transmitted by the satellite system 500B.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300 is shown as comprising the entertainment apparatus 300 A in Fig. 2A and the entertainment apparatus 300B in Fig. 2B for purposes of illustration, it is understood that the entertainment apparatus 300 (shown in Fig. 1) can comprise any type of entertainment apparatus and is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. It will be appreciated that the entertainment system 100 of Fig.
  • the entertainment systems 100C, 100D includes an entertainment apparatuses 300C, 300D that can be configured to be in wired communication with one or more database systems 200A and/or wireless communication with one or more database systems 200B.
  • the entertainment system 100C includes the entertainment apparatus 300C that is configured to communication with a database system 200A, a first database system 200B', and a second database system 200B". Being provided in the manner described above with reference to Figs.
  • each of the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B" is configured to store and provide one or more file libraries (not shown).
  • the entertainment apparatus 300C includes a computer system 320 and at least one user interface 400, each being provided in the manner discussed above regarding the entertainment apparatus 300A (shown in Fig. 2A).
  • the computer system 320 is configured to receive and process instructions provided by the user interface 400 and/or communication signals 510 provided by one or more of the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B" and to provide communication signals 510 to the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B".
  • the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B" can be coupled with the computer system 320 substantially in a star arrangement.
  • the user interface 400 is configured to permit a user (not shown) to interact with the entertainment system lOOC.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300C can be in communication with any combination of the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B", depending, for example, upon the availability of each database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B".
  • the entertainment apparatus 300C can include a communication interface 310B 1 for facilitating the exchange of the communications signals 510 between the database systems 200B', 200B" and the entertainment apparatus 300C. As shown in Fig.
  • the communication interface 310B' includes a first antenna system 312', which is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, a first transceiver system 314', and a second antenna system 312", which is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, a second transceiver system 314".
  • the first and second antenna systems 312', 312" each are provided in the manner described above with reference to the antenna system 312 (shown in Fig. 2B); whereas, the first and second transceiver systems 314', 314" can be provided in the manner described above regarding the transceiver system 314 (shown in Fig. 2B).
  • the communication interface 310B' comprises a substantially separate communication interface for each database systems 200B', 200B".
  • the first antenna system 312' and the first transceiver system 314' are configured to exchange first communication signals 510' between the first database system 200B' and the entertainment apparatus 300C; whereas, the second antenna system 312" and the second transceiver system 314" are configured to exchange second communication signals 510" between the second database system 200B" and the entertainment apparatus 300C.
  • the first antenna system 312' is configured to receive first communication signals 510' from the first database system 200B'.
  • the first antenna system 312' provides the first communication signals 510' to the first transceiver system 314', which processes the first communication signals 510' and provides the processed first communication signals 510' to the computer system 320.
  • the first communication signals 510' provided by the computer system 320 likewise can be processed by the first transceiver system 314' and transmitted by the first antenna system 312' to the first database system 200B'.
  • the second antenna system 312' is configured to receive second communication signals 510" from the second database system 200B" and to provide the second communication signals 510" to the second transceiver system 314".
  • the second transceiver system 314" can provide the processed second communication signals 510" to the computer system 320.
  • the second communication signals 510" provided by the computer system 320 can be processed by the second transceiver system 314" and transmitted by the second antenna system 312" to the second database system 200B".
  • the computer system 320 can be configured to communicate with each of the database systems 200A, 200B 1 , and 200B".
  • the entertainment system 100D is shown in Fig. 3B as comprising the entertainment apparatus 300D, a database system 200A, a first database system 200B', and a second database system 200B".
  • the entertainment apparatus 300D is configured to be in wired communication with the database system 200A and in wireless communication with the first and second database systems 200B', 200B".
  • the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B" each is provided in the manner described above with reference to Fig. 3 A and is configured to store and provide one or more file libraries (not shown).
  • the entertainment apparatus 300C includes a computer system 320 and at least one user interface 400.
  • the computer system 320 is configured to receive and process instructions provided by the user interface 400 and/or communication signals 510 provided by one or more of the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B" and to provide communication signals 510 to the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B". As shown in Fig.
  • the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B" can be coupled with the computer system 320 substantially in a daisy-chain, or series, arrangement whereby files downloaded from the first and second database systems 200B', 200B" are provided to the database system 200A.
  • the database system 200 A thereby is configured to store a copy, such as an archival copy, of the files downloaded from the first and second database systems 200B', 200B".
  • the user interface 400 is configured to permit a user (not shown) to interact with the entertainment system lOOC.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300C can be in communication with any combination of the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B", depending, for example, upon the availability of each database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B".
  • the entertainment apparatus 300D can be provided with a communication interface 310B" for facilitating the exchange of the communications signals 510 with the database systems 200B', 200B".
  • the communication interface 310B" includes an antenna system 312, which is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, a transceiver system 314.
  • the antenna system 312 and the transceiver system 314 are respectively provided in the manners described above with reference to the antenna system 312 (shown in Fig. 2B) and the transceiver system 314 (shown in Fig. 2B).
  • the communication interface 310B" comprises an integrated communication interface for coupling the entertainment apparatus 300D with the database systems 200B', 200B".
  • the antenna system 312 is configured to receive first communication signals 510' from the first database system 200B' and/or second communication signals 510" from the second database system 200B".
  • the antenna system 312 provides the received communication signals 510', 510" to the transceiver system 314.
  • the transceiver system 314 processes the communication signals 510', 510" and provides the processed communication signals 510', 510" to the computer system 320.
  • the communication signals 510', 510" provided by the computer system 320 likewise can be processed by the transceiver system 314 and transmitted by the antenna system 312 to the respective database systems 200B', 200B".
  • Fig. 4A illustrates the details of one embodiment of the user interface 400 for the entertainment system 100 of Fig. 1.
  • the exemplary user interface 400A is configured to permit a user (not shown) to communicate and otherwise interact with the entertainment system 100 and includes an input system 410 and an output system (not shown).
  • the output system can comprise an interface audio system 430 and or an interface video system 440.
  • the user interface 400A can be integrated into, and/or separable from, the entertainment apparatus 300 (shown in Fig. 1).
  • the input system 410 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 apparatus 300.
  • the input system 410 can be provided in any suitable manner.
  • the input system 10 can be combined with one or more other systems of the user interface 00A.
  • the input system 10 and the interface video system 440 can be combined in the form of a touch screen.
  • the input system 410 can include a credit card reader; otherwise, the user can provide his payment information via the keyboard and/or pointing device.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300 is configured to communicate with the user via the interface audio system 430 and/or the interface video system 440.
  • the interface audio system 430 can audibly present information to the user; whereas, the interface video system 440 can present information to the user visually.
  • the interface system 400A can be configured to present any type of information, including instructions for using the entertainment system 100, a catalog of file libraries available for download, and any downloaded files.
  • the interface video system 440 can provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to facilitate interaction with the entertainment system 100 and/or an interactive menu of the available file libraries, including files available for downloading and/or files previously downloaded to the interface system 400A.
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • the interface system 400A thereby can assist the user in selecting one or more files to be presented via the entertainment apparatus 300.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300 can download the selected files.
  • the interface audio system 430 and the interface video system 440 are respectively configured to present an audio portion and a video portion of the files.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300 can provide additional functionality for controlling the presentation of the files.
  • the input system 410 can be configured to rewind, fast forward, and/or pause the presentation the files.
  • the input system 410 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.
  • the input system 410 can provide file editing functionality.
  • the interface audio system 430 includes an audio system 432 that is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, a speaker system 434 and one or more audio communication ports.
  • the audio communication ports can include one or more audio output ports 436, audio input ports 438, and/or microphone ports (not shown).
  • the audio system 432 can include one or more coder/decoders (CODECs), amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), mixers, and/or equalizers for processing the audio portion.
  • CDECs coder/decoders
  • ADCs analog-to-digital converters
  • mixers and/or equalizers for processing the audio portion.
  • the processed audio portion of the selected file can be audibly presented via the speaker system 434 and/or a secondary speaker system (not show), such as a set of head phones, that is coupled with the audio output port 436.
  • a secondary speaker system such as a set of head phones
  • the manner by which the audio portion is processed and/or audibly presented is controllably via the input system 410.
  • the interface video system 440 is illustrated in Fig. 4A as comprising a video system 442 that is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, a display system 444.
  • the video system 442 can receive and process the video portion of the selected file, which processed video portion is visually presented via the display system 444.
  • the display system 444 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 the input system 410.
  • the visual portion can be converted by the video system 442 to an analog image that can be presented by the display system 444.
  • the interface audio system 430 and the interface video system 440 are coupled with, and configured to communicate with the input system 410 via an interface processing system 420.
  • the interface processing system 420 is configured to receive and process instructions provided by the input system 410 and/or the incoming communication signals 510b (shown in Figs. 2A-B) provided by a database system 200 (shown in Fig. 1) and to provide the outgoing communication signals 510a (shown in Figs.
  • the processes performed by the interface processing system 420 on the outgoing communication signals 510b can include encoding, modulating, and/or analog-to-digital converting the outgoing communication signals 510b; whereas, the incoming communication signals 510a can be decoded, demodulated, and/or digital-to-analog converted by the interface processing system 420.
  • the interface processing system 420 includes a processing system 422 and a memory system 424 and can be substantially integrated with, or separate from, the computer system 320.
  • the memory system 424 is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, the processing system 422 and is configured to receive and store the selected files downloaded from the database system 200 and, under the control of the input system A 10, to provide the files to the interface audio system 430 and/or the interface video system 440 for presentation.
  • the memory system 24 can store and provide other types of information, including instruction code and other information associated with the processing system 422 and/or performance data related to the current and/or historical operational status of the user interface 400 A.
  • the memory system 24 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 system 324.
  • the input system 410 preferably is configured to permit files to be added to, modified, and/or deleted from the memory system 424.
  • the processing system 422 is configured to perform one or more functions, as necessary, on the instructions by the input system 410 and/or the incoming communication signals 510b provided by the database system 200.
  • the processing system 422 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, the memory system 424.
  • the processing system 422 can provide the result of the functions to the interface audio system 430, the interface video system 440, the memory system 424, and/or the database system 200, as desired.
  • the processing system 422 can provide the outgoing communication signals 510a to the database system 200.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300 can include a plurality of user interfaces 400.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300 typically will have more than one user interface 400 when installed in a vehicle 800 (shown in Figs. 7A-B).
  • Each user interface 400 can be provided in the manner described in more detail above with regard to the user interface 400A (shown in Fig. 4A).
  • the user interfaces 400 can share one or more common interface elements, as desired.
  • an entertainment apparatus 300F has a plurality of user interfaces 400B.
  • the user interfaces 400B each include an input system 410, an interface audio system 430, and an interface video system 440 that are provided in the manner described above with reference to the user interface 400A.
  • the user interfaces 400B are configured to share a common interface processing system 420. Being provided in the manner described above with reference to the interface processing system 420 (shown in Fig.
  • the common interface processing system 420 couples the input system 410, the interface audio system 430, and the interface video system 440 for each user interface 400B.
  • the common interface processing system 420 is further configured to receive and process instructions provided by the input system 410 and/or the incoming communication signals 510b (shown in Figs. 2A-B) provided by a database system 200 (shown in Fig. 1) and to provide the outgoing communication signals 510a (shown in Figs. 2A-B) to the database system 200 in the manner described above.
  • the common interface processing system 420 couples the input system 410, the interface audio system 430, and the interface video system 440 for each user interface 400B.
  • the common interface processing system 420 is further configured to receive and process instructions provided by the input system 410 and/or the incoming communication signals 510b (shown in Figs. 2A-B) provided by a database system 200 (shown in Fig. 1) and to provide the outgoing communication signals 510a (shown in Figs. 2A
  • the entertainment apparatus 300F can advantageously provide each passenger seat 810 with the user interface 400B such that each row of passenger seats 810 shares a common interface processing system 420.
  • an entertainment apparatus 300E is shown that comprises a database system 200A, a communication interface 310B that is configured to communicate with a database system 200B (shown in Fig. 2B), a computer system 320, and a plurality of user interfaces 400.
  • the database system 200A and the computer system 320 are provided in the manner described in more detail above with reference to Fig. 2A; whereas, the user interfaces 400 are provided in the manner set forth above regarding the user interface 400A (shown in Fig. 4A).
  • the communication interface 310B is provided, and is configured to communicate with the database system 200B, in the manner discussed above with reference to Fig. 2B. As shown in Fig. 5, the database system 200A, the communication interface 310B, the computer system 320, and the plurality of user interfaces 400 are coupled, and configured to communicate, via a distribution system 330.
  • the distribution system 330 can comprise any type of distribution system for distributing communication signals 510 (shown in Figs. 2A-B).
  • the distribution system 330 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.
  • the computer system 320 and the distribution system 330 form a communication network for coupling the database system 200 A and the communication interface 310B with the user interfaces 400.
  • the distribution system 330 is configured to receive the communication signals 510 (shown in Figs. 2A-B) from the database system 200A and or the communication interface 310B and to provide the communication signals 510 to the computer system 320 and/or one or more of the user interfaces 400.
  • the computer system 320 and the user interfaces 400 can communicate via distribution system 330 provide the communication signals 510 to the database system 200 A and/or the communication interface 310B. If the entertainment apparatus 330E is installed on a vehicle 800 (shown in Figs.
  • the distribution system 330 can comprise any suitable type of distribution, including a wired distribution system, in the manner discussed above.
  • the distribution system 330 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.
  • Wi-Fi wireless fidelity
  • MANs wireless metropolitan-area networks
  • the database system 200A, the communication interface 310B, the computer system 320, and the plurality of user interfaces 400 can be coupled, and configured to communicate, without the weight and other drawbacks associated with wired communication systems that are installed in vehicles.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300E can be configured to store a copy, such as an archival copy, of the files downloaded via the communication interface 310B.
  • the copy of the files can be stored, for example, by the database system 200A and/or the computer system 320.
  • the database system 200A includes a server system 220 (shown in Fig. 2A) with a memory system 224 (shown in Fig. 2A); whereas, the computer system 320 includes a memory system 324 (shown in Fig. 2A).
