Abstract:
An aircraft cabin management system that provides passengers and crew with a number of entertainment and productivity enhancing options. Such options include, without limitation, audio, video, control and status of aircraft data systems and electro-mechanical devices. Located proximate to each seat and in various other strategic locations throughout the cabin is a control unit that acts as the primary means of passenger and crew interaction with the cabin management system. Using a multi-cast distribution methodology, over wired or wireless distribution, allows for an unlimited number of clients to have access to each available audio/video program. This allows the system to be fully scalable from a small 4 seat mobile platform to a large 800+ seat mobile platform. While particularly drawn to aircraft, the cabin management system is also applicable to other venues that have identifiable seating locations such as buses, passenger ships, hotels and auditoriums.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     This invention relates to a system for controlling and managing the control of devices on a mobile platform to a plurality of users, for example, passengers on-board a private or business aircraft.  
         [0003]     2. Description of Related/Prior Art  
         [0004]     In some audio system embodiments, an audio playback apparatus housed on-board the aircraft reproduces audio programs from optical compact discs (CDs) and/or magnetic audio tapes. The multiple audio programs are converted from digital (on the disc) to analog and then converted back to digital for transmission to individual seat locations or to cabin speakers where a desired audio channel may be selected by passengers or crew.  
         [0005]     In some video system embodiments, multi-channel video is similarly available. Multi-channel video is provided by a method analogous to multi-channel audio. A plurality of video programs, either DVD or magnetic tape, are played and their analog outputs are digitally encoded and then transmitted to individual seat locations and bulkhead monitors as selected by passengers or crew.  
         [0006]     In addition, in private and corporate/business jets, cabin crew and passengers also have the ability to control the cabin temperature and lighting systems.  
         [0007]     Traditionally this could amount to hundreds of items being installed into the aircraft to fulfill these functions. Currently, the systems described above are heavy, displace a large volume of space in the aircraft and degrade audio and video quality by going through many conversions of analog to digital to analog to digital to analog.  
         [0008]     There remains, therefore, a need for a cabin management and entertainment system with sufficient flexibility to support and integrate the entertainment and data needs of passengers, and address the system weight and volume constraints of the aircraft manufacturers, both for the present and the future.  
         [0009]     3. Objects and Advantages  
         [0010]     Accordingly, several objects and advantages of our invention are:  
         [0000]     Our CMS provides the truest reproduction to the user of the originally encoded audio and video content when compared to our digital CMS systems.  
         [0000]     Our CMS provides the greatest flexibility with regard to system installation options.  
         [0000]     The highly integrated nature of our CMS allows it to have the lightest weight, displace the least volume and have the fewest box count of any similar such system.  
         [0011]     These features combine to allow aircraft to travel further and to cost less to operate by reducing fuel consumption. It also allows more space within the passenger cabin by displacing less volume than traditional systems. Additionally, with fewer boxes to maintain the system reliability increases while the cost to maintain decreases.  
         [0000]     Further objects and advantages of our invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.  
         [0012]     4. Brief Summary of Invention  
         [0013]     The invention, a cabin management and entertainment system, provides passengers with audio and/or video entertainment options and also controls the cabin environment such as temperature and lighting. Additionally, other aircraft systems, like portable water and waste water, can be monitored and their status provided to the crew.  
         [0014]     With regard to audio and video entertainment the CMS Cabin Control Unit includes a plurality of internal DVD/CD optical drives, internal digital memory card readers external analog audio and video inputs, external digital audio and video inputs and associated control mechanisms.  
         [0015]     The audio and video distribution is multicast using Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) standards.  
         [0016]     Using a multi-cast distribution methodology, over wired or wireless distribution, allows for an unlimited number of clients to have access to each available audio/video program. The bandwidth utilization of one person viewing a movie or 1,000 people watching the identical movie is the same. This allows the system to be fully scalable from a small  4  seat mobile platform to a large 800+ seat mobile platform.  
         [0017]     In order to conserve bandwidth in a wireless system, the multicast audio/video is not transmitted beyond the Wireless Access Point unless there is a client that has requested this content. For example, if there are 5 operating video channels (3 DVD&#39;s playing plus a moving map video plus an input from an external video camera), and if there are only 2 clients on-board viewing video, a maximum of two of the above 5 video sources would actually be being transmitted through the Wireless Access Point, thereby increasing the overall video quality. Because, as the number of transmitted video channels goes down the available bandwidth for each goes up which allows more information within each video signal to be transmitted.  
         [0018]     Typical audio functional path: 
        Audio content is available from a variety of sources including: 
            CD/DVD installed in one of the optical drive bays     MP3 audio via the MP3 card reader     External analog audio sources    
            All of the audio sources are encoded, placed on a data channel per the configuration requirement of the user and sent to either the Data Switch Unit for wired distribution throughout the cabin or to the Wireless Access Point for Wireless distribution or to both.     The Passenger Control Unit will receive the signal and decode it from its digital form and convert it to analog and route it to the passenger&#39;s headset.     If the audio is to be presented on the cabin speakers, the audio will be decoded by the Audio/Video Decoder Unit and sent to the cabin audio amplifier.     Essentially the audio remains in digital format until it reaches its destination where it is then converted to analog and presented to the passengers.        
 
