U.S. patent application number 13/107762 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-08 for portable media device and method for presenting viewing content during travel.
This patent application is currently assigned to Panasonic Avionics Corporation. Invention is credited to Drew Calvin Bamford, Scott Bright, Ross Collins, James Allen Haak, John Andrew Johnson, Rand W. Lee, Christopher Brian Lundquist, Christoph Mack, Paul Anthony Margis, Henry Sugito Osias, Stefan Pannenbecker, Sebastian Maximilian Johannes Petry, Brian Piquette, Skooks Pong, Gregory Singleton, Steven Lee Sizelove, Mark Taylor, Karen Marie Werner.
Application Number | 20110219407 13/107762 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34982187 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110219407 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Margis; Paul Anthony ; et
al. |
September 8, 2011 |
Portable Media Device and Method for Presenting Viewing Content
During Travel
Abstract
A portable media device for use in cooperation with passenger
entertainment systems installed in vehicles, such as automobiles
and aircraft, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The
portable media device is configured to communicate with one or more
content sources, which provide viewing content and which may be
proximate to, and/or remote from, the portable media device.
Preferably being configured to wirelessly communicate with the
content sources, the portable media device can select content from
any available content source and can download and present the
selected content in any conventional manner. The selected content
can be streamed to the portable media device for contemporaneous
presentation and/or stored by the portable media device for viewing
at any time, including after disembarking the vehicle once travel
is completed. As desired, the portable media device likewise can be
configured to transmit appropriate upload content to the content
sources.
Inventors: |
Margis; Paul Anthony;
(Irvine, CA) ; Haak; James Allen; (Irvine, CA)
; Lundquist; Christopher Brian; (Snohomish, WA) ;
Sizelove; Steven Lee; (Woodinville, WA) ; Osias;
Henry Sugito; (Bellevue, WA) ; Werner; Karen
Marie; (Lynnwood, WA) ; Johnson; John Andrew;
(Seattle, WA) ; Bamford; Drew Calvin; (Seattle,
WA) ; Petry; Sebastian Maximilian Johannes; (Seattle,
WA) ; Pannenbecker; Stefan; (Dusseldorf, DE) ;
Bright; Scott; (Kirkland, WA) ; Collins; Ross;
(Seattle, WA) ; Piquette; Brian; (Seattle, WA)
; Taylor; Mark; (Seattle, WA) ; Mack;
Christoph; (US) ; Lee; Rand W.; (US) ;
Singleton; Gregory; (Issaquah, WA) ; Pong;
Skooks; (Bothell, WA) |
Assignee: |
Panasonic Avionics
Corporation
|
Family ID: |
34982187 |
Appl. No.: |
13/107762 |
Filed: |
May 13, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
11154749 |
Jun 15, 2005 |
7945934 |
|
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13107762 |
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60580099 |
Jun 15, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/75 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/2743 20130101;
H04N 21/6581 20130101; A63F 2300/516 20130101; G06F 21/10 20130101;
H04N 21/2223 20130101; Y02T 50/40 20130101; H04N 21/2543 20130101;
H04N 21/4223 20130101; H04N 21/44204 20130101; H04N 21/2665
20130101; H04N 21/47815 20130101; G06F 2221/2109 20130101; H04N
21/2146 20130101; B60R 11/0211 20130101; H04N 21/4126 20130101;
H04N 7/163 20130101; H04N 21/41407 20130101; H04N 21/4424 20130101;
H04N 21/47211 20130101; H04N 21/8126 20130101; H04N 21/42684
20130101; G06F 2221/0706 20130101; B64D 11/0624 20141201; H04N
7/17318 20130101; H04N 21/4122 20130101; B60R 11/0235 20130101;
H04N 21/4408 20130101; Y02T 50/46 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/75 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/18 20060101
H04N007/18 |
Claims
1. A device management system for portable media devices,
comprising: a portable media device for presenting selected viewing
content selected from viewing content stored on a device memory
system of said portable media device, said portable media device
having a device identification system for providing device
identification data including device status information for said
portable media device; a device management database system for
maintaining a historical record for said portable media device,
said device management database system updating said historical
record in accordance with said device identification data and
providing at least one device configuration instruction for
configuring said portable media device for future use; and a device
management interface system for providing said device
identification data received from said portable media device to
said device management database system, said device management
interface system updating said viewing content stored on said
device memory system and updating said device status information
stored by said device identification system each in accordance with
said at least one device configuration instruction received from
said device management database system.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of co-pending
U.S. application Ser. No. 11/154,749, filed on Jun. 15, 2005, which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
60/580,099, filed on Jun. 15, 2004. Priority to the prior
applications is expressly claimed, and the disclosures of the
applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entireties and for all purposes.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to portable
entertainment systems and more particularly, but not exclusively,
to passenger entertainment systems for use in vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Vehicles, such as automobiles and aircraft, often provide
entertainment systems to satisfy passenger demand for entertainment
during travel.
[0004] Conventional passenger entertainment systems include
overhead cabin viewing systems and/or seatback viewing systems with
individual controls for selecting viewing content. The viewing
content typically includes entertainment content, such as audio
and/or video materials, and can be derived from a variety of
content sources. For instance, prerecorded viewing content, such as
motion pictures and music, can be provided by internal content
sources, such as audio and video systems, that are installed within
the vehicle. External content sources likewise can transmit viewing
content, including satellite television programming or satellite
radio programming, to the vehicle via wireless communication
systems.
[0005] Conventional passenger entertainment systems, however,
suffer from numerous disadvantages. Some passengers therefore find
the passenger entertainment systems to be complicated to operate
and the viewing content difficult to enjoy. Selection of the
viewing content, for example, can prove difficult due to the
awkward placement and operation of the user controls. Similarly,
the viewing systems are distally located, such as overhead and/or
on an opposing seatback, and typically are not adjacent to the user
controls. Also, some or all of the passengers will be inhibited
from enjoying the viewing content if one or more viewing systems
fails. Such system shortcomings are a frequent source of passenger
complaints.
[0006] Passenger demand for entertainment likewise is continually
evolving. Not only do passengers want to access the most current
viewing content, such live television programming and the latest
games, but they also require a more extensive selection of
entertainment products and services, such as Internet access and
in-transit shopping, to be available. Conventional passenger
entertainment systems, however, are limited by their fixed hardware
technology and cannot easily be adapted to accommodate changing
passenger entertainment needs during travel.
[0007] In view of the foregoing, a need exists for an improved
passenger entertainment system that overcomes the aforementioned
obstacles and deficiencies of currently-available passenger
entertainment systems.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0008] The various embodiments disclosed herein are directed toward
portable media devices for presenting viewing content during
travel.
[0009] The portable media device is configured to communicate with
one or more content sources for providing viewing content. Each of
the content sources may be proximate to, and/or remote from, the
portable media device. Preferably being configured to wirelessly
communicate with the content sources, the portable media device can
select viewing content from any available content source and can
download and present the selected viewing content in any
conventional manner. The selected viewing content can be streamed
to the portable media device for contemporaneous presentation
and/or stored by the portable media device for viewing at any time.
As desired, the portable media device can be configured to support
two-way communications with one or more of the content sources. The
portable media device thereby can provide enhanced functionality,
such as support for viewing content uploads and other passenger
transactions, during travel.
[0010] Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will
become apparent from consideration of the following description
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is an exemplary top-level block diagram illustrating
an embodiment of a portable media device for presenting viewing
content.
[0012] FIG. 2A is an exemplary top-level block diagram illustrating
an embodiment of the portable media device of FIG. 1, in which the
portable media device presents selected viewing content from a
content source.
[0013] FIG. 2B is an exemplary top-level block diagram illustrating
an alternative embodiment of the portable media device of FIG. 2A,
in which the selected viewing content is selectable at the content
source.
[0014] FIG. 3A is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an
alternative embodiment of the portable media device of FIG. 1, in
which the portable media device includes a communication interface
for facilitating communication between the portable media device
and the content source and an input system for selecting the
viewing content and for controlling the presentation of the
selected viewing content.
[0015] FIG. 3B is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an
alternative embodiment of the portable media device of FIG. 3A, in
which the portable media device likewise includes a memory system
for storing the selected viewing content and/or at least one
peripheral system for supplementing the functionality of the
portable media device.
[0016] FIG. 4A is a detail drawing illustrating a front view of one
embodiment of the portable media device of FIGS. 3A-B, in which the
portable entertainment device is in an open position.
[0017] FIG. 4B is a detail drawing illustrating a back view of the
portable media device of FIG. 4A.
[0018] FIG. 4C is a detail drawing illustrating an alternative
embodiment of the portable media device of FIGS. 4A-B, in which the
portable entertainment device includes a viewing support.
[0019] FIG. 4D is a detail drawing illustrating another alternative
embodiment of the portable media device of FIGS. 4A-B, in which the
portable entertainment device includes a protective cover.
[0020] FIG. 5A is a detail drawing illustrating a front view of
another embodiment of the portable media device of FIGS. 3A-B.
[0021] FIG. 5B is a detail drawing illustrating an alternative
embodiment of the portable media device of FIG. 5A, in which the
portable entertainment device includes a viewing support.
[0022] FIG. 5C is a detail drawing illustrating a back view of the
portable media device of FIG. 5B.
[0023] FIG. 6A is an exemplary top-level block diagram illustrating
another alternative embodiment of the portable media device of FIG.
1, in which the portable media device can present selected viewing
content from a plurality of content sources.
[0024] FIG. 6B is an exemplary top-level block diagram illustrating
another alternative embodiment of the portable media device of FIG.
1, in which a plurality of the portable media devices is configured
to communicate with a selected content source.
[0025] FIG. 7 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating another
alternative embodiment of the portable media device of FIG. 1, in
which a plurality of the portable media devices is configured to
communicate with a plurality of content sources via a content
distribution system.
[0026] FIG. 8A is a detail drawing illustrating an alternative
embodiment of the plurality of portable media devices of FIG. 7, in
which the plurality of portable media devices and the plurality of
content sources form a vehicle information system that is
associated with an automobile.
[0027] FIG. 8B is a detail drawing illustrating an alternative
embodiment of the vehicle information system of FIG. 8A, in which
the vehicle information system is associated with an aircraft.
[0028] FIG. 9A is a detail drawing illustrating an alternative
embodiment of the vehicle information system of FIGS. 8A-B, in
which the vehicle information system provides access points
adjacent to the passenger seats.
[0029] FIG. 9B is a detail drawing illustrating another alternative
embodiment of the vehicle information system of FIGS. 8A-B, in
which the access points are distributed throughout a passenger
cabin of the vehicle.
[0030] FIGS. 10A-J are detail drawings illustrating alternative
embodiments of a mounting system for mounting the portable media
device of FIG. 1 on a headrest of a passenger seat.
[0031] FIG. 11A-F are detail drawings illustrating alternative
embodiments of a mounting system for mounting the portable media
device of FIG. 1 on a seatback of a passenger seat.
[0032] FIG. 12 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an
embodiment of a device management system for the portable media
device of FIG. 1, in which the portable media device includes a
device identification system for providing device identification
data.
[0033] FIG. 13A is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an
alternative embodiment of the device management system of FIG. 12,
in which the device management system can maintain a historical
record for the portable media device and can provide configuration
instruction for configuring the portable media device for future
use.
[0034] FIG. 13B is an exemplary flow chart illustrating an
embodiment of a method by which the device management system of
FIG. 13A can maintain the historical record for the portable media
device and can provide configuration instruction for configuring
the portable media device for future use.
[0035] FIG. 14 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an
alternative embodiment of the device management system of FIGS.
13A-B, in which the device management system simultaneously process
a plurality of portable media devices, maintaining historical
records for each portable media device and providing instruction
for configuring each portable media device for future use.
[0036] FIG. 15A is a detail drawing illustrating an embodiment of a
docking station for the device management system of FIG. 14, in
which the docking station is configured to interface with the
plurality of portable media devices.
[0037] FIG. 15B is a detail drawing illustrating an embodiment of a
battery charging system for the device management system of FIG.
14, in which the battery charging system is configured to
simultaneously charge a plurality of battery systems.
[0038] FIG. 16A is a detail drawing illustrating another
alternative embodiment of the device management system of FIG. 14,
in which the device management system is installed at an airport
terminal.
[0039] FIG. 16B is a detail drawing illustrating an alternative
embodiment of the device management system of FIG. 16A, in which
the portable media devices can be packaged in sealed containers for
delivery to aircraft at the airport terminal.
[0040] It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale
and that elements of similar structures or functions are generally
represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes
throughout the figures. It also should be noted that the figures
are only intended to facilitate the description of the preferred
embodiments of the present disclosure. The figures do not describe
every aspect of the present disclosure and do not limit the scope
of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Since currently-available passenger entertainment systems
are difficult to operate and have limited content presentation
capabilities, a portable media device with an intuitive user
interface for presenting selected viewing content from one or more
available content sources during travel can prove desirable and
provide a basis for a wide range of applications, such as passenger
entertainment systems for use on aircraft and other types of
vehicles. This result can be achieved, according to one embodiment
disclosed herein, by employing a portable media device 100 as shown
in FIG. 1.
[0042] Turning to FIG. 1, the portable media device 100 is provided
as a portable, handheld media presentation system for receiving
viewing content 200 and for presenting the received viewing content
200. By providing the portable media device 100 as a portable,
handheld media presentation system, the weight, complexity, and
power consumption of the portable media device 100 each can be
reduced while increasing overall device reliability. The portable
media device 100 can be provided in any conventional manner, such
as via one or more hardware components and/or software components
and includes an intuitive user interface 110. As illustrated in
FIG. 1, the exemplary portable media device 100 comprises a video
system 120 for visually presenting a video portion of the viewing
content 200 (or video content 220) and/or an audio system 130 for
audibly presenting an audio portion of the viewing content 200 (or
audio content 230). The video system 120 and the audio system 130
are shown as being operable under the control of a control system
140. The portable media device 100 thereby can control the manner
in which the viewing content 200 is received and/or presented.
[0043] The viewing content 200 can be provided by one or more
content sources 300 as shown in FIGS. 2A-B. The content source 300
can be provided in any conventional manner, such as via one or more
hardware components and/or software components, and can be disposed
proximately to, and/or remotely from, the portable media device
100. For example, the content source 300 can be provided in the
manner set forth in the co-pending U.S. patent applications,
entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DOWNLOADING FILES," Ser. No.
10/772,565, filed on Feb. 4, 2004, and "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
MANAGING CONTENT ON MOBILE PLATFORMS," Ser. No. 11/123,327, filed
on May 6, 2005, which are assigned to the assignee of the present
application and the respective disclosures of which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The portable
media device 100 and the content source 300 likewise can
communicate in any conventional manner, including via wired and/or
wireless communications. Thereby, when in communication with the
content source 300, the portable media device 100 can receive and
present viewing content 200 from the content source 300.
[0044] The viewing content 200 can comprise any suitable type of
viewing content 200 in the manner set forth in the above-mentioned
co-pending U.S. patent application, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
DOWNLOADING FILES," Ser. No. 10/772,565, filed on Feb. 4, 2004.
Preferably being provided in any conventional compressed digital
format to facilitate transmission, the viewing content 200 may be
provided in any appropriate analog format and/or digital format
that may be compressed and/or uncompressed, as desired. To help
ensure smooth presentation, the viewing content 200 preferably is
buffered when transmitted from the content source 300 to the
portable media device 100. The buffering can be provided in any
conventional manner, including via, for example, the portable media
device 100 and/or the content source 300. When configured to
communicate by way of a content distribution system 400 (shown in
FIG. 7), the buffering likewise can be associated with the content
distribution system 400, as desired.
[0045] The viewing content 200, for example, can have entertainment
content, including audio content, such as music or audio books,
and/or video content, such as motion pictures, television
programming, or any other type of audiovisual work. As desired, the
viewing content 200 can comprise stored (or time-delayed) viewing
content 200 and/or live (or real-time) viewing content 200, such as
broadcast transmissions of live events or pre-recorded events. The
content source 300 preferably provides the viewing content 200
substantially in real-time. Illustrative formats for the video
content can 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 content.
[0046] Streaming video content preferably is provided in MPEG-4 FGS
(Fine Granularity Scalable) format to help ensure transmission
efficiency; however, the video content can be streamed by the
content source 300 in any suitable standard format. When configured
to receive the streaming video content in MPEG-4 FGS format, the
portable media device 100 can advantageously maintain compatibility
with one or more other video formats, such as other Moving Picture
Experts Group (MPEG) formats, including MPEG-1 format and MPEG-2
format. Audio content likewise can be streamed by the content
source 300. The streamed audio content can be provided separately,
such as with music, and/or in association with other viewing
content 200, such as with a soundtrack to a motion picture.