  • the memory systems 224, 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.
  • the database system 200A and the computer system 320 can be combined to form a single system.
  • the user interfaces 400 can be divided into two or more interface groups. As shown in
  • the user interfaces 400 are associated with one of two user interface groups: a first interface group 400'; and a second interface group 400".
  • the user interfaces 400 can be divided into the interface groups 400', 400" based upon any criteria. If the entertainment apparatus 300E is installed on a vehicle 800 (shown in Figs. 7A-B), for example, the first interface group 400' can be associated with a first class section of the vehicle 800; whereas, the second interface group 400" can be associated with a coach class section of the vehicle 800. Similarly, the first and second interface groups 400', 400" may be respectively associated with the operator and passengers of the vehicle 800.
  • the functionality of the user interfaces 400 in the first interface group 400' can differ from the functionality of the user interfaces 400 in the second interface group 400".
  • the user interfaces 400 associated the first class section of the vehicle 800 can access premium content that is not available to the user interfaces 400 associated the coach class section.
  • the user interfaces 400 associated the coach class section likewise might require payment of a fee prior to permitting access to the entertainment apparatus 300E; whereas, the user interfaces 400 associated the first class section may not require payment of the fee to access the entertainment apparatus 300E.
  • the illustrated user interface 400A includes one or more communication ports 450.
  • Each communication port 450 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.
  • USB universal serial bus
  • IR infrared
  • Fig. 6A illustrates a user interface 400C that includes a personal entertainment system 600A.
  • the personal entertainment system 600A 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 in Fig.
  • the personal entertainment system 600A includes an input system 610, an audio system 630, a video system 640, a memory system 660, and/or a communication port 650A, each being coupled, and configured to communicate, via a processing system 620.
  • the input system 610 permits a user to communicate instructions to the personal entertainment system 600A.
  • the input system 610 can be provided in any suitable manner. As illustrated in Fig.
  • the communication port 650A of the personal entertainment system 600A can be removably coupled with a communication port 450A of the user interface 400C via a wired communication system 700, such as a communication bus 700A.
  • the personal entertainment system 600A and the user interface 400C thereby are configured to exchange communication signals 710.
  • the input system 610 can communicate instructions to the entertainment apparatus 300 (shown in Fig. 1) in the manner described above with reference to the input system 410 (shown in Fig. 4A).
  • the user can employ the input system 610 to access the available database systems 200 (shown in Fig. 1), to select one or more files from the available file libraries, and/or to control the presentation of the selected files.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300 is configured to communicate with the user via the audio system 630 and/or the video system 640 of the personal entertainment system 600A.
  • the audio system 630 can audibly present information to the user; whereas, the video system 640 can present information to the user visually.
  • the personal entertainment system 600A can be configured to present any type of information, including instructions for using the entertainment system 100, a catalog of file libraries available for download, and any downloaded files.
  • the video system 640 can provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to facilitate interaction with the entertainment system 100 and/or an interactive menu of the available file libraries, including files available for downloading and/or files previously downloaded to the personal entertainment system 600A in the manner set forth above.
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • the personal entertainment system 600A can download the selected files.
  • the audio system 630 and the video system 640 of the personal entertainment system 600A are respectively configured to present an audio portion and a video portion of the files. In the manner described above with reference to Fig. 4A, the personal entertainment system 600A can provide additional functionality for controlling the presentation of the files.
  • the input system 610 can be configured to rewind, fast forward, and/or pause the presentation the files.
  • the input system 610 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.
  • the input system 610 can provide file editing functionality.
  • the audio system 630 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, that is coupled with the audio output port.
  • the video system 640 can have a display system (not shown) in the manner described above regarding the interface video system 440 (shown in Fig. 4A).
  • the video system 640 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 the input system 610.
  • the processing system 620 can receive and process instructions provided by the input system 610 and/or the communication signals 710 provided by a database system 200 (shown in Fig.
  • the memory system 660 is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, the processing system 620 and is configured to receive and store the selected files downloaded from the database system 200 and, under the control of the input system 610, to provide the files to the audio system 630 and/or the video system 640 for presentation.
  • the memory system 660 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 system 424 (shown in Fig. 4A).
  • the input system 410 preferably is configured to permit files to be added to, modified, and/or deleted from the memory system 424.
  • the memory system 660 is configured to retain the files even if the personal entertainment system 600A is disconnected from the user interface 400C. The files therefore can be presented via the personal entertainment system 600A even when the personal entertainment system 600A is no longer in communication with the entertainment apparatus 300 (shown in Fig. 1) and/or the database systems 200 (shown in Fig. 1). Therefore, if the entertainment apparatus 300 is installed in a vehicle 800 (shown in Figs. 7A-B), for example, a passenger in the vehicle 800 can download the selected files during travel.
  • the files can be retained in the memory system 660 of the personal entertainment system 600A, which can be disconnected from the entertainment apparatus 300.
  • the passenger thereby can view the files at any time, including after disembarking the vehicle 800 once travel is completed, by removing the personal entertainment system 600A from the vehicle 800.
  • the user interface 400D shown in Fig. 6B includes a personal entertainment system 600B that is coupled with the user interface 400D via a wireless communication system 700B. Being provided in the manner described above with regard to the personal entertainment system 600A (shown in Fig.
  • the personal entertainment system 600B includes an input system 610, an audio system 630, a video system 640, a memory system 660, and/or a communication port 650B, each being coupled, and configured to communicate, via a processing system 620.
  • the communication port 650B of the personal entertainment system 600B is configured to communicate with a communication port 450B of the user interface 400D.
  • the communication port 650B of the personal entertainment system 600B can be removably coupled with the communication port 450B of the user interface 400D via the wireless communication system 700B.
  • the personal entertainment system 600B and the user interface 400D thereby are configured to exchange communication signals 710.
  • the input system 610 can communicate instructions to the entertainment apparatus 300 (shown in Fig. 1) in the manner described above with reference to the personal entertainment system 600A (shown in Fig. 6A).
  • the user can employ the input system 610 to access the available database systems 200 (shown in Fig. 1), to select one or more files from the available file libraries, and/or to control the presentation of the selected files.
  • the personal entertainment system 600B is advantageously configured to retain the files even if the personal entertainment system 600B is disconnected from the user interface 400D. The files therefore can be presented via the personal entertainment system 600B even when the personal entertainment system 600B is no longer in communication with the entertainment apparatus 300 (shown in Fig.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300 (shown in Fig. 1) can be installed in a wide variety of vehicles 800, such as an automobile, a bus, an aircraft, a boat, or a locomotive of any kind.
  • Fig. 7 A illustrates the entertainment system 100 with the entertainment apparatus 300 being installed in an automobile 800A.
  • an antenna system 312 is mounted on the automobile 800A and is configured to exchange communication signals 510 with a database system 200B via a communication system 500B in the manner set forth above with reference to Fig. 2B.
  • the antenna system 312 is coupled with a transceiver system 314, which can receive and process the communication signals 510 and which is configured to provide the processed communication signals 510 to a computer system 320 in the manner discussed above.
  • the transceiver system 314 likewise can receive and process the communication signals 510 provided by the computer system 320 and can provide the processed communication signals 510 to the antenna system 312.
  • the computer system 320 is configured to communicate with one or more user interfaces 400 via a distribution system 330. As shown in Fig. 7A, the user interfaces 400 can be associated with seats 810 in the automobile 800A.
  • a driver seat 810A is provided with a user interface 400 that is associated with a first interface group 400'; whereas, passenger seats 810B include user interfaces 400 that are associated with a second interface group 400".
  • the functionality of the user interfaces 400 in the first interface group 400' can differ from the functionality of the user interfaces 400 in the second interface group 400".
  • the user interface 400 associated with the first interface group 400' likely does not include an interface video system 440 (shown in Fig. 4A); whereas, the user interfaces 400 in the second interface group 400" can include interface video systems 440.
  • the input system 410 shown in Fig.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300 of the entertainment system 100 likewise can be installed in an aircraft 800B as illustrated in Fig. 7B.
  • an antenna system 312 is mounted on the outer fuselage of the aircraft 800B and is configured to exchange communication signals 510 with a database system 200B via a communication system 500B in the manner set forth above with reference to Fig. 2B.
  • the antenna system 312 is coupled with a transceiver system 314, which can receive and process the communication signals 510 and which is configured to provide the processed communication signals 510 to a computer system 320 in the manner discussed above.
  • the transceiver system 314 likewise can receive and process the communication signals 510 provided by the computer system 320 and can provide the processed communication signals 510 to the antenna system 312.
  • the computer system 320 also is coupled with a database system 200A.
  • the database system 200A is provided in the manner described above with reference to Fig. 2A and is disposed within the aircraft 800B. Being configured to communicate with the database system 200A in the manner described above, the computer system 320 is configured to exchange communication signals 510 with the database system 200 A via a distribution system 330.
  • the computer system 320 can communicate with, and download one or more selected files from, the database system 200A and the database system 200B.
  • the distribution system 330 likewise couples the computer system 320 with one or more user interfaces 400.
  • the user interfaces 400 can be associated with seats 810 in the aircraft 800B.
  • the seats 810 in the aircraft 800B are divided into three interface groups.
  • Seats 810A comprise seats for the flight crew; whereas, seats 810B comprise passenger seats.
  • the passenger seats 810B are further divided into first class passenger seats 810B' and coach class passenger seats 810B", which include user interfaces 400 and are respectively associated with first and second interface groups 400', 400".
  • the flight crew seats 810A also include user interfaces 400 that are associated with a third interface group 400" As was discussed above, the functionality of the user interfaces 400 in the three interface groups 400', 400", and 400'" can differ. In the manner set forth above with reference to Fig. 7A, the user interfaces 400 provided on the flight crew seats 810A likely does not include an interface video system 440 (shown in Fig. 4A); whereas, the user interfaces 400 for the passenger seats 810B can include interface video systems 440.
  • the input system 410 (shown in Fig. 4A) for the user interfaces 400 provided on the flight crew seats 810A can be configured to mute the interface audio systems 430 (shown in Fig. 4A) for each of the user interfaces 400 in the aircraft 800B. Further, the functionality of the user interfaces 400 for the first class passenger seats
  • the user interfaces 400 associated the first class passenger seats 810B' can, for example, access premium content that is not available to the user interfaces 400 associated the coach class passenger seats 810B".
  • the user interfaces 400 associated the coach class passenger seats 81 OB" likewise can require a fee to be paid prior to permitting access to the entertainment apparatus 300; whereas, the user interfaces 400 associated the first class passenger seats 810B' may be able to access the entertainment apparatus 300E without requiring payment of the fee.
  • the entertainment system 100 can be configured to download and present files that relate to the destination of the vehicle 800.
  • Figs. 8A-D illustrate various configurations for the user interface 400 (shown in Fig. 4A) when the entertainment apparatus 300 (shown in Fig. 1) is installed in a vehicle 800.
  • the user interfaces 400 include an input system 410, an interface audio system 430 (shown in Fig. 4 A), and an interface video system 440 (shown in Fig. 4A). Turning the user interface 400 shown in Fig.
  • the interface video system 440 has a display system 444 for visually presenting information from the entertainment apparatus 300.
  • the illustrated display system 444 is provided as one or more overhead display systems 444 A.
  • the input system 410 is provided on an armrest 820 of the seats 810 as shown in Fig. 8 A.
  • the seats 810 are shown as comprising seats 810A and seats 810B, and the user interfaces 00 for the seats 810A, 810B are respectively associated with first and second first interface groups 400', 400". Having different levels of functionality, the input system 410 for the seats 810A include functionality 410A, which functionality is not provided on the input system 410 for the seats 810A.
  • the 8A includes a speaker system 434 for audibly presenting information from the entertainment apparatus 300.
  • the speaker system 434 can comprise one or more overhead speakers 434A and/or one or more speaker systems disposed within the seats 810 of the vehicle 800.
  • the speaker systems 434 can be provided in any suitable manner, including, for example, as a speaker system 434B in the headrest 840 of the seat 810 and/or in the base 850 of the seat 810.
  • the interface audio system 430 likewise can include one or more audio communication ports, such as an audio output ports 436, for audibly presenting information.
  • the audio output ports 436 can be provided, for example, on the armrest 820 of the seats 810 as shown in Fig.
  • the display system 444 of the user interface 400 shown in Fig. 8B includes one or more overhead display systems 444A provided in the manner discussed above with reference to Fig. 8A as well as one or more seatback display systems 444B being coupled with a back surface 860 of the seatback 830.
  • the input system 410 likewise can include be provided with functionality 410A that is accessible via the armrest 820 of the seats 810 and/or functionality 410B that is provided on the back surface 860 of the seatback 830 as shown in Fig. 8B.
  • the seatback display systems 444B can be provided substantially separately from, or in combination with, the functionality 410B.
  • the seatback display systems 444B can comprise touch screens to provide the functionality 410B on the seatback 830.
  • the seats 810 in Fig. 8B are not divided into interface groups 400', 400" and have substantially the same level of functionality.
  • the input systems 410 for the seats 810 both include functionality 410A.
  • the speaker system 434 in Fig. 8B includes one or more overhead speakers 434A. No speaker systems 4343 are shown as being disposed in the seats 810 in Fig. 8B.
  • the interface audio system 430 likewise has one or more audio communication ports, such as an audio output ports 436, which are provided on the armrest 820 of the seats 810.
  • Fig. 8C illustrates a user interface 400 with a display system 444 that includes one or more seatback display systems 444B and with an input system 410 that is provided on the armrest 820 of the seats 810, each being provided in the manner discussed above with reference to Fig. 8B.
  • the interface audio system 430 of the user interface 400 is shown as having one or more audio communication ports, such as an audio output ports 436, which are provided on the armrest 820 of the seats 810. For audio information to be audibly presented by the user interface 00 of Fig.
  • a peripheral device (not shown), such as a set of head phones, is coupled with the audio output port 36.
  • the user interface 400 of Fig. 8D is shown as including a personal entertainment system 600. As illustrated in Fig. 8D, the personal entertainment system 600 is removably coupled with the user interface 400 via a communication port 450 that is provided by the input system 410. Although user interface 400 provides one or more seatback display systems 444B, information from the entertainment apparatus 300 can be visually presented via a video system 640 of the personal entertainment system 600.
  • the personal entertainment system 600 likewise includes an input system 610, which can be used to provide instructions to the entertainment apparatus 300 in the manner discussed above. Similarly, information from the entertainment apparatus 300 can be audibly presented via an audio system 630 of the personal entertainment system 600.
  • the entertainment apparatus 300 as installed in the vehicle 800 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.
  • Wi-Fi wireless fidelity
  • MAN wireless metropolitan- area network
  • the personal entertainment system 600 can automatically establish communications with the entertainment apparatus 300, and communications with the entertainment apparatus 300 can automatically terminate when the personal entertainment system 600 is removed from the vehicle 800.
  • the personal entertainment system 600 is advantageously configured to retain the files downloaded via the entertainment apparatus 300 even if the personal entertainment system 600 is disconnected from the user interface 400.
  • the files therefore can be presented via the personal entertainment system 600 even when the personal entertainment system 600 is disconnected from the communication port 450. Therefore, if a passenger in the vehicle 800 downloads selected files during travel, the files can be stored and retained by the personal entertainment system 600. The passenger thereby can view the files at any time, including after disembarking the vehicle 800 once travel is completed, by removing the personal entertainment system 600 from the vehicle 800.