         [0027]     Typical bulkhead video functional path: 
        Multiple sources of Video are possible, DVD players, Moving map video content, etc.     In the case of a DVD, the digital video is transcoded from the DVD-Video Object (VOB) files MPEG2 format to MPEG4 and is sent to the Data Switch and/or wireless access point for distribution to the Audio/Video Decoder Units (VDU).     The VDU will decode the video and send it to the monitors for display.     Video channel selection for the bulkhead monitor can be made via: 
            Flight Attendant Control Panel (local and/or remote)     Passenger Control Unit (PCU)     Remote Control Unit (if the option is installed)&gt;   
            Essentially the video remains in digital format until it reaches its destination where it is then converted to a signal viewable to the passengers.        
 
         [0036]     Typical In-Seat video functional path: 
        Multiple sources of Video are possible, DVD players, Moving map video content, etc.     In the case of a DVD, the digital video is transcoded from the VOB files MPEG2 format to MPEG4 and is sent to the Data Switch and/or wireless access point for distribution to the Passenger Control Units.     The Passenger Control Units will decode the video and send it to the monitor for display.     Video channel selection for the in-seat monitor can be made via: 
            Passenger Control Unit     Flight Attendant Control Panel (can force all monitors to play the same video program)&gt;   
            Essentially the video remains in digital format until it reaches its destination where it is then converted to a signal viewable to the passengers. 
 
 4.1 System Overview 
       
 
         [0044]     The backbone of this system is an Internet Protocol (IP) based network that supports multiple dissimilar data traffic such as: 
        Multi-channel Video     Multi-channel Audio     Internet Protocol (IP) Telephony     Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)     Environmental Controls     Cabin Controls (lighting, window shades, other)     Passenger Local Area Network 
            For Internet and Intranet    
            System status monitoring, etc.        
 
         [0054]     The CMS system is designed for maximum flexibility and can accommodate either an installation that is predominantly wired in nature or wireless depending upon its final application and functionality required in the aircraft cabin.  
         [0000]     4.2 General  
         [0055]     The CMS can interface to the following standard equipment, if installed: 
        Satellite Radio System     Satellite Television System     Off-Aircraft Communication Systems 
            Satellite Communication System (SATCOM) 
                For example: Inmarsat or Iridium    
                Terrestrial based systems 
                For example: North American Telephone System (NATS)&gt;   
               
            Cabin Lighting     Cabin Temperature Controllers     Cabin Audio System     Water Level Indicators     Window Shade and Door Controllers     The CMS can be implemented with virtually any custom interface required within the aircraft 
 
 4.3 Level of Integration 
       
 
         [0069]     The CMS is the most highly integrated system available. It follows a modular concept integrating several subsystems, (e.g. Moving Map, CD/DVD players, etc.), that normally require separate Line Replaceable Units (LRUs).  
         [0070]     The CMS provides numerous integration benefits, such as: 
        Smallest form factor in the industry     Lightest weight     Smallest system volume     Minimal number of wires     Minimal operating costs     Minimal number of LRUs     Maximum interchangeability     Thorough built-in-test capability     Ease of Installation 
 
 4.4 System Features 
       
 
         [0080]     The CMS has an extensive feature set including: 
        Customized bezels and panels can be made to match the aircraft interior     Bright, high-resolution LCD control displays     Intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI)     Low end-item parts count     Customizable enunciator and cabin control switch panels     Low power consumption     Reduced maintenance     No forced aircraft provided air cooling is required     GUI is reconfigurable to support customer changes     Integrated source equipment 
            Multiple DVD players     MP3 memory card reader available     Optional Integrated Moving Map    
            Flight Attendant Call/Chime     Optional Support for external equipment interfaces 
            Apple iPOD interface (Audio, Control and Power/Recharge)     3rd party analog sources 
                External viewing cameras     Personal camcorders     Video Cassette Recorders/Players (VCR)     CD Players     MP3 Player    
                Satellite Radio     Satellite TV    
            Optional Boarding Music     PA Keyline interface to pause A/V content     Optional Macro commands to set cabin mood and ambience with a single button     The GUI on each of the display controls is field loadable which allows for a minimal number of hardware part numbers.        
 