Preferably being provided in MPEG-4 BSAC (Bit Slice Arithmetic
Coding) format and/or Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) format, the
streamed audio content can be streamed by the content source 300 in
any suitable standard format.
[0047] As desired, other types of viewing content 200, including
application software, such as media player programs or games,
and/or textual materials, such as forms, reference materials, or
other documents, can be provided by the content source 300.
Application software typically is provided in an executable (EXE)
format, and exemplary formats for the textual viewing content 200
include document text file (DOC) format, Portable Document Format
(PDF), and text file (TXT) format. Although selected formats have
been discussed above with reference to the audio viewing content
200 and video viewing content 200 for purposes of illustration, the
selected formats are merely exemplary and not exhaustive. It is
understood that he viewing content 200 thereby can be provided in
any suitable conventional format.
[0048] The viewing content 200 can be presented by the portable
media device 100 in any conventional manner, preferably
substantially in real-time. For example, the portable media device
100 can download the viewing content 200 in the manner disclosed in
the aforementioned co-pending U.S. patent application, entitled
"SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DOWNLOADING FILES," Ser. No. 10/772,565,
filed on Feb. 4, 2004. As desired, the portable media device 100
likewise can store the downloaded viewing content 200. The portable
media device 100 thereby can present the viewing content 200 at any
time regardless of whether communication with the content source
300 is maintained.
[0049] The viewing content 200 likewise can be streamed to the
portable media device 100 from the content source 300. Stated
somewhat differently, the viewing content 200 can be momentarily
stored (or cached) by the portable media device 100. The viewing
content 200 likewise can be streamed in any conventional manner.
Content sources 300 for streaming the viewing content 200 can
include terrestrial content sources 300 and/or satellite content
sources 300. For example, live television programming can be
streamed by one or more terrestrial content source 300, such as a
broadcast television system (not shown), and/or by one or more
satellite content source 300, such as a Direct Broadcast Satellite
(DBS) system (not shown). If the portable media device 100 disposed
in a vehicle 500 (shown in FIGS. 8A-B) in the discussed below with
reference to FIGS. 8A-B, the viewing content 200 can be streamed to
the portable media device 100 from a content source 300, such as a
media server system 520 (shown in FIGS. 8A-B), installed aboard the
vehicle 500.
[0050] By streaming the viewing content 200 to the portable media
device 100, loss, such as by theft, of the portable media device
100 therefore does not also result in loss of the viewing content
200. To help further ensure the security of the viewing content
200, the viewing content 200 preferably is streamed to the portable
media device 100 in an encrypted format and/or can be provided with
one or more other digital rights management (DRM) controls.
Thereby, the viewing content 200 can be protected against any
unauthorized use, copying, and/or dissemination, and/or, even if
intercepted or otherwise stolen, the encrypted viewing content 200
will not be readily usable. The viewing content 200 can be
encrypted in any conventional manner, including the use of
proprietary encryption techniques. By streaming the viewing content
200 from the content source 300, the quantity and complexity of the
components comprising the portable media device 100 can be reduced.
Thereby, the portable media device 100 can be provided as the
portable, handheld media presentation system as discussed above.
The weight, complexity, and power consumption of the portable media
device 100 likewise can be reduced; whereas, the overall device
reliability of the portable media device 100 can be increased.
[0051] The viewing content 200, such as stored (or time-delayed)
viewing content 200, therefore can advantageously be provided from,
or stored in, a central location. Thereby, management of the
viewing content 200, including updating the viewing content 200, is
facilitated, and the portable media device 100 can present viewing
content 200 selected from extensive resources of the content source
300. Further, if the viewing content 200 comprises real-time
viewing content 200, including, for example, live satellite
television programming, live satellite radio programming, and/or
real-time Internet access, the portable media device 100 can
present the live viewing content 200 substantially in real-time.
The portable media device 100 therefore is not limited to
presenting viewing content 200 that can be stored within its
resources, which can be limited in comparison with the extensive
resources of the content source 300. As a result, the portable
media device 100 can be configured to provide a wide variety of
viewing content 200 choices, which can be selected and presented on
demand.
[0052] As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-B, the portable media device 100
preferably can select viewing content 200 provided by the content
source 300 and can present the selected viewing content 200 in the
manner discussed above with reference to FIG. 1. If the content
source 300 is configured to provide a catalogue of available
viewing content 200, the portable media device 100 can select
relevant viewing content 200 (or selected viewing content 200''),
as desired, from the catalogue in any conventional manner. For
example, the content source 300 can simultaneously transmit a
plurality of viewing content 200 (or aggregate viewing content
200') from the catalogue as shown in FIG. 2A. The viewing content
200 can be transmitted on a predetermined communication channel
and/or can include (or be encoded with) a unique identifier (or
address).
[0053] The portable media device 100 of FIG. 2A includes a content
selection system 150 for receiving the aggregate viewing content
200' and a content selection signal 250 from the control system
140. Based upon the content selection signal 250, the content
selection system 150 thereby can identify the selected viewing
content 200'' from the aggregate viewing content 200', for example,
by selecting the predetermined communication channel and/or the
unique identifier associated with the selected viewing content
200''. Upon selecting the select the selected viewing content 200''
and, as necessary, providing payment and/or authorization
information, the content selection system 150 can provide the
selected video content 220 to the video system 120 and/or the
selected audio content 230 to the audio system 130 for presentation
as discussed above. Although shown and described as being separate
from the control system 140 for purposes of illustration, the
content selection system 150 can be at least partially integrated
with the control system 140, as desired.
[0054] Alternatively, or in addition, the content source 300 can
transmit the selected viewing content 200'' to the portable media
device 100 as shown in FIG. 2B. The portable media device 100 of
FIG. 2B is illustrated as being configured to transmit (or upload)
upload content 260, including viewing content 200 and/or
communication signals, such as the content selection signal 250, to
the content source 300. In other words, the portable media device
100 and the content source 300 can engage in two-way
communications. Upon receiving the content selection signal 250,
the content source 300 can identify the selected viewing content
200'' associated with the content selection signal 250 and transmit
the selected viewing content 200'' to the portable media device
100. In the manner discussed above with reference to FIG. 2A, the
content source 300 preferably transmits the elected viewing content
200'' on a predetermined communication channel and/or can include
(or be encoded with) a unique identifier (or address) associated
with the portable media device 100. The portable media device 100
can receive the selected viewing content 200'' and provide the
selected video content 220 to the video system 120 and/or the
selected audio content 230 to the audio system 130 for presentation
as discussed above.
[0055] FIG. 3A is an exemplary block diagram illustrating one
embodiment of the portable media device 100. As shown in FIG. 3A,
the portable media device 100 includes a communication interface
160 for facilitating communication between the portable media
device 100 and the content source 300 (shown in FIGS. 2A-B) and an
intuitive user interface system 110 for permitting a user (or
passenger) (not shown) to readily interact with the portable media
device 100 and, therefore, the content source 300. The portable
media device 100 and the content source 300 can be configured to
communicate in any conventional manner. Preferably, the
communication interface 160 is configured to support high-speed
data communications between the portable media device 100 and the
content source 300.
[0056] Illustrative high-speed data communication protocols can
include any type of Fast Ethernet (such as 100 Base-X and/or 100
Base-T) protocol and/or Gigabit (such as 1000 Base-X and/or 1000
Base-T) Ethernet communication protocol, with a typical data
transfer rate of at least approximately one hundred megabits per
second (100 Mbps). In a wired environment, the high-speed data
communications between the portable media device 100 and the
content source 300 can be provided via one or more conventional
copper communication connections and/or fiber optic communication
connections. The fiber optic communication connections can be
trunked, as desired. To achieve high data transfer rates in a
wireless communications environment, free-space optics (or laser)
technology, millimeter wave (or microwave) technology, and/or
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology can be utilized to provide the
high-speed data communications between the portable media device
100 and the content source 300. The portable media device 100 and
the content source 300 likewise can communicate directly and/or
indirectly via one or more intermediate systems, such as a content
distribution system 400 (shown in FIG. 7). Illustrative embodiments
of the content distribution system 400 are discussed in more detail
below with reference to FIG. 7.
[0057] Being disposed substantially between the portable media
device 100 and the content source 300, the communication interface
160 is configured to support any conventional type of
communication, including wired communications and/or wireless
communications. The communication interface 160, for example, can
comprise a Ethernet adapter for wired communications via a computer
network and/or a modem for wired communications via a
telecommunications network. As shown in FIG. 3A, the communication
interface 160 is illustrated as including a communication port 162
for communicating with the content source 300 and a compatible
transceiver system 164 for receiving the viewing content 200. As
desired, the communication interface 160 can be disposed
substantially within, or separate from, the portable media device
100.
[0058] Comprising a conventional communication port, the
communication port 162 can include a wired communication port for
supporting wired communications and/or a wireless communication
port for supporting wireless communications over one or more
communication frequencies. Conventional wired communication port
include a connector system (not shown) such as an Ethernet
connector system, such as Registered Jack 45 (RJ-45) connector
system, and/or a telecommunication connector system, such as
Registered Jack 11 (RJ-11) connector systems and Registered Jack 12
(RJ-12) connector systems. The wireless communication port can
comprise an antenna system (not shown) for receive viewing content
200 within a predetermined range of communication frequencies.
Exemplary wireless communication ports can include radio-frequency
(RF) communication ports and/or infrared (IR) communication
ports.
[0059] The transceiver system 164 is coupled with, and configured
to communicate with, the communication port 162. Upon receiving
viewing content 200 from the content source 300, the communication
port 162 can provide the received viewing content 200 to the
transceiver system 164. The transceiver system 164 can be
configured to process the viewing content 200 in any conventional
manner. Illustrative conventional processes can include decoding,
demodulating, and/or analog-to-digital converting the viewing
content 200. Upon processing the viewing content 200, the
transceiver system 164 can provide the processed viewing content
200 to the control system 140.
[0060] Since the portable media device 100 preferably is provided
in the form of a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, a personal
digital assistant (PDA), cellular telephone, and/or a MPEG Audio
Layer 3 (MP3) device, the control system 140 typically includes at
least one processing system 120 for processing the viewing content
200. Stated somewhat differently, the portable media device 100 can
include the functionality underlying each of the above-mentioned
devices, individually and/or in combination. The processing system
120 is illustrated in FIG. 3A as coupling, and facilitating
communication among, the communication interface 160, the video
system 120, and/or the audio system 130. The processing system 120
can comprise any appropriate number and type of conventional
processing systems, such as one or more microprocessors (.mu.Ps),
central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs),
and/or coder/decoders (CODECs), and can process the viewing content
200 in accordance with user instructions (or commands), such as a
content selection signal 250 and/or a presentation control signal
270.
[0061] If the viewing content 200 is provided to the portable media
device 100 in an encrypted format as discussed in more detail with
reference to FIGS. 2A-B, the processing system 142 can decrypt the
encrypted viewing content 200 to restore the viewing content 200.
The processing system 142 likewise can be configured to process the
viewing content 200 in a suitable manner provide the video portion
of the viewing content 200 (or video content 220) and/or the audio
portion of the viewing content 200 (or audio content 230). Thereby,
the processing system 120 can provide the selected video content
220 to the video system 120 for visual presentation and/or the
selected audio content 230 to the audio system 130 for audible
presentation.
[0062] In the manner discussed above, the video system 120 can be
configured to visually present the selected video content 220. The
video system 120 can be provided in any conventional manner and, as
shown in FIG. 3A, includes a display system 122 and/or a video port
124 for coupling the video system 120 with one or more peripheral
video presentation systems (not shown). Illustrative peripheral
video presentation systems can include external video display
systems with enhanced viewing features, such as larger viewable
areas and/or higher image resolutions. As desired, the video port
124 likewise can be configured to communicate with peripheral video
input devices, such as a still and/or motion picture camera system.
The video system 120 preferably is suitable for presenting any
conventional type of viewing content 200, including any viewing
content 200 available via the portable media device 100, user
instructions for accessing the content source 300, and/or a
catalogue of the viewing content 200 available via the content
source 300. For example, the display system 122 preferably has an
appropriately-sized viewable area with sufficient resolution for
visually presenting the viewing content 200.
[0063] Illustrative video resolutions for presenting viewing
content 200, such as the movies and/or television programming, can
include any color graphics adapter (CGA) resolution, enhanced
graphics adapter (EGA) resolution, video graphics array (VGA)
resolution, extended graphics array (XGA) resolution, super
extended graphics array (SXGA) resolution, ultra extended graphics
array (UXGA) resolution, and/or wide graphics array (WXGA)
resolution. The video system 120 likewise can provide a graphical
user interface (GUI) to facilitate interaction with the portable
media device 100 and/or an interactive menu of the available
viewing content 200, including viewing content 200 available via
the content source 300 and/or viewing content 200, such as stored
content 240 (shown in FIG. 3B), previously received by the portable
media device 100. The user interface 110 thereby can provide an
intuitive user interface for assisting the user in selecting
viewing content 200 for presentation, for controlling the
transmission of the selected viewing content 200, and/or for
controlling the manner in which the selected viewing content 200 is
presented by the portable media device 100.
[0064] The audio system 130 likewise can be provided in any
conventional manner and is configured to audibly present the
selected video content 220. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, includes one
or more speaker systems 132 and/or audio ports 134 for coupling the
audio system 130 with one or more peripheral audio presentation
devices (not shown). Exemplary peripheral audio presentation
devices can include headphones, speakers, and/or amplifiers. As
desired, the audio port 134 likewise can be configured to
communicate with peripheral audio input devices, such as a
microphone and/or a compact disk player. The audio system 130
preferably is suitable for presenting any conventional type of
viewing content 200, including any viewing content 200 available
via the portable media device 100. For example, the audio system
130 preferably has an appropriate audio processing capabilities,
such as filtering functionality and/or equalizing functionality,
for audibly presenting the viewing content 200.
[0065] The portable media device 100 preferably has a plurality of
audio ports 134 to permit the selected viewing content 200 to be
audibly presented to more than one user. Multiple users thereby can
simultaneously enjoy the audio portion of the selected viewing
content 200 on individual sets of headphones. Further, each user
can view the video portion of the selected viewing content 200 by
sharing the display system 122. The audio ports 134 can be provided
in any conventional manner, such as via one or more audio jacks for
coupling external devices with the portable media device 100 in a
wired manner. At least one of the audio ports 134 preferably is
provided as a wireless communication port that is configured to
support, for example, wireless audio peripheral presentation
device, such as Bluetooth-capable wireless headphones in accordance
with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Standard 802.15.1.
[0066] The audio system 130 likewise can process the audio portion
of the selected viewing content 200 in any conventional manner.
Illustrative processes by which the audio system 130 can process
the selected viewing content 200 to enhance the sound quality can
include three-dimensional audio processing to simulate surround
sound. Thereby, the selected viewing content 200 can be audibly
presented in surround sound via an ordinary speaker system and/or a
set of ordinary headphones. The audio system 130 likewise can
provide noise cancellation processing of the audio portion to
cancel any ambient noise from the audible presentation of the
viewing content 200. The manner by which the audio system 130
processes the audio portion of the selected viewing content 200
preferably can be controlled by the user.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 3A, the user interface 110 can include an
input system 170 for permitting the user (or passenger) to
communicate with the portable media device 100. For example, the
input system 170 can permit the user to enter one or more passenger
instructions for controlling the operation of the portable media
device 100. Illustrative instructions can include instructions for
initiating communication with the content source 300, instructions
for selecting viewing content 200 for presentation, and/or
instructions for controlling the presentation of the selected
viewing content 200. The input system 170 can convert each user
entry into one or more communication signals, such as the content
selection signal 250 and/or the presentation control signal 270, as
illustrated in FIG. 3A. If a fee is required for accessing the
viewing content 200, payment information likewise can be entered
via the input system 170.
[0068] The input system 170 can be provided in any conventional
manner and typically includes one or more switches (or pushbuttons)
172, such as a keyboard or a keypad, and/or a pointing device 174,
such as a mouse, trackball, or stylus. As desired, the input system
170 can be at least partially integrated with, and/or separable
from, the portable media device 100. The input system 170 likewise
can include one or more input ports (not shown) for coupling a
peripheral input device (not shown), such as a full-size computer
keyboard, an external mouse, and/or a game pad, with the portable
media device 100. As desired, the input system 170 can be at least
partially combined with the video system 120 and/or the audio
system 130.
[0069] For example, the switches 172 of the input system 170 and
the display system 122 of the video system 120 can be at least
partially combined in the form of a touch screen display system.
