CA2033054A1 - Entertainment and services systems - Google Patents
Entertainment and services systemsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2033054A1 CA2033054A1 CA002033054A CA2033054A CA2033054A1 CA 2033054 A1 CA2033054 A1 CA 2033054A1 CA 002033054 A CA002033054 A CA 002033054A CA 2033054 A CA2033054 A CA 2033054A CA 2033054 A1 CA2033054 A1 CA 2033054A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- seat
- entertainment
- services
- services system
- terminal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q50/00—Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
- G06Q50/10—Services
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
- H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
- H04H20/65—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems for broadcast
- H04H20/69—Optical systems
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
- B64D11/0015—Arrangements for entertainment or communications, e.g. radio, television
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
- B64D11/0015—Arrangements for entertainment or communications, e.g. radio, television
- B64D11/00151—Permanently mounted seat back monitors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
- B64D11/0015—Arrangements for entertainment or communications, e.g. radio, television
- B64D11/00155—Individual entertainment or communication system remote controls therefor, located in or connected to seat components, e.g. to seat back or arm rest
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
- G06F3/0481—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
- G06F3/04812—Interaction techniques based on cursor appearance or behaviour, e.g. being affected by the presence of displayed objects
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
- G06F3/0481—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
- G06F3/0482—Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q50/00—Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
- G06Q50/40—Business processes related to the transportation industry
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
- H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
- H04N7/17345—Control of the passage of the selected programme
- H04N7/17354—Control of the passage of the selected programme in an intermediate station common to a plurality of user terminals
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/20—Pc systems
- G05B2219/23—Pc programming
- G05B2219/23355—Magnetic card
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
- Economics (AREA)
- Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
- Primary Health Care (AREA)
- Strategic Management (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
- Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
- Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
- Information Transfer Between Computers (AREA)
Abstract
An integrated entertainment and services system for aircraft etc.
comprises an hierarchical structure including top level computer/data base, communications and entertainment equipments which are accessible through intermediate level switching equipment which in turn is selectively accessible to specific seat terminal locations including display screens and controller devices through low level switching equipment.
comprises an hierarchical structure including top level computer/data base, communications and entertainment equipments which are accessible through intermediate level switching equipment which in turn is selectively accessible to specific seat terminal locations including display screens and controller devices through low level switching equipment.
Description
Wo 90/1~51)8 PCI/GB90/00681 33~
IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO ENTERTAINMENT AND
SERVICES SYSTEi\IS
This invention relales to entertainment and services systems and relates more specifically to integrated entertainment and services systems for use in passenger carrying vehicles (e.g. aircraft), hotels, stadiums, etc. for providing a wide range of selected entertainment and services at specific terminal (e.g. seat) locations.
One major problem with an integrated entertainment and services system required to provide the various facili~ies as set out hereinafter aboard a passenger carrying vehicle for example is that of getting signals from a multiplicity of wide-band sources to individual users on request when the necessary bandwidth is impractically large to transmit all channels to all terminals for local selection.
Supplementary problems involve inter-system interference and reliability, especially on a passenger-carrying vehicle;
communicating by voice with remote persons within the same installation or externally; commùnicating 'electronically', particularly with or from a passenger carrying vehicle; ease of use of system;
the availability of a small number of attendants coping with a lot of persons wishing to pay for goods and services at the same time; and the businessman away from home or office needing access to word processing or other software packages, particularly on a passenger carrying vehicle.
The presen~ invention has in view a combined entertainment and services system for use in multiple passenger carrying vehicles, , ', .
WO 9O/1:~08 PCI/GB90/00681 hotels, conference centres, stadiums, etc. In such a system each seat position in a vehicle for example may be provided with a terminal comprising a display screen, audio transducers, and controller enabling the selection by a customer of a range of entertainments and services. The system may be such as to allow simple addition or removal of services and utilities to suit customer requirements. It is envisaged that one or more of the following basic entertainments and services will be provided in the system according to the inventor.
Video Games These are computer generated interactive games similar to those found in amusement arcades and on domestic games computers. The user may play them using the video, audio and controller facilities of their terminal.
Casino _Games These are computer representations of games involving gambling, including card games and Islot machines'. The user may play them using the video, audio and controller facilities of the*
terminal. Credits may be entered into the system before play to be used as gaming 'chips' or machine tokens.
Video Films and Audio Pro~rammes Provision may be made for the play-back and transmission over the system to the user terminals of pre-recorded video and audio programmes; the typical provision is for eight video channels and sixleen audio channels of which eight are video sound-track. All WO 90/1~508 PCI/GB90/00681 3 ~V33~
of these shall be capable of calTying high quality stereo signals. The provision may be expanded upon by the use of additional equipment.
Mail Order Merchandise catalogues may be stored in the system database which is accessible to customers via their terminals. Whilst the database is being accessed for a specific page or topic, adver~ising may be shown.
Dutv_ ~ree Sales Systems installed in passeDger carrying vehicles that cross national boundaries where duty free sales are allowed may hold a catalogue of such items in the database which is accessible from terminals by the passengers. Such goods could be handed to passengers when leaving the vehicle or be picked up within the destination terminal.
Othe~ales A catalogue of souvenir items specific to Ithe system operator or other goods for immediate delivery to, or later collection by, the user may also be provided and accessible from the user's terminal. This may be used to facilitate "Room Service" in hotels, etc.
Bur~au de Chance Where required and where allowed by law the system may be used to facilitate currency exchange between currencies identified in the system database.
wo go/ls508 PCT/GB9~/00681 , ~3~5~ 4 Transaction CurrencY
Payments into the system may be accepted in any of the currencies supported for currency exchange. Credit available for use by passengers can be represented in ~he currency of their choice.
Adverti sin ~
The system may provide for the s~orage and display at the user terminals of advertising material from an advertisement database.
This may include short still advertisements (which may be randomly accessible) and short animated advertisements held digitally; also pre-recorded video material programmed with film, news, etc.
Communication Services Telephone like facilities may be provided betvveen users of the system, enabling communication between people seated in different parts of the building, vehicle, etc. The system may also provide an interface with a public communications system, such as satellite communications or a terrestrial flight telephone system, which would enable the user terminals to be used as telephones (air to ground, ship to shore, etc). The main system terminal may also have facsimile or telex capability.
This facility offers a reservativn service which may be for travel, including car hire, a* travel, sea ~avel, etc; accommodation, including hotels; and seNices such as restaurant bookings, etc. A
WO 90/15508 PCI~GB90/00681 s ~@~3~3054 menu of reservations may be held in the database and presented to the user's terminal on demand for selection as required. Such services may be franchised to a major travel agent, hotel chain, etc.
The bookings may be confirmed using the communications facility.
Ilse.r Access to Svstem The individual user interfaces may be as follows:-A visual display screen (usually of not less than twelve squareinches picture area) providing good quality full colour video film reproduction. This screen may be suitable for installation in walls or bulkheads, tables or desks, sea~ backs or armrests, etc. The display may be adjustable for brightness to account for the range of ambient illumination that will be encountered in service.
A control unit/keypad may allow selection of all facilities and controI of games. If it is to be used on an umbilical cable, or without physical attachment, it should be light weight and easy eo handle. A
number of key switches and a means of moving a screen cursor may be provided on the keypad.
Provision may be made ~or the use of a security "key" to preYent use of a terminal by unau~horised personnel whilst the rightful user has left it unattended.
A credit, charge or debit card reader may be fitted to facilitate payment for services. Cards may be checked against a "hotlist" from the card company held on ~he system database and/or accessed via the communications services. The list of acceptable cards may be programmed according to the requirements of the system opera~or.
~0330~
An audio he~dset m~y provide high quality stereo reproduction. This may be easily disconnected via a jac~ plug or similar arrangement for sanitization after use.
A microphone may provide telephone quality aucLio as a minimum and may form part of the keypad or he adset. Whatever installation position is used the microphone may be easily accessible for sanitization after use.
Operation of the system by the user may be as simple as possible using on-screen prompts and easily followed menu presentations .
The terminal units may be detachable for maintenance purposes using special tools. This enables replacement of damaged units by authorised persons, but discourages theft or entry by others.
Provision could also be made for the attachment OI more capable terminals for passenger use to run business applications, word processing, etc. Hard copy print-ou~s could be provided by a senior attendant's terminal mentioned below.
Hard CoPv Receipts and Vouchers The system may provide printed copies of all passenger net balances at end of flight. Transactions between any attendant and the user may be confirmed with a hard copy Youcher at the point of sale.
Information Services F~r a passenger carrying vehicle, such information as vehicle position, speed, distance travelled, time remaining, estimated time of WO 90/15508 PCI'/GB90/00681 7 2~33 arrival and weather at destination may be displayed as well as data specific to particular types of vehicles such as altitude in the case of an aircraft. Vehicle position may be represented on the display screen by means of a moving symbol on a map. For hotel applications details of meal times, sports facilities available, local attractions, etc could be provided.
Control and supervision of the system may be achieved via the system supervisor's or senior attendant's terminal. This may comprise a display, full function keyboard and pnnter. It may also provide removable data storage media for removal of accounts, usage statistics, etc. for remote analysis.
~ttendant's PQrtable T~erminals A portable terminal may be available for attendants who are to assist users at their seat. This may comprise a display, alpha-numeric entry key board, printer, and may also have a card reader for credit, charge or debit cards. There may be memory provîsion so that any accounting, or other data can be carried back to the senior attendant's terminal, if necessary. The terminal may be lightweight and easily held in one hand while operated with the other, it may be supported by a shoulder strap or similar. It may also be built into other equipments such as service trolleys etc.
Tnterfaces The system may need to provide interfaces to other installalions in order to carry out some of its operations. These may include the following:-WO 90/15508 PCT~GB90/00681 ~0330~
The audio distribution system may interface with any existingpublic address system in the place of installation and accept external commands for safety announcement override.
Interface may be provided to navigation systemj on a vehicle.
Communications interfaces depend on the location of the installation, but may include satellite communications systems; line of sight VH~/U~ air to ground, ship to shore, etc; standard data transmission systems; etc.
Utilities, such as reading lights, attendant call, etc.
S ec uri tv The potential value of financial transactions handled by the system may be very high, therefore high security of the system against unauthorised access or deliberate change may be essential.