     
    
     DRAWINGS/LIST OF FIGURES  
       [0109]     A note about the included figures:  
         [0110]     The figures included herein show system installations on an 8-seat vehicle. This is for ease of description and is not meant to restrict or otherwise limit the application of the invention to a specific number of seats.  
         [0111]      FIG. 1  Simplified Block Diagram of the Audio/Video distribution in a wireless configuration for an 8-seat installation  
         [0112]      FIG. 2  Simplified Audio/Video Data Flow (Wireless)  
         [0113]      FIG. 3  Simplified Block Diagram of the Audio/Video distribution in a wired configuration for an 8-seat installation  
         [0114]      FIG. 4  Simplified Audio/Video Data Flow (Wired)  
         [0115]      FIG. 5  Simplified Audio/Video Data Software Flowchart  
         [0116]      FIG. 6  Cabin Control Unit  
         [0117]      FIG. 7  Cabin Control Unit Block Diagram  
         [0118]      FIG. 8  Cabin Control Unit Encoder/Transcoder Card Block Diagram  
         [0119]      FIG. 9  Cabin Control Unit I/O Card Block Diagram  
         [0120]      FIG. 10  Flight Attendant Control Panel Block Diagram  
         [0121]      FIG. 11  Single Switch Panel Block Diagram  
         [0122]      FIG. 12  Common Receiver Unit  
         [0123]      FIG. 13  Data Switch Unit Block Diagram  
         [0124]      FIG. 14  Wireless Access Point Block Diagram  
         [0125]      FIG. 15  Optical Drive Bay Block Diagram 
     
    
     DRAWINGS  
     List of Reference Numbers  
       [0126]     The reference numbers use 3 or 4 digit numerals.  
         [0127]     The first 1 or 2 digits=the figure number and the second 2 digits indicate the part number  
       ITEM NOMENCLATURE  
       [0000]    
       
           102  Cabin Control Unit (CCU)  
           104  Flight Attendant Control Panel  
           106  CCU Optical Drive Bay  
           108  Passenger Control Unit (PCU): Wireless  
           110  In-Seat Video Recepticle  
           112  Audio Headset Analog  
           114  Wireless Access Point (WAP)  
           116  Wireless Access Point Antennas  
           118  Cabin Switch Panel (CSP): Wireless  
           120  Single Switch Panel  
           122  AudioNideo Decoder Unit (VDU): Wireless  
           124  Cabin Bulkhead Monitor  
           126  Cabin Audio Amplifier  
           128  Enunciator Panel Wireless  
           130  Remote Control Unit  
           302  Passenger Control Unit (PCU): Wired  
           304  Data Switch Unit  
           306  Cabin Switch Panel (CSP): Wired  
           308  AudioNideo Decoder Unit (VDU): Wired  
           310  Enunciator Panel: Wired  
           602  CCU cPCI Card Cage  
           604  CCU Cooling Fans  
           606  CCU Power Supply  
           610  CCU Hard Drive  
           612  CCU Main Processor Card  
           614  CCU Avionics i/o Card  
           616  Processor Card for Moving Map Option  
           618  CCU Encoder/Transcoder Card  
           620  CCU Environmental Controller Card  
           622  CCU Main Power Input  
           624  Ethernet Ports  
           626  USB 2.0, USB 1.1 and +12 Vdc Power Connector  
           630  External Optical Drive Bay Connector  
           632  CCU cPCI Backplane  
           634  CCU Chassis  
           636  Optical Disk Drive  
           638  Memory Card Reader  
           640  CCU Fan Control Logic  
           642  Flight Attendant Call Chime Speaker  
           644  CCU Power Out Circuit Breaker  
           646  Hard Drive for Moving Map Option  
           802  CCU Encoder/Transcoder Card: Computer-on-Module  
           814  CCU Encoder/Transcoder Card: Input Connector  
           906  IndustryPack (I.P.) Module Interface  
           1032  Flight Attendant Control Panel: Display &amp; Touch-Screen  
           1202  Common Receiver Unit: Computer-on-Module  
           1204  Common Receiver Unit: Display  
           1206  Common Receiver Unit: Touch-Screen  
           1210  Common Receiver Unit: Hard-Switch (Optional)  
           1214  Common Receiver Unit: Local Relays  
           1222  PCU: Power Out for Noise Cancelling Headset  
           1226  Common Receiver Unit: Analog Audio Output  
           1228  PCU: Hard-Volume Control (Optional)  
           1232  Common Receiver Unit: Radio  
           1236  Common Receiver Unit: Antenna  
           1238  PCU USB Port  
           1302  Data Switch Unit: Power Supply  
           1304  Data Switch Unit: Multi-Port Ethernet Switch  
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     Preferred Embodiment (Wireless)  
       [0186]     As the cabin Management and Entertainment System is comprised of multiple units, each unit will be described in turn.  
         [0187]      FIG. 1  illustrates the general system interconnects for an 8-seat configuration and should be used as the overall reference for this section.  
         [0000]     Cabin Control Unit  
         [0188]      FIG. 6  shows the elements that make up the Cabin Control Unit (CCU).  
         [0189]     Physical Assembly: 
        The CCU  102  is based around a modular rack concept provided by Compact Peripheral Component Interconnect (cPCI).     It contains a plurality of cPCI circuit cards of a type and function dependent on the final configuration of the system. See  FIG. 6  for an example.     At a minimum, the CCU would contain the following cards: 
            One Main Processor Card  612      At least one Encoder/Transcoder Card  618      At least one Environmental Controller Card  620     
            Power Supply  606  
            cPCI Card Cage  602  and cPCI Backplane  632     
               