Similarly, the display system 122 can be configured to provide
visual feedback with reference to user instructions (or commands)
entered via the input system 170. If selected audio properties,
such as a volume level, a tone level, and/or a balance, of the
audio system 130 can be controlled via the input system 170, for
example, the display system 122 can visually present the current
audio properties of the audio system 130. Conventional manners of
presenting the audio properties of the audio system 130 include
providing a separate "audio properties" window (or screen) and/or
providing a series of bars in which the number of bars are
presented in proportion with the current audio properties. The
display system 122 can provide visual feedback for other types of
user instructions (or commands), including user instructions for
selected video properties, such as a brightness level and/or a
contrast level, of the display system 122 and/or user instructions
for controlling the transmission of the selected viewing content
200 from the content source 300.
[0070] Turning to FIG. 3B, the portable media device 100 is shown
as including a memory system 144 for providing at least temporary
storage of the viewing content 200 as stored content 240. The
selected viewing content 200 from the content source 300 thereby
can advantageously be buffered when the viewing content 200 is
streamed to the portable media device 100 and/or can be stored as
the stored content 240 for subsequent presentation, as discussed
above, regardless of whether communication with the content source
300 is maintained. To help ensure the security of the viewing
content 200, the viewing content 200 preferably is stored on the
memory system 144 in an encrypted format in the manner discussed in
more detail above with reference to FIGS. 2A-B. Thereby, even if
the portable media device 100 and/or the memory system 144 is lost
or stolen, the viewing content 200 will not be readily usable.
[0071] Being coupled with the processing system 130, the memory
system 144 preferably includes at least one integrated memory
device 146 for storing and providing other conventional types of
information, including instruction code, such as software or
firmware, intermediate calculation results, and other information
associated with the processing system 120. For example, if the
viewing content 200 includes application software, such as a game,
the application software can be stored in the memory device 146 and
provided to the processing system 120 for execution. Preferably
comprising a non-volatile memory system, the memory system 144 can
comprise any conventional type of memory system, such as any
suitable 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. Since
the portable media device 100 preferably is provided as a portable,
handheld media presentation system, the memory system 144
preferably comprises electronic memory media to help ensure that
the physical dimensions and weight of the handheld system remain
manageable. The portable media device 100 preferably is configured
to permit viewing content 200 to be added to, modified, and/or
deleted from the memory system 144 as desired.
[0072] As desired, the portable media device 100 can include one or
more memory ports 148, such as a Personal Computer Memory Card
International Association (PCMCIA) port, a secure digital data (SD)
port, a secure multi media card (MMC) port and/or a CompactFlash
(CF) port, for receiving a conventional removable memory system
144, such as a removable hard drive (HDD) system. The removable
memory system 144 preferably comprises a personal memory device
(PMD) for providing secure storage of the user's personal data
and/or other predetermined information, including preselected
viewing content. Exemplary personal memory devices can include a
memory stick, a secure digital data (SD) device, a secure multi
media card (MMC) device and/or a CompactFlash (CF) device.
[0073] Upon receiving the personal memory device (PMD), the
portable media device 100 can readily access the personal data
and/or other predetermined information. The portable media device
100 likewise can select viewing content 200 from among the
preselected viewing content stored on the personal memory device
(PMD) and can present the selected viewing content 200 in the
manner discussed above. Advantageously, the personal memory device
(PMD) can be removed from the memory port 148 after use of the
portable media device 100 is complete. Media security can be
further enhanced by enabling the use of existing, proven, and
Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) approved media
distribution processes, including uploading processes and/or
downloading processes, in combination with secure key
methodologies.
[0074] The functionality of the portable media device 100 likewise
can be enhanced by providing the portable media device 100 with one
or more peripheral systems 180. As shown in FIG. 3B, the peripheral
system 180 can include at least one conventional peripheral port
182 for removably coupling peripheral devices (not shown) with the
portable media device 100. Illustrative conventional peripheral
ports 182 can include Personal Computer Memory Card International
Association (PCMCIA) ports, secure digital (SD) ports, and/or
CompactFlash (CF) ports, for receiving the peripheral devices;
whereas, a credit card reader system, a radio frequency
identification (RFID) system, and/or a conventional camera system,
including a moving picture camera system and/or a still picture
camera system, are examples of conventional peripheral devices.
Preselected peripheral devices 184, such as the credit card reader
system and/or the camera system, likewise can be incorporated into
the portable media device 100, as desired. If the peripheral system
180 comprises at output (or presentation) peripheral system, the
portable media device 100 can provide the viewing content 200 or
other relevant information to the peripheral system 180 for
presentation in the manner set forth in more detail above with
reference to the peripheral video presentation systems and/or the
peripheral audio presentation systems. Similarly, the portable
media device 100 can receive viewing content 200 or other relevant
information from input peripheral systems 180, such as the
peripheral video input devices and/or the peripheral audio input
devices discussed above.
[0075] The portable media device 100 of FIG. 3B is shown as being
configured to support two-way communications with the content
source (shown in FIGS. 2A-B). The portable media device 100 thereby
can transmit (or upload) upload content 260 as illustrated in FIG.
3B. Being provided in the manner discussed above with reference
FIG. 2B, the upload content 260 can comprise viewing content 200,
including selected viewing content 200 previously received from the
content source 300, selected stored content 240 stored in the
memory system 144, and/or selected new content, such as new content
provided by the portable media device 100 and/or an associated
peripheral system 180. The upload content 260 likewise can include
one or more communication signals provided by the portable media
device 100 and/or an associated peripheral system 180. Exemplary
communication signals can include system communication signals (not
shown), such as a system status signal, for the portable media
device 100 and/or the associated peripheral system 180, and/or user
communication signals, such as the content selection signal 250, as
initiated by the user via the input system 170.
[0076] The transceiver system 164 can receive the upload content
260, such as the selected viewing content 200, the selected stored
content 240, and/or the content selection signal 250 as shown in
FIG. 3B, via the control system 140. In the manner discussed in
more detail with reference to FIG. 3A, the transceiver system 164
can process the upload content 260 and can provide the processed
upload content 260 to the communication port 162 for transmission.
When the portable media device 100 and the content source 300 are
in communication, the transceiver system 164 can transmit (or
upload) the upload content 260 to the content source 300. The
portable media device thereby can provide enhanced functionality,
such as support for viewing content uploads and other passenger
transactions, during travel.
[0077] One embodiment of the portable media device 100 is
illustrated in FIGS. 4A-B. Being shown as a light-weight and thin
entertainment portal the portable media device 100 includes a
communication interface 160 and an ergonomic user interface 110
each being provided in the matter set forth in more detail above
with reference to FIGS. 2A-B and 3A-B. Turning to FIGS. 4A-B, the
user interface 110 permits a user (or passenger) (not shown) to
intuitively interact with the portable media device 100 and,
therefore, at least one content source 300 (shown in FIGS. 2A-B)
and includes a video system 120, an audio system 130, and an input
system 170 as discussed above. Being configured for selecting
viewing content 200 (shown in FIG. 1) for presentation, for
controlling the transmission of the selected viewing content 200,
and/or for controlling the manner in which the selected viewing
content 200 is presented, the input system 170 is illustrated as
having a plurality of switches (or pushbuttons) 172 and a pointing
device 174.
[0078] The switches (or pushbuttons) 172 are shown as including a
main power switch 172A and at least one volume control switch 172B.
For stored (or time-delayed) viewing content 200, a plurality of
playback control switches 172C can be provided to intuitively
control the presentation of the time-delayed viewing content 200.
The illustrated playback control switches 172C can be used to
provide rewind, play, stop (or pause), skip, and fast forward
control functionality for the viewing content 200, as desired.
Playback control switches 172D likewise are provided to control the
presentation of live (or real-time) viewing content 200. If the
real-time viewing content 200 comprises live satellite television
programming and/or live satellite radio programming, for example,
the playback control switches 172D can be configured to select the
appropriate television channel and/or radio station. The switches
172A-D likewise can be configured to provide other preselected
functions, including, for example, enhanced content presentation
control functions, such as mixing, equalization, and/or muting
functions, and/or content management functions, such as content
transferring, editing, and/or deleting functions. As desired, the
input system 410 can provide file and/or content editing
functionality. The quantity, physical size, and arrangement of the
switches 172A-D preferably are provided in an intuitive manner to
facilitate use of the portable media device 100.
[0079] As discussed in more detail above, the pointing device 174
likewise can be provided in any conventional manner and preferably
is provided in a manner that facilitates use of the portable media
device 100. Being disposed on the portable media device 100, the
pointing device 174 can be fixedly provided on the portable media
device 100 as illustrated in FIG. 3A and/or can be removably
coupled with the portable media device 100. The pointing device 174
is shown as comprising a plurality of control switches, including
at least one directional switch 174A and at least one selection
switch 174B. In the conventional manner, a cursor 174C and at least
one selectable identifier 174D, such as a selectable icon, each can
be presented via the video system 134B, and the directional switch
174A can be configured to move the cursor 174C in a selected
direction on the video display 122 and toward the selectable
identifier 174D of interest. When the cursor 174C is adjacent to
the relevant selectable identifier 174D, the selection switch 174B
can be activated to initiate the functionality associated with the
relevant selectable identifier 174D. The user interface 110 thereby
can be provided as a graphical user interface (GUI).
[0080] Although shown and described as comprising substantially
separate switches 172 for purposes of illustration, the functions
associated with the switches 172A-D can be reallocated, such as via
further combining and/or separating, as desired. For example, the
portable media device 100 can be configured to power up upon
activation of at least one of the switches 172A-D and to
automatically power down based upon any suitable predetermined
criteria, such as a selected amount of time of non-use. The main
power switch 172A thereby can be omitted from the portable media
device 100 of FIG. 4A. The functions associated with the pointing
device 174 likewise can be reallocated, such as via further
combining and/or separating of the pointing device switches 174A-B,
as desired. Stated somewhat differently, the functions associated
with the input system 170 can be distributed among the switches 172
and/or the pointing devices 174 in any suitable manner.
[0081] As desired, additional control switches (not shown), such as
a keyboard and/or a game pad, can be provided for use with the
portable media device 100. The additional control switches can be
disposed on the portable media device 100 in the manner set forth
above with reference to the switches 172A-D among the plurality of
switches (or pushbuttons) 172 and/or the directional switch 174A
and the selection switch 174B of the pointing device 174.
Similarly, the additional control switches can be configured to
communicate with the portable media device 100 via one or more of
the input ports and/or the peripheral ports 182 (shown in FIG. 3B)
of the portable media device 100 in any conventional manner as
discussed above. The additional control switches advantageously
enable the portable media device 100 to be more flexibly
configurable for use with a wide range of viewing content 200.
[0082] As discussed above, the portable media device 100 is shown
in FIGS. 4A-B as including a video system 120 and an audio system
130. The video system 120 has a video display system 122, such as a
high-resolution video display system, that is suitable for
presenting the video portion of the selected viewing content 200.
For example, the display system 122 can be a widescreen, active
matrix liquid crystal display (LCD) system with at least video
graphics array (VGA) resolution. The viewable area of the display
system 122 typically has a minimum width that is between
approximately seven inches and nine inches. Preferably, the display
system 122 is a flat screen video display system to further enhance
the presentation of the selected viewing content 200. As desired,
the display system 122 can include a protective translucent cover
(not shown). The protective translucent cover is configured to
protect the viewing area of the display system 122 from damage and
can be customized, for example, by tinting the cover, in whole
and/or in part.
[0083] Being suitable for presenting the audible portion of the
selected viewing content 200, the audio system 130 of the portable
media device 100 can audibly present the audio portion (or selected
audio content 230 as shown in FIGS. 3A-B) of the selected viewing
content 200 in any conventional manner. The portable media device
100 can include one or more speaker systems 132 (shown in FIGS.
3A-B) and/or one or more audio ports 134 in the manner discussed in
more detail above with reference to FIGS. 3A-B. As shown in FIG.
4B, the portable media device 100 preferably has a plurality of
audio ports 134 to permit the selected viewing content 200 to be
audibly presented to more than one user. Multiple users thereby can
simultaneously enjoy the audio portion of the selected viewing
content 200 on individual sets of headphones. Further, each user
can view the video portion of the selected viewing content 200 (or
selected video content 220 as shown in FIGS. 3A-B) by sharing the
display system 122. Although shown in FIG. 4B as comprising audio
jacks for coupling peripheral audio presentation devices with the
portable media device 100 in a wired manner, the audio ports 134
can comprise any conventional type of audio port as discussed
above. At least one of the audio ports 134 preferably is provided
as a wireless audio port that is configured to support, for
example, wireless peripheral audio presentation device, such as
Bluetooth-capable wireless headphones in accordance with Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard
802.15.1.
[0084] To help ensure a compact profile, the portable media device
100 preferably comprises a small number of components to present
selected viewing content 200 streamed from the content source 300
(shown in FIGS. 2A-B). For example, the portable media device 100
can include a digital signal processing system (not shown) for
facilitating presentation of the streamed viewing content 200. The
digital signal processing system can be provided via the control
system 140 (shown in FIG. 1) and/or the processing system 120
(shown in FIGS. 2A-B) and can include one or more microprocessors
(.mu.Ps), central processing units (CPUs), digital signal
processors (DSPs), and/or coder/decoders (CODECs).
[0085] The portable media device 100 likewise can include a memory
system 144. Being provided in the manner set forth in more detail
above with reference to FIG. 3B, the memory system 144 preferably
has a program memory system, such as a FLASH memory system, for
storing resident software applications as well as other types of
application software, such as games, and data. The memory system
144 can include an optional hard drive (HDD) system. The portable
media device 100 thereby can provide enhanced programming
flexibility and redundant programming, such as protection against
failure. As desired, viewing content 200 can be stored on the hard
drive (HDD) system as stored content 240 (shown in FIG. 3B) such
that the portable media device 100 is less reliant on the content
source 300 for viewing content 200.
[0086] The portable media device 100 can be configured to operate
from power provided via a battery system 190 and/or can include a
power port 192 for coupling with, and receiving power from, an
external power source (not shown). Although the battery system 190
can be provided in any conventional manner, including one or more
separate batteries and/or battery packs, the battery system 190 can
comprise a rechargeable battery system. Preferably having a short
recharge time and a high charge cycle lifetime, the battery system
190 preferably is capable of providing sufficient power to operate
the portable media device 100 for a long period of time. An
exemplary rechargeable battery system 190 can include at least one
lithium ion polymer battery that can provide a long, lasting charge
of approximately eight hours or longer, that has a rapid recharge
time of four hours or less, and that can be recharged over one
thousand times. The life of the battery system 190 is extended by
controlling the manner by which the battery system 190 is recharged
and/or by providing the portable media device 100 with a small
number of components as discussed above.
[0087] The battery system 190, if rechargeable, can be recharged
externally from the portable media device 100 and/or while
installed via the external power source regardless of whether the
portable media device 100 is being used. As desired, the portable
media device 100 can include a plurality of rechargeable battery
systems 150, such that at least one of the battery systems 150 can
be externally recharged while the portable media device 100 is in
use. The external power source can be provided in any conventional
manner, such as a power adapter, and is configured to provide
alternating current (AC) power and/or direct current (D/C) power
that is compatible for use with the portable media device 100. When
the portable media device 100 is operating from power provided by
the external power source, the rechargeable battery systems 150
likewise can provide backup power if the external power source
fails. To determine whether the battery system 190 requires
recharging, the portable media device 100 can include a battery
power meter (not shown). The battery power meter can be provided in
any conventional manner such that the status of the battery system
190 can be readily determined. For example, the battery power meter
can be integrated with the main power switch 172A.
[0088] As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-B, the portable media device 100
can include one or more other features for facilitating its use.
For example, the portable media device 100 can be disposed in an
attractive housing 102 with any suitable color and/or texture. A
plurality of feet 104 can be provided on the housing 102 of the
portable media device 100. Being configured to help ensure the
stability of the portable media device 100 when placed on a surface
(not shown), the feet 104 can be disposed on the housing 102 in any
suitable arrangement, number, and/or dimension. The feet 104
preferably are formed from a rubberized material and can grip the
surface to enhance the stability the portable media device 100. To
facilitate transport, the portable media device 100 can include a
carrying handle 106 and, when not in use, can be disposed in a
protective carry pouch (not shown). A plurality of openings 108
likewise can be formed in the housing 102 of the portable media
device 100. The openings 108 can serve several purposes, including
providing ventilation to help ensure a safe and reliable operating
temperature and/or providing a convenient grip detail, for the
portable media device 100.
[0089] Turning to FIG. 4C, the portable media device 100 is shown
as including a viewing support 195. The viewing support 195 is
configured to support the portable media device 100 such that the
portable media device 100 can present the selected viewing content
200 in a hands-free manner. Preferably being adjustable, the
viewing support 195 can support the portable media device 100 at
any preselected viewing angle to accommodate users of various sizes
and diverse viewing environments. The viewing support 195 is
illustrated in FIG. 4C as including an extended member 196 that is
adjustably coupled with the housing 102 of the portable media
device 100. For example, the proximal end region of the viewing
support 195 can be rotatably coupled with the housing 102 via a
hinge assembly 197. The distal end region of the viewing support
195 can include one or more feet 198 to help ensure the stability
of the portable media device 100 when the viewing support 195 is
deployed. The feet 198 can be provided in any suitable manner,
including the manner set forth in more detail above with reference
to the feet 104 (shown in FIGS. 4A-B).