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

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DOWNLOADING FILES FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention 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 OF THE INVENTION 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 INVENTION The present invention 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 invention will become apparent from consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 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 of Fig. 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 of Fig. 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 of Fig. 1 in which the entertainment apparatus is configured to communicate with a plurality of database systems. Fig. 3 B is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the entertainment apparatus of Fig. 3 A. Fig. 4 A is an exemplary block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a user interface for the entertainment system of Fig. 1. Fig. 4B is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the user interface of Fig. 4A. Fig. 5 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an entertainment apparatus for the entertainment system of Fig. 1 in which the entertainment apparatus includes a plurality of user interfaces. Fig. 6 A is an exemplary block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the user interface of Fig. 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 of Fig. 6A. Fig. 7A is a detail drawing illustrating one embodiment of the entertainment system of Fig. 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 of Fig. 7A in which the entertainment apparatus is installed in an aircraft. Fig. 8 A is a detail drawing illustrating one embodiment of the user interface of Figs. 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 of Fig. 8 A 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 of Fig. 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 of Fig. 8 A 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 invention. The figures do not describe every aspect of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. 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 invention, by employing an entertainment system 100 as shown in Fig. 1. The entertainment system 100 comprises at least one database system 200 each being configured to communicate with a mobile entertainment apparatus 300. Each database system 200 is configured to store and provide one or more file libraries (not shown). Being available for downloading to the entertainment apparatus 300, 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 the database system 200. Application software files typically are provided in an executable (EXE) format, and exemplary file formats for the textual files include document text file (DOC) foπnat, Portable Document Format (PDF), and text file (TXT) format. The entertainment apparatus 300 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 the database systems 200, the entertainment apparatus 300 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 apparatus 300 can store the files and can present the files regardless of whether communication with the database systems 200 is maintained. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the entertainment apparatus 300 can have at least one user interface 400 for selecting the files from the database systems 200 and for controlling the download of the selected files to the entertainment apparatus 300. Presentation of the files likewise can be controllable via the user interface 400. If the entertainment apparatus 300 is installed in a vehicle 800 (shown in Figs. 7A-B), for example, the user interface 400 preferably includes a personal entertainment system 600 (shown in Figs. 6A-B) for storing and presenting the files. Being removably coupled with the entertainment apparatus 300, the personal entertainment system 600 can retain the files even if disconnected from the entertainment apparatus 300. Thereby, the files can be downloaded during travel and presented at any time, including after travel is completed, by removing the personal entertainment system 600 from the vehicle 800. The entertainment system 100 can be provided in any suitable manner, such as via one or more hardware components and/or software components. Turning to Fig. 2A, for example, the entertainment system 100 A is shown as comprising a database system 200A and an entertainment apparatus 300A. Although shown and described as having one database system 200 A and one entertainment apparatus 300A for purposes of illustration, it is understood that the entertainment system 100A can include any number of database systems 200A and entertainment apparatuses 300A. In the manner discussed in more detail above regarding the database system 200 (shown in Fig. 1), the database system 200A 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 apparatus 300 A in the manner described above with reference to Fig. 1. The database system 200A can be configured to communicate with the entertainment apparatus 300A in any suitable manner such that communications signals 510 can be exchanged between the database system 200A and the entertainment apparatus 300A. For example, the database system 200A and the entertainment apparatus 300A can be coupled via a communication system 500, such as communication bus 500A illustrated in Fig. 2A. Comprising a wired communication system, the communication bus 500A can be configured to substantially fixedly and/or removably couple the database system 200A and the entertainment apparatus 300A and can comprise any suitably 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. The database system 200A can be directly or indirectly coupled with the communication system 500. For example, the database system 200 A shown in Fig. 2A coupled with, and configured to communicate with, the communication system 500 via a communication interface 210A. The communication interface 210A is disposed substantially between the database system 200A and the communication system 500 and is configured to facilitate the exchange of the communications signals 510 between the database system 200 A and the communication system 500, and, therefore, the entertainment apparatus 300A. If the communication system 500 comprises a telephone network (not shown), for example, the communication interface 210A can comprise a modem for coupling the database system 200 A with the telephone network. Although shown and described as being disposed substantially within the database system 200 A, the communication interface 210A can be disposed substantially within, or separate from, the database system 200A. The communication signals 510 exchanged between the database system 200 A and the entertainment apparatus 300A can comprise any suitable type of communication signals and include one or more outgoing communication signals 510a and or incoming signals 510b. The entertainment apparatus 300A is configured to transmit the outgoing communication signals 510a to the database system 200A. Illustrative types of outgoing communication signals 510a include 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 apparatus 300 are exemplary instructions. Typical queries include queries to verify that the entertainment apparatus 300A can communicate with the database system 200A and/or queries to ascertain system information, such as an operational status and/or file library content, concerning the database system 200A. The entertainment apparatus 300A likewise can provide various types of information to the database system 200A via the outgoing communication signals 510a. The information typically is provided by the entertainment apparatus 300A in response to an information request, such as an instruction and/or a query, from the database system 200A. As desired, the entertainment apparatus 300 A can be configured to automatically provide the information when communications with the database system 200A are initiated, for example, to negotiate a communication connection between the entertainment apparatus 300 A and the database system 200A. The provided information can include system information, such as an operational status and/or available memory, for the entertainment apparatus 300A. 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 apparatus 300A. It will be appreciated that the entertainment apparatus 300A can transmit other types of information to the database system 200A, as desired. Similarly, the database system 200A is configured to transmit the incoming communication signals 510b to the entertainment apparatus 300 A. Like the outgoing communication signals 510a described above, the incoming communication signals 510b can include one or more instructions, queries, and/or other types of information. Illustrative queries include queries to verify that the database system 200A can communicate with the entertainment apparatus 300A and/or queries to ascertain the system information for the entertainment apparatus 300 A. In the manner described above with reference to the entertainment apparatus 300A, the database system 200A can provide various types of information to the entertainment apparatus 300A via the incoming communication signals 510b. The database system 200A can provide the information in response to a request, such as an instruction and/or a query, from the entertainment apparatus 300A and/or automatically upon initiation of communications with the entertainment apparatus 300 A. The information can include the system information for the database system 200A, one or more library files selected for download, and/or a catalog of the file libraries available on the database system 200A. 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 infonnation 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. The database system 200A preferably is configured to require authorization prior to permitting access to the library files. The database system 200A, for example, can condition library file access upon receipt of valid authorization information and/or transaction information from the entertainment apparatus 300A. As desired, the database system 200A can process the transaction information by calculating the total download fees and/or by processing the payment information. The database system 200A likewise can generate a transaction report, which can be downloadable from the database system 200A and/or forwarded to a billing address associated with the transaction information. If the entertainment system 100A is configured to permit the entertainment apparatus 300A to upload files to the database system 200A, the outgoing communication signals 510a can 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 the database system 200A. The database system 200A likewise can provide incoming communication signals 510b to the entertainment apparatus 300 A, which incoming signals 510b comprise information related to the status of the database system 200A to upload the files. The information can include the operational status and/or available memory, with regard to the database system 200A. To inhibit files with inappropriate content from being stored in the file libraries, the database system 200A can provide information about acceptable content ratings to the entertainment apparatus 300 A and/or inhibit the entertainment apparatus 300A from uploading files with inappropriate content. As illustrated in Fig. 2A, the database system 200A includes a server system 220 for storing the file libraries and for providing selected file libraries to the entertainment apparatus 300 A. Comprising a processing system 222 and a memory system 224, the server system 200 can be provided as any type of server system. The server system 200 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, the server system 200 is configured to communicate with the Internet 230 such that the database system 200 A can provide content, including file libraries from third-party content providers, from the Internet 230. The server system 200 can be configured to permit content to be added to, modified, and/or deleted from the file libraries, as desired. The memory system 224 is configured to store and provide at least a portion of the file libraries. The memory system 224 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 the processing system 222 and/or performance data related to the current and/or historical operational status of the database system 200A. Preferably comprising a non-volatile memory system, the memory system 224 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 the entertainment system 100 A comprises a portable, handheld system with the database system 200A and the entertainment apparatus 300A disposed within a common housing (not shown), for example, the memory system 224 preferably comprises electronic memory media because the handheld system should have a small size and a light weight. In contrast, the memory system 224 can include one or more mechanical and/or optical media if the entertainment system 100 A 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, the memory system 224, the processing system 222 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. The processing system 222 is configured to receive the outgoing communication signals 510a provided by the entertainment apparatus 300A and to perform one or more functions, as necessary, in response to the outgoing communication signals 510a. The processing system 222 can provide the result of the functions to the memory system 224 and/or the entertainment apparatus 300 A, as desired. For example, upon receiving an instruction from the entertainment apparatus 300 A to select one or more files from the file libraries for downloading, the processing system 222 can execute an appropriate instruction set from the memory system 224. The processing system 222 thereby can identify the selected files in the memory system 224 and provide the selected files to the entertainment apparatus 300A via the communication system 500. The entertainment apparatus 300 A can be coupled with, and configured to communicate with, the communication system 500 directly or indirectly via one or more intermediate systems, such as a communication interface 310A as illustrated in Fig. 2A. The communication interface 310A preferably is provided substantially in the manner discussed in more detail above with reference to the communication interface 210A. Being disposed substantially between the entertainment apparatus 300A and the communication system 500, the communication interface 310A is configured to facilitate the exchange of communications signals 510 between the entertainment apparatus 300A and the communication system 500, and, therefore, the database system 200A. Although the communication interface 310A is shown and described as being disposed substantially within the entertainment apparatus 300A, the communication interface 310A can be separate from the entertainment apparatus 300A. The entertainment apparatus 300A has at least one user interface 400 for selecting the files from the database systems 200 A and for controlling the download of the selected files to the entertainment apparatus 300 A. The user interface 400 can be coupled with, and configured to communicate with, the communication interface 310A and/or the communication system 500 directly or indirectly via one or more intermediate systems. For example, the entertainment apparatus 300A is illustrated in Fig. 2A as being provided with an computer system 320 that couples the user interface 400 and the communication interface 310A. Although the computer system 320 is shown and described as being substantially separate from the user interface 400, it will be appreciated that the computer system 320 can be disposed substantially within the user interface 400. The computer system 320 is configured to receive and process instructions provided by the user interface 400 and/or the incoming communication signals 510b provided by the database system 200A and to provide the outgoing communication signals 510a. Similarly, the incoming communication signals 510b from the database system 200 A can be received and processed by the computer system 320. The computer system 320 can process the incoming communication signals 510b based at least in part on the instructions provided by the user interface 400. As desired, the computer system 320 can provide the incoming communication signals 510b, such as the incoming communication signals 510b that include downloaded files, to the user interface 400 for presentation. As shown in Fig. 2A, the computer system 320 can include a processing system 322 that is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, a memory system 324. Comprising any suitable type of processing system in the manner described in more detail above with reference to the processing system 222, the processing system 322 is configured to perform one or more functions, as necessary, on the instructions from the user interface 400 and/or the incoming communication signals 510b provided by the database system 200A. In the manner discussed above, the processing system 322 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, the memory system 324. The processing system 322 can provide the result of the functions to the user interface 400, the memory system 324, and/or the database system 200A, as desired. For example, the processing system 322 can provide the outgoing communication signals 510a to the database system 200A. The memory system 324 is configured to store the selected files downloaded from the database system 200A and to provide the files to the user interface 400 for presentation. In the manner described in more detail above with reference to the memory system 224, the memory system 324 can store and provide other types of information, including instruction code and other information associated with the processing system 322 and/or performance data related to the current and/or historical operational status of the entertainment apparatus 300A. Preferably comprising a non-volatile memory system, the memory system 324 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 system 224. The user interface 400 preferably is configured to permit files to be added to, modified, and/or deleted from the memory system 224. As will be described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 4A-B, each user interface 400 is configured to permit a user (not shown) to interact with the entertainment system 100 A and includes an input system 410 (shown in Fig. 4A), an interface audio system 430 (shown in Fig. 4A), and/or an interface video system 440 (shown in Fig. 4A). The input system 410 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 apparatus 300A. The interface audio system 430 and the interface video system 440 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 the interface system 400. Turning to Fig. 2B, the exemplary entertainment system 100B includes a database system 200B that is configured to communicate with an entertainment apparatus 300B.
Although shown and described as having one database system 200B and one entertainment apparatus 300B for purposes of illustration, it is understood that the entertainment system 100B can include any number of database systems 200B and entertainment apparatuses 300B. In the manner described above, the database system 200B 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 apparatus 300B. The database system 200B and the entertainment apparatus 300B can be coupled via a wireless communication system 500, such as the satellite system 500B illustrated in Fig. 2A. The satellite system 500B can comprise any number of geostationary satellites (not shown), which are configured to communicate with a terrestrial station (not shown). When the database system 200B and the entertainment apparatus 300B each are within transmission range of at least one of the satellites, communications signals 510 can be exchanged between the database system 200B and the entertainment apparatus 300B via the satellite system 500B. Although shown and described as a satellite system 500B for purposes of illustration, it is understood that the wireless communication system 500 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 the database system 200A (shown in Fig. 2A), the database system 200B comprises a server system 220 for storing the file libraries and for providing selected file libraries to the entertainment apparatus 300B. The server system 220 is configured to receive and process outgoing communication signals 510a provided by the entertainment apparatus 300B and to provide incoming communication signals 510b the manner discussed above with reference to Fig. 2A. The database system 200B preferably is configured to communicate with, and provide content from, the Internet 230 and to permit content to be added to, modified, and/or deleted from the file libraries. The database system 200B is shown as being provided with a communication interface 210B for facilitating the exchange of the communications signals 510 between the database system 200B and the entertainment apparatus 300B. Although shown and described as being disposed substantially within the database system 200B, the communication interface 210B can be disposed substantially within, or separate from, the database system 200B. Being disposed substantially between the database system 200B and the satellite system 500B, the communication interface 210B includes an antenna system 212 that is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, a transceiver system 214. The antenna system 212 and the transceiver system 214 each can be provided in any suitable manner. Preferably having one or more antenna elements (not shown), the antenna system 212 is configured to receive the outgoing communication signals 510b from the entertainment apparatus 300B via the satellite system 500B. The antenna system 212 provides the outgoing communication signals 510b to the transceiver system 214, which can be configured to process the outgoing communication signals 510b as desired. Illustrative processes include decoding, demodulating, and/or analog- to-digital converting the outgoing communication signals 510b. Upon processing the outgoing communication signals 510b, the transceiver system 214 provides the processed outgoing communication signals 510b to the server system 220. The antenna system 212 likewise can transmit the incoming communication signals 510a provided by the database system 200B. The server system 220 provides the incoming communication signals 510a to the transceiver system 214, which is configured to process the incoming communication signals 510a. For example, the transceiver system 214 can encode, modulate, and/or analog-to-digital convert the incoming communication signals 510a as desired. The transceiver system 214 provides the processed incoming communication signals 510a to the antenna system 212 for transmission to the satellite system 500B. When the communication signals 510 are exchanged, the antenna system 212 is directed substantially toward one or more of the satellites in the satellite system 500B. The antenna system 212 preferably is coupled with an antenna controller (not shown) for steering the antenna system 212 such that the antenna system 212 can track the satellites in any known manner such as by locking onto the outgoing communication signals 510b transmitted by the satellite system 500B. Although shown and described as comprising the database system 200A in Fig. 2A and the database system 200B in Fig. 2B for purposes of illustration, it is understood that the database system 200 (shown in Fig. 1) can comprise any type of database system and is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. For example, the database system 220B can be substantially integrated with the satellite system 500B. Stated somewhat differently, the database system 220B can be disposed substantially within one or more of the geostationary satellites and/or the terrestrial station that form the satellite system 500B. If the database system 220B is disposed substantially within the geostationary satellites, the communication signals 510, and therefore the selected files, can be directly downloaded from the satellite system 500B to the entertainment apparatus 300B. Turning to the entertainment apparatus 300B, the entertainment apparatus 300B has a computer system 320 and at least one user interface 400, each being provided in the manner discussed above regarding the entertainment apparatus 300A (shown in Fig. 2A). In the manner described above, the computer system 320 is configured to receive and process instructions provided by the user interface 400 and/or the incoming communication signals 510b provided by the database system 200 A and to provide the outgoing communication signals 510a; whereas, the user interface 400 is configured to permit a user (not shown) to interact with the entertainment system 100B. The entertainment apparatus 300B is shown as being provided with a communication interface 310B for facilitating the exchange of the communications signals 510 between the database system 200B and the entertainment apparatus 300B. Although shown and described as being disposed substantially within the entertainment apparatus 300B, the communication interface 310B can be disposed substantially within, or separate from, the entertainment apparatus 300B. The communication interface 310B is disposed substantially between the entertainment