 
         [0198]     A chassis  634  houses a 3U nine slot cPCI card cage  602  and cPCI backplane  632 . A hard drive  610  is mounted to the cPCI card cage  602  and connects to a main processor card  612  through the cPCI backplane  632 . A Flight Attendant Control Panel  104  attaches to the chassis  634  and connects to the main processor card  612  through the cPCI backplane  632 . Cards that give functionality to the system  612 ,  614 ,  616 ,  618  and  620  are inserted into the cPCI card cage  602  and are thereby plugged into the backplane  632 .  
         [0199]     An optical Drive Bay  106  houses two optical drives  636   a  &amp;  636   b  and a computer memory card reader  638 . Reference  FIG. 15 . The Optical Drive bay is also housed within the chassis  634 . A power supply  606  converts the input power to the necessary voltages and currents.  
         [0200]     A remote optical drive assembly connector  630  is mounted on the rear of the chassis  634  and is used to provide an interface between the Encoder/Transcoder cards  618  and an externally mounted Optical Drive bay  106  if installed.  
         [0201]     Cooling fans  604   a  and  604   b  are located on the bottom of chassis  634 , while the fan control logic  640  is mounted to the backplane  632 .  
         [0202]     Two Ethernet connection ports  624   a  &amp;  624   b  are mounted on the rear of the chassis  634  and provide the interface to external devices from the Avionics I/O card  614  via the backplane  632 .  
         [0203]     The Ethernet ports  624   a  and  624   b  are Radiall 96-0132-048.  
         [0204]     A connector  626  is mounted on the rear of chassis  634  and is connected to the Avionics I/O card  614  via the backplane  632  to carry USB 2.0. It is also connected to the main processor card  612  via the backplane  632  to carry USB 1.1 and is further connected to the power supply to provide +12 Vdc out to peripherals.  
         [0205]     A main power input  622  is mounted on the rear of chassis  634  and is connected to power supply  606 .  
         [0206]     Flight Attendant Chime Speaker  642  is mounted to the Flight Attendant Control Panel  104  and is also connected to Control Panel  104  audio output.  
         [0207]     External 12 Vdc output from the power supply  606  is connected to circuit breaker  644  which is in turn connected to external optical drive connector  630  and connector  626 .  
         [0208]      FIG. 7  illustrates how the various modules and components within the CCU  102  are interconnected.  
         [0000]     Cabin Control Unit Main Processor Card Description  
         [0209]      FIG. 6  card  612  shows the Main Processor card. This card is an industry standard 3U cPCI computer card and can contain various types of processors, I/O, memory and other interfaces. There are many manufactures of these types of computer cards. The card we selected for our application is the Kontron CP306, however many different cards could work in this application.  
         [0000]     Cabin Control Unit Encoder/Transcoder Card Description  
         [0210]      FIG. 8  card  618  shows the Encoder/Transcoder card. This card is built to conform to the industry standard 3U cPCI form factor.  
         [0211]     A computer-on-module  802  is an industry standard ETX form factor computer card and can contain various types of processors, I/O, memory and other interfaces. There are many manufactures of these types of computer cards. The card we selected for our application is the Kontron ETX-PM, however many different cards could work in this application.  
         [0212]     General sub-modules, signal inputs and signal outputs for this card are clearly shown.  
         [0000]     Cabin Control Unit Avionics I/O Card Description  
         [0213]      FIG. 9  card  614  shows the Avionics input/output card. This card is built to conform to the industry standard 3U cPCI form factor.  
         [0214]     IP Module interface  906  is the mating half to numerous industry standard IP Modules which are utilized for various input/output interfaces such as ARINC429 communication.  
         [0215]     General sub-modules, signal inputs and signal outputs for this card are clearly shown.  
         [0000]     Cabin Control Unit Environmental Controller Card Description  
         [0216]      FIG. 33  card  620  shows the Environmental Controller card. This card is built to conform to the industry standard 3U cPCI form factor.  
         [0217]     General sub-modules, signal inputs and signal outputs for this card are clearly shown.  
         [0000]     Wireless Access Point Description  
         [0218]      FIG. 14  shows a Wireless Access Point  114   
         [0219]     This is an industry standard Wireless Access Point with the capability of interfacing with two to four external antennas  116 .  
         [0220]     General sub-modules, signal inputs and signal outputs for this unit are clearly shown.  
         [0221]      FIG. 12  shows Common Receiver Unit circuitry for Passenger Control Unit  108 , Cabin Switch Panel  118 , Audio/Video Decoder Unit  122 , Enunciator Panel  128  and Remote Control Unit  130 .  
         [0222]     Computer-on-module  1202  can be any one of a variety of common circuit boards of this type.  
         [0223]     For our application we are using a Compulab CM-X270, however many different cards could work in this application.  
         [0224]     General sub-modules, signal inputs and signal outputs used in each variant of this entity are clearly shown. The list of which module is used in each variant is shown in the Module Application Matrix also in  FIG. 12 .  
         [0000]     Single Switch Panel  
         [0225]      FIG. 11  shows the block diagram for the Single Switch Panel  120 .  
         [0226]     General sub-modules, signal inputs and signal outputs for this module are clearly shown.  
         [0000]     Flight Attendant Control Panel  
         [0227]      FIG. 10  shows the block diagram for the Flight Attendant Control Panel  104 .  
         [0228]     General sub-modules, signal inputs and signal outputs for this module are clearly shown.  
       OPERATION OF INVENTION  
     Preferred Embodiment (Wireless)  
       [0229]     5. Wireless System Overview  
         [0230]     The CMS can be configured for wireless Audio/Video distribution. In this embodiment the Passenger Control Units (PCU)  108 , Cabin Switch Panels (CSP)  118 , Enunciator Panel  128 , Remote Control Unit  130  and Audio/Video Decoder Units (VDU)  122  communicate with the Cabin Control Unit (CCU)  102  via the Wireless Access Point  114  over an IEEE802.11 (WiFi) radio network. The environmental controls remain as wired interfaces to the lighting, heating/cooling systems, window shade control and other such systems.  
         [0000]     5.1 Audio Distribution (wireless)  
         [0231]     See  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 .  
         [0232]     Audio distribution is accomplished using a multicast network and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) standards.  
         [0233]     The network distributes encoded digital audio data from a variety of source equipment to a plurality of clients where it is decoded and presented to the user.  
         [0234]     Typical audio functional path: 
        Audio content is available from a variety of sources including: 
            MP3 CD/Audio CD/DVD installed in one of the optical drive bays  706      MP3 audio via the MP3 card reader  708      External analog audio sources connected through input  814     
            All of the audio sources are encoded  618 , channelized per the configuration requirement of the user  612  and processed for Forward Error Correction  802  and then sent to the Wireless Access Point  114  where the data streams terminate until such time as the WAP  114  receives a stream request from a PCU  108 , Remote Control  130  or Flight Attendant Control Panel  104 . 
            After a stream request is received the WAP  114  broadcasts the stream throughout the cabin for any PCU or VDU to receive.    
            The Passenger Control Unit  108  will receive the signal  1232  and decode it from its digital form and convert it to analog  1202  and route it  1226  to the passenger&#39;s headset  112 .     If the audio is to be presented on the cabin speakers, the audio will be received by and decoded by the audio/video decoder unit  122  and sent to the cabin audio amplifier  126 .     External audio signals follow a similar path entering the system at  814  and then following the path as previously described.        
 