[0090] The portable media device 100 likewise can include a
protective cover 199 as illustrated in FIG. 4D. Being configured to
provide protection for the portable media device 100 when not in
use, the protective cover 199 can cover the user interface 110
(shown in FIG. 4A), in whole or in part. As shown in FIG. 4D, for
example, the protective cover 199 can be configured to removably
cover the display system 122 (shown in FIG. 4A) of the input system
170 (shown in FIG. 4A) and the switches (or pushbuttons) 172 (shown
in FIG. 4A) and the pointing device 174 (shown in FIG. 4A) of the
input system 170 (shown in FIG. 4A). As shown in FIG. 4D, the
protective cover 199 and the viewing support 195 preferably
incorporated. The viewing support 195 thereby can support the
portable media device 100 when deployed in the manner set forth
above and can protect the portable media device 100 when the
portable media device 100 is not in use.
[0091] FIG. 5A illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
portable media device 100 with an ergonomic user interface 110
provided in the matter set forth in more detail above with
reference to FIGS. 2A-B and 3A-B. A user (or passenger) (not shown)
thereby can intuitively interact with the portable media device 100
and, therefore, at least one content source 300 (shown in FIGS.
2A-B). As shown in FIG. 5A, the portable media device 100 can
include a video system 120, an audio system 130, and an input
system 170 each being provided in the manner discussed in more
detail above. Being configured for selecting viewing content 200
(shown in FIG. 1) for presentation, for controlling the
transmission of the selected viewing content 200, and/or for
controlling the manner in which the selected viewing content 200 is
presented, the input system 170 is illustrated as having a
plurality of switches (or pushbuttons) 172 and a pointing device
174.
[0092] The user interface 110 preferably is provided as a graphical
user interface (GUI) as illustrated in FIG. 5A. As set forth above,
the video system 120 can include a video display system 122, such
as a high-resolution video display system, that is suitable for
presenting the video portion of the selected viewing content 200.
The video display system 122 likewise can present an interactive
hierarchical menu structure 174X for identifying and selecting
viewing content 200 (shown in FIG. 1) that is available for visual
and/or audio presentation by the portable media device 100. The
viewing content 200 can include viewing content 200 previously
received from the content source 300, stored content 240 (shown in
FIG. 3B) stored in the memory system 144 (shown in FIG. 3B), and/or
selected new content, such as new content provided by the portable
media device 100 and/or an associated peripheral system 180 (shown
in FIG. 3B). The user interface 110 thereby can facilitate the
selection of viewing content 200 to be presented via the portable
media device 100.
[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 5A, viewing content 200 can be
selected for presentation by making an appropriate menu selection
174Y via the switches (or pushbuttons) 172 and/or the pointing
device 174. Being provided in the intuitive manner discussed above
with reference to FIGS. 4A-D, the switches 172 and/or the pointing
device 174 preferably are provided in an appropriate quantity,
physical size, and arrangement to facilitate use of the portable
media device 100. As shown in FIG. 5A, the switches 172 can include
the switches (or pushbuttons) 172X, 172Y for making the appropriate
menu selection 174Y for identifying the selected viewing content.
The pointing device 174 likewise can be employed to identify the
selected viewing content. The audio system 130 is illustrated as
including a speaker system 132 and switches (or pushbuttons) 172Y,
172Z for providing volume control.
[0094] In the manner discussed above with reference to FIGS. 4A-B,
the switches (or pushbuttons) 172 can be provided to intuitively
control the presentation of the selected viewing content 200. One
or more of the switches (or pushbuttons) 172 can be used to provide
rewind, play, stop (or pause), and fast forward control
functionality for the selected viewing content 200, as desired. If
the viewing content 200 comprises satellite television programming
and/or satellite radio programming, for example, the switches 172
can be configured to select the appropriate television channel
and/or radio station. Although shown and described as comprising
substantially separate switches 172 for purposes of illustration,
the functions associated with the switches 172X-Z can be
reallocated, such as via further combining and/or separating, as
desired. In other words, the functions associated with the input
system 170 can be distributed among the switches 172 and/or the
pointing devices 174 in any suitable manner.
[0095] Turning to FIGS. 5B-C, the portable media device 100 is
shown as including a viewing support 195. The viewing support 195
is configured to support the portable media device 100 such that
the portable media device 100 can present the selected viewing
content 200 in a hands-free manner in the manner discussed in more
detail above with reference to FIG. 4C. Preferably being
adjustable, the viewing support 195 can support the portable media
device 100 at any preselected viewing angle to accommodate users of
various sizes and diverse viewing environments. The viewing support
195 is illustrated in FIG. 5C as including an extended member 196
that is adjustably coupled with the housing 102 of the portable
media device 100. For example, the proximal end region of the
viewing support 195 can be rotatably coupled with the housing 102
via at least one hinge assembly 197. The distal end region of the
viewing support 195 can include one or more feet (not shown) to
help ensure the stability of the portable media device 100 when the
viewing support 195 is deployed. The feet can be provided in any
suitable manner, including the manner set forth in more detail
above with reference to the feet 198 (shown in FIG. 4C).
[0096] Turning to FIG. 6A, a portable media device 100 can be
configured to present selected viewing content 200 provided by a
plurality of content sources 300. The content sources 300A-N are
shown as providing viewing content 200A-N, respectively, and can be
proximate to and/or remote from, the portable media device 100. In
the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to FIGS.
2A-B, the portable media device 100 can select the desired viewing
content 200 from among the viewing content 200A-N for presentation
and can present the selected viewing content 200. As desired, the
portable media device 100 likewise can transmit upload content 260
(shown in FIG. 3B), such as viewing content 200 and/or system
communication signals (not shown), to one or more of the content
sources 300A-N as set forth above with reference to FIG. 3B. The
portable media device 100 can communicate with any suitable number
of content sources 300 and thereby can offer enhanced functionality
by providing viewing content 200 from the plurality of content
sources 300.
[0097] Analogously, a plurality of portable media device 100 each
can be configured to present viewing content 200 provided by a
selected content source 300. As shown in FIG. 6B, the selected
content source 300I can provide viewing content 200IA to the
portable media device 100A; whereas, the portable media devices
100B-M can receive respectively receive the viewing content
200IB-M. Being proximate to and/or remote from, the selected
content source 300I, each of the portable media devices 100A-M can
respectively select the desired viewing content 200IA-M from the
selected content source 300I for presentation and can present the
selected viewing content 200IA-M. One or more of the portable media
devices 100A-M can transmit upload content 260 (shown in FIG. 3B),
such as viewing content 200 and/or system communication signals
(not shown), to the selected content source 300I as set forth above
with reference to FIG. 3B.
[0098] The viewing content 200IA-M can be substantially uniform,
and/or different, among the portable media devices 100A-M. For
example, the viewing content 200IA available to the portable media
device 100A can be based upon one or more appropriate predetermined
criteria, such as a service subscription level. Based upon the
service subscription level, one portion of the viewing content
200IA, such as standard viewing content 200, may be free of charge
(or included with the service subscription level); whereas, other
portions of the viewing content 200IA, such as premium viewing
content 200, may be available only for an additional fee. If access
to the premium viewing content 200 is desired, 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
portable media device 100. Preferably, the portable media device
100 includes a peripheral system 180 (shown in FIG. 3B), such as a
credit card reader system, to facilitate the transaction and/or the
payment in the manner discussed in more detail above with reference
to FIG. 3B.
[0099] Further details and features relating to the structure,
operation, and functionality of the portable media device 100 are
disclosed in the co-pending U.S. patent application, entitled
"IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PASSENGER CONTROL UNIT," Ser. No.
09/952,629, filed on Sep. 11, 2001, which is assigned to the
assignee of the present application and the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0100] The portable media device 100 and the content source 300 can
be configured to communication in any conventional manner,
including directly and/or indirectly via one or more wired and/or
wireless communication networks (or systems). Turning to FIG. 7,
for example, a plurality of portable media devices 100 are shown as
communicating with a plurality of content sources 300 via a content
distribution system 400. The content distribution system 400
includes a plurality of conventional access points 410 for
providing wired and/or wireless access to the content distribution
system 400 and/or the content sources 300. As shown in FIG. 7, the
content sources 300A-N can access the content distribution system
400 via access points 410A-N; whereas, access points 410A1-M,
410B1-P are configured to provide the portable media devices
100A1-N, 100B1-P with access to the content distribution system
400. The content distribution system 400 thereby can receive
viewing content 200 from a preselected content source 300 and can
provide the viewing content 200, in whole and/or in part, to one or
more predetermined portable media devices 100, as desired. The
content distribution system 400 likewise can be configured to
receive upload content 260, such as viewing content 200 and/or
system communication signals (not shown), provided by a preselected
portable media devices 100 in the manner set forth with reference
to FIG. 3B and to provide the upload content 260, in whole and/or
in part, to one or more predetermined content sources 300.
[0101] One or more of the content sources 300A-N can respectively
transmit viewing content 200A-N to one or more of the portable
media devices 100A1-M, 100B1-M as viewing content 200A1-M, 200B1-M,
respectively, via the content distribution system 400. For example,
viewing content 200A from the content source 300A can be provided
to the content distribution system 400 and respectively distributed
among the portable media devices 100A1-M as the viewing content
200A1-M in the manner set forth in more detail above with reference
to FIG. 6B. The viewing content 200A1-M each can comprise the
viewing content 200A, in whole and/or in part, and can be
substantially uniform, and/or different, among the portable media
devices 100A1-M. Each of the portable media devices 100A1-M can
select the desired viewing content 200 from among the relevant
viewing content 200A1-M, respectively, in the manner set forth in
more detail above with reference to FIGS. 2A-B. Upon selecting the
viewing content 200A1-M, the portable media devices 100A1-M can
present the selected viewing content 200A1-M as desired.
[0102] Similarly, one or more of the portable media devices
100A1-M, 100B1-M can transmit upload content 260A1-M, 260B1-M to
one or more of the content sources 300A-N as upload content 260A-N,
respectively, via the content distribution system 400. The upload
content 260A2, 260B1, and 260BM, for example, can be provided by
the portable media devices 100A2, 100B1, and 100BM to the content
distribution system 400 for distribution between the content
sources 300B, 300C as the upload content 260B, 260C in the manner
set forth in more detail above with reference to FIG. 6A. As
discussed above, the upload content 260B, 260C can comprise a
combination of one or more of the upload content 260A1-M, 260B1-M,
in whole and/or in part, and can be substantially uniform, and/or
different, between the content sources 300B, 300C. Each of the
portable media devices 100A1-M, 100B1-M therefore can communicate
with each of the content sources 300A-N, as desired, via the
content distribution system 400.
[0103] The content distribution system 400 can be provided as a
conventional wired and/or wireless communication network, including
a telephone network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area
network (WAN), a campus area network (CAN), personal area network
(PAN) and/or 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, Bluetooth networks in
accordance with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
(IEEE) Standard 802.15.1, and/or wireless metropolitan-area
networks (MANs), which also are known as WiMax Wireless Broadband,
in accordance with IEEE Standard 802.16.
[0104] Preferably being configured to support high-speed data
communications among the portable media devices 100A1-M, 100B1-M
and the content sources 300A-N, the content distribution system 400
preferably comprises a high-speed Ethernet network, such as any
type of Fast Ethernet (such as 100 Base-X and/or 100 Base-T)
communication network and/or Gigabit (such as 1000 Base-X and/or
1000 Base-T) Ethernet communication network, with a typical data
transfer rate of at least approximately one hundred megabits per
second (100 Mbps). To achieve high data transfer rates in a
wireless communications environment, free-space optics (or laser)
technology, millimeter wave (or microwave) technology, and/or
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology can be utilized to communicate with
selected portable media devices 100 and/or selected content sources
300, as desired.
[0105] The content distribution system 400 likewise can be provided
with any appropriate topology, protocol, and/or architecture.
Comprising a geometric arrangement of portable media devices 100
and the content sources 300, common network topologies include
mesh, star, bus, and ring network topologies. The topology of the
content distribution system 400 likewise can comprise a hybrid of
the common network topologies, such as a network tree topology.
Network protocols define a common set of rules and signals by which
the portable media devices 100 and the content sources 300 can
communicate via the content distribution system 400. Illustrative
types of network protocols include Ethernet and Token-Ring network
protocols; whereas, peer-to-peer and client/server network
architectures are examples of typical network architectures. It
will be appreciated that the network system types, topologies,
protocols, and architectures identified above are merely exemplary
and not exhaustive.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 7, the portable media devices 100 can be
separated into two or more device groups 105 based upon any
appropriate predetermined criteria. The portable media devices 100
of FIG. 7 are shown as being separated into two device groups 105:
first device group 105A; and second device group 105B. If the
portable media devices 100 are associated with a vehicle 500 (shown
in FIGS. 8A-B), for example, the portable media devices 100 in the
first device group 105A can be associated with a first class
section of the vehicle 500; whereas, the portable media devices 100
in the second device group 105B can be associated with a coach
class section of the vehicle 500. Similarly, the device groups
105A, 105B may be respectively associated with the operator and
passengers of the vehicle 500. The functionality of the portable
media devices 100 in the first device group 105A can differ from
the functionality of the portable media devices 100 in the second
device group 105B. For example, the portable media devices 100 in
the first device group 105A may be permitted to access premium
content that is not available to the portable media devices 100 in
the second device group 105B. The portable media devices 100 in the
second device group 105B likewise might be required to make payment
of a fee prior to permitting access to the content source 200;
whereas, the portable media devices 100 in the first device group
105A may not require payment of the fee to access the content
source 200.
[0107] The portable media devices 100 preferably are configured to
communicate. For example, the portable media devices 100 can
communicate via the content distribution system 400 such that
viewing content 200 can be exchanged among two or more portable
media devices 100 during travel. The portable media devices 100 can
be configured to communicate with other portable media devices 100
within the same device group 105, and/or portable media devices 100
in different device groups 105 can communicate. Thereby, the upload
content 260B2 transmitted by the portable media device 100B2
thereby can be provided as the viewing content 200A1 provided to
the portable media device 100A1 and/or as the viewing content 200BP
provided to the portable media device 100BP.
[0108] As desired, the portable media devices 100 can be
initialized in any conventional manner. For example, the portable
media devices 100 can be initialized by precharging the battery
system 190 (shown in FIG. 4B) of each portable media device 100 to
a full charge. The portable media devices 100 likewise can be
initially provided with uniform viewing content 200. The uniform
viewing content 200 can be provided to the portable media devices
100 in any conventional manner and preferably is stored by the
memory systems 144 (shown in FIG. 3B) as stored content 240 (shown
in FIG. 3B) in the manner discussed above with reference to FIG.
3B. Each of the portable media devices 100 can receive the same
uniform viewing content 200 and/or the uniform viewing content 200
can vary among the device groups 105. The portable media devices
100 within each device group 105 thereby can receive uniform
viewing content 200 associated with the relevant device group
105.
[0109] Turning to FIGS. 8A-B, the portable media device 100 and the
content source 300 can be associated with a vehicle 500 and can
form a vehicle information system 510. In the manner set forth in
more detail in the co-pending U.S. patent applications, entitled
"SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CONTENT ON MOBILE PLATFORMS," Ser.
No. 11/123,327, filed on May 6, 2005, and "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
PRESENTING HIGH-QUALITY VIDEO TO PASSENGERS ON A MOBILE PLATFORM,"
Ser. No. 60/673,171, filed on Apr. 19, 2005, the respective
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in
their entireties, the vehicle information system 510 can comprise a
conventional information system and can be configured to be
installed in any suitable type of vehicle 500. Exemplary types of
vehicles can include an automobile 500A (shown in FIG. 8A), an
aircraft 500B (shown in FIG. 8B), a bus, a recreational vehicle,
and/or a boat, without limitation. If installed on an aircraft 500B
as illustrated in FIG. 8B, for example, the vehicle information
system 510 can comprise a conventional aircraft passenger in-flight
entertainment system, such as the Series 2000, 3000, eFX, and/or
eX2 in-flight entertainment system as manufactured by Panasonic
Avionics Corporation (formerly known as Matsushita Avionics Systems
Corporation) of Lake Forest, Calif.