apparatus 300B and the satellite system 500B. Preferably being provided substantially in the manner discussed above with reference to the communication interface 310A, the communication interface 310B comprises an antenna system 312 that is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, a tiansceiver system 314. The antenna system 312 is configured to receive incoming communication signals 510a from the database system 200B via the satellite system 500B and provides the incoming communication signals 510a to the transceiver system 314, which can be configured to process the incoming communication signals 510a. The transceiver system 314, for example, can decode, demodulate, and/or analog-to-digital convert the incoming communication signals 510a as desired. Upon processing the incoming communication signals 510a, the transceiver system 314 provides the processed incoming communication signals 510a to the computer system 320. The outgoing communication signals 510b provided by the computer system 320 likewise can be transmitted by the antenna system 312 to the database system 200B via the satellite system 500B. The computer system 320 provides the outgoing communication signals 510b to the transceiver system 314, which processes the outgoing communication signals 510b. Exemplary processes can include encoding, modulating, and/or analog-to-digital converting the outgoing communication signals 510b as desired. The transceiver system 314 can provide the processed outgoing communication signals 510b to the antenna system 312 for transmission to the satellite system 500B. When the communication signals 510 are exchanged, the antenna system 312 is directed substantially toward one or more of the satellites in the satellite system 500B. Since the entertainment apparatus is mobile, the antenna system 312 preferably is coupled with an antemia controller (not shown) for steering the antenna system 312 such that the antenna system 312 can track the satellites in any known manner such as by locking onto the incoming communication signals 510a transmitted by the satellite system 500B. Although the entertainment apparatus 300 is shown as comprising the entertainment apparatus 300 A in Fig. 2A and the entertainment apparatus 300B in Fig. 2B for purposes of illustration, it is understood that the entertainment apparatus 300 (shown in Fig. 1) can comprise any type of entertainment apparatus and is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. It will be appreciated that the entertainment system 100 of Fig. 1 can communicate with a plurality of database systems 200, which can be provided in any suitable combination and/or configuration. As illustrated in Figs. 3A-B, for example, the entertainment systems 100C, 100D includes an entertainment apparatuses 300C, 300D that can be configured to be in wired communication with one or more database systems 200A and/or wireless communication with one or more database systems 200B. Turning to Fig. 3 A, the entertainment system 100C includes the entertainment apparatus 300C that is configured to communication with a database system 200A, a first database system 200B', and a second database system 200B". Being provided in the manner described above with reference to Figs. 2A-B, each of the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B" is configured to store and provide one or more file libraries (not shown). The entertainment apparatus 300C includes a computer system 320 and at least one user interface 400, each being provided in the manner discussed above regarding the entertainment apparatus 300A (shown in Fig. 2A). In the manner described above, the computer system 320 is configured to receive and process instructions provided by the user interface 400 and/or communication signals 510 provided by one or more of the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B" and to provide communication signals 510 to the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B". As shown in Fig. 3 A, the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B" can be coupled with the computer system 320 substantially in a star arrangement. The user interface 400 is configured to permit a user (not shown) to interact with the entertainment system lOOC. The entertainment apparatus 300C can be in communication with any combination of the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B", depending, for example, upon the availability of each database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B". The entertainment apparatus 300C can include a communication interface 310B1 for facilitating the exchange of the communications signals 510 between the database systems 200B', 200B" and the entertainment apparatus 300C. As shown in Fig. 3A, the communication interface 310B' includes a first antenna system 312', which is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, a first transceiver system 314', and a second antenna system 312", which is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, a second transceiver system 314". The first and second antenna systems 312', 312" each are provided in the manner described above with reference to the antenna system 312 (shown in Fig. 2B); whereas, the first and second transceiver systems 314', 314" can be provided in the manner described above regarding the transceiver system 314 (shown in Fig. 2B). As shown in Fig. 3A, the communication interface 310B' comprises a substantially separate communication interface for each database systems 200B', 200B". Stated somewhat differently, the first antenna system 312' and the first transceiver system 314' are configured to exchange first communication signals 510' between the first database system 200B' and the entertainment apparatus 300C; whereas, the second antenna system 312" and the second transceiver system 314" are configured to exchange second communication signals 510" between the second database system 200B" and the entertainment apparatus 300C. In the manner set forth above with reference to the communication interface 310B (shown in Fig. 2B), the first antenna system 312' is configured to receive first communication signals 510' from the first database system 200B'. The first antenna system 312' provides the first communication signals 510' to the first transceiver system 314', which processes the first communication signals 510' and provides the processed first communication signals 510' to the computer system 320. The first communication signals 510' provided by the computer system 320 likewise can be processed by the first transceiver system 314' and transmitted by the first antenna system 312' to the first database system 200B'. Similarly, the second antenna system 312' is configured to receive second communication signals 510" from the second database system 200B" and to provide the second communication signals 510" to the second transceiver system 314". Upon processing the second communication signals 510", the second transceiver system 314" can provide the processed second communication signals 510" to the computer system 320. The second communication signals 510" provided by the computer system 320 can be processed by the second transceiver system 314" and transmitted by the second antenna system 312" to the second database system 200B". Thereby, the computer system 320 can be configured to communicate with each of the database systems 200A, 200B1, and 200B". Like the entertainment system 100C, the entertainment system 100D is shown in Fig. 3B as comprising the entertainment apparatus 300D, a database system 200A, a first database system 200B', and a second database system 200B". The entertainment apparatus 300D is configured to be in wired communication with the database system 200A and in wireless communication with the first and second database systems 200B', 200B". The database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B" each is provided in the manner described above with reference to Fig. 3 A and is configured to store and provide one or more file libraries (not shown). Being provided in the manner described with reference to Fig. 3A, the entertainment apparatus 300C includes a computer system 320 and at least one user interface 400. In the manner described above, the computer system 320 is configured to receive and process instructions provided by the user interface 400 and/or communication signals 510 provided by one or more of the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B" and to provide communication signals 510 to the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B". As shown in Fig. 3 A, the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B" can be coupled with the computer system 320 substantially in a daisy-chain, or series, arrangement whereby files downloaded from the first and second database systems 200B', 200B" are provided to the database system 200A. The database system 200 A thereby is configured to store a copy, such as an archival copy, of the files downloaded from the first and second database systems 200B', 200B". The user interface 400 is configured to permit a user (not shown) to interact with the entertainment system lOOC. The entertainment apparatus 300C can be in communication with any combination of the database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B", depending, for example, upon the availability of each database systems 200A, 200B', and 200B". The entertainment apparatus 300D can be provided with a communication interface 310B" for facilitating the exchange of the communications signals 510 with the database systems 200B', 200B". As shown in Fig. 3B, the communication interface 310B" includes an antenna system 312, which is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, a transceiver system 314. The antenna system 312 and the transceiver system 314 are respectively provided in the manners described above with reference to the antenna system 312 (shown in Fig. 2B) and the transceiver system 314 (shown in Fig. 2B). As shown in Fig. 3B, the communication interface 310B" comprises an integrated communication interface for coupling the entertainment apparatus 300D with the database systems 200B', 200B". In the manner described above, the antenna system 312 is configured to receive first communication signals 510' from the first database system 200B' and/or second communication signals 510" from the second database system 200B". The antenna system 312 provides the received communication signals 510', 510" to the transceiver system 314. The transceiver system 314 processes the communication signals 510', 510" and provides the processed communication signals 510', 510" to the computer system 320. The communication signals 510', 510" provided by the computer system 320 likewise can be processed by the transceiver system 314 and transmitted by the antenna system 312 to the respective database systems 200B', 200B". Fig. 4A illustrates the details of one embodiment of the user interface 400 for the entertainment system 100 of Fig. 1. The exemplary user interface 400A is configured to permit a user (not shown) to communicate and otherwise interact with the entertainment system 100 and includes an input system 410 and an output system (not shown). The output system can comprise an interface audio system 430 and or an interface video system 440. The user interface 400A can be integrated into, and/or separable from, the entertainment apparatus 300 (shown in Fig. 1). The input system 410 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 apparatus 300. 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, the input system 410 can be provided in any suitable manner. As desired, the input system 10 can be combined with one or more other systems of the user interface 00A. The input system 10 and the interface video system 440, 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 the entertainment system 100, the input system 410 can include a credit card reader; otherwise, the user can provide his payment information via the keyboard and/or pointing device. The entertainment apparatus 300 is configured to communicate with the user via the interface audio system 430 and/or the interface video system 440. The interface audio system 430 can audibly present information to the user; whereas, the interface video system 440 can present information to the user visually. The interface system 400A can be configured to present any type of information, including instructions for using the entertainment system 100, a catalog of file libraries available for download, and any downloaded files. For example, the interface video system 440 can provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to facilitate interaction with the entertainment system 100 and/or an interactive menu of the available file libraries, including files available for downloading and/or files previously downloaded to the interface system 400A. The interface system 400A thereby can assist the user in selecting one or more files to be presented via the entertainment apparatus 300. Once the user has made his selection and, as necessary, entered his payment and/or authorization information, the entertainment apparatus 300 can download the selected files. The interface audio system 430 and the interface video system 440 are respectively configured to present an audio portion and a video portion of the files. As desired, the entertainment apparatus 300 can provide additional functionality for controlling the presentation of the files. For example, the input system 410 can be configured to rewind, fast forward, and/or pause the presentation the files. The input system 410 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, the input system 410 can provide file editing functionality. As shown in Fig. 4A, the interface audio system 430 includes an audio system 432 that is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, a speaker system 434 and one or more audio communication ports. The audio communication ports can include one or more audio output ports 436, audio input ports 438, and/or microphone ports (not shown). Being configured to receive the audio portion of the selected file, the audio system 432 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 the speaker system 434 and/or a secondary speaker system (not show), such as a set of head phones, that is coupled with the audio output port 436. Preferably, the manner by which the audio portion is processed and/or audibly presented is controllably via the input system 410. The interface video system 440 is illustrated in Fig. 4A as comprising a video system 442 that is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, a display system 444. The video system 442 can receive and process the video portion of the selected file, which processed video portion is visually presented via the display system 444. The display system 444 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 the input system 410. Although preferably visually presented as a digital image, the visual portion can be converted by the video system 442 to an analog image that can be presented by the display system 444. The interface audio system 430 and the interface video system 440 are coupled with, and configured to communicate with the input system 410 via an interface processing system 420. The interface processing system 420 is configured to receive and process instructions provided by the input system 410 and/or the incoming communication signals 510b (shown in Figs. 2A-B) provided by a database system 200 (shown in Fig. 1) and to provide the outgoing communication signals 510a (shown in Figs. 2A-B) to the database system 200. For example, the processes performed by the interface processing system 420 on the outgoing communication signals 510b can include encoding, modulating, and/or analog-to-digital converting the outgoing communication signals 510b; whereas, the incoming communication signals 510a can be decoded, demodulated, and/or digital-to-analog converted by the interface processing system 420. Being provided in the manner described in more detail above with reference to the computer system 320 (shown in Figs. 2A-B), the interface processing system 420 includes a processing system 422 and a memory system 424 and can be substantially integrated with, or separate from, the computer system 320. The memory system 424 is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, the processing system 422 and is configured to receive and store the selected files downloaded from the database system 200 and, under the control of the input system A 10, to provide the files to the interface audio system 430 and/or the interface video system 440 for presentation. In the manner described in more detail above with reference to the memory system 324 (shown in Fig. 2A), the memory system 24 can store and provide other types of information, including instruction code and other information associated with the processing system 422 and/or performance data related to the current and/or historical operational status of the user interface 400 A. Preferably comprising a non-volatile memory system, the memory system 24 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 system 324. The input system 410 preferably is configured to permit files to be added to, modified, and/or deleted from the memory system 424. Comprising any suitable type of processing system in the manner described in more detail above with reference to the processing system 322 (shown in Fig. 2A), the processing system 422 is configured to perform one or more functions, as necessary, on the instructions by the input system 410 and/or the incoming communication signals 510b provided by the database system 200. In the manner discussed above, the processing system 422 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, the memory system 424. The processing system 422 can provide the result of the functions to the interface audio system 430, the interface video system 440, the memory system 424, and/or the database system 200, as desired. For example, the processing system 422 can provide the outgoing communication signals 510a to the database system 200. In the manner described above with reference to Fig. 1, the entertainment apparatus 300 can include a plurality of user interfaces 400. The entertainment apparatus 300 typically will have more than one user interface 400 when installed in a vehicle 800 (shown in Figs. 7A-B). Each user interface 400 can be provided in the manner described in more detail above with regard to the user interface 400A (shown in Fig. 4A). The user interfaces 400 can share one or more common interface elements, as desired. As illustrated in Fig. 4B, for example, an entertainment apparatus 300F has a plurality of user interfaces 400B. The user interfaces 400B each include an input system 410, an interface audio system 430, and an interface video system 440 that are provided in the manner described above with reference to the user interface 400A. The user interfaces 400B, however, are configured to share a common interface processing system 420. Being provided in the manner described above with reference to the interface processing system 420 (shown in Fig. 4A), the common interface processing system 420 couples the input system 410, the interface audio system 430, and the interface video system 440 for each user interface 400B. For each user interface 400B, the common interface processing system 420 is further configured to receive and process instructions provided by the input system 410 and/or the incoming communication signals 510b (shown in Figs. 2A-B) provided by a database system 200 (shown in Fig. 1) and to provide the outgoing communication signals 510a (shown in Figs. 2A-B) to the database system 200 in the manner described above. For example, when installed in the vehicle 800 having passenger seats 810 (shown in Figs. 7A-B) that are divided into rows, the entertainment apparatus 300F can advantageously provide each passenger seat 810 with the user interface 400B such that each row of passenger seats 810 shares a common interface processing system 420. Turning to Fig. 5, an entertainment apparatus 300E is shown that comprises a database system 200A, a communication interface 310B that is configured to communicate with a database system 200B (shown in Fig. 2B), a computer system 320, and a plurality of user interfaces 400. The database system 200A and the computer system 320 are provided in the manner described in more detail above with reference to Fig. 2A; whereas, the user interfaces 400 are provided in the manner set forth above regarding the user interface 400A (shown in Fig. 4A). The communication interface 310B is provided, and is configured to communicate with the database system 200B, in the manner discussed above with reference to Fig. 2B. As shown in Fig. 5, the database system 200A, the communication interface 310B, the computer system 320, and the plurality of user interfaces 400 are coupled, and configured to communicate, via a distribution system 330. The distribution system 330 can comprise any type of distribution system for distributing communication signals 510 (shown in Figs. 2A-B). For example, the distribution system 330 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, the computer system 320 and the distribution system 330 form a communication network for coupling the database system 200 A and the communication interface 310B with the user interfaces 400. The distribution system 330 is configured to receive the communication signals 510 (shown in Figs. 2A-B) from the database system 200A and or the communication interface 310B and to provide the communication signals 510 to the computer system 320 and/or one or more of the user interfaces 400. The computer system 320 and the user interfaces 400 can communicate via distribution system 330 provide the communication signals 510 to the database system 200 A and/or the communication interface 310B. If the entertainment apparatus 330E is installed on a vehicle 800 (shown in Figs. 7A-B), for example, the distribution system 330 can comprise any suitable type of distribution, including a wired distribution system, in the manner discussed above. Preferably, the distribution system 330 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, the database system 200A, the communication interface 310B, the computer system 320, and the plurality of user interfaces 400 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 apparatus 300E can be configured to store a copy, such as an archival copy, of the files downloaded via the communication interface 310B. The copy of the files can be stored, for example, by the database system 200A and/or the computer system 320. Being provided in the manner described above with reference to Fig. 2A, the database system 200A includes a server system 220 (shown in Fig. 2A) with a memory system 224 (shown in Fig. 2A); whereas, the computer system 320 includes a memory system 324 (shown in Fig. 2A). Preferably comprising a non-volatile memory system, the memory systems 224, 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, the database system 200A and the computer system 320 can be combined to form a single system. The user interfaces 400 can be divided into two or more interface groups. As shown in