The level of security achieved for a particular installation will usually be determined by cost and degradation of other system features such as ease of use, response time, reliability, size and weight. The security measures may include limits to physical access to system components, encoding of data, passwords and other identifiers, data validity checking and physical 'keys' etc.
Service ualitY
Built in test facilities may provide an indication to the attendants or system supervisor of any system failures and degradation ~partlal failure).
System Statistical Data WO 90/15508 PCr/GB9OJO0681 X0~3~5 Statistical data may be collected and s~ored on the system database and may be easily transferred to an externa} database via the communications services or via removable storage media. These statistics may include information on the use of games, advertisements shown~ system maintenance requirements and any operator-specific requirements.
European Patent Application No. EP 0 277 014 entitled "Service and Entertainment Communication System" describes a system providing some of the above-mentioned facilities, in which a communication mechanism is provided wherein audio signals are encoded into a video channel and frequency division multiplexed on to a transmission medium with other video signals. Each receiving terminal contains tuners for the selection of speci~lc video and audio signals from the multiplexed ensemble. This system has limited scope for future enhancement in terms of numbers of channels provided. The bandwidth of the long transmission paths throughout the installation needs to be sufficient to carry all the channels at once.
One objective of this invention is to provide a system featuring a different entertainment programme or service selection mechanism which enables additional programme material to be added later without increase in bandwidth on the long transmission paths.
United States Patent Senal No. 4 647 980 enti~led "Aircraft Passenger Television System" described a system having a viewing screen at each seat fed from several video sources such that each screen is integrated with a channel selectcr to select one video for wo go/l5508 pcr/Gs9o/oo68l ~C)3305fl .. . .
display. A "television module" is provided incorporating channel selection controls, etc. with the display screen.
Another objective of this invention is to provide a system which does not incorporate channel selection controls or tuners with the display. Such controls would constitute a nuisance to the occupant of the seat in front of installations implementing displays in seat bac~s.
Moreover, the system described in United States Patent Serial No. 4 647 980 is incapable of two-way signal transmission between a cen~al unit and a plurality of remote units mounted on aircraft passenger seats, and is incapable of transmitting signals other than video programmes (e.g. cornputer game programs) from a central unit to a plurality of remote units. It is desirable for the system to have the capability for both.
In both European Patent Application No. EP 0 277 014 and United States Patent No. 4 647 980, a headset is attached to the seat in front of the seat location where the services, etc. are provided.
This impedes passenger access ~o the aisles and thus presents an u~acceptable safety hazard on a passenger carrying vehicle.
The headset, any microphone and controlling keypad should desirably be attached to the arm of the seat occupied by the user and should preferably be easily detachable by the attendant so as to be collected for sanitization, as necessary, after use.
United States Patent Serial No. 4 5~4 603 entitled "Amusement and Information System for Use on a Passenger Carrier" descnbes a sys~em on a passenger carrier having a plurality of seats with a display on the back of each seat, a 'key means' connected to each WO 90/15508 pcr/GB9o/o~68 1 1 ~0330 display and a set of transparent plastic trays through which the display may be viewed when the tray is stowecl away. This arrangement may be ergonomically undesirable for the reason that, if the tray is at the optimum height, the display is too low for comfortable viewing. Alternatively, if the display is at optimum height the tray will be too high.
It is desirable therefore that the system does not feature such a tray, but the fitting of a conventional seat back tray to each seat as required is not precluded. It is also not essential to have the display mounted in a seat back; it could, for example, be mounted on an articulated arm assembly attached to the seat arm.
In an integrated entertainment and services system the problem of getting signals from a multiplicity of sources to the individual system users on request when the bandwidth of sending all channels to all user terminals would otherwise be impractically large is overcome by providing in accordance with the present invention an integrated entertainment and services system such as for use in aircraft comprising an hierarchical daea transmission stmcture with signal sources localised at one or more centres at an upper level of the hierarchical structure whereas at the lower level of the structure all the user terminals are split up into small groups (e.g. associated with one multiple seat assembly on an aircraft) each of which is serviced by a local communications box, in which only those signals requested by the users in a par~icular group are sent to - the communications box thus limiting the transmission link bandwidth to N times the single channel bandwidth, where N is the number of uni~s in the local group, in which a~ an intermediate level 1 ~
~30~4 of the hierarchical local structure the local groups are grouped together to form a small number of super groups each serviced by a zone concentrator and in which the concentrator accepts service and entertainment material from a multiplicity of video, audio and data sources, the high bandwidth channels being required for this being few compared to many cable runs between concentrators and communication boxes.
In carrying out the invention it is not essential to have all the material sent to all the concentrators. Some operators may wish to provide different material to different zones, this is easily accommodated in the installation cabling.
In large systems additional levels may be provided in the hierarchical structure which can be implemented as required to limit the 'span of control'.
~ or safe and reliable operation, all of the systems on a passenger vehicle must be compatible in operation. Hitherto, a major source of incompatibility has been due to electromagnetic interference. Some systems may be susceptible to incorrect operation as a result of electromagnetic ~ields impinging on them so it is necessary to ensure that other vehicle systems do not radiate such fields. On a more mundane level, however, external electromagnetic interference could cause problems with the picture or sound quality of the services and entertainment system provided and al~hough this is not a direct hazard to safety it can result in luss of trade. Two features of the system according to the present iDvention cut down the possibility of interference with or from other systems. One is the limited bandwidth of the majority of wO 90/l5508 PCr/GB90/0068 1 3 ;~)3305~
communications links and the second may be provided by the use of optical transmission. Optical signals, particularly in waveguides such as fibres, do not couple electromagnetically with other systems in such a manner as to cause interference. The converse also holds, the system of the invention cannot be affected by electromagnetic coupling with the optical signals.
The detailed scrutiny of the services and entertainment system of this invention by users will demand high system reliability, particularly on a passenger vehicle where qualified maintenance personnel are unlikely to be immediately available. Failures at the top level of the hierarchical structure will affect all the users whereas the failure of one audio or video source will not cause too much inconvenience since there will still be other channels to choose from. Failure of a main computer in the top level of the hierarchical structure will in effect remove access to all material for which charges are levied and this is clearly undesirable. The use ~f multiple redundant equipments in the system overcomes this problem since in case of f~ilure of one equipment another can talce over and sustain sys~em operation until maintenance ac~ions can be carried out. In case of failure of single terminals or groups the attendant can enter the information ~ia a senior attendant's terminal so that the system can print out maintenance requirements at appropriate times ~e.g. at the end of the journey in the case of a vehicle3. The controller keypad, which is most prone to damage by users, can be readily replaced by an attendant possibly using a special tool.
- ., ~' WO 90/15~08 PCl'/GB91)/00681 05L~JL
The pro~/ision of a (radio,~ telephone and its derivatives in the system will solve the problem of communication by voice with remote persons, both local and distant. The audio channel of a video/audio entertainment system may be used as the telephone receiver. This invention enables the provision of telephone facilities on a per seat basis in a passenger vehicle, for example.
For the purpose of "communicating by data" encompassing electronic mail, telex, etc the system provides the basic hardware facilities in order to provide services and entertainment and communication by data facilities can therefore be added without the need for addi~ional equipment on the passenger vehicle.
Once the services and entertainment system according to the invention is in place, reservations, mail order and like facilities can be provided without the need for additional equipment on the passenger-carrying vehicle or other base ~e.g. hotel) for the entertainment/services system. The communications facilities allow for confirmation of reservations~ or orders, before the passenger leaves the vehicle or the user leaves the hotel etc. Although such facilities as Prestel (Trademark) may be available for use in fixed places, they are not usually provided on a per room basis in hotels etc. Also, the quality and form of displayed material may be much higher in the case of the system according to the invention. For example, Prestel cannot show phoeographs.
The system according to the invention can be us d without the need for lengthy explicit inseruc~ions.
The system of ~he previously mentioned United States Patent No. 4 647 980 incorporates a simple channel selection switch or wo 90/l5508 Pcr/Gsgo/0068 ~;~3~5 tuner. This is clearly impractical for a large number of available channels. The previously mentioned European Patent Application No.
EP 0 277 014 has a similar arrangement wherein a channel number display is controlled by up and down keys to select the desired programme. In addition to Lhis it provides a menu, on the display, of games that may be played on the local computer. This may be scrolled by the use of two different switches in order to select the game of choice. The system of this invention improves on this in two key areas. Firstly, from the point of view of the user, the same mechanism is used for selection of every optional service and entertainment programme. Secondly, the menu on the screen is multidimensional. By this is meant that, unlike the European Patent Application No. EP 0 277 014 system, it may be scrolled sideways and 'inwards'. Once the system is introduced and the user is ready the first menu page is shown and a mechanism, described below, is provided for moving a cursor. The user may either scroll down the displayed list or move sideways onto another list of selections. Once the cursor is pointing to the required option, e.g. music, a key may be pressed to select it. This either results in display of the requested information or a relevan~ sub-menu, e.g. types of music available, in which case the process is repeated. The mechanism for moving the cursor may be any two dimensional control means such as a joystick, tracker ball, four keys, etc. The same mechanism may be used for playing some of the video gamesO As a cosmetic detail the cursor may be displayed in a form relevant to the installation or to the menu selected, e.g. the silhouette of an aircraft for a flight information menu.
wo 90/15508 Pcr/GB9o/oo68 ;~033d~J4 1 6 As regards ~he previously mentioned problem of a small number of attendants coping with a lot of people wishing to pay for goods and seNices at the same time, installations of the systern according to this invention can cater for hundreds of users at one time and system operators will require charges to be levied for many of the services and entertainment programmes. This is straightforward in a hotel as the charges may be added to the room bill. A problem arises in conference centres, vehicles, etc where the users occupation of the terminal area is ~relatively) transitory. In this case the system of the invention may provide a magnetic card reader at each user terminal. This enables the user to pay 'on line' with a credit, or similar, card. The details of the transaction will depend on the merchant agreement stmck between the card company and the system operator. This is a novel feature for services and entertainment systems in general. It is also a novel feature to provide a point of sale terminal in a vehicle, particularly on a per seat basis. The reduced work load of the attendants, who only have to deal directly with cash or cheque users, is eased even more by the use of a portable terminal.