         [0244]     A note about channelization, channelization is merely the manner in which the audio content has been stored. A file directory structure by genre such as Rock, Country, Jazz with the types of music files stored in them will have these genre titles appear in the GUI menus of the PCU  108 , Control Panel  104  and Remote Control  130 . If the file directory is structured by album name or artist name at the root level, then those descriptors would show up as channels on the PCU  108 , Control Panel  104  and Remote Control  130 .  
         [0000]     5.2 Video Distribution (Wireless)  
         [0245]     See  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 .  
         [0246]     Decoding of the audio and video content is built into the Passenger Control Units (PCU)  108  and Audio/Video Decoder Unit (VDU)  122 . For in-seat video, the Video Port  110  is wired from the PCU.  
         [0000]     5.2.1 Bulkhead Video  
         [0247]     Typical bulkhead video functional path: 
        Multiple sources of Video are possible including: 
            DVD players  636 , Moving map  616 , etc.     External analog video sources such as wing camera&#39;s connected through input  814     
            In the case of a DVD, the digital video is read from drive  636  and carried over USB to Encoder/Transcoder card  618  where it is transcoded from MPEG2 to MPEG4 and is processed for Forward Error Correction  802  and then sent to the Wireless Access Point  114  where the data streams terminate until such time as the WAP  114  receives a stream request from Passenger Control Unit  108  or Remote Control Unit  130  
            After a stream request is received the WAP  114  broadcasts the stream throughout the cabin for any PCU  108  or VDU  122  to receive.    
            The Video Decoder Units  122  will decode the video and send it to the monitors  124  for display.     Video channel selection for each bulkhead monitor can be made via: 
            Flight Attendant Control Panel  104      Passenger Control Unit  108  
                Typically only one PCU per aircraft has the functionality to control the cabin monitors enabled.    
                Remote Control Unit  130     
            External video signals follow a similar path entering the system at  814  and then following the path as previously described. 
 