Fig. 5, the user interfaces 400 are associated with one of two user interface groups: a first interface group 400'; and a second interface group 400". The user interfaces 400 can be divided into the interface groups 400', 400" based upon any criteria. If the entertainment apparatus 300E is installed on a vehicle 800 (shown in Figs. 7A-B), for example, the first interface group 400' can be associated with a first class section of the vehicle 800; whereas, the second interface group 400" can be associated with a coach class section of the vehicle 800. Similarly, the first and second interface groups 400', 400" may be respectively associated with the operator and passengers of the vehicle 800. The functionality of the user interfaces 400 in the first interface group 400' can differ from the functionality of the user interfaces 400 in the second interface group 400". For example, the user interfaces 400 associated the first class section of the vehicle 800 can access premium content that is not available to the user interfaces 400 associated the coach class section. The user interfaces 400 associated the coach class section likewise might require payment of a fee prior to permitting access to the entertainment apparatus 300E; whereas, the user interfaces 400 associated the first class section may not require payment of the fee to access the entertainment apparatus 300E. Returning to Fig. 4A, the illustrated user interface 400A includes one or more communication ports 450. Each communication port 450 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 interface 400 A with a peripheral device (not shown), the communication port 450 is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, the interface processing system 420. The peripheral device thereby can communicate with the interface audio system 430 and the interface video system 440 as well as with the database systems 200 via the entertainment apparatus 300. Fig. 6A illustrates a user interface 400C that includes a personal entertainment system 600A. The personal entertainment system 600A 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 in Fig. 6A, the personal entertainment system 600A includes an input system 610, an audio system 630, a video system 640, a memory system 660, and/or a communication port 650A, each being coupled, and configured to communicate, via a processing system 620. The input system 610 permits a user to communicate instructions to the personal entertainment system 600A. 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, the input system 610 can be provided in any suitable manner. As illustrated in Fig. 6A, the communication port 650A of the personal entertainment system 600A can be removably coupled with a communication port 450A of the user interface 400C via a wired communication system 700, such as a communication bus 700A. The personal entertainment system 600A and the user interface 400C thereby are configured to exchange communication signals 710. By coupling the personal entertainment system 600 A with the user interface 400C, the input system 610 can communicate instructions to the entertainment apparatus 300 (shown in Fig. 1) in the manner described above with reference to the input system 410 (shown in Fig. 4A). As a result, the user can employ the input system 610 to access the available database systems 200 (shown in Fig. 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 system 430 (shown in Fig. 4A) and the interface video system 440 (shown in Fig. 4A), the entertainment apparatus 300 is configured to communicate with the user via the audio system 630 and/or the video system 640 of the personal entertainment system 600A. The audio system 630 can audibly present information to the user; whereas, the video system 640 can present information to the user visually. In the manner described above with reference to the user interface 400A (shown in Fig. 4A), the personal entertainment system 600A can be configured to present any type of information, including instructions for using the entertainment system 100, a catalog of file libraries available for download, and any downloaded files. For example, the video system 640 can provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to facilitate interaction with the entertainment system 100 and/or an interactive menu of the available file libraries, including files available for downloading and/or files previously downloaded to the personal entertainment system 600A in the manner set forth above. Once the user has made his selection and, as necessary, entered his payment and/or authorization information, the personal entertainment system 600A can download the selected files. The audio system 630 and the video system 640 of the personal entertainment system 600A are respectively configured to present an audio portion and a video portion of the files. In the manner described above with reference to Fig. 4A, the personal entertainment system 600A can provide additional functionality for controlling the presentation of the files. For example, the input system 610 can be configured to rewind, fast forward, and/or pause the presentation the files. The input system 610 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, the input system 610 can provide file editing functionality. In the manner described above regarding the interface audio system 430 (shown in Fig. 4A), the audio system 630 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, that is coupled with the audio output port. The video system 640 can have a display system (not shown) in the manner described above regarding the interface video system 440 (shown in Fig. 4A). The video system 640 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 the input system 610. The processing system 620 can receive and process instructions provided by the input system 610 and/or the communication signals 710 provided by a database system 200 (shown in Fig. 1) and provide the communication signals 710 to the database system 200 in the manner described above with reference to the interface processing system 420 (shown in Fig. 4 A). The memory system 660 is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, the processing system 620 and is configured to receive and store the selected files downloaded from the database system 200 and, under the control of the input system 610, to provide the files to the audio system 630 and/or the video system 640 for presentation. Preferably comprising a nonvolatile memory system, the memory system 660 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 system 424 (shown in Fig. 4A). The input system 410 preferably is configured to permit files to be added to, modified, and/or deleted from the memory system 424. Advantageously, the memory system 660 is configured to retain the files even if the personal entertainment system 600A is disconnected from the user interface 400C. The files therefore can be presented via the personal entertainment system 600A even when the personal entertainment system 600A is no longer in communication with the entertainment apparatus 300 (shown in Fig. 1) and/or the database systems 200 (shown in Fig. 1). Therefore, if the entertainment apparatus 300 is installed in a vehicle 800 (shown in Figs. 7A-B), for example, a passenger in the vehicle 800 can download the selected files during travel. Once stored, the files can be retained in the memory system 660 of the personal entertainment system 600A, which can be disconnected from the entertainment apparatus 300. The passenger thereby can view the files at any time, including after disembarking the vehicle 800 once travel is completed, by removing the personal entertainment system 600A from the vehicle 800. The user interface 400D shown in Fig. 6B includes a personal entertainment system 600B that is coupled with the user interface 400D via a wireless communication system 700B. Being provided in the manner described above with regard to the personal entertainment system 600A (shown in Fig. 6A), the personal entertainment system 600B includes an input system 610, an audio system 630, a video system 640, a memory system 660, and/or a communication port 650B, each being coupled, and configured to communicate, via a processing system 620. The communication port 650B of the personal entertainment system 600B is configured to communicate with a communication port 450B of the user interface 400D. As illustrated in Fig. 6B, the communication port 650B of the personal entertainment system 600B can be removably coupled with the communication port 450B of the user interface 400D via the wireless communication system 700B. The personal entertainment system 600B and the user interface 400D thereby are configured to exchange communication signals 710. By coupling the personal entertainment system 600B with the user interface 400D, the input system 610 can communicate instructions to the entertainment apparatus 300 (shown in Fig. 1) in the manner described above with reference to the personal entertainment system 600A (shown in Fig. 6A). As a result, the user can employ the input system 610 to access the available database systems 200 (shown in Fig. 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, the personal entertainment system 600B is advantageously configured to retain the files even if the personal entertainment system 600B is disconnected from the user interface 400D. The files therefore can be presented via the personal entertainment system 600B even when the personal entertainment system 600B is no longer in communication with the entertainment apparatus 300 (shown in Fig. 1) and/or the database systems 200 (shown in Fig. 1). The entertainment apparatus 300 (shown in Fig. 1) can be installed in a wide variety of vehicles 800, such as an automobile, a bus, an aircraft, a boat, or a locomotive of any kind. Fig. 7 A illustrates the entertainment system 100 with the entertainment apparatus 300 being installed in an automobile 800A. As shown in Fig. 7A, an antenna system 312 is mounted on the automobile 800A and is configured to exchange communication signals 510 with a database system 200B via a communication system 500B in the manner set forth above with reference to Fig. 2B. The antenna system 312 is coupled with a transceiver system 314, which can receive and process the communication signals 510 and which is configured to provide the processed communication signals 510 to a computer system 320 in the manner discussed above. The transceiver system 314 likewise can receive and process the communication signals 510 provided by the computer system 320 and can provide the processed communication signals 510 to the antenna system 312. The computer system 320, in turn, is configured to communicate with one or more user interfaces 400 via a distribution system 330. As shown in Fig. 7A, the user interfaces 400 can be associated with seats 810 in the automobile 800A. For example, a driver seat 810A is provided with a user interface 400 that is associated with a first interface group 400'; whereas, passenger seats 810B include user interfaces 400 that are associated with a second interface group 400". In the manner discussed with regard to Fig. 5, the functionality of the user interfaces 400 in the first interface group 400' can differ from the functionality of the user interfaces 400 in the second interface group 400". For example, since the driver needs to pay attention to the road, the user interface 400 associated with the first interface group 400' likely does not include an interface video system 440 (shown in Fig. 4A); whereas, the user interfaces 400 in the second interface group 400" can include interface video systems 440. Similarly, the input system 410 (shown in Fig. 4A) for the user interface 400 in the first interface group 400' can be configured to mute the interface audio systems 430 (shown in Fig. 4 A) for each of the user interfaces 400 in the automobile 800A. As desired, the entertainment apparatus 300 of the entertainment system 100 likewise can be installed in an aircraft 800B as illustrated in Fig. 7B. As shown in Fig. 7B, an antenna system 312 is mounted on the outer fuselage of the aircraft 800B and is configured to exchange communication signals 510 with a database system 200B via a communication system 500B in the manner set forth above with reference to Fig. 2B. The antenna system 312 is coupled with a transceiver system 314, which can receive and process the communication signals 510 and which is configured to provide the processed communication signals 510 to a computer system 320 in the manner discussed above. The transceiver system 314 likewise can receive and process the communication signals 510 provided by the computer system 320 and can provide the processed communication signals 510 to the antenna system 312. The computer system 320 also is coupled with a database system 200A. The database system 200A is provided in the manner described above with reference to Fig. 2A and is disposed within the aircraft 800B. Being configured to communicate with the database system 200A in the manner described above, the computer system 320 is configured to exchange communication signals 510 with the database system 200 A via a distribution system 330.
Thereby, the computer system 320 can communicate with, and download one or more selected files from, the database system 200A and the database system 200B. The distribution system 330 likewise couples the computer system 320 with one or more user interfaces 400. As shown in Fig. 7B, the user interfaces 400 can be associated with seats 810 in the aircraft 800B. For purposes of illustration, the seats 810 in the aircraft 800B are divided into three interface groups. Seats 810A comprise seats for the flight crew; whereas, seats 810B comprise passenger seats. The passenger seats 810B are further divided into first class passenger seats 810B' and coach class passenger seats 810B", which include user interfaces 400 and are respectively associated with first and second interface groups 400', 400". The flight crew seats 810A also include user interfaces 400 that are associated with a third interface group 400" As was discussed above, the functionality of the user interfaces 400 in the three interface groups 400', 400", and 400'" can differ. In the manner set forth above with reference to Fig. 7A, the user interfaces 400 provided on the flight crew seats 810A likely does not include an interface video system 440 (shown in Fig. 4A); whereas, the user interfaces 400 for the passenger seats 810B can include interface video systems 440. The input system 410 (shown in Fig. 4A) for the user interfaces 400 provided on the flight crew seats 810A can be configured to mute the interface audio systems 430 (shown in Fig. 4A) for each of the user interfaces 400 in the aircraft 800B. Further, the functionality of the user interfaces 400 for the first class passenger seats
810B' can differ from the functionality of the user interfaces 400 for the coach class passenger seats 810B". In the manner discussed above regarding Fig. 5, the user interfaces 400 associated the first class passenger seats 810B' can, for example, access premium content that is not available to the user interfaces 400 associated the coach class passenger seats 810B". The user interfaces 400 associated the coach class passenger seats 81 OB" likewise can require a fee to be paid prior to permitting access to the entertainment apparatus 300; whereas, the user interfaces 400 associated the first class passenger seats 810B' may be able to access the entertainment apparatus 300E without requiring payment of the fee. With reference to Figs. 7A-B, it will be appreciated that the entertainment system 100 can be configured to download and present files that relate to the destination of the vehicle 800. 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 interface 400 (shown in Fig. 4A) when the entertainment apparatus 300 (shown in Fig. 1) is installed in a vehicle 800. The user interfaces 400 include an input system 410, an interface audio system 430 (shown in Fig. 4 A), and an interface video system 440 (shown in Fig. 4A). Turning the user interface 400 shown in Fig. 8A, the interface video system 440 has a display system 444 for visually presenting information from the entertainment apparatus 300. The illustrated display system 444 is provided as one or more overhead display systems 444 A. The input system 410 is provided on an armrest 820 of the seats 810 as shown in Fig. 8 A. The seats 810 are shown as comprising seats 810A and seats 810B, and the user interfaces 00 for the seats 810A, 810B are respectively associated with first and second first interface groups 400', 400". Having different levels of functionality, the input system 410 for the seats 810A include functionality 410A, which functionality is not provided on the input system 410 for the seats 810A. The interface audio system 430 illustrated in Fig. 8A includes a speaker system 434 for audibly presenting information from the entertainment apparatus 300. The speaker system 434 can comprise one or more overhead speakers 434A and/or one or more speaker systems disposed within the seats 810 of the vehicle 800. Within the seats 810, the speaker systems 434 can be provided in any suitable manner, including, for example, as a speaker system 434B in the headrest 840 of the seat 810 and/or in the base 850 of the seat 810. In the manner discussed above with reference to Fig. 4A, the interface audio system 430 likewise can include one or more audio communication ports, such as an audio output ports 436, for audibly presenting information. The audio output ports 436 can be provided, for example, on the armrest 820 of the seats 810 as shown in Fig. 8A. The display system 444 of the user interface 400 shown in Fig. 8B includes one or more overhead display systems 444A provided in the manner discussed above with reference to Fig. 8A as well as one or more seatback display systems 444B being coupled with a back surface 860 of the seatback 830. The input system 410 likewise can include be provided with functionality 410A that is accessible via the armrest 820 of the seats 810 and/or functionality 410B that is provided on the back surface 860 of the seatback 830 as shown in Fig. 8B. As desired, the seatback display systems 444B can be provided substantially separately from, or in combination with, the functionality 410B. The seatback display systems 444B, for example, can comprise touch screens to provide the functionality 410B on the seatback 830. In contrast to the seats 810 shown in Fig. 8 A, the seats 810 in Fig. 8B are not divided into interface groups 400', 400" and have substantially the same level of functionality. As such, the input systems 410 for the seats 810 both include functionality 410A. Being provided in the manner discussed above with reference to Fig. 8A, the speaker system 434 in Fig. 8B includes one or more overhead speakers 434A. No speaker systems 4343 are shown as being disposed in the seats 810 in Fig. 8B. The interface audio system 430 likewise has one or more audio communication ports, such as an audio output ports 436, which are provided on the armrest 820 of the seats 810. Fig. 8C illustrates a user interface 400 with a display system 444 that includes one or more seatback display systems 444B and with an input system 410 that is provided on the armrest 820 of the seats 810, each being provided in the manner discussed above with reference to Fig. 8B. The interface audio system 430 of the user interface 400 is shown as having one or more audio communication ports, such as an audio output ports 436, which are provided on the armrest 820 of the seats 810. For audio information to be audibly presented by the user interface 00 of Fig. 8C, a peripheral device (not shown), such as a set of head phones, is coupled with the audio output port 36. The user interface 400 of Fig. 8D is shown as including a personal entertainment system 600. As illustrated in Fig. 8D, the personal entertainment system 600 is removably coupled with the user interface 400 via a communication port 450 that is provided by the input system 410. Although user interface 400 provides one or more seatback display systems 444B, information from the entertainment apparatus 300 can be visually presented via a video system 640 of the personal entertainment system 600. The personal entertainment system 600 likewise includes an input system 610, which can be used to provide instructions to the entertainment apparatus 300 in the manner discussed above. Similarly, information from the entertainment apparatus 300 can be audibly presented via an audio system 630 of the personal entertainment system 600. Although the coupling between the personal entertainment system 600 and the user interface 400 is illustrated as a wired connection, a wireless connection can be employed to couple the personal entertainment system 600 and the user interface 400. In a preferred embodiment, for example, the entertainment apparatus 300 as installed in the vehicle 800 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 the vehicle 800, the personal entertainment system 600 can automatically establish communications with the entertainment apparatus 300, and communications with the entertainment apparatus 300 can automatically terminate when the personal entertainment system 600 is removed from the vehicle 800. In the manner discussed above, the personal entertainment system 600 is advantageously configured to retain the files downloaded via the entertainment apparatus 300 even if the personal entertainment system 600 is disconnected from the user interface 400. The files therefore can be presented via the personal entertainment system 600 even when the personal entertainment system 600 is disconnected from the communication port 450. Therefore, if a passenger in the vehicle 800 downloads selected files during travel, the files can be stored and retained by the personal entertainment system 600. The passenger thereby can view the files at any time, including after disembarking the vehicle 800 once travel is completed, by removing the personal entertainment system 600 from the vehicle 800. The invention 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 invention is not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1. An entertainment apparatus, comprising: an antenna system; a transceiver system coupled with said antenna system and being configured to communicate with a first database system via said antenna system; and a user interface for communicating with the first database system via said transceiver system and having a communication port that is configured to communicate with a personal entertainment system, wherein the personal entertainment system is configured to download and store a first selected file from the first database system via said communication port and to present the first selected file regardless of whether the personal entertainment system is in communication with said communication port.
2. An entertainment apparatus, comprising: a communication interface being disposed on a vehicle and configured to communicate with a first database system; and a user interface being disposed on the vehicle, being in communication with said communication interface, and having a communication port that is configured to communicate with a personal entertainment system, wherein the personal entertainment system is configured to download and store a first selected file from the first database system via said communication port and to present the first selected file regardless of whether the personal entertainment system is in communication with said communication port.
3. An entertainment system, comprising: a first database system; a communication interface being disposed on a vehicle and configured to communicate with said first database system; and a user interface being disposed on the vehicle, being in communication with said communication interface, and having a communication port that is configured to communicate with a personal entertainment system, wherein the personal entertainment system is configured to download and store a first selected file from the first database system via said communication port and to present the first selected file regardless of whether the personal entertainment system is in communication with said communication port.
4. A method for downloading files while traveling on a vehicle, comprising: providing a user interface being in communication with a communication interface, said user interface and said communication interface being installed on said vehicle; coupling a personal entertainment system with said user interface; establishing communications between said communication interface and a first database system; selecting a file of the first database system; downloading said file from said database system to said personal entertainment system via said user interface; storing said file within said personal entertainment system; and presenting said file via said personal entertainment system regardless of whether the personal entertainment system is in communication with said user interface.
5. An aircraft, comprising: a fuselage; a passenger seat arranged within the fuselage; and an entertainment apparatus coupled with said fuselage and comprising: an antenna system coupled with said fuselage; a transceiver system coupled with said antenna system and being configured to communicate with a first database system via said antenna system; and a user interface for communicating with the first database system via said transceiver system, said user interface being associated with said passenger seat and having a communication port that is configured to communicate with a personal entertainment system, wherein the personal entertainment system is configured to download and store a first selected file from the first database system via said communication port and to present the first selected file regardless of whether the personal entertainment system is in communication with said communication port.
6. The aircraft of claim 5, wherein said entertainment apparatus further includes a second database system, said second database system being coupled with said fuselage and configured to communicate with said user interface such that the personal entertainment system is configured to download and store a second selected file from the second database system via said communication port and to present the second selected file regardless of whether the personal entertainment system is in communication with said communication port.
7. The aircraft of claim 5, wherein said transceiver system and said user interface are configured to communicate via a distribution system.
8. The aircraft of claim 7, wherein said distribution system comprises a wireless distribution system.
9. The aircraft of claim 5, wherein said tiansceiver system is configured to communicate with the first database system via a satellite communication system.
10. The aircraft of claim 5, wherein said transceiver system is configured to communicate with the first database system via a cellular communication system.
11. The aircraft of claim 5, wherein said communication port is configured to communicate with the personal entertainment system via a wireless communication system.
PCT/US2004/017666 2003-06-04 2004-06-04 System and method for downloading files WO2005000437A2 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP04754296A EP1634454A2 (en) 2003-06-04 2004-06-04 System and method for downloading files
AU2004251677A AU2004251677B2 (en) 2003-06-04 2004-06-04 System and method for downloading files
JP2006515179A JP2006527540A (en) 2003-06-04 2004-06-04 System and method for downloading files
CA2527647A CA2527647C (en) 2003-06-04 2004-06-04 System and method for downloading files