As regards the problem of the businessman away from home or of~lce needing access to word processing or other software packages, particularly for use on a vehicle, the problem may be solved in a similar way to the communications by voice problem, most of the equipment required is inherent in the basic services and entertainment system. All that is required is the provision Qf a '~ull function keyboard' and the appropriate software. This facility is really intended for the person wishing to prepare mee~ing minutes, WO 90/15508 PCI'/GB90/0~)681 ~l)33~
rather than the novelist, as the print out is normally to be provided centrally. A draft quality printer could be provicled locally if required. Magnetic media copies could also be provided, although there are problems due to the non-standardization of such media formats.
Referring to the problem of safety of a 'seat back video' installation with trailing wires impeding access to aisles which is particularly important for emergency evacuation of a vehicle, the headset will not be attached to the seat in front, unlike European Patent Application No. EP 0 277 014 and United States Patent No.
4647980. The trailing wires impede passenger access to the aisles and thus presents an unacceptable hazard to safety on a passenger calTying vèhicle. The headset, microphone and controlling keypad of the present system will instead be attached to the arm of the sea~
occupied by the user. They will be easily detachable by the Attendant so as to be collected for sanitization as necessary after use.
The communications box for that group of seats will provide the audio and data channels directly to the seat arms, the video channel will be provided via under-tloor, etc., cable connection to the seat assembly in front carrying the display device.
According ~o a further feature of the present inven~ion the underfloor cabling between seats due to the need for wires to extend between seat communications boxes and system components connected respec~ively to the users seat (e.g. headphones), and the back of the seat in ~ront (e.g. display screen) is avoided by a arranging tha~ a zone concentrator utilises a switching algorithm so that data or a programme requested by a user is transmitted to a '` ' . ,. : .: .
'~ .
WO 90/lS508 PCI`/GB90/00681 ~:033~5f~ 1 8 seat communications box for the seat immediately in front of the user (i.e. the seat incorporating the display screen).
By way of example an embodiment of the invention as incorporated in a passenger carrying aircraft will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a block schematic diagram of an integrated entertainment and services system for an aircraft;
Figure 2 is a block schematic diagram of one of a plurality of zone concentrators embodied in the system of ~igure 1;
Figure 3 is a block diagram of one of a plurality of seat communications boxes incorporated in the system of Figure l; and, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a row of aircraft seats which shows various components of the system of Figure 1. Figure 4 is for illustration only and does not necessarily represent actual aircraft installation practice.
Refening to the drawings, the integrated flight entertainment and services system illustrated affords aircraft passengers selective access to various entertainment facilities and services, including those which have already been fully discussed, from their individual seat terminal locations. These facilities and services are provided in accordance with the invention through an hierarchical data accessing/distribution system which affords very significant economies in the number of data or communication channels required between different stages of ~he system as will hereinaf~er be readily appreciated.
The system comprises a~ the top of the hierarchical stTucture, a main computer MC which initiates and provides on-going control of 1 9 ~331~5~
the system. The computer MC embodies a file ser~er which provides access to system data storage means, such as file store FS, for the main computer and other computers ~ower down in the hierarchica~
structure. To ensure reliable operation and to preclude the loss of important records (e.g.~accounts) in the e~ent of main computer failure, a back-up main computer MCB with an integral file server and an associated fi]e store FSB is provided for use to take over and thereby ensure continued service to passengers when the main computer MC fails or is taken out of service for some reason. It may here be mentioned that the data storage means or file store may be suitably partitioned so that stored data that will be changed during operation of the system (e.g. usage statistics based on previous flights) may be stored in read-write magnetic media, whereas data that is to remain constant throughout operation of the system during a flight (e.g. mail order catal~gues~ may be stored in read-only optical media.
The main computers MC and MCB are coupled to other parts of the hierarchical system are relatively long two-way optical transmission paths Wl, W2, W3 and W4. The use of optical transmission paths which may comprise glass and/or plastic optical fibres as waveguides avoids the previously mentioned problem of electromagnetic interference occurring between different aircraft systems when conventional elect~ical conductors are used for transmitting/receiving signals between system components, unless special precautions are taken as regards system installation and the screening of the aircraft system concerned to ensure integrity and WO 90/15508 PCI`/GB90/00681 ~3~4 2 o safe operation. The functions of paths W1 and W2 may be combined into one such optical path.
Transmission paths W5 and W6 are also provided between the main computers MC and MCB and their appertaining file stores FS
and FSB, respectively they will be shor~ and so need not be optical in nature. A further transmission path W7, in which may be optical, is provide~ between the main compu~ers MC and MCB and an avionics interface arrangement AVI, whereby for example navigation data may be obtained for use by the Information Services facility. Data may also be sent out to other systems via avionics interface arrangement AVI. Direct access to the computers MC and MCB is provided over transmission paths Wl 0 and Wl 1 to appertaining senior attendants' terminals SAT and SATB, respectively, which will include keyboards, printers, disc drives etc.
For the implementation of the entertainment and services system of the present purely exemplary embodiment of the invention the aircraft is divided into eight passenger zones. These passenger zones are provided with respective so-called zone concentrators ZC1 to ZC8 which include computers, switching equipment, power distribution systems, optical interface a~rangements etc. Each of these zone concentrators ZC1 to ZC8 is coupled through an optical interface alTangement OA (Figure 2) to the main computers MC and MCB, programme sources PS and a communications interface CI, by the two-way optical transmission paths W1, W3 and W4. Each of the zone concentrators ser~es to distribute entertainment and services data selecti~rely, as requested, to twenty seat communications boxes, such as the boxes SB 1 and SB2, WO 90/15508 PCI`/GB90/00681 330~
over two way optical transmission paths, such as the respective paths W8 and W9 in the case of the boxes SB1 and SB2, through an optical interface alTangement OB (see Figure 2).
The zone concentrators ZC1 to ZC8 are linked to the main computers MC and MCB by an optical local area network comprising the transmission path W 1 so that the data storage means of the zone concentrator ZCO (see Figure 2) can load data via the appertaining file server into its internal memory so as to provide a quick response when data is requested by a passenger.
Zone concentrators ZC1 to ZC8 also receive over the optical transmission path W3 and via optical interface OB (Figure 2) digitised video and audio material from programme sources PS, such as video tape players, broadcast receivers, audio compact disc players, solid state storage devices etc. The sound tracks of the video programmes are routed via the audio programme transmission media. At the zone concentrator the selected audio and data signals are combined with the selected video digital signals for onward ~ransmission over an optical transmission path, such as the path W8, to a passenger requesting that particular video programme as will be described later. This transmission over the optical paths, such as the path W~, IS achieved with no overall increase in bandwidth on the video channel by inserting the audio and data samples in the period normally occupied by the frame and line synchronisation markers.
Circuits in the receiving apparatus re-constitute the video, audio and data, as necessary. Synchronisation is achieved by coding in the ~igital video signal. Video cameras can also be provided to give Ihe passengers a pilot's eye view from the aircraft, for example.
WO 90/15508 PCI`/GB90/00681 3~5~ 2 2 The zone concen~ors ZCl to ZC8 ale also arranged for handling telephone communications between aircraft passengers and other parties on or off the aircraft. An hierarchical telephone communica~ions system may be provided to control and route communication channels. Communications between passengers within a particular aircraft zone are handled exclusively by the local zone concentrator serving that zone, whereas communications between passengers in different zones are routed by a higher level stage in the communication system via a special inter-concentrator communications path or bus W4. That communica~ions bus W4 can also be used to link the zone concentrators ZCl to ZC8 and thus the passengers in those zones with satellite communications terminals (not shown), UHF radio equipment etc. via a communications interface arrangement CI. A cabin management arrangement CM is also connected to the group of zone concentrators ZC1 to ZC8.
As can be seen in Figure 1, each of the seat communications boxes, such as the box SCBl, is connected to three passenger seat terminals such as the termin~ls PST1, PST2 and PST3. These connections between Ihe seat communications boxes such as the seat communications box SCB1, and the seat terminals will be shor~ and may therefore be made by way of conventional wiring arrangements.
The seat communications boxes handle data flow between the associated zone concentrator aTId the three passengers served by the box.
From Figure 3 it will be seen that the seat communications boxes, such as the box SCB 1, include an optical interface arrangemen~
OC between the op~ical transmission path W8 to the zone WO 90/15508 PCI'/GB90/00681 2 3 ~)33~
concentrator ZC 1 and an interface arrangement OD between the box SCB 1 and a readily detachable connection arrangement for an attendant's portable terminal APT.
The communications box SCB 1 contains computers CMS (e.g.
games computer~ so that passengers may down-load and interactively run programmes (e.g. video games) and a video and audio output VA as well as a passenger keyboard interface arrangement KA. In retrofit installations an interface may be provided to existing seat arm switches SA for attendant calls, the control of reading lamps etc. The communications box SCB1 also includes a ~elephone coder/decoder arrangement TCD for passenger voice communications purposes.
From Figure 3 it will be seen that the passenger seat terminal PST3 includes a hand-held keypad KP which may embody a magnetic card reader CR, and a microphone MA, headphones HP and a display screen DS. This keypad will include a multiplicity of different keys for requesting the various entertainment and service facilities offered by the system, and the microphone MA and headphones HP
may be utilised in telephone communications between the passenger and other parties.
Referring now to Figure 4 of the drawings, three in-line aircraft seats are shown at Sl, S2 and S3. The seat-backs are provided with display screens DSl, DS2 and DS3 which may comprise liquid crystal display screens. The wiring for these display screens which extends - from the seat box SCB1 will be inco~porated in the passenger seats Sl, S2 and S3. The hand-held control pad KP is connected by a cable CL to the arm rest AR of the passenger seat immedia~ely behind the WO 90/15~08 PCI`/GB90/00681 ~033~ 2 4 seat S2, it being understood that the passenger terminals PST1~ PST2 and PST3 effectively incorporate the three passenger seats directly behind the seats S 1, S2 and S3 shown in the drawing. The headphone HP for a passenger terminal will also be connected by cable to the arm rest of the seat of the terminal in question. In ~his way the cables for the headphones and the keypad will not normally obstruct the gangway between adjoining, rows of passenger seats.
Also, as shown in the drawings, the passenger trays can be retracted or lowered, as shown in the case of tray TRl, to act as a work surface for the hand held keypad KP, if required, without obscuring the display screen DS 1.