 5.2.2 In-Seat Video 
       
 
         [0260]     Typical In-Seat video functional path: 
        Multiple sources of Video are possible including: 
            DVD players  636 , Moving map  616 , etc.     External analog video sources such as wing camera&#39;s connected through input  814     
            In the case of a DVD, the digital video is read from drive  636  and carried over USB to Encoder/Transcoder card  618  where it is transcoded from MPEG2 to MPEG4 and is processed for Forward Error Correction  802  and then sent to the Wireless Access Point  114  where the data streams terminate until such time as the WAP  114  receives a stream request from a PCU  108 . 
            After a stream request is received the WAP  114  broadcasts the stream throughout the cabin for any PCU  108  or VDU  122  to receive.    
            The Passenger Control Units  108  will decode the video and send it to the video port  110  where the monitor is plugged in.     Video channel selection for the in-seat monitor can be made via: 
            Passenger Control Unit  108      Flight Attendant Control Panel  104  
                The Flight Attendant Control Panel  104  can also command all monitors to simultaneously play the same video program    
               
            External video signals follow a similar path entering the system at  814  and then following the path as previously described. 
 
 5.2.3 AudioNideo Software Data Flow 
       
 
         [0272]      FIG. 5  illustrates the general software flow of the audio/video content and how it gets from its source state to a state that can be broadcast through the wireless system.  
         [0000]     5.3 Command Control Flow (Wireless)  
         [0273]     Icons and text are presented to the user via the PCU  108  display  1204 . The user either presses on the touch-screen  1206  or presses one of the optional hard-switches  1210  or optional volume controls  1228 . The processor  1202  then evaluates the command and determines what action to take. With regard to audio and video channel selection, the processor  1202  sends an IP address request, which corresponds to the channel that the user wants, to the WAP  114  which in turn broadcasts the stream throughout the cabin for any PCU  108  or VDU  122  to receive.  
         [0274]     With regard to audio volume control, this is handled locally by the processor  1202  in response to user input.  
         [0275]     With regard to cabin environmental commands, the user presses the touch-screen  1206  or optional hard-switch  1210  then the processor  1202  sends a corresponding command to the CCU  102  via the WAP  114  to alert the Main Processor  612  as to which icon or text was selected by the user. The main processor then forwards a command on to the appropriate Controller Card  620  which then operates the appropriate relay or potentiometer or other mechanism to carry out the users command.  
         [0276]     With regard to local lighting or electrical device control, PCU  108  is equipped with two independent relays  1214  for operating devices in close proximity to the PCU  108 .  
         [0277]     Additionally, icons and text are presented to the user via the Control Panel  104 . The processor  1026  then evaluates the command and determines what action to take. With regard to cabin audio and video channel selection, the processor  1026  sends a command to the appropriate VDU  122  to change their output state to the desired channel. The VDU then issues an IP address request, which corresponds to the channel that was selected, to the WAP  114  which in turn broadcasts the stream throughout the cabin for any PCU  108  or VDU  122  to receive it.  
         [0278]     With regard to cabin environmental commands, the user presses the touch-screen  1032  then the processor  1026  sends a corresponding command to the main processor  612  via USB to alert the Main Processor as to which icon or text was selected by the user. The main processor then forwards a command on to the appropriate Controller Card  620  which then operates the appropriate relay or potentiometer or other mechanism to carry out the users command.  
         [0279]     Also, icons and text are presented to the user via the Cabin Switch Panel  118 . The processor  1202  then evaluates the command and determines what action to take. With regard to cabin audio and video channel selection, the processor  1202  sends a command to the appropriate VDU  122  to change their output state to the desired channel. The VDU then issues an IP address request, which corresponds to the channel that was selected, to the WAP  114  which in turn broadcasts the stream throughout the cabin for any PCU  108  or VDU  122  to receive it.  
         [0280]     With regard to cabin environmental commands, the user presses the touch-screen  1206  then the processor  1202  sends a corresponding command to the CCU  102  via the WAP  114  to alert the Main Processor as to which icon or text was selected by the user. The main processor then forwards a command on to the appropriate Controller Card  620  which then operates the appropriate relay or potentiometer or other mechanism to carry out the users command.  
         [0281]     With regard to local lighting or electrical device control, CSP  118  is equipped with two independent relays  1214  for operating devices in close proximity to the CSP  118 .  
         [0000]     5.4 System Components (Wireless)  
         [0000]     5.4.1 Cabin Control Unit  
         [0282]     The Cabin Control Unit  102  is a complete Audio/Video distribution unit including source equipment all integrated in one small, light weight and attractive unit. All Audio/Video content is multicast on encoded data streams capable of supporting a virtually limitless number of clients and seats.  
         [0283]     Some of the features include: 
        May include a plurality of optical drives  636  fully integrated into the front panel 
             FIG. 15  shows the block diagram of how signals are routed from the device.    
            May include one MP3 Card Reader  638  fully integrated into the front panel     All DVD/CD digital content is directly transcoded to MPEG4—never converted to analog then back to digital thus providing the highest quality signal     All basic program memory is oh solid state memory modules increasing reliability     Preferred embodiment is 2 Encoder/Transcoder cards which provide 2 A/V inputs each for a total of 4 A/V channels. In the basic configuration: 
            Two are typically used for the CD/DVD players  706      One is typically used for the MP3 Card Reader  708      One can be used for other analog Audio/Video inputs  814     
            Full built-in-test and diagnostic tools     Preferred embodiment is with 2 environmental controller cards  620  for Integrated Cabin and Environmental Controls 
            Reference  FIG. 33 , each of the two Environmental Controller Card  620  provides: 
                8 Power Relays (5 Amp)(28 Vdc/115 Vac)     16 Power Relays (2 Amp)(28 Vdc/115 Vac)     2 Digitally Controlled Potentiometers     4 Digitally Controlled Reference Voltages     16 Discrete Inputs     16 Open Collector Outputs (400 ma)     8 PWM Control Circuits 
 