[0110] The vehicle information system 510 of FIG. 8A is illustrated
as being installed in an automobile 500A and as including a
conventional media server system 520. In the manner set forth in
more detail above with reference to FIG. 7, the media server system
520 is configured to communicate with one or more portable media
devices 100 via a distribution system 400. The media server system
520 thereby can provide viewing content 200 to one or more of the
portable media devices 100 as previously discussed with reference
to the content source 300. Stated somewhat differently, the media
server system 520 of the vehicle information system 510 can
function as a content source 300. As desired, the media server
system 520 likewise can receive upload content 260 from one or more
of the portable media devices 100 as discussed above. By using the
portable media devices 100, passengers traveling aboard the
automobile 500A therefore can enjoy the viewing content 200 during
travel.
[0111] As shown in FIG. 8A, the portable media devices 100 can be
associated with passenger seats 600 in the automobile 500A. For
example, a driver seat 600A is provided with a selected portable
media device 100 that is associated with a first device group 105A;
whereas, the remaining passenger seats 600B are provided with
selected portable media devices 100 that are associated with a
second device group 105B. In the manner discussed with regard to
FIG. 7, the functionality and/or viewing content associated with
the portable media device 100 in the first device group 105A can be
substantially the same as, and/or differ from, the functionality
and/or viewing content associated with the portable media devices
100 in the second device group 105B. Since the driver needs to pay
attention to the road, for instance, the portable media device 100
in the first device group 105A likely does not include a video
system 120 (shown in FIG. 3A-B); whereas, the portable media
devices 100 in the second device group 105B can include video
systems 120. Similarly, the input system 170 (shown in FIGS. 3A-B)
for the portable media device 100 in the first device group 105A
can be configured to mute the audio systems 130 (shown in FIGS.
3A-B) for each of the portable media devices 100 in the automobile
500A. Advantageously, the portable media devices 100 can present
the selected viewing content 200 and/or to provide the upload
content 260 without any additional equipment being installed at the
passenger seats 600.
[0112] FIG. 8B illustrates the vehicle information system 510 as
being installed in an aircraft 500B. As shown in FIG. 8B, the
vehicle information system 510 includes a media server system 520
and a plurality of portable media devices 100 each being provided
in the manner set forth in more detail above. Being disposed within
the aircraft 500B, the media server system 520 is configured to
function as a content source 300, such as content source 300A, and
can communicate with one or more of the portable media devices 100
via a distribution system 400 as discussed above. In the manner set
forth with reference to the media server 520 (shown in FIG. 8A),
the media server system 520 of FIG. 8B can provide viewing content
200A to one or more of the portable media devices 100 as previously
discussed with reference to the content source 300 and can receive
upload content 260A from one or more of the portable media devices
100. Passengers traveling aboard the aircraft 500B thereby can
enjoy the viewing content 200A provided by the media server system
520 during travel.
[0113] The vehicle information system 510 likewise can be
configured to communicate with one or more content sources 300,
such as a terrestrial content source 300B, that are external to,
and/or remote from, the aircraft 500B. The vehicle information
system 510 and the terrestrial content source 300B can communicate
in any conventional wireless manner, including directly and/or
indirectly via an intermediate communication system 560, such as a
satellite communication system 560'. As desired, the terrestrial
content source 300B can be configured to communicate with, and
exchange with viewing content 200 and/or upload content 260 with,
other terrestrial content sources (not shown). The terrestrial
content source 300B is shown in FIG. 8B as providing access to the
Internet 565. Although shown and described as comprising the
satellite communication system 560' for purposes of illustration,
it is understood that the communication system 560 can comprise any
conventional type of wireless communication system, such as a
cellular communication system (not shown) and/or an Aircraft Ground
Information System (AGIS) communication system (not shown).
[0114] As shown in FIG. 8B, the vehicle information system 510 can
include a conventional antenna system 530 and transceiver system
540 for communicating with the terrestrial content source 300B. In
the manner discussed in more detail above with reference to the
communication interface 160 (shown in FIGS. 3A-B), the antenna
system 530 can receive viewing content 200B from the terrestrial
content source 300B and provide the received viewing content 200B,
as processed by the transceiver system 540, to a computer system
550 of the vehicle information system 510. Being in communication
with the content distribution system 400, the computer system 550
can provide the received viewing content 200B to the media server
system 520 and/or to one or more of the portable media devices 100,
as desired. Although shown and described as being separate systems
for purposes of illustration, the computer system 550 and the media
server system 520 can be at least partially integrated.
[0115] The vehicle information system 510 is shown in FIG. 8B as
being configured to transmit upload content 260B to the terrestrial
content source 300B. In the manner set forth in more detail above
with reference to the communication interface 160 (shown in FIG.
3B), one or more of the portable media devices 100 and/or the media
server system 520 can provide upload content 260B to the computer
system 550 and provide the upload content 260B, as processed by the
transceiver system 540, to the antenna system 530. The antenna
system 530 is illustrated as transmitting the upload content 260B
to the satellite communication system 560', which relays the upload
content 260B to the terrestrial content source 300B as discussed
above. The portable media devices 100 thereby can modify, append,
and/or delete content from the terrestrial content source 300B, as
desired.
[0116] In the manner set forth above with reference to the portable
media devices 100 (shown in FIG. 8A), the portable media devices
100 can be associated with passenger seats 600 in the aircraft
500B. Passenger seats 600A are shown as comprising seats reserved
for the flight crew; whereas, passenger seats 600B, 600C comprise
seats for other passengers, such as travelers. As shown in FIG. 8B,
the portable media devices 100 can be separated into three device
groups 105A, 105B, and 105C. For example, the passenger seats 600A
reserved for the flight crew can be provided with at least one
selected portable media device 100 that is associated with a first
device group 105A. The remaining passenger seats 600B, 600C are
separated into first class passenger seats 600B and coach class
passenger seats 600C. The selected portable media devices 100 that
are associated with the first class passenger seats 600B are
associated with the second device group 105B; whereas, the selected
portable media devices 100 that are associated with the coach class
passenger seats 600C are associated with the third device group
105C in the manner set forth above.
[0117] The functionality and/or the viewing content 200 associated
with the portable media devices 100 can be substantially uniform,
and/or differ, among the device groups 105A, 105B, and 105C. In the
manner set forth above with reference to FIG. 8A, the input system
170 (shown in FIGS. 3A-B) for the portable media devices 100 in the
first device group 510A can be configured to mute the audio systems
130 (shown in FIGS. 3A-B) for each of the portable media devices
100 in the aircraft 500B. The functionality and/or the viewing
content 200 associated with the portable media devices 100 in the
second device group 105B likewise can be substantially uniform
with, and/or differ from, the functionality and/or viewing content
associated with the portable media devices 100 in the third device
group 105C. In the manner discussed above, the portable media
devices 100 in the second device group 105B can, for example,
access premium content that is not available to the portable media
devices 100 in the third device group 105C. The portable media
devices 100 in the third device group 105C likewise can require a
fee to be paid prior to permitting access to some, or substantially
all, of the viewing content 200 available on one or more
predetermined content sources 300; whereas, the portable media
devices 100 in the second device group 105B may be able to access
substantially all of the available viewing content 200 available on
the content sources 300 without requiring payment of the fee.
[0118] As desired, the portable media devices 100 in one or more
selected device groups 105A, 105B, and 105C may be configured to
select and present viewing content 200 associated with geography,
such as a destination of the vehicle 500 and/or other points of
interest, that may, or may not, be related to the travel route of
the vehicle 500. For example, passengers can select and view
viewing content 200 relating to hotel accommodations and/or a map
of the destination city. If the destination is an airport terminal,
information, such as arrival and departure times and gate
information, for other flights may be provided to assist the
passenger with making his connecting flight or with meeting others
who are arriving at the airport terminal on different flights.
[0119] FIGS. 9A-B provide a view of a passenger cabin 570 of a
vehicle 500, such as the automobile 500A (shown in FIG. 8A) and/or
the aircraft 500B (shown in FIG. 8B). The passenger cabin 570 is
illustrated as including a plurality of passenger seats 600 and at
least one access point 410 for access to one or more content
sources 300 (shown in FIGS. 8A-B) via the content distribution
system 400. Thereby, the portable media devices 100 of FIGS. 9A-B
can present selected viewing content 200 from, and/or transmit
upload content 260 to, the content sources 300 in the manner
discussed in more detail above with reference to FIG. 7. The
portable media devices 100 can function to supplement a video
presentation system 572, such as an overhead cabin video system
572A and/or seatback viewing systems 572B, and an audio
presentation system 574, such as an overhead speaker system 574A,
of the vehicle information system 510 as shown in FIG. 9A and/or
can be configured to replace the video presentation system 572
and/or an audio presentation system 574 as illustrated in FIG.
9B.
[0120] Being provided in the manner discussed in more detail above
with reference to FIGS. 3A-B, 4A-D, and 5A-C, the portable media
devices 100 are illustrated as including a video system 120, an
audio system 130, and an input system 170. Each of the portable
media devices 100 likewise includes a communication interface 160
for facilitating communication with at least one of the content
sources 300 via a relevant access point 410. The access points 410
of the content distribution system 400 can be distributed
throughout the passenger cabin 570 in any suitable manner such that
each passenger seat 600 is within a coverage area of at least one
access point 410. The entire passenger cabin 570 preferably is
within a coverage area of one or more access points 410. Thereby,
if the access points 410 comprise wireless access points, the
portable media devices 100 can maintain communication with the
content sources 300 when the portable media devices 100 are carried
about the passenger cabin 570. Stated somewhat differently, the
passenger cable 570 can comprise a wireless hot spot, such as
wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) hot spot and/or a Bluetooth hot spot.
[0121] Turning to FIG. 9A, for example, each passenger seat 600 is
shown as including an individual access point 410. In particular,
passenger seat 600W is associated with access point 410W; whereas,
passenger seat 600X therefore is associated with access point 410X.
The access points 410W, 410X is illustrated as being provided on
arm rests 610 of the respective passenger seats 600W, 600.times..
The access point 410W is a wireless access point that is configured
to communicate with a portable media device 100, such as portable
media device 100W, that includes a wireless communication interface
160. The portable media device 100X is shown as having a wireless
communication interface 160 that is coupled with, and configured to
communicate with, the wired access point 410X via a communication
cable 580. Although shown and described as being uniformly provided
on the arm rests 610 of the passenger seats 600W, 600X for purposes
of illustration, the access points 410 can be associated with the
passenger seats 600 in any conventional manner, including in a
manner that is uniform and/or different among the passenger seats
600.
[0122] Access points 410Y, 410Z of FIG. 9B each have coverage areas
that include a plurality of passenger seats 600, including
passenger seats 600Y, 600Z, respectively. Stated somewhat
differently, the passenger cabin 570 and/or the passenger seats 600
can be divided into a plurality of seat zones (not shown) based
upon any suitable predetermined criteria. If the seat zones are
related to seat class, for example, the passenger seats 600, such
as passenger seat 600Y, in a first seat group 605Y can be
associated with a first class seat zone (or section) of the vehicle
500; whereas, the passenger seats 600, such as passenger seat 600Z,
in a second seat group 605Z can be associated with a coach class
seat zone (or section) of the vehicle 500. Therefore, the vehicle
information system 510 can provide access to the content sources
300 (shown in FIG. 7) via the access point 410Y to the portable
media devices 100, such as portable media device 100Y, that are
used in the passenger seats 600, such as passenger seat 600Y, in
the first seat group 605Y. Similarly, the portable media devices
100, such as portable media device 100Z, that are used in the
passenger seats 600, such as passenger seat 600Z, in the second
seat group 605Z receive access via the access point 410Z. The
portable media devices 100 thereby can receive viewing content 200
in accordance with the associated seat group 605 in the manner
discussed in more detail above with reference to the device groups
105 (shown in FIG. 7).
[0123] The passenger seats 600 likewise can provide in-seat power
for the portable media devices 100. As shown in FIG. 9B, each
passenger seat 500 can include a power port 595 for providing
power, having a predetermined voltage level and/or a predetermined
current level, that is suitable for the portable media device 100.
Preferably being primarily powered by a battery system 190 (shown
in FIG. 4B), the portable media devices 100 can receive in-seat
power via a power cable 590 that couples the power port 595 with a
power port 192 of the portable media device 100. Although shown and
described as being provided on the arm rest 610 of the passenger
seat 600Z for purposes of illustration, the power port 595 can be
associated with the passenger seats 600 in any conventional manner,
including in a manner that is uniform and/or different among the
passenger seats 600.
[0124] The battery system 190 can be periodically replaced and/or
recharged as necessary. For example, one or more selected cabin
compartments (not shown) in the passenger cabin 570 can be
designated for use with the portable media device 100. The cabin
compartment can include a battery charging system (not shown) for
recharging the battery system 190 of the portable media device 100
during periods of non-use. The battery charging system can be
provided in any conventional manner, including the manner set forth
above with reference to the battery charging system 834 (shown in
FIGS. 13A, 14, and 15A-B). The passenger entertainment system 500
likewise can include two sets of portable media devices 100. The
battery systems 190 of one set of portable media devices 100 can be
recharged while the other set of portable media devices 100 is in
use. In the manner discussed in more detail above with reference to
FIGS. 4C-D, the portable media device 100 likewise can include a
protective cover 199 (shown in FIG. 4D) that can flip back and
serve as a viewing support 195 (shown in FIGS. 4C-D). The portable
media device 100 thereby can function as a setback tray.
[0125] When no longer in use, the portable media device 100 can be
stored at the passenger seat 600 and/or at an adjacent passenger
seat 600. For example, the portable media device 100 can be placed
in a storage pocket 620, such as storage pocket 620Z, formed in the
passenger seat 600 as shown in FIG. 9B. The storage pocket 620
likewise can be provided on a seatback 630 and/or a headrest 640 of
the adjacent passenger seat 600. The storage pocket 620Y is
illustrated as being formed on the seatback 630 of the passenger
seat 600Y.
[0126] As desired, the portable media device 100 likewise can be
disposed on a mounting surface, such as the seatback 630 and/or the
headrest 640, of the adjacent passenger seat 600 during use. When
disposed on the mounting surface, the portable media device 100
preferably is supported by a mounting system 700, 750 (shown in
FIGS. 10A-J and 11A-F). The mounting system 700, 750 can be
provided in any conventional manner and preferably includes a main
body member, a seat interface system for coupling the main body
member with the mounting surface; and a device interface system for
removably coupling the main body member with housing 102 of the
portable media device 100. The mounting system 700, 750 preferably
is configured to adjust a predetermined viewing angle formed
between the portable media device 100 and the mounting surface of
the passenger seat 600. The portable media device 100 thereby can
be advantageously configured for hands-free operation.
[0127] FIG. 10A, for example, shows an exemplary mounting system
700 for mounting a portable media device 100 on a headrest 640
(and/or a seatback 630) of a passenger seat 600. The mounting
system 700 of FIG. 10A comprises a foam pad 700A with a first
preformed channel 710A for receiving and engaging the headrest 640
and a second preformed channel 720A for receiving and engaging the
portable media device 100. The mounting system 700 likewise can be
provided as a foam wedge 700A' that can include a clip assembly
730A for engaging the headrest 640 and an inclined surface 720 for
engaging the portable media device 100. Advantageously, the foam
pad 700A and the foam wedge 700A' can be sufficiently buoyant for
use as a floatation device in case of a water landing.
[0128] Turning to FIG. 10B, the mounting system 700 can be provided
as a metal platform 700B. The metal platform 700B includes a main
body member 710B for supporting the portable media device 100. The
main body member 710B is coupled with a clip assembly 720B for
engaging the headrest 640 of the passenger seat 600 and a support
member 730B upon which the portable media device 100 can rest. The
main body member 710B can support the portable media device 100 at
an adjustable predetermined viewing angle relative to the seatback
630 of the passenger seat 600. The clip assembly 720B and the
support member 730B are shown as being rotatably coupled with the
main body member 710B such that the main body member 710B can be
retracted when not in use.
[0129] The mounting system 700C of FIG. 10C has a main body member
710C that is coupled with a clip assembly 720C for engaging the
headrest 640 and a rotating support member (or panel) 730C for
receiving and engaging the portable media device 100. The rotating
support member (or panel) 730C can rotate relative to the main body
member 710C such that the portable media device 100 can be
supported at an adjustable predetermined viewing angle relative to
the seatback 630. FIG. 10D illustrates a mounting system 700D with
a main body member 710D that is coupled with a clip assembly 720D
for engaging the headrest 640. The main body member 710D forms a
groove 730D for receiving and adjustably engaging the portable
media device 100. The mounting system 700D thereby can support the
portable media device 100 at an adjustable predetermined viewing
angle relative to the seatback 630 as discussed above.
