Patent ID: 6177887
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: B64D,G06Q,H04N

Abstract:
An integrated electronic information system for a vehicle having passengers in respective seats, comprising;(a) a central computer comprising a central processing unit, a display device, a data input device, a local data storage device, a removable data storage device, and a printer; and(b) a data transmission system comprising;(1) a multiplexer/demultiplexer connected to said computer, said multiplexer/demultiplexer capable of combining data signals from a central processing unit for transmission to other system parts, and capable of separating signals received from other system parts; and(2) a modulator/demodulator connected to said multiplexer/demultiplexer capable of encoding said data signals on a carrier and capable of recovering said data signals from said carrier; and(3) an interconnect cable comprising a primary cable and a system of interconnect cables connected to said modulator/demodulator and capable of transmitting electrical impulses or signals along its path; and(4) a modulator/demodulator connected to said interconnect cable capable of encoding said data signals on said carrier and capable of recovering said data signals from said carrier; and(5) at least one passenger-seat multiplexer/demultiplexer connected to said modulator/demodulator and capable of combining data signals for encoding on said modulator/demodulator, and capable of separating signals from said modulator/demodulator; and(c) at least one passenger seat computer connected to said passenger seat multiplexer/demultiplexer, said passenger seat computer comprising processing electronics, a display device, an input device or a plurality of input devices, and a local data storage device; and(d) an audio/video signal demodulator device connected to said passenger seat multiplexer/demultiplexer, and capable of discriminating between audio, video, and data signals from an output signal from said passenger seat multiplexer/demultiplexer; and(e) an audio listening device connected to said audio/video signal demodulator; and a video viewing device connected to said audio/video signal demodulator,whereby said integrated electronic information system can gather information from a multitude of passengers without requiring time or effort from a cabin attendant, provide to passengers a multitude of information useful or necessary to the passenger without requiring cabin attendant involvement, and provide entertainment and diversion for passengers to relieve boredom and lessen possible confrontations between passengers and cabin attendants.