 5.4.1.1 Flight Attendant Control Panel 
   
               
               
 
         [0303]     Flight Attendant Control Panel  104  consists of a display with a touch-screen overlay, typically 7″ widescreen. The Flight Attendant Control Panel interface to the user is via display  1032  presenting the Graphical User Interface (GUI).  
         [0304]     Typical functions that are selectable via the touch-screen interface include but are not limited to: 
        Cabin services control 
            Temperature control     Cabin Lighting     Reading lights     Table lights     Window Shades    
            Entertainment 
            Audio control     Video control    
            Maintenance status and test     Macro Commands        
 
         [0316]     Sometimes it is desirable to have several functions activated by a single command. For example, if there is a switch labeled “Theatre” it could simultaneously lower the window shades, dim the lights, tune the video monitors to a specific video channel, tune the cabin audio speakers to a specific audio channel and start the video program. Any combination of commands can be activated by a single switch press via macro commands in the system. Macro commands can be implemented on any control device in the CMS including the Flight Attendant Control Panel  104 , the Passenger Control Units  108 , and the Cabin Switch Panels  118 .  
         [0000]     5.4.1.2 CCU Environmental and Lighting Control  
         [0317]     The Cabin Control Unit (CCU)  102  provides a variety of lighting and environmental control features including: 
        Controls for lamps and mood lights     Lighting status commands can be displayed on the flight attendant control panel  104      Control of cabin temperature     Control of electrical and electronic window shades     Control of any electrical or motorized device in the passenger cabin        
 
         [0323]     The typical command flow for lighting or environmental control is: 
        Passenger selects a command from their PCU  108 . For Example: “Cabin Light ON”    The PCU sends the command over the wireless network to the Wireless Access Point  114  which in turn forwards the command to the Cabin Control Unit  102 .     The Cabin Control Ethernet Switch  926  sends the command to the main processor  612  for interpretation     The main processor sends a command to the appropriate Environmental Control Card  620  and the appropriate relay that drives the particular circuit is enabled for the desired function. For example: Cabin Light “ON” Circuit is energized.     The Cabin Light then turns ON.     Other lighting commands and temperature commands are handled in similar fashion.     There are several different types of circuits being controlled. For example some types include but are not limited to: 
            ON/OFF     ON/OFF/DIM     ON/OFF/Progressive DIM     Pulse Width Modulated     Variable Voltage     Variable Resistance 
 
 5.4.2 Wireless Access Point (WAP) 
   
               
 
         [0337]     The WAP  114  shown in  FIG. 14  is a small form factor and low power wireless access point for use with the CMS. It is designed to be powered by the Cabin Control Unit  102  and is connected via 624 on the back of the CCU  102 . For optimal performance the WAP utilizes two patch antennas  116 .  
         [0338]     Features: 
        Power and data are provided by the Cabin Control Unit via Power over Ethernet (PoE)  624  to facilitate easy installation     Dual radio modules  1404  allow for up to two independent wireless networks to operate simultaneously     Each radio module has dual antenna connections to incorporate redundant antenna processing technology and to increase bandwidth     Supports all standard encryption methods for enhancing network security     Radio modules  1404  are industry standard mini-PCI form factor and may be easily upgraded in the future to take advantage of new wireless standards 
 
 5.4.3 Single Switch Panel 
       
 
         [0344]      FIG. 11 , Single Switch Panel  120  is a compact, versatile and easily customizable Single Switch Panel (SSP). It is primarily designed for locations where only a single switch function is desirable, such as toilet flush or entry-way lighting. This switch is not typically connected to be under the control of the network but it can optionally be wired to provide switch status information to the Cabin Control Unit. The unit display  1102  utilizes the latest advances in display technology which could include an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) color screen for brilliant graphics and high visibility/legibility.  
         [0000]     5.4.3.1 SSP Features  
         [0345]     Features: 
        User interface graphic is quickly loaded via USB 2.0     Unit provides for an “ON” graphic as well as an “OFF” graphic.     Any graphic, any language, any image can be used as a GUI button     1 or 2 Power Relays (2 Amp)(28 Vdc/115 Vac) 
 