As previously mentioned, the magnetic card reader CR may be embodied in the keypad KP or it could possibly be embodied in the display assembly on the seat back, and it will be used to accept payment for entertainment goods and services ~rom credit, debit, chargecards etc. A security device may be provided to prevent other passengers gaining access to entertainment or services that have been paid for by a passenger, but no~ yet used when that passenger leaves their seat unattended for a period. The security device could be implemented as a magnetic card which carries passenger identity information (e.g. passenger address for mail order delivery). This magnetic card could be read by the card reader CR and normally held therein until the passenger removes it on leaving his seat. This card Gould be issued with, or as, the aircraft boarding pass.
The microphone MA forming part of the hand held keypad KP
can be used for telephone communications. However, the microphone could alternatively be boom mounted on the headphones 2 5 ~ g3(~
HP. The headset or headphones HP is for listening to the audio part of entertainment facilities as well as acting as the receiver for telephone communications between parties and for service or safety announcements. Safety announcements will interrupt or over-ride all other services provided.
The keypad KP may also include a so-called mouse or other means for controlling a cursor or pointer on the display screen, such as the screen DS2 so that the passenger can point to the particular option or options required from a display menu of entertainment or services etc., in order to enter into the system the desired option selection. High level menus may be followed by sub-menus for more precise selection purposes. For example, if a passenger has opted to view a video, then the next menu to be displayed may provide a list of available titles and start times for videos and additional information may be called up if desired. The screen cursor may be in the form an animated character or icon which may be related for example to the installation operator or manufacturer and based on the company's logo or mascot, or it could be related to the category o~
sub-menu being displayed.
An attendent may access the system fronn the aisle adjacent to the position by connecting the attendant's portable terminal APT via a connector AX (Figure 4) to any of the seat communications boxes serving respective groups of three seats each. The attendant can then use the portable terminal equipment APT to enter into the system data on behalf of a passenger (e.g. to record cheque or cash payment for goods). The portable terminal equipment may WO 90/15508 PCr/~B90/00681 ~3~0~;4 communicate with the communications box by cable, optical fibre or unguided optical transmission or by sonic transmission etc.
Although the display screens in the embodiment shown in Figure 4 are mounted in the backs of the seats directly in front of the viewers, the display screens could be mounted on a bulkhead partition in front of the seats concerned or on an articulated arm connected to one of the seat arms that can be folcled away when not in use and adjusted for comfortable viewing or display of programme material or service information.
As will be apparent from a consideration of Figure 3, the wiring from the seat communications boxes, such as the box SCBI, to the seat terminals extends to the microphone MA and the card reader and the keypad KP in which the microphone and card reader are embodied, as well as to the headphones HP and the display screens, such as the screen DS1. Since this wiring extends from the seat communications box which may be located under a seat assembly, to components connected to positions on opposite sides of the gangway between the groups of seats at least some of ~he wiring concerned (e.g. the wiring between the seat communications box and the display screen for example) may be taken under the passenger cabin floor caTpet between the sets of in-line seats, in order to avoid causing any obstruction of the gangway, whereas direct wiring connections are made between the communications box and the seat arm for the keypad, headphone etc.
According to ano~her embodiment of the invention which is envisaged the need for such under-floor wiring which can complicate the installation by increasing the number of external connections to WO 90/15508 PCr/GB90~00681 2 7 ~)3305 the seat assembly and also the number of cable runs is obviated.
This objective is achieved as follows:-In the system already described and illustrated, if a passengerrequests a service or facility which is not provided locally by the appertaining seat communications box ,such as the box SCB 1, then the request concerned is transmitted to the appertaining zone concentrator, such as the concentrator ZC1, over the optical transmission path W8, whereupon the requisite data or programme material is switched through to the seat communications box SCB 1.
However, in the proposed embodiment the switchin,g algorithm utilised by the zone concentrator which receives such a request is such that the data or programme concerned is transmitted to the seat communications box for the seat immediately in front of the user (i.e.
the seat incorporating the display screen). In this way all of the connections from a seat communications box to seat terminal components can be made internally of the seat structure, apart from the distribution network between the zone concentrator and the seat communica~ions boxes, but no cabling is required between the groups of in-line seat assemblies.
This switching arrangement does not present any difficulties when video programmes are switched through to the seat communications box, but is does cause some complications where the material required is generated internally to the seat communications box. For example, the menu selection of facilities could be provided as a programme which is down-loaded to the seat communications bvx which accordingly allows the passenger user to select from the menu, whereupon the seat communications box transmits the wo 90/15508 PCr/GB9û/0068 ,~033~5~1 selection made to the appertaining zone concentrator. In the case of the modified switching alTangement to avoid under-floor wiring between groups of seats, the responses of the user will need to the passed back to the appertaining zone concentrator which will then route the message to the seat communications box handling the display. The limitation this modified switching arrangement imposes on the system is the removal of the ability to play fast interactive video games. Such programmes resident in the seat communications box, such as the box SCB1, depend on the fast reactions of the user to operate in a satisfactory manner, the delay resulting ~rom sending a message to the appertaining zone concentratort such as the concentrator ZC1, and back and then back to the seat communications box, such as the box SCBl, in front may be noticeable to the user and so render such games impracticable. This would not be a problem for more sedate games such as representations of chess, poker, etc.
From the foregoing descriptions of embodiments of the present invention it will be appreciated that the location of the display screen whether the screen is mounted on the back of the seat which is in front of the user's seat and which may incorporate a folded tray or whether the screen is mounted on an articulated arm ~orming part of the user's seat arm the screen can be viewed comfortably. Even with the seat back incorporating the display screen tilted, the screen can still be viewed comfortably.
Moreover, by connecting the keypad and the headphones by cable to the arm rest of the users seat the likelihood of the wo 90/15508 Pcr/Gsso/oo68 ~(333 connecting cables causing hazardous obstruction of the gangway between rows of seats is very much reduced.
Still further, the extensive use of optical transmission paths in the local area network for example between computers and zone concentrators, the possibility of electromagnetic interference with other aircraft systems is eliminated and the need for screening of the transmission system and special care during installation to reduce interference is thereby avoided.
As will be also appreciated the hierarchical system of the inven~ion enables a cQnsiderable economy to be achieved in the provision of transmit/receive channels between different stages of the system since some data and other facilities are provided by the zone concentrators, all of which are coupled to main computers whilst further data and facilities (e.g. computer games programmes) may be provided by seat communications boxes which have restricted access to zone concentrators. In contrast to the previously-mentioned European Patent Application No. EP 0 277 014 all the programmes and services material is not made available to all the passenger seats all the hme. Only the data requested by a passenger plus any system information, such as announcements, are transmitted to a seat terminal, such as the terminal PST1, thus requiring reduced bandwidth over the channel and allowing the use of lower cost components and providing for considerable e~;pansion capability.
Although the invention has been described as applied to an integrated flight entertainmen~ and services system in aircraft it will be reaiised that the system could also be applied to seat telminals in hotels, stadiums etc.
IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO ENTERTAINMENT AND
SERVICES SYSTEi\IS
This invention relales to entertainment and services systems and relates more specifically to integrated entertainment and services systems for use in passenger carrying vehicles (e.g. aircraft), hotels, stadiums, etc. for providing a wide range of selected entertainment and services at specific terminal (e.g. seat) locations.
One major problem with an integrated entertainment and services system required to provide the various facili~ies as set out hereinafter aboard a passenger carrying vehicle for example is that of getting signals from a multiplicity of wide-band sources to individual users on request when the necessary bandwidth is impractically large to transmit all channels to all terminals for local selection.
Supplementary problems involve inter-system interference and reliability, especially on a passenger-carrying vehicle;
communicating by voice with remote persons within the same installation or externally; commùnicating 'electronically', particularly with or from a passenger carrying vehicle; ease of use of system;
the availability of a small number of attendants coping with a lot of persons wishing to pay for goods and services at the same time; and the businessman away from home or office needing access to word processing or other software packages, particularly on a passenger carrying vehicle.
The presen~ invention has in view a combined entertainment and services system for use in multiple passenger carrying vehicles, , ', .
WO 9O/1:~08 PCI/GB90/00681 hotels, conference centres, stadiums, etc. In such a system each seat position in a vehicle for example may be provided with a terminal comprising a display screen, audio transducers, and controller enabling the selection by a customer of a range of entertainments and services. The system may be such as to allow simple addition or removal of services and utilities to suit customer requirements. It is envisaged that one or more of the following basic entertainments and services will be provided in the system according to the inventor.
Video Games These are computer generated interactive games similar to those found in amusement arcades and on domestic games computers. The user may play them using the video, audio and controller facilities of their terminal.
Casino _Games These are computer representations of games involving gambling, including card games and Islot machines'. The user may play them using the video, audio and controller facilities of the*
terminal. Credits may be entered into the system before play to be used as gaming 'chips' or machine tokens.
Video Films and Audio Pro~rammes Provision may be made for the play-back and transmission over the system to the user terminals of pre-recorded video and audio programmes; the typical provision is for eight video channels and sixleen audio channels of which eight are video sound-track. All WO 90/1~508 PCI/GB90/00681 3 ~V33~
of these shall be capable of calTying high quality stereo signals. The provision may be expanded upon by the use of additional equipment.
Mail Order Merchandise catalogues may be stored in the system database which is accessible to customers via their terminals. Whilst the database is being accessed for a specific page or topic, adver~ising may be shown.
Dutv_ ~ree Sales Systems installed in passeDger carrying vehicles that cross national boundaries where duty free sales are allowed may hold a catalogue of such items in the database which is accessible from terminals by the passengers. Such goods could be handed to passengers when leaving the vehicle or be picked up within the destination terminal.
Othe~ales A catalogue of souvenir items specific to Ithe system operator or other goods for immediate delivery to, or later collection by, the user may also be provided and accessible from the user's terminal. This may be used to facilitate "Room Service" in hotels, etc.
Bur~au de Chance Where required and where allowed by law the system may be used to facilitate currency exchange between currencies identified in the system database.
wo go/ls508 PCT/GB9~/00681 , ~3~5~ 4 Transaction CurrencY
Payments into the system may be accepted in any of the currencies supported for currency exchange. Credit available for use by passengers can be represented in ~he currency of their choice.
Adverti sin ~
The system may provide for the s~orage and display at the user terminals of advertising material from an advertisement database.
This may include short still advertisements (which may be randomly accessible) and short animated advertisements held digitally; also pre-recorded video material programmed with film, news, etc.