[0130] Turning to FIG. 10E, a mounting system 700E is shown that
includes a first mounting member 710E for coupling with the
seatback 630 and/or the headrest 640 of the passenger seat 600. A
second mounting member 720E is configured to cooperate with, and
engage, the first mounting member 710E and can couple with the
portable media device 100. As shown in FIG. 10E, the second
mounting member 720E can couple with the portable media device 100
via an intermediate member 730E, such as a soft hook device. The
mounting system 700F of FIG. 10F has a main body member 710F that
is pliable and can engage the seatback 630 and/or the headrest 640
of the passenger seat 600. The main body member 710F can include a
plurality of magnetic structures 720F, 730F, and a plurality of
corresponding magnetic structures 720F', 730F' can be disposed on
the housing 102 of the portable media device 100. The magnetic
structures 720F, 720F' are illustrated as being attracting magnetic
structures with opposite polarities for supporting the portable
media device 100; whereas, the magnetic structures 730F, 730F' are
shown as being repelling magnetic structures with same polarities
for providing the predetermined viewing angle formed between the
portable media device 100 and the seatback 630.
[0131] FIG. 10G shows a mounting system 700G with a main body
member 710G that can engage the headrest 640 of the passenger seat
600. The mounting system 700G likewise can form a gap 720G between
the main body member 710G and the seatback 630 for receiving and
adjustably engaging the portable media device 100 as illustrated in
FIG. 10G. The mounting system 700G thereby can support the portable
media device 100 at any adjustable predetermined viewing angle
relative to the seatback 630 as discussed above. Turning to FIG.
10H, a mounting system 700H is shown that comprises a main body
member 710G for engaging the headrest 640. The main body member
710G can form a channel 720H for receiving the portable media
device 100. When the portable media device 100 is installed in the
channel 720H, the user interface 110 of the portable media device
100 is accessible via an appropriately-sized opening formed in the
main body member 710G. In the manner set forth above, the main body
member 710G can be rotatable relative to the seatback 630 to
provide any predetermined viewing angle.
[0132] Turning to FIGS. 10I-J, the mounting systems 700I, 700J are
shown as including respective main body members 710I, 710J. The
main body members 710I, 710J are pliable and can engage the
seatback 630 and/or the headrest 640 of the passenger seat 600. The
main body member 710I is configured to support the portable media
device 100 by wrapping itself around at least a portion of the
portable media device 100; whereas, the main body member 710J is
shown as being coupled with at least one support strap 720J for
receiving and supporting the portable media device 100. As
discussed above, the mounting systems 700I, 700J each can form a
predetermined viewing angle formed between the portable media
device 100 and the seatback 630 in any suitable manner. For
example, the mounting system 700J is illustrated as including an
inflatable member 730J, such as a balloon, for adjusting the
predetermined viewing angle.
[0133] Similarly, exemplary mounting systems 750 for mounting a
portable media device 100 on a seatback 630 (and/or a headrest 640)
of a passenger seat 600 are illustrated in FIGS. 11A-F. The
mounting system 750 of FIG. 11A comprises a main body member 760A
for receiving and engaging the seatback 630 and/or the headrest 640
of the passenger seat 600. A support member 770A is formed by the
main body member 760A and can engage and support the portable media
device 100. Being formed from a pliable material, the support
member 770A can bend relative to the main body member 760A to form
an adjustable predetermined viewing angle formed between the
portable media device 100 and the seatback 630.
[0134] Turning to FIG. 11B, a mounting system 750B is shown that
includes a main body member 760B that is adjustably coupled with a
plurality of opposing support members 770B. The main body member
760B can couple with the seatback 630 and/or the headrest 640 of
the passenger seat 600. The support members 770B are configured to
cooperatively engage the portable media device 100. As shown in
FIG. 11B, the portable media device 100 can be disposed between
pairs of the support members 770B, which can adjustably couple with
the portable media device 100 to provide the predetermined viewing
angle formed between the portable media device 100 and the seatback
630. The mounting system 750C of FIG. 11C has a main body member
760C for engaging the seatback 630 and/or the headrest 640 of the
passenger seat 600. The main body member 760C is coupled with a
support member 770C that can be received within, and engaged by, a
cooperating opening 780C formed in the housing 102 of the portable
media device 100. The portable media device 100 thereby can be
supported by the mounting system 750C. By adjustably coupling the
main body member 760C and the support member 770C, the
predetermined viewing angle formed between the portable media
device 100 and the seatback 630 can be adjustable.
[0135] FIG. 11D shows a mounting system 750D with an elongate body
member 760D that can engage the seatback 630 and/or the headrest
640 of the passenger seat 600. An end region of the elongate body
member 760D includes a connector assembly 770D for coupling with a
cooperating connector assembly 780 provided on the housing 102 of
the portable media device 100. The mounting system 750D thereby can
adjustably support the portable media device 100 in the manner set
forth above. Turning to FIG. 11E, a mounting system 750E is shown
that comprises a main body member 760E for engaging the seatback
630 and/or the headrest 640. The main body member 760E is coupled
with a flexible body member 770E having opposite end regions 780E',
780E'' and a central region 790E for coupling with the portable
media device 100. As shown in FIG. 11E, one end region 780E' of the
flexible body member 770E is adjustably coupled with the main body
member 760E; whereas, the other end region 780E'' is fixedly
coupled with the main body member 760E. By adjusting a distance
between the end regions 780E', 780E'' of the flexible body member
770E, the predetermined viewing angle formed between the portable
media device 100 and the seatback 630 can be adjusted.
[0136] Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described
with reference to FIGS. 10A-J and 11A-E for purposes of
illustration, the portable media device 100 can be disposed on the
seatback 630 and/or the headrest 640 of the adjacent passenger seat
600 in any conventional manner. As desired, the mounting system
700, 750 can include indicia, such as textual indicia 755, for
providing advertising information. As shown in FIG. 11F, the
textual indicia 755 can promote and/or encourage use of the
portable media device 100. The indicia 755 can be provided on the
mounting system 700, 750 in any suitable manner.
[0137] A device management system 800 for managing, and/or
providing logistics support for, one or more of the portable media
devices 100 is illustrated in FIG. 12. The device management system
800 can manage the portable media devices 100 in any conventional
manner and can be provided in any conventional manner, such as via
one or more hardware components and/or software components. As
discussed above with reference to FIG. 3B, the portable media
device 100 can include one or more peripheral systems 180 (shown in
FIG. 3B). Advantageously, the portable media device 100 can be
provided with a device identification system 810 for exchanging
device identification data 820 with a device management interface
830, which, in turn, can exchange management data 840 with a device
management database system 850, as shown in FIG. 12.
[0138] Various device parameters, such as location, status,
contents, performance data, and/or usage statistics, of the
portable media device 100 thereby can be monitored via the device
management system 800. By monitoring the device parameters, the
device management database system 850 can maintain a historical
record for the portable media device 100 and can provide management
data 840, such as one or more device configuration instructions,
for configuring the portable media device 100 for future use.
Stated somewhat differently, the device management system 800 can
be configured to initialize the portable media device 100 for use
in the manner discussed in more detail above.
[0139] The device identification system 810 can be provided in any
conventional manner and is illustrated in FIG. 12 as including an
identification communication port 812 for communicating with the
device management interface 830, a compatible identification
transceiver system 814 for receiving and/or transmitting the
identification data 820, and an identification memory system 816
for storing the identification data 820. In the manner discussed in
more detail above regarding the communication port 162 (shown in
FIGS. 3A-B), the identification communication port 812 can comprise
a wired communication port for supporting wired communications
and/or a wireless communication port for supporting wireless
communications over one or more communication frequencies. The
identification transceiver system 814 can be provided in the manner
set forth above with reference to the transceiver system 164 (shown
in FIGS. 3A-B); whereas, the identification memory system 816 can
be provided in the manner discussed above with regard to the memory
system 144 (shown in FIG. 3B). The device identification system
810, in whole and/or in part, can be provided as a peripheral
system 180 and/or can be at least partially incorporated into the
portable media device 100. For example, the identification memory
system 816 can be separate from, or at least partially incorporated
with, the memory system 144.
[0140] In a preferred embodiment, the device management system 800
can be provided as a conventional radio frequency identification
(RFID) system, wherein the device identification system 810 can
comprise a RFID tag system, and the device management interface 830
can be provided as a RFID reader/computer system. If the device
identification system 810 is provided as a passive RFID tag system,
for example, the identification transceiver system 814 can comprise
a radio frequency ID transponder, which conforms to the principles
of RFID technology, and the identification communication port 812
can be provided as a tag antenna system. The identification
communication port 812 can be coupled with the identification
transceiver system 814 and typically comprises a microchip antenna
system using well-known coil-on-chip technology in the conventional
manner as set forth in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,052,
issued to Kotola et al., the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0141] The identification memory system 816 can include an erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM) system that can be configured
to store device identification data 820 associated with the
portable media device 100. Illustrative device identification data
820 can include a serial number of the portable media device 100, a
serial number of the battery system 190 (shown in FIG. 4B), an
identity of the owner of the portable media device 100, and/or
information regarding the media content 200 (shown in FIG. 7)
stored by the portable media device 100. The device identification
system 810 thereby can receive a download identification data 822,
such as an interrogation signal, from the device management
interface 830 and can separate the radio-frequency (RF) energy from
the received download identification data 822. The energy captured
by the identification communication port 812 can be processed by
the identification transceiver system 814, which can respond by
transmitting an upload identification data 824 to the device
management interface 830 to initiate one or more device management
system operations.
[0142] The device identification data 820 can comprise a wide range
of information about the portable media device 100 and/or one or
more individual components of the portable media device 100, such
as the battery system 190. In addition to identifying the portable
media device 100, the device identification data 820 can include
status (and/or performance) information for the portable media
device 100 and/or historical maintenance information, such as a
date and/or a location where the portable media device 100 was last
serviced. Similarly, status (and/or performance) information, such
as a current battery charge level and/or a number of charging
cycles, can be provided for the battery system 190. The device
identification data 820 likewise can include information about the
viewing content 200 stored by the portable media device 100. The
device identification data 820 can include, for example, a date
and/or a location where the current viewing content 200 was loaded
onto the portable media device 100 and/or a date period and/or a
catalogue (or content listing) of the current viewing content 200.
One or more active content sets for the viewing content 200 can be
identified and/or selected by the device identification data 820.
As desired, the device identification data 820 likewise can include
usage information, such as cycle usage and/or a date for any user
data offloads, of the portable media device 100 and/or
transactional information, such as any user billing
information.
[0143] Being configured to facilitate communication between the
portable media device 100 and the device management database system
850, the device management interface 830 can include a portable (or
handheld) system and/or a substantially fixed system. When the
portable media device 100 is in communication with the device
management interface 830, the device management interface 830 can
receive the upload identification data 824 transmitted by the
portable media device 100. The upload identification data 824 can
include current device configuration information, such as
identification data 820 currently stored in the identification
memory system 816 and/or upload content 260, such as status (or
performance) information regarding the portable media device 100
and/or the viewing content 200 (or the stored content 240) (shown
in FIG. 3B) currently stored in the memory system 144 (shown in
FIG. 3B). The information about the viewing content 200 (or the
stored content 240) currently stored in the memory system 144 can
be provided as a current content catalogue (not shown) for the
portable media device 100.
[0144] The device management interface 830 can provide the upload
identification data 824 to the device management database system
850 as the upload management data 844 as illustrated in FIG. 12. In
the manner set forth in more detail above, the device management
interface 830 and the device management database system 850 can
communicate in any conventional manner, including via wired and/or
wireless communications. The device management database system 850
can maintain a historical record for each portable media device
100. The historical records of the device management database
system 850 can include information derived from the identification
data 820 from the device identification system 810 and/or the
content catalogue from the memory system 144 of each portable media
device 100 in the device management database system 850. Upon
receiving the upload management data 844, the device management
database system 850 can process the upload management data 844 to
update (and/or append) the historical records for the portable
media device 100 in accordance with the information provided with
the upload management data 844.
[0145] For example, the device management database system 850 can
process the upload management data 844 to determine whether the
portable media device 100 is a new portable media device 100. For
new portable media devices 100, the device management database
system 850 can create new records; whereas, existing historical
records associated with any portable media devices 100 that have
been removed from the device management system 800 due, for
example, to loss, theft, and/or obsolescence, can be maintained,
archived, and/or deleted, as desired. The device management
database system 850 likewise can update (and/or append) the
historical records to include the current device configuration
information, such as identification data 820 from the
identification memory system 816 and/or the upload content 260,
such as status (or performance) information regarding the portable
media device 100 and/or the viewing content 200 (or the stored
content 240) currently stored in the memory system 144. The device
management database system 850 thereby can update (and/or append)
the historical records to include the current device status and
configuration of the portable media device 100.
[0146] The device management database system 850 likewise can
provide download management data 842 that can include instructions
for configuring the portable media device 100 for future use.
Illustrative download management data 842 can include one or more
device configuration instructions, such as at least one instruction
for updating the identification data 820 stored in the
identification memory system 816 and/or at least one instruction
for updating the viewing content 200 (or the stored content 240)
stored in the memory system 144. The device management database
system 850 can transmit the download management data 842 to the
device management interface 830. Upon receiving the download
management data 842, the device management interface 830 can
execute the device configuration instructions included with the
received download management data 842. The portable media device
thereby can be configured for future use in accordance with the
device configuration instructions.
[0147] If the download management data 842 includes one or more
instructions for updating the identification data 820 stored in the
identification memory system 816, the device management interface
830 can provide the instructions for updating the identification
memory system 816 to the portable media device 100 as the download
identification data 822. The device identification system 810 can
receive the download identification data 822 and update the
identification memory system 816 in accordance with the download
identification data 822. The download management data 842 likewise
can include one or more instructions for updating the content
catalogue stored in the memory system 144. Upon receiving the
download management data 842, the device management interface 830
can process the download management data 842 and can transmit
viewing content 200 to the portable media device 100 in accordance
with the instructions for updating the content catalogue. The
transmitted viewing content 200 can be stored via the memory system
144 in the manner discussed above. The portable media device 100
thereby can be configured for future use.
[0148] Turning to FIG. 13A, the device management system 800 is
illustrated as including a device management interface 830 with a
device interface docking station 832 for receiving a selected
portable media device 100. Communications between the portable
media device 100 and the device interface docking station 832
preferably are initiated automatically when the portable media
device 100 is coupled with the device interface docking station
832. The device interface docking station 832 can include a power
communication port 832A, a content communication port 832B, and/or
an identification communication port 832C. Being provided in the
manner discussed above with reference to the power port 595 (shown
in FIG. 9B), the power communication port 832A is configured to
cooperate with the power port 192 of the portable media device 100
and is in communication with a battery charging system 834. The
battery charging system 834 can provide power 834, having
predetermined voltage and/or current characteristics that are
suitable for charging the battery system 190 of the portable media
device 100.
[0149] The content communication port 832B of the device interface
docking station 832 is configured to communicate with the
communication port 162 of the portable media device 100 and can be
provided in the manner set forth in more detail above with
reference to the communication port 162 (shown in FIGS. 3A-B).
Thereby, the device interface docking station 832 can receive
upload content 260 from the memory system 144 and/or provide
viewing content 200 to the memory system 144. The identification
communication port 832C is configured to receive upload
identification data 824 from, and/or provide download
identification data 822 to, the device identification system 810 of
the portable media device 100. Being provided in the manner
discussed above with reference to the identification communication
port 812 (shown in FIG. 12), the identification communication port
832C can communicate with the identification communication port 812
and, therefore, with the identification memory system 816 of the
portable media device 100.
[0150] The device management interface 830 likewise can include an
interface content source 836 and/or an interface memory system 838
as illustrated in FIG. 13A. The interface content source 836 can be
provided in the manner set forth in more detail above with
reference to the content source 300 (shown in FIGS. 2A-B); whereas,
the interface memory system 838 can be provided in the manner
discussed above with reference to the memory system 144 (shown in
FIG. 3B). As desired, the interface memory system 838 can provide
at least temporary storage for the download management data 842
and/or the download identification data 822, for example, while the
device management interface 830 is processing the download
management data 842. The interface memory system 838 likewise can
provide at least temporary storage for the upload identification
data 824 received from the device identification system 810 of the
portable media device 100 pending transmission of the upload
management data 844 to the device management database system 850.
Stated somewhat differently, the interface memory system 838 can
function a buffer system for the download identification data 822,
the upload identification data 824, the download management data
842, and/or the upload management data 844.
[0151] Similarly, the interface content source 836 can provide a
buffer system for viewing content 200 and/or upload content 260 to
be exchanged between the portable media device 100 and the device
management system 800. In the manner discussed above with reference
to FIG. 12, the upload identification data 824 can include
information about the content catalogue currently stored in the
memory system 144 of the portable media device 100. The information
about the stored content 240, including upload content 260, can be
at least temporarily stored by the interface content source 836.