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US47607103P 2003-06-04 2003-06-04
US60/476,071 2003-06-04
US10/772,565 US8135773B2 (en) 2003-06-04 2004-02-04 System and method for downloading files
US10/772,565 2004-02-04

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005000437A2 true WO2005000437A2 (en) 2005-01-06
WO2005000437A3 WO2005000437A3 (en) 2005-07-28

Family

ID=33555406

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2004/017666 WO2005000437A2 (en) 2003-06-04 2004-06-04 System and method for downloading files

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (2) US8135773B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1634454A2 (en)
JP (1) JP2006527540A (en)
AU (1) AU2004251677B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2527647C (en)
WO (1) WO2005000437A2 (en)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008045324A2 (en) * 2006-10-11 2008-04-17 Marvell World Trade Ltd. Wireless network in a vehicle
EP1972139A2 (en) * 2006-01-04 2008-09-24 Audiovox Corporation Receiver and distribution unit for vehicle entertainment system
WO2008156957A2 (en) * 2007-06-14 2008-12-24 Qualcomm Incorporated Wireless device caching data proxy
JP2008547325A (en) * 2005-06-23 2008-12-25 パナソニック・アビオニクス・コーポレイション System and method for providing searchable data transmission stream encryption
WO2010065658A1 (en) * 2008-12-02 2010-06-10 System And Software Enterprises, Inc. Entertainment systems utilizing field replaceable storage units
WO2010118027A1 (en) * 2009-04-07 2010-10-14 Qualcomm Incorporated System and method for providing multiple user interfaces
WO2013075910A1 (en) * 2011-11-22 2013-05-30 Lufthansa Systems Ag Entertainment network for passengers in a means of transportation
US8713613B2 (en) 2006-01-04 2014-04-29 Voxx International Corporation Data distribution unit for vehicle entertainment system
US9872154B2 (en) 2007-09-24 2018-01-16 Panasonic Avionics Corporation System and method for receiving broadcast content on a mobile platform during travel