Communication Services Telephone like facilities may be provided betvveen users of the system, enabling communication between people seated in different parts of the building, vehicle, etc. The system may also provide an interface with a public communications system, such as satellite communications or a terrestrial flight telephone system, which would enable the user terminals to be used as telephones (air to ground, ship to shore, etc). The main system terminal may also have facsimile or telex capability.
This facility offers a reservativn service which may be for travel, including car hire, a* travel, sea ~avel, etc; accommodation, including hotels; and seNices such as restaurant bookings, etc. A
WO 90/15508 PCI~GB90/00681 s ~@~3~3054 menu of reservations may be held in the database and presented to the user's terminal on demand for selection as required. Such services may be franchised to a major travel agent, hotel chain, etc.
The bookings may be confirmed using the communications facility.
Ilse.r Access to Svstem The individual user interfaces may be as follows:-A visual display screen (usually of not less than twelve squareinches picture area) providing good quality full colour video film reproduction. This screen may be suitable for installation in walls or bulkheads, tables or desks, sea~ backs or armrests, etc. The display may be adjustable for brightness to account for the range of ambient illumination that will be encountered in service.
A control unit/keypad may allow selection of all facilities and controI of games. If it is to be used on an umbilical cable, or without physical attachment, it should be light weight and easy eo handle. A
number of key switches and a means of moving a screen cursor may be provided on the keypad.
Provision may be made ~or the use of a security "key" to preYent use of a terminal by unau~horised personnel whilst the rightful user has left it unattended.
A credit, charge or debit card reader may be fitted to facilitate payment for services. Cards may be checked against a "hotlist" from the card company held on ~he system database and/or accessed via the communications services. The list of acceptable cards may be programmed according to the requirements of the system opera~or.
~0330~
An audio he~dset m~y provide high quality stereo reproduction. This may be easily disconnected via a jac~ plug or similar arrangement for sanitization after use.
A microphone may provide telephone quality aucLio as a minimum and may form part of the keypad or he adset. Whatever installation position is used the microphone may be easily accessible for sanitization after use.
Operation of the system by the user may be as simple as possible using on-screen prompts and easily followed menu presentations .
The terminal units may be detachable for maintenance purposes using special tools. This enables replacement of damaged units by authorised persons, but discourages theft or entry by others.
Provision could also be made for the attachment OI more capable terminals for passenger use to run business applications, word processing, etc. Hard copy print-ou~s could be provided by a senior attendant's terminal mentioned below.
Hard CoPv Receipts and Vouchers The system may provide printed copies of all passenger net balances at end of flight. Transactions between any attendant and the user may be confirmed with a hard copy Youcher at the point of sale.
Information Services F~r a passenger carrying vehicle, such information as vehicle position, speed, distance travelled, time remaining, estimated time of WO 90/15508 PCI'/GB90/00681 7 2~33 arrival and weather at destination may be displayed as well as data specific to particular types of vehicles such as altitude in the case of an aircraft. Vehicle position may be represented on the display screen by means of a moving symbol on a map. For hotel applications details of meal times, sports facilities available, local attractions, etc could be provided.
Control and supervision of the system may be achieved via the system supervisor's or senior attendant's terminal. This may comprise a display, full function keyboard and pnnter. It may also provide removable data storage media for removal of accounts, usage statistics, etc. for remote analysis.
~ttendant's PQrtable T~erminals A portable terminal may be available for attendants who are to assist users at their seat. This may comprise a display, alpha-numeric entry key board, printer, and may also have a card reader for credit, charge or debit cards. There may be memory provîsion so that any accounting, or other data can be carried back to the senior attendant's terminal, if necessary. The terminal may be lightweight and easily held in one hand while operated with the other, it may be supported by a shoulder strap or similar. It may also be built into other equipments such as service trolleys etc.
Tnterfaces The system may need to provide interfaces to other installalions in order to carry out some of its operations. These may include the following:-WO 90/15508 PCT~GB90/00681 ~0330~
The audio distribution system may interface with any existingpublic address system in the place of installation and accept external commands for safety announcement override.
Interface may be provided to navigation systemj on a vehicle.
Communications interfaces depend on the location of the installation, but may include satellite communications systems; line of sight VH~/U~ air to ground, ship to shore, etc; standard data transmission systems; etc.
Utilities, such as reading lights, attendant call, etc.
S ec uri tv The potential value of financial transactions handled by the system may be very high, therefore high security of the system against unauthorised access or deliberate change may be essential.
The level of security achieved for a particular installation will usually be determined by cost and degradation of other system features such as ease of use, response time, reliability, size and weight. The security measures may include limits to physical access to system components, encoding of data, passwords and other identifiers, data validity checking and physical 'keys' etc.
Service ualitY
Built in test facilities may provide an indication to the attendants or system supervisor of any system failures and degradation ~partlal failure).
System Statistical Data WO 90/15508 PCr/GB9OJO0681 X0~3~5 Statistical data may be collected and s~ored on the system database and may be easily transferred to an externa} database via the communications services or via removable storage media. These statistics may include information on the use of games, advertisements shown~ system maintenance requirements and any operator-specific requirements.
European Patent Application No. EP 0 277 014 entitled "Service and Entertainment Communication System" describes a system providing some of the above-mentioned facilities, in which a communication mechanism is provided wherein audio signals are encoded into a video channel and frequency division multiplexed on to a transmission medium with other video signals. Each receiving terminal contains tuners for the selection of speci~lc video and audio signals from the multiplexed ensemble. This system has limited scope for future enhancement in terms of numbers of channels provided. The bandwidth of the long transmission paths throughout the installation needs to be sufficient to carry all the channels at once.
One objective of this invention is to provide a system featuring a different entertainment programme or service selection mechanism which enables additional programme material to be added later without increase in bandwidth on the long transmission paths.
United States Patent Senal No. 4 647 980 enti~led "Aircraft Passenger Television System" described a system having a viewing screen at each seat fed from several video sources such that each screen is integrated with a channel selectcr to select one video for wo go/l5508 pcr/Gs9o/oo68l ~C)3305fl .. . .
display. A "television module" is provided incorporating channel selection controls, etc. with the display screen.
Another objective of this invention is to provide a system which does not incorporate channel selection controls or tuners with the display. Such controls would constitute a nuisance to the occupant of the seat in front of installations implementing displays in seat bac~s.
Moreover, the system described in United States Patent Serial No. 4 647 980 is incapable of two-way signal transmission between a cen~al unit and a plurality of remote units mounted on aircraft passenger seats, and is incapable of transmitting signals other than video programmes (e.g. cornputer game programs) from a central unit to a plurality of remote units. It is desirable for the system to have the capability for both.
In both European Patent Application No. EP 0 277 014 and United States Patent No. 4 647 980, a headset is attached to the seat in front of the seat location where the services, etc. are provided.
This impedes passenger access ~o the aisles and thus presents an u~acceptable safety hazard on a passenger carrying vehicle.
The headset, any microphone and controlling keypad should desirably be attached to the arm of the seat occupied by the user and should preferably be easily detachable by the attendant so as to be collected for sanitization, as necessary, after use.
United States Patent Serial No. 4 5~4 603 entitled "Amusement and Information System for Use on a Passenger Carrier" descnbes a sys~em on a passenger carrier having a plurality of seats with a display on the back of each seat, a 'key means' connected to each WO 90/15508 pcr/GB9o/o~68 1 1 ~0330 display and a set of transparent plastic trays through which the display may be viewed when the tray is stowecl away. This arrangement may be ergonomically undesirable for the reason that, if the tray is at the optimum height, the display is too low for comfortable viewing. Alternatively, if the display is at optimum height the tray will be too high.
It is desirable therefore that the system does not feature such a tray, but the fitting of a conventional seat back tray to each seat as required is not precluded. It is also not essential to have the display mounted in a seat back; it could, for example, be mounted on an articulated arm assembly attached to the seat arm.
In an integrated entertainment and services system the problem of getting signals from a multiplicity of sources to the individual system users on request when the bandwidth of sending all channels to all user terminals would otherwise be impractically large is overcome by providing in accordance with the present invention an integrated entertainment and services system such as for use in aircraft comprising an hierarchical daea transmission stmcture with signal sources localised at one or more centres at an upper level of the hierarchical structure whereas at the lower level of the structure all the user terminals are split up into small groups (e.g. associated with one multiple seat assembly on an aircraft) each of which is serviced by a local communications box, in which only those signals requested by the users in a par~icular group are sent to - the communications box thus limiting the transmission link bandwidth to N times the single channel bandwidth, where N is the number of uni~s in the local group, in which a~ an intermediate level 1 ~
~30~4 of the hierarchical local structure the local groups are grouped together to form a small number of super groups each serviced by a zone concentrator and in which the concentrator accepts service and entertainment material from a multiplicity of video, audio and data sources, the high bandwidth channels being required for this being few compared to many cable runs between concentrators and communication boxes.
In carrying out the invention it is not essential to have all the material sent to all the concentrators. Some operators may wish to provide different material to different zones, this is easily accommodated in the installation cabling.
In large systems additional levels may be provided in the hierarchical structure which can be implemented as required to limit the 'span of control'.
~ or safe and reliable operation, all of the systems on a passenger vehicle must be compatible in operation. Hitherto, a major source of incompatibility has been due to electromagnetic interference. Some systems may be susceptible to incorrect operation as a result of electromagnetic ~ields impinging on them so it is necessary to ensure that other vehicle systems do not radiate such fields. On a more mundane level, however, external electromagnetic interference could cause problems with the picture or sound quality of the services and entertainment system provided and al~hough this is not a direct hazard to safety it can result in luss of trade. Two features of the system according to the present iDvention cut down the possibility of interference with or from other systems. One is the limited bandwidth of the majority of wO 90/l5508 PCr/GB90/0068 1 3 ;~)3305~
communications links and the second may be provided by the use of optical transmission. Optical signals, particularly in waveguides such as fibres, do not couple electromagnetically with other systems in such a manner as to cause interference. The converse also holds, the system of the invention cannot be affected by electromagnetic coupling with the optical signals.