 5.4.3.2 AudioNideo Decoder Unit (VDU) (Wireless) 
       
 
         [0350]     See  FIG. 12 .  
         [0351]     The VDU is a compact Audio/Video Decoder Unit (VDU) that is used to provide audio and/or video to external equipment.  
         [0352]     Features: 
        Compact size allows the unit to be easily installed     Stereo Audio outputs for both Left and Right Channels     Video output can be composite video or VGA     Can drive video to any bulkhead monitor of any size     NTSC and PAL video formats are supported 
 
 5.5 Remote Control Unit (RCU) 
       
 
         [0358]     See  FIG. 12 .  
         [0359]     The RCU is a compact, versatile and easily customizable Remote Control for the CMS. This unit allows control of any cabin function connected to the network such as; lighting and environmental control systems, audio &amp; video source equipment and channel selections for cabin monitors and speakers. The RCU uses the same base hardware and display as the PCU. The PCU is re-packaged into a portable housing, a battery pack is added and the headset Jack is removed, thereby creating an RCU. With this unique feature the GUI can be identical to the PCU thereby simplifying the user experience.  
       DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT (WIRED)  
       [0360]     6. Wired System Overview  
         [0361]     The CMS can be configured for wired Audio/Video distribution. In this configuration the Passenger Control Units (PCU)  302 , Cabin Switch Panels (CSP)  306 , Audio/Video Decoder Units (VDU)  308 , and Enunciator Panel  310  communicate with the Cabin Control Unit (CCU)  102  via an IEEE802.3 (Ethernet) network running IPTV protocols. The environmental controls remain wired interfaces to the lighting and heating/cooling systems. With a wired system the PCU  302 , CSP  306  and VDU  308  receive both data and power from the Data Switch Unit  304 , using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology.  
         [0000]     6.1 Audio Distribution (Wired)  
         [0362]     See  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 .  
         [0363]     Same as in the wireless section except instead of the audio going to the Wireless Access Point  FIG. 1  (WAP)  114 , it is wired to the Data Switch Unit  304 . Also, all of the PCUs  302 , CSPs  306  and VDUs  308  are identical to their wireless counterparts PCU  108 , CSP  118  &amp; VDU  122  except in two areas; 
         FIG. 12  internal radio  1232  and antenna  1236  are not used     The wired versions receive their power from the Data Switch Unit  304  using Power over Ethernet (PoE).        
 
         [0366]     6.2 Video Distribution (Wired)  
         [0367]     See  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 .  
         [0368]     Same as in the wireless section except instead of the video going to the Wireless Access Point (WAP)  114 , it is wired to the Data Switch Unit  304 .  
         [0369]     Also, all of the PCUs  302 , CSPs  306  and VDUs  308  are identical to their wireless counterparts PCU  108 , CSP  118  &amp; VDU  122  except in two areas; 
         FIG. 12  internal radio  1232  and antenna  1236  are not used     The wired versions receive their power from the Data Switch Unit  304  using Power over Ethernet (PoE).        
 
         [0372]     Also, while not shown in the wired system drawings, if someone wanted to add a remote control to the wired system they would add in the WAP  114  and the Remote  130  and that functionality could be added.  
         [0373]     Also, nothing prevents a hybrid system from being used. That is, some parts are wired and some parts are wireless. It is mostly dependent on the vehicle configuration and the end result desired.  
         [0000]     6.3 Command Control Flow (Wired)  
         [0374]     Same as in the wireless section except instead of the commands being sent wirelessly through the Wireless Access Point (WAP)  114 , they are routed through the Data Switch Unit  304  using physical cabling.  
         [0000]     6.4 System Components  
         [0000]     6.4.1 Passenger Control Unit (Wired)  
         [0375]     Same features and functionality as the wireless PCU  FIG. 12  internal radio  1232  and antenna  1236  are not used. 
        Using Power over Ethernet (PoE) power is fed to the unit along with data in the same cable assembly 
 
 6.4.2 Cabin Switch Panel (CSP) (Wired) 
       
 
         [0377]     Same features and functionality as the wireless CSP except  FIG. 12  internal radio  1232  and antenna  1236  are not used.  
         [0000]     6.4.3 AudioNideo Decoder Unit (VDU) (Wired)  
         [0378]     Same features and functionality as the wired VDU except  FIG. 12  internal radio  1232  and antenna  1236  are not used.  
         [0000]     6.4.4 Data Switch Unit (DSU) (Wired)  
         [0379]     The DSU  304  shown in  FIG. 13  is a compact Ethernet Data Switch and Power Supply used for providing data distribution and power to Audio/Video Decoder Units (VDU) 308, Passenger Control Units (PCUs)  302 , and Cabin Switch Panels (CSP)  310 .  
         [0380]     Features: 
        Compact multi-port Ethernet Switch  1304      Integral Power Supply  1302  for powering both power and data to remote PCU&#39;s, VDU&#39;s and/or Switch Panels using Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE) technology