Families Citing this family (76)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8135773B2 (en) 2003-06-04 2012-03-13 Panasonic Avionics Corporation System and method for downloading files
US20050044186A1 (en) * 2003-06-13 2005-02-24 Petrisor Gregory C. Remote interface optical network
US20050096005A1 (en) * 2003-10-31 2005-05-05 David Vinson Wireless content player for a vehicle
US8403411B2 (en) * 2003-12-15 2013-03-26 Digecor, Inc. Detachable seat mounted audio-visual entertainment system with locally storable, selectable, and updatable content
CA2568595C (en) * 2004-06-15 2015-05-05 Panasonic Avionics Corporation Portable media device and method for presenting viewing content during travel
CA2601161A1 (en) * 2005-03-18 2006-09-21 Seeker Wireless Pty Limited Enhanced mobile location
WO2006096922A1 (en) * 2005-03-18 2006-09-21 Seeker Wireless Pty Limited Enhanced mobile location method and system
JP2008535417A (en) * 2005-04-08 2008-08-28 シーカー ワイアレス プロプライエタリー リミテッド Improved ground mobile equipment location
JP4744216B2 (en) * 2005-07-19 2011-08-10 ソニー エリクソン モバイル コミュニケーションズ, エービー Mobile device, service providing system, information communication terminal
JP2009508735A (en) * 2005-09-19 2009-03-05 ルメクシス・インコーポレーテッド Fiber-to-the-seat in-flight entertainment system
CA2626806A1 (en) * 2005-10-24 2007-05-03 Seeker Wireless Pty Limited Mobile service maintenance management
US8041195B2 (en) 2005-11-03 2011-10-18 Audiovox Corporation Vehicle entertainment system for remote sharing and storage of video content
WO2007051223A1 (en) * 2005-11-04 2007-05-10 Seeker Wireless Pty Limited Profile based communications service
US8136138B2 (en) * 2005-12-15 2012-03-13 Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. Display replication and control of a portable device via a wireless interface in an automobile
US20100017827A1 (en) * 2006-01-04 2010-01-21 Audiovox Corporation Receiver and distribution unit for vehicle entertainment system
US20070174887A1 (en) * 2006-01-23 2007-07-26 Lehong Hu Interactive mobile wireless digital TV
JP2009545082A (en) * 2006-07-25 2009-12-17 パナソニック・アビオニクス・コーポレイション System and method for mounting a user interface device
US8508673B2 (en) * 2006-08-08 2013-08-13 Panasonic Avionics Corporation User interface device and method for presenting viewing content
US8997159B2 (en) * 2006-09-08 2015-03-31 Virgin America Inc. On-board vessel entertainment system
US8184974B2 (en) * 2006-09-11 2012-05-22 Lumexis Corporation Fiber-to-the-seat (FTTS) fiber distribution system
JP2010504032A (en) 2006-09-15 2010-02-04 タレス アビオニクス インコーポレイテッド System and method for wirelessly transferring content to and from aircraft
US20080127278A1 (en) * 2006-09-19 2008-05-29 Terence Bonar Portable media player
US20080124054A1 (en) * 2006-09-19 2008-05-29 Terence Bonar Portable media player
US20080155597A1 (en) * 2006-12-26 2008-06-26 Shlomo Turgeman Vehicle tv and content router
US20090225036A1 (en) 2007-01-17 2009-09-10 Wright David G Method and apparatus for discriminating between user interactions
WO2008109948A1 (en) * 2007-03-13 2008-09-18 Seeker Wireless Pty Limited Enhanced zone determination
US8094605B2 (en) * 2007-03-30 2012-01-10 Livetv, Llc Aircraft communications system with network selection controller and associated methods
WO2009036362A1 (en) * 2007-09-14 2009-03-19 Panasonic Avionics Corporation System and method for interfacing a portable media device with a vehicle information system
JP5416123B2 (en) * 2007-09-14 2014-02-12 パナソニック・アビオニクス・コーポレイション Media device interface system and method for vehicle information system
JP5421266B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2014-02-19 パナソニック・アビオニクス・コーポレイション Portable user operating device and operating method for vehicle information system
US9407034B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2016-08-02 Panasonic Avionics Corporation Communication connector system and method
US8798613B2 (en) * 2007-09-17 2014-08-05 Wavemarket, Inc. Systems and method for triggering location based voice and/or data communications to or from mobile ratio terminals
FR2921634B1 (en) * 2007-09-27 2010-03-19 Airbus SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCESSING PERSONAL COMPUTER EQUIPMENT ON BOARD AN AIRCRAFT, AND AIRCRAFT COMPRISING SUCH A SYSTEM.
EP2206346A1 (en) * 2007-10-05 2010-07-14 Panasonic Avionics Corporation System and method for presenting advertisement content on a mobile platform during travel
KR101414389B1 (en) * 2007-10-05 2014-07-02 삼성전자주식회사 Digital broadcasting system and method for transmitting and receiving electronic service guide data in digital broadcasting system
US8737985B2 (en) * 2007-11-26 2014-05-27 Wavemarket, Inc. Methods and systems for zone creation and adaption
US20090165049A1 (en) * 2007-12-19 2009-06-25 United Video Properties, Inc. Methods and devices for presenting and interactive media guidance application
JP2011515034A (en) * 2008-02-08 2011-05-12 パナソニック・アビオニクス・コーポレイション Optical communication system and method for delivering content on a mobile platform during movement
US8787171B2 (en) * 2008-04-07 2014-07-22 Wavemarket, Inc. Efficient collection of wireless transmitter characteristics
JP2011135117A (en) * 2008-04-21 2011-07-07 Panasonic Corp Av content view system
US8261309B2 (en) * 2008-06-09 2012-09-04 Audiovox Corporation Mobile entertainment system with retrieval of audio and video media content from a remote library
US8203657B2 (en) * 2008-07-11 2012-06-19 Audiovox Corporation Inductively powered mobile entertainment system
US8734256B2 (en) 2008-09-15 2014-05-27 Panasonic Avionics Corporation System and method for hosting multiplayer games
US8509990B2 (en) * 2008-12-15 2013-08-13 Panasonic Avionics Corporation System and method for performing real-time data analysis
CN102461118B (en) * 2009-06-11 2016-07-06 松下航空电子公司 For providing the system and method for safety on a mobile platform
WO2011017233A1 (en) 2009-08-06 2011-02-10 Lumexis Corporation Serial networking fiber-to-the-seat inflight entertainment system
WO2011020071A1 (en) * 2009-08-14 2011-02-17 Lumexis Corp. Video display unit docking assembly for fiber-to-the-screen inflight entertainment system
US8416698B2 (en) * 2009-08-20 2013-04-09 Lumexis Corporation Serial networking fiber optic inflight entertainment system network configuration
US9016627B2 (en) 2009-10-02 2015-04-28 Panasonic Avionics Corporation System and method for providing an integrated user interface system at a seat
WO2011041797A1 (en) * 2009-10-02 2011-04-07 Panasonic Avionics Corporation System and method for interacting with information systems
WO2011044148A1 (en) * 2009-10-05 2011-04-14 Lumexis Corp. Inflight communication system
WO2011081943A2 (en) * 2009-12-14 2011-07-07 Panasonic Avionics Corporation System and method for providing dynamic power management
US8244236B2 (en) 2010-04-29 2012-08-14 Wavemarket, Inc. System and method for aggregating and disseminating mobile device tag data
CN102971214B (en) 2010-04-27 2016-01-13 松下航空电子公司 For connection support system and the method for user interface facilities
US8806521B2 (en) 2010-06-22 2014-08-12 Livetv, Llc Personal electronic device (PED) cooperating with an aircraft IFE system for redeeming an in-flight coupon and associated methods
US9003454B2 (en) 2010-06-22 2015-04-07 Livetv, Llc Registration of a PED with an aircraft IFE system using an aircraft generated registration identifier and associated methods
US8856838B2 (en) 2010-06-22 2014-10-07 Livetv, Llc Registration of a personal electronic device (PED) with an aircraft IFE system using aircraft generated registration token images and associated methods
US9143807B2 (en) 2010-06-22 2015-09-22 Livetv, Llc Registration of a personal electronic device (PED) with an aircraft IFE system using PED generated registration token images and associated methods
US9143738B2 (en) 2010-06-22 2015-09-22 Livetv, Llc Aircraft IFE system interfacing with a personal electronic device (PED) for redeeming an in-flight coupon and associated methods
US20110313826A1 (en) 2010-06-22 2011-12-22 Livetv Llc Personal electronic device (ped) operating as a commerce device onboard an aircraft and associated methods
US9516352B2 (en) 2010-06-22 2016-12-06 Livetv, Llc Registration of a personal electronic device (PED) with an aircraft IFE system using a PED generated registration identifier and associated methods
US9143732B2 (en) 2010-06-22 2015-09-22 Livetv, Llc Aircraft IFE system cooperating with a personal electronic device (PED) operating as a commerce device and associated methods
CA2807848C (en) 2010-09-10 2019-10-01 Panasonic Avionics Corporation Integrated user interface system and method
US8504077B2 (en) 2010-12-04 2013-08-06 Wavemarket, Inc. System and method for monitoring and disseminating mobile device location information
JP2013031160A (en) * 2011-06-22 2013-02-07 Panasonic Corp Av content viewing system
CA2820253C (en) 2012-08-08 2020-10-27 Shrenik Shah System and method for improving impact safety
US8948934B2 (en) * 2012-09-07 2015-02-03 The Boeing Company Methods and systems for vehicle broadband connection to a data network
US20140172927A1 (en) * 2012-12-19 2014-06-19 Htc Corporation File information processing method and portable device
CA2841685C (en) 2013-03-15 2021-05-18 Panasonic Avionics Corporation System and method for providing multi-mode wireless data distribution
US9537913B2 (en) * 2014-01-03 2017-01-03 Yonder Music Inc. Method and system for delivery of audio content for use on wireless mobile device
US10579325B2 (en) 2014-01-03 2020-03-03 061428 Corp. Method and system for playback of audio content using wireless mobile device
US10171531B2 (en) 2016-04-13 2019-01-01 Viasat, Inc. Continuing electronic media entertainment after completion of travel segment
WO2018152174A1 (en) * 2017-02-14 2018-08-23 Systems And Software Enterprises, Llc Method for line-replaceable unit identification, localization and status retrieval
DE102017204216A1 (en) 2017-03-14 2018-09-20 Airbus Operations Gmbh System and method for temporary and local content sharing
US10560736B2 (en) 2017-12-29 2020-02-11 ANI Technologies Private Limited System and method for providing in-vehicle services to commuters
US11323435B2 (en) 2019-05-08 2022-05-03 The Boeing Company Method and apparatus for advanced security systems over a power line connection

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6249913B1 (en) * 1998-10-09 2001-06-19 General Dynamics Ots (Aerospace), Inc. Aircraft data management system
US20020095680A1 (en) * 2001-01-12 2002-07-18 Davidson Robert J. Personal movie storage module
US20020178451A1 (en) * 2001-05-23 2002-11-28 Michael Ficco Method, system and computer program product for aircraft multimedia distribution
US20030003899A1 (en) * 2001-06-28 2003-01-02 Shigeru Tashiro Data broadcasting system, receiving terminal device, contents providing server, and contents providing method