The detailed scrutiny of the services and entertainment system of this invention by users will demand high system reliability, particularly on a passenger vehicle where qualified maintenance personnel are unlikely to be immediately available. Failures at the top level of the hierarchical structure will affect all the users whereas the failure of one audio or video source will not cause too much inconvenience since there will still be other channels to choose from. Failure of a main computer in the top level of the hierarchical structure will in effect remove access to all material for which charges are levied and this is clearly undesirable. The use ~f multiple redundant equipments in the system overcomes this problem since in case of f~ilure of one equipment another can talce over and sustain sys~em operation until maintenance ac~ions can be carried out. In case of failure of single terminals or groups the attendant can enter the information ~ia a senior attendant's terminal so that the system can print out maintenance requirements at appropriate times ~e.g. at the end of the journey in the case of a vehicle3. The controller keypad, which is most prone to damage by users, can be readily replaced by an attendant possibly using a special tool.
- ., ~' WO 90/15~08 PCl'/GB91)/00681 05L~JL
The pro~/ision of a (radio,~ telephone and its derivatives in the system will solve the problem of communication by voice with remote persons, both local and distant. The audio channel of a video/audio entertainment system may be used as the telephone receiver. This invention enables the provision of telephone facilities on a per seat basis in a passenger vehicle, for example.
For the purpose of "communicating by data" encompassing electronic mail, telex, etc the system provides the basic hardware facilities in order to provide services and entertainment and communication by data facilities can therefore be added without the need for addi~ional equipment on the passenger vehicle.
Once the services and entertainment system according to the invention is in place, reservations, mail order and like facilities can be provided without the need for additional equipment on the passenger-carrying vehicle or other base ~e.g. hotel) for the entertainment/services system. The communications facilities allow for confirmation of reservations~ or orders, before the passenger leaves the vehicle or the user leaves the hotel etc. Although such facilities as Prestel (Trademark) may be available for use in fixed places, they are not usually provided on a per room basis in hotels etc. Also, the quality and form of displayed material may be much higher in the case of the system according to the invention. For example, Prestel cannot show phoeographs.
The system according to the invention can be us d without the need for lengthy explicit inseruc~ions.
The system of ~he previously mentioned United States Patent No. 4 647 980 incorporates a simple channel selection switch or wo 90/l5508 Pcr/Gsgo/0068 ~;~3~5 tuner. This is clearly impractical for a large number of available channels. The previously mentioned European Patent Application No.
EP 0 277 014 has a similar arrangement wherein a channel number display is controlled by up and down keys to select the desired programme. In addition to Lhis it provides a menu, on the display, of games that may be played on the local computer. This may be scrolled by the use of two different switches in order to select the game of choice. The system of this invention improves on this in two key areas. Firstly, from the point of view of the user, the same mechanism is used for selection of every optional service and entertainment programme. Secondly, the menu on the screen is multidimensional. By this is meant that, unlike the European Patent Application No. EP 0 277 014 system, it may be scrolled sideways and 'inwards'. Once the system is introduced and the user is ready the first menu page is shown and a mechanism, described below, is provided for moving a cursor. The user may either scroll down the displayed list or move sideways onto another list of selections. Once the cursor is pointing to the required option, e.g. music, a key may be pressed to select it. This either results in display of the requested information or a relevan~ sub-menu, e.g. types of music available, in which case the process is repeated. The mechanism for moving the cursor may be any two dimensional control means such as a joystick, tracker ball, four keys, etc. The same mechanism may be used for playing some of the video gamesO As a cosmetic detail the cursor may be displayed in a form relevant to the installation or to the menu selected, e.g. the silhouette of an aircraft for a flight information menu.
wo 90/15508 Pcr/GB9o/oo68 ;~033d~J4 1 6 As regards ~he previously mentioned problem of a small number of attendants coping with a lot of people wishing to pay for goods and seNices at the same time, installations of the systern according to this invention can cater for hundreds of users at one time and system operators will require charges to be levied for many of the services and entertainment programmes. This is straightforward in a hotel as the charges may be added to the room bill. A problem arises in conference centres, vehicles, etc where the users occupation of the terminal area is ~relatively) transitory. In this case the system of the invention may provide a magnetic card reader at each user terminal. This enables the user to pay 'on line' with a credit, or similar, card. The details of the transaction will depend on the merchant agreement stmck between the card company and the system operator. This is a novel feature for services and entertainment systems in general. It is also a novel feature to provide a point of sale terminal in a vehicle, particularly on a per seat basis. The reduced work load of the attendants, who only have to deal directly with cash or cheque users, is eased even more by the use of a portable terminal.
As regards the problem of the businessman away from home or of~lce needing access to word processing or other software packages, particularly for use on a vehicle, the problem may be solved in a similar way to the communications by voice problem, most of the equipment required is inherent in the basic services and entertainment system. All that is required is the provision Qf a '~ull function keyboard' and the appropriate software. This facility is really intended for the person wishing to prepare mee~ing minutes, WO 90/15508 PCI'/GB90/0~)681 ~l)33~
rather than the novelist, as the print out is normally to be provided centrally. A draft quality printer could be provicled locally if required. Magnetic media copies could also be provided, although there are problems due to the non-standardization of such media formats.
Referring to the problem of safety of a 'seat back video' installation with trailing wires impeding access to aisles which is particularly important for emergency evacuation of a vehicle, the headset will not be attached to the seat in front, unlike European Patent Application No. EP 0 277 014 and United States Patent No.
4647980. The trailing wires impede passenger access to the aisles and thus presents an unacceptable hazard to safety on a passenger calTying vèhicle. The headset, microphone and controlling keypad of the present system will instead be attached to the arm of the sea~
occupied by the user. They will be easily detachable by the Attendant so as to be collected for sanitization as necessary after use.
The communications box for that group of seats will provide the audio and data channels directly to the seat arms, the video channel will be provided via under-tloor, etc., cable connection to the seat assembly in front carrying the display device.
According ~o a further feature of the present inven~ion the underfloor cabling between seats due to the need for wires to extend between seat communications boxes and system components connected respec~ively to the users seat (e.g. headphones), and the back of the seat in ~ront (e.g. display screen) is avoided by a arranging tha~ a zone concentrator utilises a switching algorithm so that data or a programme requested by a user is transmitted to a '` ' . ,. : .: .
'~ .
WO 90/lS508 PCI`/GB90/00681 ~:033~5f~ 1 8 seat communications box for the seat immediately in front of the user (i.e. the seat incorporating the display screen).
By way of example an embodiment of the invention as incorporated in a passenger carrying aircraft will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a block schematic diagram of an integrated entertainment and services system for an aircraft;
Figure 2 is a block schematic diagram of one of a plurality of zone concentrators embodied in the system of ~igure 1;
Figure 3 is a block diagram of one of a plurality of seat communications boxes incorporated in the system of Figure l; and, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a row of aircraft seats which shows various components of the system of Figure 1. Figure 4 is for illustration only and does not necessarily represent actual aircraft installation practice.
Refening to the drawings, the integrated flight entertainment and services system illustrated affords aircraft passengers selective access to various entertainment facilities and services, including those which have already been fully discussed, from their individual seat terminal locations. These facilities and services are provided in accordance with the invention through an hierarchical data accessing/distribution system which affords very significant economies in the number of data or communication channels required between different stages of ~he system as will hereinaf~er be readily appreciated.
The system comprises a~ the top of the hierarchical stTucture, a main computer MC which initiates and provides on-going control of 1 9 ~331~5~
the system. The computer MC embodies a file ser~er which provides access to system data storage means, such as file store FS, for the main computer and other computers ~ower down in the hierarchica~
structure. To ensure reliable operation and to preclude the loss of important records (e.g.~accounts) in the e~ent of main computer failure, a back-up main computer MCB with an integral file server and an associated fi]e store FSB is provided for use to take over and thereby ensure continued service to passengers when the main computer MC fails or is taken out of service for some reason. It may here be mentioned that the data storage means or file store may be suitably partitioned so that stored data that will be changed during operation of the system (e.g. usage statistics based on previous flights) may be stored in read-write magnetic media, whereas data that is to remain constant throughout operation of the system during a flight (e.g. mail order catal~gues~ may be stored in read-only optical media.
The main computers MC and MCB are coupled to other parts of the hierarchical system are relatively long two-way optical transmission paths Wl, W2, W3 and W4. The use of optical transmission paths which may comprise glass and/or plastic optical fibres as waveguides avoids the previously mentioned problem of electromagnetic interference occurring between different aircraft systems when conventional elect~ical conductors are used for transmitting/receiving signals between system components, unless special precautions are taken as regards system installation and the screening of the aircraft system concerned to ensure integrity and WO 90/15508 PCI`/GB90/00681 ~3~4 2 o safe operation. The functions of paths W1 and W2 may be combined into one such optical path.
Transmission paths W5 and W6 are also provided between the main computers MC and MCB and their appertaining file stores FS
and FSB, respectively they will be shor~ and so need not be optical in nature. A further transmission path W7, in which may be optical, is provide~ between the main compu~ers MC and MCB and an avionics interface arrangement AVI, whereby for example navigation data may be obtained for use by the Information Services facility. Data may also be sent out to other systems via avionics interface arrangement AVI. Direct access to the computers MC and MCB is provided over transmission paths Wl 0 and Wl 1 to appertaining senior attendants' terminals SAT and SATB, respectively, which will include keyboards, printers, disc drives etc.
For the implementation of the entertainment and services system of the present purely exemplary embodiment of the invention the aircraft is divided into eight passenger zones. These passenger zones are provided with respective so-called zone concentrators ZC1 to ZC8 which include computers, switching equipment, power distribution systems, optical interface a~rangements etc. Each of these zone concentrators ZC1 to ZC8 is coupled through an optical interface alTangement OA (Figure 2) to the main computers MC and MCB, programme sources PS and a communications interface CI, by the two-way optical transmission paths W1, W3 and W4. Each of the zone concentrators ser~es to distribute entertainment and services data selecti~rely, as requested, to twenty seat communications boxes, such as the boxes SB 1 and SB2, WO 90/15508 PCI`/GB90/00681 330~
over two way optical transmission paths, such as the respective paths W8 and W9 in the case of the boxes SB1 and SB2, through an optical interface alTangement OB (see Figure 2).
The zone concentrators ZC1 to ZC8 are linked to the main computers MC and MCB by an optical local area network comprising the transmission path W 1 so that the data storage means of the zone concentrator ZCO (see Figure 2) can load data via the appertaining file server into its internal memory so as to provide a quick response when data is requested by a passenger.