The download management data 842 likewise can include one or more
instructions for updating the content catalogue stored in the
memory system 144. If the current content catalogue is to be
updated with new viewing content 200, the interface content source
836 can provide at least temporary storage for the viewing content
200 prior to transmission of the viewing content to the memory
system 144 in the manner set forth in more detail above.
[0152] If the download management data 842 includes instructions
for updating the content catalogue of the memory system 144, the
instructions can comprise instructions for providing the selected
viewing content from the interface content source 836.
Alternatively, and/or in addition, the instructions for updating
the content catalogue can include the selected viewing content 200.
As shown in FIG. 13A, for example, the device management database
system 850 can be associated with a database content source 852 for
providing the selected viewing content 200 for updating the content
catalogue of the memory system 144. The database content source 852
can be provided in the manner set forth in more detail above with
reference to the content source 300 (shown in FIGS. 2A-B).
Preferably, if viewing content 200 is to be downloaded to a
plurality of portable media devices 100, the database content
source 852 can transfer a copy of the selected viewing content 200
to the interface content source 836 for downloading to each of the
portable media devices 100. In other words, the database content
source 852 can comprise a global content source 300; whereas, the
interface content source 836 can comprise a local content source
300. Data transfer time thereby can be reduced. In the manner
discussed above with reference to FIG. 3B, the upload content 260
provided by the portable media device 100 can be stored, in whole
and/or in part, in the database content source 852 and/or in the
interface content source 836.
[0153] The operation of the device management system 800 is
discussed with reference to the exemplary method 860 for managing a
set of portable media devices 100 as shown in FIG. 13B. Although
shown and described as comprising as a selected sequence of
operations 860A-O for purposes of illustration, the device
management system 800 can manage the set of portable media devices
100 in any suitable manner. The exemplary method 860 begins at
860A. At 860B, the device management system 800 is shown as
receiving the set of portable media devices 100. One of the
portable media devices 100 is selected at 860C, and, at 860D, the
selected portable media device 100 is disposed on the device
interface docking station 832 in the manner discussed above.
[0154] When the selected portable media device 100 is disposed on
the device interface docking station 832, the power port 192 of the
selected portable media device 100 can couple with the cooperating
power communication port 832A of the device interface docking
station 832. The battery charging system 834 thereby can begin to
charge the battery system 190 of the selected portable media device
100, at 860E. Although the battery system 190 can be charged in any
conventional manner, the battery charging system 834 preferably
quick-charges the battery system 190. The downtime of the selected
portable media device 100 thereby can be reduced.
[0155] The communication port 162 and the identification
communication port 812 of the selected portable media device 100
and the content communication port 832B and the identification
communication port 832C of the device interface docking station 832
likewise can respectively communicate. Thereby, the selected
portable media device 100 can provide one or more predetermined
device parameters, including selected identification parameters,
such as a device serial number, and/or selected device status (or
performance) parameters, such as offload usage statistics, a
current content catalogue, an active content catalogue, and/or a
current charge level on the battery system 190, to the device
management interface 830 in the manner set forth in more detail
above with reference to FIG. 12. As set forth above, the device
management interface 830 can provide the predetermined device
parameters from the selected portable media device 100 to the
device management database system 850 as the download management
data 842, at 860F.
[0156] Upon receiving the download management data 842, the device
management database system 850 can update the historical records
for the selected portable media device 100 to include the
information included in the download management data 842 as
discussed above with regard to FIG. 12. The device management
database system 850 likewise can provide download management data
842 that can include instructions for configuring the portable
media device 100 for future use. At 860G, the device management
database system 850 can provide the download management data 842 to
the device management interface 830. The device management
interface 830, in turn, can configure the selected portable media
device 100 in accordance with the instructions associated with the
download management data 842. In the manner discussed above, the
download management data 842 likewise can include selected media
content 200 for updating the content catalogue of the selected
portable media device 100, which selected media content 200 can be
at least temporarily stored via the interface content source
836.
[0157] The device management interface 830 therefore, at 860H, can
provide the selected media content 200 to the selected portable
media device 100 in accordance with the instructions associated
with the download management data 842. In the manner discussed
above, the device management interface 830 likewise can update the
device identification system 810 by providing the download
identification data 822. Upon receiving the selected media content
200 and/or the download identification data 822, the selected
portable media device 100 can provide a confirmation of receipt to
the device management database system 850, at 860I, in the manner
set forth above. The confirmation of receipt can comprise a quality
check to validate that the selected portable media device 100 has
been loaded with the correct viewing content 200. As discussed
above with reference to the predetermined device parameters, the
confirmation of receipt likewise can include one or more
predetermined device parameters, including selected identification
parameters, such as a device serial number, and/or selected device
status (or performance) parameters, such as a current content
catalogue, an active content catalogue, a current charge level on
the battery system 190, and/or a "device ready" status parameter.
The device management database system 850 preferably updates the
historical record for the portable media device to include at least
a portion of the information included with the confirmation of
receipt.
[0158] Since the confirmation of receipt preferably includes the
current charge level on the battery system 190, the device
management database system 850, at 860J, can determine whether the
battery system 190 of the selected portable media device 100 has
received a full charge. If the battery system 190 is not fully
charged, the device management database system 850 can permit the
battery system 190 to continue to charge, at 860K. The device
management database system 850 thereafter can periodically request
an updated current charge level on the battery system 190, at 860J,
to determine whether the battery system 190 has received a full
charge. Once the current charge level on the battery system 190
indicates that the battery system 190 is fully charged, the
selected portable media device 100 is ready for future use and, at
860L, can be removed from the device interface docking station 832.
At 860M, each portable media device 100 in the set can be processed
and prepared for future use in the manner set forth above. Once
processing is complete, the set of portable media devices 100 can
be provided for use, at 860N, and the process ends at 860O.
[0159] FIG. 14 illustrates a device management system 800 for
simultaneously processing a plurality of portable media devices 100
in the manner set forth above with reference to FIGS. 13A-B. The
device management system 800 is shown as including a plurality of
device management interfaces 830 in communication with the device
management database system 850. Each device management interface
830 likewise can include a plurality of device interface docking
stations 832 for receiving a plurality of portable media devices
100. Thereby, the device management interface 830 can receive
device identification data 820 from each relevant portable media
device 100 and can transmit the device identification data 820, in
whole and/or in part, to the device management database system 850
as management data 840 in the manner discussed above. The device
management database system 850 can maintain historical records for
each of the portable media devices and can provide configuration
instruction for configuring each of the portable media devices for
future use in the manner set forth above.
[0160] Each the device interface docking station 832 can update the
portable media devices 100 in the manner set forth in more detail
above with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13A-B. For example, a selected
device interface docking station 832, such as device interface
docking station 832A, can provide the updated viewing content 200
to the associated portable media devices 100 in a wired manner
and/or in a wireless manner as set forth above with reference to
FIG. 3A, preferably via high-speed data communications. If the
portable media devices 100 receive the updated viewing content 200
via wireless data communications, the updated viewing content 200
can be distributed to one or more of the associated portable media
devices 100 in any conventional manner. The selected device
interface docking station 832, for instance, can sequentially
update the associated portable media devices 100 and/or can update
two or more of the associated portable media devices 100 in
parallel. In other words, the selected device interface docking
station 832 can provide the updated viewing content 200 to the
associated portable media devices 100 on a one-by-one basis and/or
can multicast the updated viewing content 200 to more than one,
preferably all, of the associated portable media devices 100.
[0161] Although the device interface docking stations 832 for a
selected device management interface 830, such as device management
interface 830A, can be configured to process the portable media
devices 100 in uniform and/or different manners, the device
interface docking stations 832 preferably uniformly process the
portable media devices 100. Stated somewhat differently, the
portable media devices 100 associated with the selected device
management interface 830 preferably are processed in a uniform
manner, such that the portable media devices 100 are updated with
uniform viewing content 200 and the device identification system
810 are uniformly updated with the device identification data 820.
The memory systems 144 (shown in FIG. 13A) of the relevant portable
media devices 100 thereby can store the same viewing content 200
(or stored content 240) (shown in FIG. 3B). The portable media
devices 100 thereby can be uniformly updated for future use in a
more rapid manner.
[0162] In the manner discussed in more detail above with reference
to FIG. 7, the portable media devices 100 can be separated into two
or more device groups 105 (shown in FIG. 7). The device management
interfaces 830 therefore may be allocated in accordance with the
device groups 105. For example, the device management interface
830A can be configured to process the portable media devices 100
associated with a first device group 105A (shown in FIG. 7);
whereas, the portable media devices 100 associated with a second
device group 105B (shown in FIG. 7) can be processed by the device
management interface 830N. Thereby, the portable media devices 100
in each device group 105 can be simultaneously prepared for future
use in a parallel manner.
[0163] Advantageously, each device management interface 830A-N is
shown as respectively including a separate battery charging system
834A-N, interface content source 836A-N, and/or interface memory
system 838A-N. The download management data 842A-N and/or the
selected viewing content 200A-N can be locally stored at each
device management interface 830A-N via interface content sources
836A-N and/or interface memory systems 838A-N. The device
management database system 850 thereby is not required to
repeatedly provide the selected viewing content 200A-N to each
device management interface 830A-N. Instead, the selected viewing
content 200A-N can be locally stored on the relevant interface
content source 836A-N. Since the portable media devices 100
preferably are uniform, the power 834A-N provided by the battery
charging systems 834A-N preferably is uniform. As desired, the
device management database system 850 likewise can provide access
to the Internet 565. The device management database system 850
thereby can communicate with one or more other device management
database systems 850 and/or a central (or master) device management
database system (not shown) for coordinating the historical records
maintained by each of the device management database systems.
[0164] An illustrative embodiment of a multi-bay docking station
870 for the device management system 800 is shown in FIG. 15A.
Receiving input power 872 from an external power source (not
shown), the multi-bay docking station 870 includes a switching
system 876 and a power supply 878 and is configured to communicate
with a server system 874. The server system 874 can comprise a
conventional computer server system and, as desired, can at least
partially incorporate the interface content source 836 (shown in
FIGS. 13A and 14) and/or the interface memory system 838 (shown in
FIGS. 13A and 14). The server system 874 preferably can be
configured to communicate with a plurality of docking stations 870
in the manner discussed above with reference to FIG. 14. The power
supply 878 converts the input power 872 into power, having a
predetermined voltage level and/or a predetermined current level,
that is suitable for the battery systems 190 (shown in FIG. 4B) of
the portable media devices 100.
[0165] The switching system 876 facilitates communications between
the server system 874 and a plurality of device interface docking
stations 832, each provided in the manner set forth in more detail
above with reference to FIG. 13A. Preferably comprising a high
speed switching system, the switching system 876 can be provided as
any conventional type of switching (or routing) system in the
manner set forth in the aforementioned co-pending U.S. patent
application, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CONTENT ON
MOBILE PLATFORMS," Ser. No. 11/123,327, filed on May 6, 2005. If
configured to support communications in accordance with the Gigabit
(such as 1000 Base-X and/or 1000 Base-T) Ethernet standard, for
example, the switching system 876 can negotiate appropriate
communication data rates, including ten, one hundred, or one
thousand megabits per second (10/100/1000 Mbps), and/or a duplex
mode, such as a half duplex mode and/or a full duplex mode.
[0166] Thereby, when the plurality of portable media devices 100 is
disposed in the device interface docking stations 832, the
multi-bay docking station 870 can automatically begin to charge the
battery systems 190 of the portable media devices 100. The
multi-bay docking station 870 likewise can automatically initiate
the download of the device identification data 820 (shown in FIG.
14), the update of the viewing content 200 (shown in FIG. 14),
and/or the update of the device identification data 820 in the
manner discussed above. The download of the device identification
data 820 and the update of the viewing content 200 and the device
identification data 820 can be controlled via a software
application executed by the server system 874. In the manner
discussed above, the server system 874 can provide the updated
viewing content 200 to the portable media devices 100 on a
one-by-one basis and/or can multicast the updated viewing content
200 to more than one, preferably all, of the associated portable
media devices 100. The server system 874 likewise can extract any
transaction information, such as credit card information, from the
portable media devices 100 and can securely process the transaction
information.
[0167] The multi-bay docking station 870 preferably provides at
least one external indicator system (not shown) for each device
interface docking station 832. The external indicator system can,
for example, show the status of the relevant battery system 190. In
addition to indicating whether the device interface docking station
832 is empty, the external indicator system can indicate whether
the relevant battery system 190 is being charged, is fully charged,
and/or is bad and requires replacement. A similar indicator system
may be provided to indicate the status of the viewing content
update and/or the device identification data update for each device
interface docking station 832.
[0168] As desired, the download of the device identification data
820 and/or the update of the viewing content 200 and/or the device
identification data 820 can be performed separately from the
charging of the battery systems 190. FIG. 15B illustrates a battery
charging station 880 for charging battery systems 190 separately
from the portable media devices 100 (shown in FIG. 15A). As
desired, the battery charging station 880 likewise can be
advantageously applied to charge spare battery systems 190 for the
portable media devices 100. The battery charging station 880 is
shown as including a plurality of power supply/charging circuit
modules 884 each for receiving input power 882 and converting the
input power 882 into power, having a predetermined voltage level
and/or a predetermined current level, that is suitable for the
battery systems 190 as discussed with reference to the power supply
878 (shown in FIG. 15A). Preferably, the battery charging station
880 can rapidly charge the battery systems 190. If the battery
systems 190 have an eight hour battery life, for example, the
battery charging station 880 can fully charge the battery systems
190 in approximately four to five hours. The battery charging
station 880 preferably provides at least one external indicator
system (not shown) to indicate the status of each battery system
190 in the manner set forth above.
[0169] In a typical application, the device management system 800
can be associated with an airport terminal 900 as illustrated in
FIG. 16A. The airport terminal 900 includes a plurality of gates
910, which are divided into gate groups 910A-N. Each gate group
910A-N is associated with a ground support station (service
station) 920A-N, respectively, for servicing aircraft 500B,
including aircraft 500B with vehicle information systems 510. As
illustrated in FIG. 16A, each of the ground support stations 920A-N
includes at least one device interface docking station 832A-N for
uniformly processing portable media devices 100 in the manner set
forth in more detail above with reference to FIGS. 13A-B and
14.
[0170] The device management database system 850 is shown as being
configured to communicate with the database content source 852 as
set forth above and/or a airport terminal network 930 provided in
the manner set forth in the aforementioned co-pending U.S. patent
application, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CONTENT ON
MOBILE PLATFORMS," Ser. No. 11/123,327, filed on May 6, 2005. The
device management system 800 thereby can configure the portable
media devices 100 to include viewing content 200 from the database
content source 852 and/or travel information content 940 from the
airport terminal network 930 via the device management interfaces
830A-N in the manner discussed in more detail above. Exemplary
travel information content 940 can include any conventional type of
information regarding each flight, such as a flight number, an
aircraft tail number, gate number, flight departure and arrival
time data, and/or passenger data.
[0171] Having access to the travel information content 940 from the
airport terminal network 930, the device management interface 830A
at the ground support station 920A can prepare a first set 100' of
portable media devices 100 for use, for example, on a selected
future departing flight. In the manner discussed above, the
portable media devices 100 can be configured to include uniform
viewing content 200A, and the device management database system 850
can update its records for each portable media device 100 in the
first set 100'. The records of the device management database
system 850 thereby associate each of the portable media devices 100
in the first set 100' as identified, for example, by serial number,
with the selected future departing flight as identified, for
example, by flight number, gate number, and/or aircraft tail
number.
[0172] Therefore, when the relevant aircraft 500B, such as aircraft
500B' as shown in FIG. 16A, lands at the airport terminal 900 and
arrives at the appropriate gate 910 in the gate group 910A, the
ground crew (not shown) can provide the first set 100' of portable
media devices 100 to the aircraft 500B' and/or can retrieve a
second set 100'' of portable media devices 100, which were used
during the incoming flight, from the aircraft 500B'. A portable (or
handheld) device management interface 830A' can be provided at the
aircraft 500B' to scan each portable media device 100 in the first
set 100' loaded onto the aircraft 500B' and/or each portable media
device 100 in the second set 100'' retrieved from the aircraft
500B'. By scanning the portable media devices 100 at the aircraft
500B', the historical records maintained by the device management
database system 850 thereby can be updated to reflect that each
portable media device 100 in the first set 100' has been loaded
onto the aircraft 500B' and/or that each portable media device 100
in the second set 100'' has arrived at the airport terminal 900.
For quality assurance purposes, the ground crew and a
representative from the aircraft 500B each validate the number of
portable media devices 100 and electronically sign for delivery and
receipt.