Family Cites Families (96)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3037812A (en) 1958-07-30 1962-06-05 Benjamin F Monroe Aircraft seat structure
US4584603A (en) 1984-10-19 1986-04-22 Harrison Elden D Amusement and information system for use on a passenger carrier
JP2658030B2 (en) 1987-01-30 1997-09-30 ソニー株式会社 Information transmission equipment
JP2722450B2 (en) 1987-02-25 1998-03-04 ソニー株式会社 Central control device
US5448046A (en) 1987-12-28 1995-09-05 Symbol Technologies, Inc. Arrangement for and method of expediting commercial product transactions at a point-of-sale site
US6340115B1 (en) 1987-12-28 2002-01-22 Symbol Technologies, Inc. Card reader and method for completing transactions
US5701582A (en) 1989-08-23 1997-12-23 Delta Beta Pty. Ltd. Method and apparatus for efficient transmissions of programs
US6519693B1 (en) 1989-08-23 2003-02-11 Delta Beta, Pty, Ltd. Method and system of program transmission optimization using a redundant transmission sequence
US6788935B1 (en) * 1992-03-06 2004-09-07 Aircell, Inc. Aircraft-based network for wireless subscriber stations
US5295089A (en) 1992-05-28 1994-03-15 Emilio Ambasz Soft, foldable consumer electronic products
US5311302A (en) 1992-07-02 1994-05-10 Hughes Aircraft Company Entertainment and data management system for passenger vehicle including individual seat interactive video terminals
JP3531174B2 (en) 1992-09-28 2004-05-24 ソニー株式会社 Service management support system, information display selection terminal device, and service management support method thereof
JP2990992B2 (en) * 1993-03-18 1999-12-13 三菱電機株式会社 Satellite communication terminal
US5596647A (en) 1993-06-01 1997-01-21 Matsushita Avionics Development Corporation Integrated video and audio signal distribution system and method for use on commercial aircraft and other vehicles
US6147696A (en) 1993-06-24 2000-11-14 Nintendo Co. Ltd. Electronic entertainment and communication system
US5959596A (en) 1993-06-24 1999-09-28 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Airline-based video game and communications system
US5469363A (en) 1994-05-19 1995-11-21 Saliga; Thomas V. Electronic tag with source certification capability
US5666291A (en) 1994-06-02 1997-09-09 Sony Corporation Device for interfacing a CD-ROM player to an entertainment or information network and a network including such device
US5555466A (en) 1994-10-12 1996-09-10 Asa Electronics Corporation Vehicular audio/visual system having distribution box for connecting individual passenger monitors to multiple program sources
US6003030A (en) * 1995-06-07 1999-12-14 Intervu, Inc. System and method for optimized storage and retrieval of data on a distributed computer network
US6058288A (en) 1995-08-07 2000-05-02 Sextant In-Flight Systems, Llc Passenger service and entertainment system
GB2304255B (en) 1995-08-07 2000-04-12 Be Aerospace Inc Multi-stage switch
US5640002A (en) 1995-08-15 1997-06-17 Ruppert; Jonathan Paul Portable RF ID tag and barcode reader
US6047165A (en) * 1995-11-14 2000-04-04 Harris Corporation Wireless, frequency-agile spread spectrum ground link-based aircraft data communication system
US5835127A (en) 1996-04-25 1998-11-10 Sony Corporation Integrated electronic system utilizing a universal interface to support telephony and other communication services
US5760819A (en) 1996-06-19 1998-06-02 Hughes Electronics Distribution of a large number of live television programs to individual passengers in an aircraft
US5790175A (en) 1996-06-19 1998-08-04 Hughes Aircraft Company Aircraft satellite television system for distributing television programming derived from direct broadcast satellites
US5709448A (en) 1996-09-09 1998-01-20 General Motors Corporation Seat back pocket light
US5973722A (en) 1996-09-16 1999-10-26 Sony Corporation Combined digital audio/video on demand and broadcast distribution system
US5966442A (en) 1996-11-15 1999-10-12 Worldspace, Inc. Real-time information delivery system for aircraft
IL120684A (en) 1997-04-16 2009-08-03 Handelman Doron Entertainment system
US5990928A (en) 1997-05-30 1999-11-23 Rockwell International Corporation Method and apparatus for receiving broadcast entertainment transmissions at a moving receiver station
US6266664B1 (en) * 1997-10-01 2001-07-24 Rulespace, Inc. Method for scanning, analyzing and rating digital information content
US6201797B1 (en) 1997-12-12 2001-03-13 At&T Wireless Services Inc. High bandwidth delivery and internet access for airborne passengers
JP3259954B2 (en) * 1997-12-18 2002-02-25 株式会社オートネットワーク技術研究所 In-vehicle unit
US6338045B1 (en) 1998-01-20 2002-01-08 John Charalambos Pappas Apparatus for and method of managing and tracking activities and parts
US6151497A (en) 1998-02-12 2000-11-21 Motorola, Inc. Satellite based high bandwidth data broadcast
JP3275819B2 (en) * 1998-02-12 2002-04-22 株式会社デンソー Information communication system
US6003008A (en) 1998-03-20 1999-12-14 Skyteller L.L.C. Point of sale device
US6499027B1 (en) * 1998-05-26 2002-12-24 Rockwell Collins, Inc. System software architecture for a passenger entertainment system, method and article of manufacture
US6129274A (en) 1998-06-09 2000-10-10 Fujitsu Limited System and method for updating shopping transaction history using electronic personal digital shopping assistant
US6615183B1 (en) 1998-07-20 2003-09-02 Usa Technologies, Inc. Method of warehousing user data entered at an electronic commerce terminal
US6286139B1 (en) * 1998-08-04 2001-09-04 Teluve Corporation Internet-based video ordering system and method
US6135549A (en) 1998-08-14 2000-10-24 Johnson Controls Technology Company Vehicle seat with computer storage and work table
GB9909825D0 (en) 1998-09-08 1999-06-23 Airnet Global Holdings Limited Communications system for aircraft
US6392692B1 (en) * 1999-02-25 2002-05-21 David A. Monroe Network communication techniques for security surveillance and safety system
US6598227B1 (en) 1999-03-24 2003-07-22 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Vehicle entertainment system having multiple download channels
WO2000063806A1 (en) * 1999-04-19 2000-10-26 Brotherston David N Apparatus and method for providing products and services in a transport vehicle using a network of computers
US6424998B2 (en) * 1999-04-28 2002-07-23 World Theatre, Inc. System permitting the display of video or still image content on selected displays of an electronic display network according to customer dictates
US6549754B1 (en) 1999-05-25 2003-04-15 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Passenger entertainment system having downconverter control signals and power supplied over output cables
US6507952B1 (en) 1999-05-25 2003-01-14 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Passenger entertainment system providing live video/audio programming derived from satellite broadcasts
US6390920B1 (en) 1999-06-18 2002-05-21 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Vehicle entertainment system having seat controller cards programmed to operate as both browser and server
US6177887B1 (en) 1999-07-06 2001-01-23 George A. Jerome Multi-passenger vehicle catering and entertainment system
ATE395673T1 (en) 1999-07-06 2008-05-15 Swisscom Mobile Ag INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND CORRESPONDING COMMUNICATION PROCESS
US6493744B1 (en) * 1999-08-16 2002-12-10 International Business Machines Corporation Automatic rating and filtering of data files for objectionable content
US6684240B1 (en) * 1999-12-15 2004-01-27 Gateway, Inc. Method of setting parental lock levels based on example content
CN1783997A (en) * 1999-08-27 2006-06-07 诺基亚有限公司 Mobile multimedia terminal for digital video broadcast
US6529706B1 (en) * 1999-09-13 2003-03-04 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Aircraft satellite communications system for distributing internet service from direct broadcast satellites
US6693236B1 (en) 1999-12-28 2004-02-17 Monkeymedia, Inc. User interface for simultaneous management of owned and unowned inventory
US6974076B1 (en) * 2000-02-14 2005-12-13 Sony Corporation Portable music player with pay per play usage and method for purchase of credits for usage
US6618580B2 (en) * 2000-02-14 2003-09-09 Intel Corporation Apparatus and method for remotely powering-down a wireless transceiver
EP1139635A3 (en) * 2000-03-30 2004-10-20 Sony Corporation Content providing devices, methods and systems, program storage media, and content reservation control methods
US7587733B2 (en) * 2000-04-07 2009-09-08 Livetv, Llc Aircraft in-flight entertainment system providing weather information and associated methods
US6208307B1 (en) 2000-04-07 2001-03-27 Live Tv, Inc. Aircraft in-flight entertainment system having wideband antenna steering and associated methods
US6769010B1 (en) * 2000-05-11 2004-07-27 Howzone.Com Inc. Apparatus for distributing information over a network-based environment, method of distributing information to users, and method for associating content objects with a database wherein the content objects are accessible over a network communication medium by a user
US20030093798A1 (en) 2000-07-10 2003-05-15 Michael Rogerson Modular entertainment system configured for multiple broadband content delivery incorporating a distributed server
US6487540B1 (en) 2000-07-25 2002-11-26 In2M Corporation Methods and systems for electronic receipt transmission and management
US20060015904A1 (en) * 2000-09-08 2006-01-19 Dwight Marcus Method and apparatus for creation, distribution, assembly and verification of media
JPWO2002025984A1 (en) * 2000-09-20 2004-02-05 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Wireless information distribution system, wireless information distribution device, and portable wireless device
US20020046406A1 (en) * 2000-10-18 2002-04-18 Majid Chelehmal On-demand data system
US6970939B2 (en) * 2000-10-26 2005-11-29 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus for large payload distribution in a network
US6985588B1 (en) * 2000-10-30 2006-01-10 Geocodex Llc System and method for using location identity to control access to digital information
GB2371711B (en) * 2000-11-27 2004-07-07 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd A Server
US6600418B2 (en) 2000-12-12 2003-07-29 3M Innovative Properties Company Object tracking and management system and method using radio-frequency identification tags
JP2004533738A (en) * 2001-03-02 2004-11-04 カセンナ インコーポレイテッド A metadata-enabled push-pull model for efficiently distributing video content over networks with low latency
US20020160773A1 (en) * 2001-03-29 2002-10-31 Tenzing Communications, Inc. Communications systems for aircraft including wireless systems
US6507279B2 (en) 2001-06-06 2003-01-14 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation Complete integrated self-checkout system and method
US6990338B2 (en) 2001-06-11 2006-01-24 The Boeing Company Mobile wireless local area network and related methods
US7206367B1 (en) * 2001-07-10 2007-04-17 Sigmatel, Inc. Apparatus and method to synchronize multimedia playback over a network using out-of-band signaling
US6643510B2 (en) 2001-08-29 2003-11-04 The Boeing Company Mobile platform real time availability and content scheduling system and method
WO2003024085A2 (en) 2001-09-06 2003-03-20 Airia Inc. Method and system for providing an audio/video in-route entertainment system
US20030047647A1 (en) * 2001-09-07 2003-03-13 Poblete Daniel D. Bulkhead mounted LAN and wireless card distribution point
US6796495B2 (en) 2001-09-12 2004-09-28 The Boeing Company Seatback having removable interface for use in providing communication on-board a mobile platform
US20050039208A1 (en) * 2001-10-12 2005-02-17 General Dynamics Ots (Aerospace), Inc. Wireless data communications system for a transportation vehicle
US6637484B1 (en) 2001-10-31 2003-10-28 Kerri Kraft Mobile technology organizer handbag
US6899390B2 (en) 2001-12-12 2005-05-31 The Boeing Company Aircraft passenger seat and in-flight entertainment integrated electronics
MXPA04006108A (en) * 2001-12-21 2005-03-31 Thinking Pictures Inc Method, system and apparatus for media distribution and viewing verification.
US7690012B2 (en) * 2002-02-28 2010-03-30 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Positive parental control
US7116985B2 (en) * 2002-06-14 2006-10-03 Cingular Wireless Ii, Llc Method for providing location-based services in a wireless network, such as varying levels of services
EP1550312A2 (en) 2002-06-26 2005-07-06 Michael Rogerson Aircraft communication distribution system
US7103324B2 (en) 2002-10-16 2006-09-05 The Boeing Company Wireless data transmission in between seat rows in aircraft
US6876905B2 (en) * 2002-11-14 2005-04-05 System And Software Enterprises, Inc. Aircraft data transmission system for wireless communication of data between the aircraft and ground-based systems
US7769398B2 (en) 2002-11-15 2010-08-03 The Boeing Company Broadband wireless distribution system for mobile platform interior
US6920611B1 (en) * 2002-11-25 2005-07-19 Visa U.S.A., Inc. Method and system for implementing a loyalty merchant component
US8135773B2 (en) 2003-06-04 2012-03-13 Panasonic Avionics Corporation System and method for downloading files
US7474205B2 (en) 2004-03-24 2009-01-06 Richard Steven Trela Stand-off vehicle under-carriage inspection and detection system for deterring vehicle bombers from a safe stand-off distance

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6249913B1 (en) * 1998-10-09 2001-06-19 General Dynamics Ots (Aerospace), Inc. Aircraft data management system
US20020095680A1 (en) * 2001-01-12 2002-07-18 Davidson Robert J. Personal movie storage module
US20020178451A1 (en) * 2001-05-23 2002-11-28 Michael Ficco Method, system and computer program product for aircraft multimedia distribution
US20030003899A1 (en) * 2001-06-28 2003-01-02 Shigeru Tashiro Data broadcasting system, receiving terminal device, contents providing server, and contents providing method

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
IBENTHAL A ET AL: "MULTIMEDIA IM FAHRZEUG: DIENSTE UND TECHNIK" March 2000 (2000-03), FERNSEH UND KINOTECHNIK, VDE VERLAG GMBH. BERLIN, DE, PAGE(S) 100-105 , XP000966339 ISSN: 0015-0142 the whole document *

Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2008547325A (en) * 2005-06-23 2008-12-25 パナソニック・アビオニクス・コーポレイション System and method for providing searchable data transmission stream encryption
EP1972139A4 (en) * 2006-01-04 2011-12-28 Audiovox Corp Receiver and distribution unit for vehicle entertainment system
US8973061B2 (en) 2006-01-04 2015-03-03 Voxx International Corporation Data distribution unit for vehicle entertainment system
EP1972139A2 (en) * 2006-01-04 2008-09-24 Audiovox Corporation Receiver and distribution unit for vehicle entertainment system
US8713613B2 (en) 2006-01-04 2014-04-29 Voxx International Corporation Data distribution unit for vehicle entertainment system
US7974251B2 (en) 2006-10-11 2011-07-05 Marvell World Trade Ltd. Wireless networks for vehicles
US9119014B2 (en) 2006-10-11 2015-08-25 Marvell World Trade Ltd. Method and apparatus for supporting wireless communication in a vehicle
WO2008045324A2 (en) * 2006-10-11 2008-04-17 Marvell World Trade Ltd. Wireless network in a vehicle
US8605696B2 (en) 2006-10-11 2013-12-10 Marvell World Trade Ltd. Wireless networks for vehicles
WO2008045324A3 (en) * 2006-10-11 2008-07-24 Marvell World Trade Ltd Wireless network in a vehicle
WO2008156957A3 (en) * 2007-06-14 2009-05-07 Qualcomm Inc Wireless device caching data proxy
WO2008156957A2 (en) * 2007-06-14 2008-12-24 Qualcomm Incorporated Wireless device caching data proxy
US8787880B2 (en) 2007-06-14 2014-07-22 Omnitracs, Llc Wireless device caching data proxy
US9872154B2 (en) 2007-09-24 2018-01-16 Panasonic Avionics Corporation System and method for receiving broadcast content on a mobile platform during travel
WO2010065658A1 (en) * 2008-12-02 2010-06-10 System And Software Enterprises, Inc. Entertainment systems utilizing field replaceable storage units
US8667544B2 (en) 2008-12-02 2014-03-04 Systems And Software Enterprises, Llc Entertainment systems utilizing field replaceable storage units
US9015776B2 (en) 2008-12-02 2015-04-21 Systems And Software Enterprises, Llc Entertainment systems utilizing field replaceable storage units
WO2010118027A1 (en) * 2009-04-07 2010-10-14 Qualcomm Incorporated System and method for providing multiple user interfaces
WO2013075910A1 (en) * 2011-11-22 2013-05-30 Lufthansa Systems Ag Entertainment network for passengers in a means of transportation
CN103988517A (en) * 2011-11-22 2014-08-13 汉莎航空系统公开股份有限公司 Entertainment network for passengers in means of transportation

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1634454A2 (en) 2006-03-15
CA2527647A1 (en) 2005-01-06
JP2006527540A (en) 2006-11-30
US20050044564A1 (en) 2005-02-24
AU2004251677A1 (en) 2005-01-06
US8135773B2 (en) 2012-03-13
WO2005000437A3 (en) 2005-07-28
AU2004251677B2 (en) 2009-11-19
CA2527647C (en) 2013-09-03
US20120173667A1 (en) 2012-07-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2527647C (en) System and method for downloading files
KR101161046B1 (en) Portable media device and method for presenting viewing content during travel
US7984190B2 (en) System and method for managing content on mobile platforms
KR100855644B1 (en) Downloading different versions of media files based on a type of download link
US8949880B2 (en) Method and apparatus for interaction with hyperlinks in a television broadcast
US7974293B2 (en) Method and apparatus for transcrypting or transcoding content for a terminal within a vehicle
US20090094635A1 (en) System and Method for Presenting Advertisement Content on a Mobile Platform During Travel
US20010039659A1 (en) Transaction system for transporting media files from content provider sources to home entertainment devices
US20040006541A1 (en) Method and system for purchasing broadcast content
US20080189298A1 (en) Method and apparatus for wireless access to personalized multimedia at any location
US20030076963A1 (en) System integration for live-venue downloadable music
US20080106376A1 (en) Method and apparatus for purchasing content from a terminal within a vehicle
US8386126B2 (en) Method and apparatus for providing independent content to multiple terminals within a vehicle
US20080109558A1 (en) Method and apparatus for providing independent content to multiple terminals within a vehicle with modifiable playback stream features
US20210152629A1 (en) System and method for time-independent provision of electronic data available intermittently via a data network
Schumacher et al. Multimedia Entertainment: Vehicle Technology and Service Business Trends

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NA NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): BW GH GM KE LS MW MZ NA SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2527647

Country of ref document: CA

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2004251677

Country of ref document: AU

Ref document number: 2006515179

Country of ref document: JP

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2004754296

Country of ref document: EP

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2004251677

Country of ref document: AU

Date of ref document: 20040604

Kind code of ref document: A

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2004251677

Country of ref document: AU

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2004754296

Country of ref document: EP