Zone concentrators ZC1 to ZC8 also receive over the optical transmission path W3 and via optical interface OB (Figure 2) digitised video and audio material from programme sources PS, such as video tape players, broadcast receivers, audio compact disc players, solid state storage devices etc. The sound tracks of the video programmes are routed via the audio programme transmission media. At the zone concentrator the selected audio and data signals are combined with the selected video digital signals for onward ~ransmission over an optical transmission path, such as the path W8, to a passenger requesting that particular video programme as will be described later. This transmission over the optical paths, such as the path W~, IS achieved with no overall increase in bandwidth on the video channel by inserting the audio and data samples in the period normally occupied by the frame and line synchronisation markers.
Circuits in the receiving apparatus re-constitute the video, audio and data, as necessary. Synchronisation is achieved by coding in the ~igital video signal. Video cameras can also be provided to give Ihe passengers a pilot's eye view from the aircraft, for example.
WO 90/15508 PCI`/GB90/00681 3~5~ 2 2 The zone concen~ors ZCl to ZC8 ale also arranged for handling telephone communications between aircraft passengers and other parties on or off the aircraft. An hierarchical telephone communica~ions system may be provided to control and route communication channels. Communications between passengers within a particular aircraft zone are handled exclusively by the local zone concentrator serving that zone, whereas communications between passengers in different zones are routed by a higher level stage in the communication system via a special inter-concentrator communications path or bus W4. That communica~ions bus W4 can also be used to link the zone concentrators ZCl to ZC8 and thus the passengers in those zones with satellite communications terminals (not shown), UHF radio equipment etc. via a communications interface arrangement CI. A cabin management arrangement CM is also connected to the group of zone concentrators ZC1 to ZC8.
As can be seen in Figure 1, each of the seat communications boxes, such as the box SCBl, is connected to three passenger seat terminals such as the termin~ls PST1, PST2 and PST3. These connections between Ihe seat communications boxes such as the seat communications box SCB1, and the seat terminals will be shor~ and may therefore be made by way of conventional wiring arrangements.
The seat communications boxes handle data flow between the associated zone concentrator aTId the three passengers served by the box.
From Figure 3 it will be seen that the seat communications boxes, such as the box SCB 1, include an optical interface arrangemen~
OC between the op~ical transmission path W8 to the zone WO 90/15508 PCI'/GB90/00681 2 3 ~)33~
concentrator ZC 1 and an interface arrangement OD between the box SCB 1 and a readily detachable connection arrangement for an attendant's portable terminal APT.
The communications box SCB 1 contains computers CMS (e.g.
games computer~ so that passengers may down-load and interactively run programmes (e.g. video games) and a video and audio output VA as well as a passenger keyboard interface arrangement KA. In retrofit installations an interface may be provided to existing seat arm switches SA for attendant calls, the control of reading lamps etc. The communications box SCB1 also includes a ~elephone coder/decoder arrangement TCD for passenger voice communications purposes.
From Figure 3 it will be seen that the passenger seat terminal PST3 includes a hand-held keypad KP which may embody a magnetic card reader CR, and a microphone MA, headphones HP and a display screen DS. This keypad will include a multiplicity of different keys for requesting the various entertainment and service facilities offered by the system, and the microphone MA and headphones HP
may be utilised in telephone communications between the passenger and other parties.
Referring now to Figure 4 of the drawings, three in-line aircraft seats are shown at Sl, S2 and S3. The seat-backs are provided with display screens DSl, DS2 and DS3 which may comprise liquid crystal display screens. The wiring for these display screens which extends - from the seat box SCB1 will be inco~porated in the passenger seats Sl, S2 and S3. The hand-held control pad KP is connected by a cable CL to the arm rest AR of the passenger seat immedia~ely behind the WO 90/15~08 PCI`/GB90/00681 ~033~ 2 4 seat S2, it being understood that the passenger terminals PST1~ PST2 and PST3 effectively incorporate the three passenger seats directly behind the seats S 1, S2 and S3 shown in the drawing. The headphone HP for a passenger terminal will also be connected by cable to the arm rest of the seat of the terminal in question. In ~his way the cables for the headphones and the keypad will not normally obstruct the gangway between adjoining, rows of passenger seats.
Also, as shown in the drawings, the passenger trays can be retracted or lowered, as shown in the case of tray TRl, to act as a work surface for the hand held keypad KP, if required, without obscuring the display screen DS 1.
As previously mentioned, the magnetic card reader CR may be embodied in the keypad KP or it could possibly be embodied in the display assembly on the seat back, and it will be used to accept payment for entertainment goods and services ~rom credit, debit, chargecards etc. A security device may be provided to prevent other passengers gaining access to entertainment or services that have been paid for by a passenger, but no~ yet used when that passenger leaves their seat unattended for a period. The security device could be implemented as a magnetic card which carries passenger identity information (e.g. passenger address for mail order delivery). This magnetic card could be read by the card reader CR and normally held therein until the passenger removes it on leaving his seat. This card Gould be issued with, or as, the aircraft boarding pass.
The microphone MA forming part of the hand held keypad KP
can be used for telephone communications. However, the microphone could alternatively be boom mounted on the headphones 2 5 ~ g3(~
HP. The headset or headphones HP is for listening to the audio part of entertainment facilities as well as acting as the receiver for telephone communications between parties and for service or safety announcements. Safety announcements will interrupt or over-ride all other services provided.
The keypad KP may also include a so-called mouse or other means for controlling a cursor or pointer on the display screen, such as the screen DS2 so that the passenger can point to the particular option or options required from a display menu of entertainment or services etc., in order to enter into the system the desired option selection. High level menus may be followed by sub-menus for more precise selection purposes. For example, if a passenger has opted to view a video, then the next menu to be displayed may provide a list of available titles and start times for videos and additional information may be called up if desired. The screen cursor may be in the form an animated character or icon which may be related for example to the installation operator or manufacturer and based on the company's logo or mascot, or it could be related to the category o~
sub-menu being displayed.
An attendent may access the system fronn the aisle adjacent to the position by connecting the attendant's portable terminal APT via a connector AX (Figure 4) to any of the seat communications boxes serving respective groups of three seats each. The attendant can then use the portable terminal equipment APT to enter into the system data on behalf of a passenger (e.g. to record cheque or cash payment for goods). The portable terminal equipment may WO 90/15508 PCr/~B90/00681 ~3~0~;4 communicate with the communications box by cable, optical fibre or unguided optical transmission or by sonic transmission etc.
Although the display screens in the embodiment shown in Figure 4 are mounted in the backs of the seats directly in front of the viewers, the display screens could be mounted on a bulkhead partition in front of the seats concerned or on an articulated arm connected to one of the seat arms that can be folcled away when not in use and adjusted for comfortable viewing or display of programme material or service information.
As will be apparent from a consideration of Figure 3, the wiring from the seat communications boxes, such as the box SCBI, to the seat terminals extends to the microphone MA and the card reader and the keypad KP in which the microphone and card reader are embodied, as well as to the headphones HP and the display screens, such as the screen DS1. Since this wiring extends from the seat communications box which may be located under a seat assembly, to components connected to positions on opposite sides of the gangway between the groups of seats at least some of ~he wiring concerned (e.g. the wiring between the seat communications box and the display screen for example) may be taken under the passenger cabin floor caTpet between the sets of in-line seats, in order to avoid causing any obstruction of the gangway, whereas direct wiring connections are made between the communications box and the seat arm for the keypad, headphone etc.
According to ano~her embodiment of the invention which is envisaged the need for such under-floor wiring which can complicate the installation by increasing the number of external connections to WO 90/15508 PCr/GB90~00681 2 7 ~)3305 the seat assembly and also the number of cable runs is obviated.
This objective is achieved as follows:-In the system already described and illustrated, if a passengerrequests a service or facility which is not provided locally by the appertaining seat communications box ,such as the box SCB 1, then the request concerned is transmitted to the appertaining zone concentrator, such as the concentrator ZC1, over the optical transmission path W8, whereupon the requisite data or programme material is switched through to the seat communications box SCB 1.
However, in the proposed embodiment the switchin,g algorithm utilised by the zone concentrator which receives such a request is such that the data or programme concerned is transmitted to the seat communications box for the seat immediately in front of the user (i.e.
the seat incorporating the display screen). In this way all of the connections from a seat communications box to seat terminal components can be made internally of the seat structure, apart from the distribution network between the zone concentrator and the seat communica~ions boxes, but no cabling is required between the groups of in-line seat assemblies.
This switching arrangement does not present any difficulties when video programmes are switched through to the seat communications box, but is does cause some complications where the material required is generated internally to the seat communications box. For example, the menu selection of facilities could be provided as a programme which is down-loaded to the seat communications bvx which accordingly allows the passenger user to select from the menu, whereupon the seat communications box transmits the wo 90/15508 PCr/GB9û/0068 ,~033~5~1 selection made to the appertaining zone concentrator. In the case of the modified switching alTangement to avoid under-floor wiring between groups of seats, the responses of the user will need to the passed back to the appertaining zone concentrator which will then route the message to the seat communications box handling the display. The limitation this modified switching arrangement imposes on the system is the removal of the ability to play fast interactive video games. Such programmes resident in the seat communications box, such as the box SCB1, depend on the fast reactions of the user to operate in a satisfactory manner, the delay resulting ~rom sending a message to the appertaining zone concentratort such as the concentrator ZC1, and back and then back to the seat communications box, such as the box SCBl, in front may be noticeable to the user and so render such games impracticable. This would not be a problem for more sedate games such as representations of chess, poker, etc.
From the foregoing descriptions of embodiments of the present invention it will be appreciated that the location of the display screen whether the screen is mounted on the back of the seat which is in front of the user's seat and which may incorporate a folded tray or whether the screen is mounted on an articulated arm ~orming part of the user's seat arm the screen can be viewed comfortably. Even with the seat back incorporating the display screen tilted, the screen can still be viewed comfortably.
Moreover, by connecting the keypad and the headphones by cable to the arm rest of the users seat the likelihood of the wo 90/15508 Pcr/Gsso/oo68 ~(333 connecting cables causing hazardous obstruction of the gangway between rows of seats is very much reduced.