[0173] The second set 100'' of portable media devices 100 can be
processed by the device management interface 830A as set forth
above. The device management database system 850 thereby can update
the historical records for the second set 100'' of portable media
devices 100 to include information regarding the return of the
portable media devices 100 to the ground support station 920A and
can provide configuration instructions for reconfiguring the
portable media devices 100 in the second set 100'', in whole and/or
in part, for use on one or more subsequent flight as discussed
above. As necessary, the historical records maintained by the
device management database system 850 likewise can be updated to
reflect any portable media devices 100 in the second set 100'' that
were identified as being on the aircraft 500B but that were not
scanned when the second set 100'' of the portable media devices 100
was retrieved from the aircraft 500B'. The missing portable media
devices 100 in the second set 100'' may not have been retrieved
from the aircraft 500B' for a variety of reasons, including, for
example, loss and/or theft. Electronic tracking therefore can
facilitate the maintenance of a complete historical record for each
portable media device 100. Thereby, the device management system
800 can advantageously provide logistical control and management of
the portable media devices 100 and/or can provide the associated
data to the operator of the aircraft 500B'.
[0174] To simplify chain of custody and to help ensure robust
tracking of the portable media devices 100, the portable media
devices 100 preferably are disposed within one or more device
containers 950 in preparation for delivery to the aircraft 500B' as
illustrated in FIG. 16B. The device containers 950 can be provided
in any suitable manner. Preferably, the device containers 950
comprise tamper-evident containers that are appropriately sized for
use with a standard aircraft galley cart (not shown), such as a
half-size galley cart and/or a full-size galley cart. In other
words, the device containers 950 can be provided as sealable
containers and/or containers that include at least one security
seal to evidence that the device containers 950 have been opened.
The device containers 950 preferably are constructed such that the
device identification systems 810 of the portable media devices 100
can communicate with a device management interface 830 when the
portable media devices 100 are disposed within the sealed device
containers 950.
[0175] Upon receiving the portable media devices 100 and being
sealed, the device containers 950 can include indicia for readily
identifying the contents sealed within. For example, a packing list
952 can be provided for identifying the contents of the device
containers 950. As desired, a separate packing list 952 can be
provided for each device container 950, and/or two or more device
containers 950 can share a common packing list 952. The packing
list 952 can include content information such as a number of the
portable media devices 100 stored within the associated device
container 950, a device serial number for each portable media
device 100, and/or quality assurance information for each portable
media device 100. Exemplary quality assurance information can
include information, such as a date, location, and inspector name,
related to the inspection and sealing of the associated device
container 950. As desired, the packing list 952 likewise can
include at least one section for comments, such as comments
regarding the portable media devices 100. The comments section, for
instance, can be used to identify any portable media devices 100
that have problems and to describe the problems. Information from
the packing list 952 preferably can be provided to the device
management database system 850 (shown in FIG. 16A) such that the
historical record for each portable media device 100 can be
updated, as needed.
[0176] In a preferred embodiment, each of the device containers 950
can include a container identification system 954. The container
identification system 954 can be provided in the manner set for in
more detail above with reference to the device identification
system 810 (shown in FIG. 12) and can communicate with the device
management interface 830 (shown in FIG. 12) and, therefore, the
device management database system 850 in the manner discussed
above. The container identification system 954 can provide content
information, such as the content information discussed above with
reference to the packing list 952. Preferably, the content
information provided by the container identification system 954
includes a number of the portable media devices 100 stored within
the associated device container 950, a device serial number for
each portable media device 100, a serial number of the security
seal, and/or information regarding the aircraft 500' to which the
device container 950 is to be delivered.
[0177] As discussed above, the container identification system 954
can communicate with the device management interface 830 such that
the content information can be provided to the device management
database system 850, which can update the historical record for
each portable media device 100. The container identification system
954 can be scanned by the device management interface 830 at each
transfer to provide a chain of custody for the device containers
950 and, therefore, the portable media devices 100. For example,
the device management interface 830 can scan the container
identification system 954 of outgoing device containers 950 when
the device container 950 is inspected and sealed, when the device
container 950 leaves the ground support station 920A-N (shown in
FIG. 16A), and when the device container 950 is provided to, and
disposed aboard, the aircraft 500B'. Similarly, the container
identification system 954 of incoming device containers 950 can be
scanned by the device management interface 830 when the device
container 950 is retrieved from the aircraft 500B', when the device
container 950 arrives at the ground support station 920A-N, and
when the device container 950 is opened and inspected. The device
management system 800 thereby can monitor transfers of sealed
device containers 950 rather than transfers of individual portable
media devices 100.
[0178] After the device container 950 has been opened, the portable
media devices 100 can be inspected for any damage and, as
necessary, repaired. The portable media devices 100 then can be
coupled with device interface docking station 832 (shown in FIG.
13A). While the battery systems 190 (shown in FIG. 4B) of the
portable media devices 100 are being recharged, the device
identification data 820 can be downloaded from the device
identification systems 810 and provided to the device management
database system 850. The device management database system 850
thereby can update the historical records of the portable media
devices 100 and can provide configuration instruction for
configuring the portable media devices 100 for future use in the
manner set forth in more detail above. In accordance with the
configuration instruction received from the device management
database system 850, the device management interface 830 can
configure each portable media device 100, updating the device
identification data 820 stored by the device identification system
810 and/or updating the viewing content 200 stored by the memory
system 144, as discussed above.
[0179] The sealed device containers 950 of portable media devices
100 can be delivered to the aircraft 500B in any conventional
manner. As illustrated in FIG. 16B, for example, the first sealed
device containers 950' is illustrated as including the first set
100' of portable media devices 100 provided in the manner set forth
in more detail above with reference to FIG. 16A. The first sealed
device containers 950' can be included in one or more larger flight
delivery containers 960, such as first flight delivery containers
960', with other containers, such as food storage containers 970
for storing meals 972, beverages 974, and/or snacks 976. Similarly,
the second set 100'' of portable media devices 100 can be provided
as discussed above and can be provided in second sealed device
containers 950'' for retrieval from the aircraft 500B'. In the
manner set forth above, the second sealed device containers 950''
can be included in one or more larger flight delivery containers
960, such as second flight delivery containers 960'', with other
containers, such as a refuse storage container 980. Thereby, the
aircraft 500B' can be prepared for flight by retrieving the second
flight delivery container 960'' including items, such as the second
set 100'' of portable media devices 100, that were used during
prior travel and by providing the first flight delivery container
960' including items, such as the first set 100' of portable media
devices 100, for use during subsequent travel to the aircraft
500B'. Preferably, a fresh set of portable media devices 100 is
provided for each flight of the aircraft 500B'.
[0180] In the manner discussed above, the portable media device 100
can be configured to facilitate commercial transactions, including
commercial transactions initiated by passengers traveling aboard a
vehicle 500 (shown in FIGS. 8A-B). Since commercial transactions
typically require payment information, such as a credit card
number, and/or authorization information, such as a personal
identification number (PIN) or a password, the portable media
device 100 includes an input system 170 (shown in FIGS. 3A-B) for
entering such transaction information (not shown). The input system
170 can be provided as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3A-B
and typically comprises a keyboard and/or a mouse. Preferably, the
portable media device 100 likewise includes a credit card reader
system for providing payment information in the manner set forth in
more detail above with reference to FIG. 3B.
[0181] Illustrative commercial transactions can include
transactions for securing access to the portable media device 100
itself. For example, transaction information may be required to
rent (and/or activate) the portable media device 100. The portable
media device 100 likewise can require transaction information (or
additional transaction information) to access selected functions of
the portable media device 100, such as to access the viewing
content 200 (shown in FIGS. 3A-B) stored on the memory system 144
(shown in FIG. 3B). Access to premium viewing content 200 can
require additional transaction information. As discussed in more
detail above, the portable media device 100 can store the
transaction information on the memory system 144 and/or can
transmit the transaction information as the upload content 260
(shown in FIGS. 3A-B). If stored on the memory system 144, the
transaction information preferably is uploaded from the portable
media device 100 and provided to the device management database
system 850 for processing in the manner discussed in more detail
above with reference to the device management system 800 (shown in
FIGS. 12 and 13A-B).
[0182] If disposed on a vehicle 500 (shown in FIGS. 8A-B), such as
an aircraft 500B (shown in FIG. 8B), for example, the portable
media device 100 can be configured to communicate with a vehicle
information system 510 (shown in FIGS. 8A-B) installed on the
vehicle 500. Upon receiving the transaction information from the
portable media device 100, the vehicle information system 510 can
process the transaction information in any conventional manner,
such as via a computer system 550 (shown in FIG. 8B) of the vehicle
information system 510. For example, the vehicle information system
510 can process the transaction information in real time by
instantly downloading the transaction information to a terrestrial
payment system (not shown) via a communication system 560 (shown in
FIG. 8B), such as a satellite communication system 560' (shown in
FIG. 8B). The vehicle information system 510 likewise can process
the transaction information in a time-delayed manner by storing the
transaction information for downloading to the terrestrial payment
system at a later time, such as arrival the destination of the
vehicle 500. To help ensure security, the transaction information
preferably is stored and/or transmitted in an encrypted format.
[0183] The commercial transactions can comprise any conventional
type of commercial transactions, including commercial transactions
performed via the Internet 565 (shown in FIG. 8B). In a preferred
embodiment, the commercial transactions can include commercial
transactions involving merchandise (not shown), such as duty-free
merchandise in the case of international travel, and/or services
that are available via the vehicle 500. Information regarding the
merchandise and/or services can be visually and/or audibly
presented via the portable media device 100 and can include textual
information and/or graphical information describing the merchandise
and/or services. The portable media device 100 likewise can one or
more relevant Internet links and/or present various merchandise
options, such as available sizes and/or colors, and/or service
options. The desired merchandise and/or services can be selected
for purchase via the portable media device 100 by entering the
transaction information. If stored on the vehicle 500, the
merchandise can be made available upon receipt of the transaction
information; otherwise, the merchandise can be provided upon
arrival at the destination and/or shipped to a selected
location.
[0184] The portable media device 100 likewise can be configured to
present advertisement information for selected products and/or
services. Uniform advertisement information can be presented by
each portable media device 100, and/or the advertisement
information can be selectably presented by the portable media
devices 100 based upon any suitable criteria. Preferably, the
advertisement information comprises directed advertisement
information based, for example, upon a passenger's usage of the
portable media device 100. The advertisement information can be
visually and/or audibly presented via the portable media device 100
and can include textual information and/or graphical information
describing the product and/or service. As desired, the portable
media device 100 likewise can one or more relevant Internet links
for viewing additional advertising information. The portable media
device 100 can provide transaction information to purchase the
advertised product and/or service in the manner discussed
above.
[0185] The crew of the vehicle 500 likewise can be provided with
one or more portable media devices 100 (or the crew media devices)
for assisting passengers with their commercial transactions. Each
crew media device can be provided in the manner set forth above
with reference to the portable media device 100 (shown in FIGS.
3A-B) and preferably are configured to receive transaction
information as discussed above. Preferably, the crew media device
include a credit card reader system for providing payment
information in the manner set forth in more detail above with
reference to FIG. 3B. The crew media device likewise can include
additional functionality, such as a bar code scanner system, a
still and/or motion picture camera system, voice recording
functionality, and voice-to-text conversion functionality.
[0186] The crew media device can support any conventional type of
commercial transactions, including the above-mentioned commercial
transactions, such as rental of portable media devices 100 by
passengers and/or merchandise (and/or services) purchases, that are
supported by the portable media devices 100 for passenger usage. As
desired, additional commercial transactions likewise may be
supported. For example, the crew media device can be used to enter
orders for food and/or beverages for delivery during travel.
[0187] To facilitate distribution of the purchased merchandise, the
crew media device can be associated with one or more merchandise
bins (not shown) for storing merchandise available on the vehicle
500. The merchandise bins can be provided in any suitable manner,
including as stationary merchandise bins and/or portable
merchandise bins. For example, one or more selected cabin
compartments (not shown) in the passenger cabin 570 (shown in FIGS.
8A-B) can be designated for merchandise storage. The crew media
device likewise can include one or more drawers for merchandise
storage and/or can be associated with a aircraft galley cart (not
shown), such as a half-size galley cart and/or a full-size galley
cart, with one or more drawers for merchandise storage.
[0188] In a preferred embodiment, the crew media device can provide
an inventory control system for the merchandise available for
purchase on the vehicle 500. The crew media device preferably
provides the inventory control system in cooperation with one or
more computer systems (not shown), such as the vehicle information
system 510. As desired, the computer systems can be disposed
onboard the vehicle 500 and/or external to, or remote from, the
vehicle 500.
[0189] As discussed in more detail above with regard to the
portable media device 100, the crew media device can store the
transaction information on the memory system 144 and/or can
transmit the transaction information as the upload content 260
(shown in FIGS. 3A-B). If stored on the memory system 144, for
example, the transaction information preferably is uploaded from
the crew media device and provided to the device management
database system 850 for processing in the manner discussed in more
detail above with reference to the device management system 800
(shown in FIGS. 12 and 13A-B). The crew media device likewise can
be configured to communicate with the vehicle information system
510 as discussed above with reference to the portable media device
100. Upon receiving the transaction information from the portable
media device 100, the vehicle information system 510 can process
the transaction information in any conventional manner, including
in real time and/or in a time-delayed manner, in the manner set
forth in more detail above. To help ensure security, the
transaction information preferably is stored and/or transmitted in
an encrypted format.
[0190] In the manner discussed above with reference to the
communication system 560 (shown in FIG. 8B), the vehicle
information system 510 of the aircraft 500B and the terrestrial
content source 300B (shown in FIG. 8B) can communicate in any
conventional wireless manner. For example, an Aircraft-Ground
Information Services--Cellular Modem (AGIS-CM) system for providing
two-way data communications between an XMLRPC server system, such
as the server system 520 (shown in FIG. 8B), installed on the
aircraft 500B and an Aircraft-Ground Information Services (AGIS)
server at a ground station while the aircraft 500B is on the
ground. The server on board the aircraft 500B includes a Cabin
Memory Extension Unit (CMEU2 (AGIS-Air/AGIS-Link)) hard drive array
with a communication port that is coupled with a General Packet
Radio Service (GSM/GPRS) cellular transmitter/receiver via an
RS-232 connection. After the aircraft 500B lands, the server on
board the aircraft 500B is configured to dial a telephone number to
contact the ground server. The server on board the aircraft 500B
and the ground server then can negotiate to form a communication
channel using Internet connectivity in accordance with the XMLRPC
protocol. Neither the dialing event nor the negotiation event will
be triggered by opening a door to the aircraft 500B.
[0191] The servers are configured to exchange data while the
aircraft 500B is on the ground, regarding of whether the aircraft
500B is stationary or in motion. The data transferred from the
server on board the aircraft 500B comprises operational information
regarding an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system that is installed
on the aircraft 500B. The operational information can include, for
example, passenger usage information as well as information
regarding any system failures. The ground server can transfer
program content, such as movies or television programs, for display
during subsequent flight. Prior to forming the communication
channel, both servers can store pending data transfers, which are
immediately exchanged once the communication channel has been
established. Since the server on board the aircraft 500B can store
and transmit the pending data transfers, on-board applications,
which generate the pending data transfers, are not individually
required to provide a data transfer mechanism.
[0192] A communication system for providing two-way communications
between a cellular telephone on an aircraft 500B and the public
telephone network while the aircraft 500B is in flight. The
communication system is mounted in an aircraft 500B and is
configured for use with standard cellular telephones used by
passengers on the aircraft 500B. Being in wireless communication
with the cellular telephones, the communication system includes an
internal antenna system for exchanging cellular communication
signals with the cellular telephones. The internal antenna system
can comprise a plurality of antennas distributed throughout the
passenger compartment of the aircraft 500B, such as an antenna
disposed at each passenger seat, and is coupled with a central
transceiver system.
[0193] The central transceiver system is configured to receive
outgoing cellular communication signals from the internal antenna
system and to convert the outgoing cellular communication signals
into outgoing satellite communication signals, which are compatible
with satellite communications. Coupled with an external antenna
system, the central transceiver system is configured to transmit
the outgoing satellite communication signals to a satellite system
via the external antenna system. The satellite system, in turn,
relays the outgoing satellite communication signals to a
terrestrial receiving station that is in communication with the
public telephone network. The terrestrial receiving station can
convert the outgoing satellite communication signals into outgoing
telephone signals, which are compatible with the public telephone
network, and provides the outgoing telephone signals to the public
telephone network. The central transceiver system likewise can
receive incoming satellite communication signals the terrestrial
receiving station and convert the incoming satellite communication
signals into cellular communication signals via a reverse process.
Thereby, passengers can make cellular telephone calls during
flight.
[0194] The various embodiments disclosed herein are 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 various embodiments disclosed herein are not to be limited to
the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the
disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claims.
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