Still further, the extensive use of optical transmission paths in the local area network for example between computers and zone concentrators, the possibility of electromagnetic interference with other aircraft systems is eliminated and the need for screening of the transmission system and special care during installation to reduce interference is thereby avoided.
As will be also appreciated the hierarchical system of the inven~ion enables a cQnsiderable economy to be achieved in the provision of transmit/receive channels between different stages of the system since some data and other facilities are provided by the zone concentrators, all of which are coupled to main computers whilst further data and facilities (e.g. computer games programmes) may be provided by seat communications boxes which have restricted access to zone concentrators. In contrast to the previously-mentioned European Patent Application No. EP 0 277 014 all the programmes and services material is not made available to all the passenger seats all the hme. Only the data requested by a passenger plus any system information, such as announcements, are transmitted to a seat terminal, such as the terminal PST1, thus requiring reduced bandwidth over the channel and allowing the use of lower cost components and providing for considerable e~;pansion capability.
Although the invention has been described as applied to an integrated flight entertainmen~ and services system in aircraft it will be reaiised that the system could also be applied to seat telminals in hotels, stadiums etc.
Claims (19)
1. An integrated entertainment and services system for providing a range of selected entertainment and services at a multiplicity of specific terminal (e.g. seat) locations in a passenger-carrying vehicle (e.g. aircraft) or other installation (e.g. hotel or stadium), in which the system comprises an hierarchical structure including upper level data base/computer, communications switching and entertainment programme source equipment, in which access to these top level equipments is afforded the multiplicity of terminal locations through a plurality of intermediate switching and data storage equipments each of which is accessible to a group of lower level switching and data storage equipments serving respective groups of terminal locations of the system each of which includes a visual display screen and a controller device for selection of entertainment or one of the services provided.
2. An integrated entertainment and services system as claimed in claim 1, in which the intermediate switching equipments comprise zone concentrators including computers and appertaining to different zones of the system installation.
3. An integrated entertainment and services system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the lower level of switching equipments comprise communications boxes including computers and other equipment.
4. An integrated entertainment and services system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the entertainment programme source equipment provides public address and selectable entertainment video and audio facilities to the terminal locations and in which the entertainment programme source equipment is coupled to the intermediate switching equipment.
5. An integrated entertainment and services system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least the relatively long interconnections between the different levels of equipments are provided by optical transmission paths in order to preclude electromagnetic interference with other nearby systems.
6. An integrated entertainment and services system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the communications switching equipment provides for speech communications between terminal locations; between terminal and external locations; or both, separately or concurrently.
7. An integrated entertainment and services system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the system is accessed by means of a two dimensional cursor and controller means for selecting various options and sub-menus from displayed entertainment/services menus.
8. An integrated entertainment and services system as claimed in claim 7, in which the cursor is a graphic arrangement relating to the installation (e.g. logo or mascot) or to the subject matter of the menu being displayed.
9. An integrated entertainment and services system as claimed in any preceding claim. in which at least one of the terminal locations includes a seat back display screen and provides for attachment of a headset, keypad controller etc to the arm of the seat occupied by the user with separate hidden (e.g. underfloor) cabling to the display screen so as not to impede access to aisles from seats.
10. An integrated entertainment and services system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which security provisions are provided as by the use of a magnetic card to restrict operation of the system to authorised users and in which the magnetic card may be receivable by a magnetic card reader embodied in a user keypad.
11. An integrated entertainment and services system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least some of the upper level equipments (e.g. main computers) are duplicated to provide back-up equipments for providing a continuing service in the event of break down of the primary equipment.
12. An integrated entertainment and services system as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising at least one attendant's portable terminal which affords the attendant access to the intermediate switching equipments.
13. An integrated entertainment and services system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the user at a terminal location has access to one or more of the following:
information services, interactive video or casino games, selection of video programmes, selection of audio programmes, making of reservations for hotels, car hire etc, mail order purchases, purchase of goods for delivery to terminal or otherwise, Bureau de Change facilities, word processing or other business package facilities.
information services, interactive video or casino games, selection of video programmes, selection of audio programmes, making of reservations for hotels, car hire etc, mail order purchases, purchase of goods for delivery to terminal or otherwise, Bureau de Change facilities, word processing or other business package facilities.
14. An integrated entertainment and services system as claimed in claim 1, in which the visual display screen (e.g. liquid crystal screen) is attached to an articulated arm connected to the arm of a user's seat at the terminal location.
15. An integrated entertainment and services system as claimed in claim 1, in which the display screen (e.g. liquid crystal screen) is attached to a bulkhead in front of the users seat.
16. An integrated entertainment and services as claimed in claim 2, in which the lower level of switching and data equipment includes seat communications boxes each of which serves a group of seat terminals, in which each of the seat terminals has the visual display screen located in front of the usual seat and includes headphones and the controller connected by cable to the user's seat (e.g. arm rest) and in which the zone concentrator appertaining to the user's seat directs requested or other data to be displayed on the user's screen to the seat communications box appertaining the seat in front of the user seat in order to avoid necessity of providing cabling between in-line seats that could constitute a hazardous obstruction when users move between such seats and simplifying installation.
17. An integrated entertainment and services system as claimed in any preceding claim in which means are provided for collecting usage statistics.
18. An integrated entertainment and services system as claimed in any preceding claim in which a point of sale terminal is provided for at least one seat position in a passenger carrying vehicle.
19. An integrated entertainment and services system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8912474A GB2235800B (en) | 1989-05-31 | 1989-05-31 | Improvements relating to entertainment and services systems |
| GB8912474.7 | 1989-05-31 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2033054A1 true CA2033054A1 (en) | 1990-12-01 |
Family
ID=10657632
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002033054A Abandoned CA2033054A1 (en) | 1989-05-31 | 1990-05-03 | Entertainment and services systems |
Country Status (14)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0427831A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH04501940A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR920702160A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1048478A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU5531590A (en) |
| BG (1) | BG93727A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9006785A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2033054A1 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI910447A0 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2235800B (en) |
| IL (1) | IL94315A0 (en) |
| PT (1) | PT94201A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1990015508A1 (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA903539B (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8180678B2 (en) | 1999-04-19 | 2012-05-15 | Brotherston David N | Apparatus and method for providing products and services in a transport vehicle using a network of computers |
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| GB2283398A (en) * | 1993-10-28 | 1995-05-03 | Mohammed Alam | An interactive television system |
| US5524272A (en) * | 1993-12-22 | 1996-06-04 | Gte Airfone Incorporated | Method and apparatus for distributing program material |
| FR2714886B1 (en) * | 1994-01-10 | 1996-03-29 | Labinal | Light signaling device on aircraft. |
| JP3401940B2 (en) * | 1994-09-30 | 2003-04-28 | ソニー株式会社 | Remote control system |
| JP3144241B2 (en) * | 1994-10-14 | 2001-03-12 | ヤマハ株式会社 | Karaoke equipment and karaoke system |
| DE69611855T2 (en) * | 1995-04-26 | 2001-10-04 | Hughes-Avicom International, Inc. | Passenger control unit with a safety control device |
| GB2304255B (en) * | 1995-08-07 | 2000-04-12 | Be Aerospace Inc | Multi-stage switch |
| US6058288A (en) * | 1995-08-07 | 2000-05-02 | Sextant In-Flight Systems, Llc | Passenger service and entertainment system |
| IT241047Y1 (en) * | 1996-12-04 | 2001-04-20 | Danesi Francesco | AIRCRAFT SEAT EQUIPPED WITH A BACKREST EQUIPPED WITH EQUIPMENT TO INCREASE THE FUNCTIONALITY |
| AU8235598A (en) * | 1997-07-14 | 1999-02-10 | Samantha Bhalla | Advertising panel |
| US6453267B1 (en) * | 2000-05-26 | 2002-09-17 | Rockwell Collins, Inc. | Method and system for measuring system availability for in-flight entertainment systems |
| AU762858B2 (en) * | 2000-06-30 | 2003-07-10 | Xybernaut Corporation | Multimedia I/O interface device for use at entertainment events |
| JP2002122948A (en) * | 2000-10-16 | 2002-04-26 | Noritsu Koki Co Ltd | Photo system for sightseeing vehicle |
| US8255958B2 (en) | 2003-11-07 | 2012-08-28 | Audiovox Corporation | Automobile entertainment system linking multiple video systems for coordinated sharing of video content |
| US7360833B2 (en) | 2003-11-07 | 2008-04-22 | Vitito Christopher J | Vehicle entertainment system with backside loading DVD player |
| CN101268640B (en) * | 2005-09-19 | 2015-05-20 | 路美克斯公司 | Fiber-to-the-seat in-flight entertainment system |
| WO2008033870A2 (en) | 2006-09-11 | 2008-03-20 | Lumexis Corporation | Fiber-to-the-seat (ftts) fiber distribution system |
| DE102007052671B4 (en) | 2007-11-05 | 2012-11-08 | Airbus Operations Gmbh | Display module for displaying passenger-specific display information |
| CN101971160B (en) * | 2008-01-28 | 2016-01-06 | Gogo有限责任公司 | The content of the passenger be transferred in aircraft wireless cellular network is customized |
| US8382516B2 (en) | 2008-10-02 | 2013-02-26 | Thales Avionics, Inc. | Adaptable configuration plug in a vehicle entertainment system |
| CN101575006B (en) * | 2009-06-05 | 2011-05-04 | 吴速 | Media and communication system integrated by tray table in front of aircraft passenger seat. |
| EP2441229B1 (en) * | 2009-06-11 | 2020-05-06 | Panasonic Avionics Corporation | System and method for providing security aboard a moving platform |
| US8659990B2 (en) | 2009-08-06 | 2014-02-25 | Lumexis Corporation | Serial networking fiber-to-the-seat inflight entertainment system |
| US8424045B2 (en) | 2009-08-14 | 2013-04-16 | Lumexis Corporation | Video display unit docking assembly for fiber-to-the-screen inflight entertainment system |
| US8416698B2 (en) | 2009-08-20 | 2013-04-09 | Lumexis Corporation | Serial networking fiber optic inflight entertainment system network configuration |
| US10003829B2 (en) * | 2014-03-04 | 2018-06-19 | The Boeing Company | Control module unit for services systems for a vehicle |
| US9965931B2 (en) * | 2016-09-14 | 2018-05-08 | The Boeing Company | Systems and methods for interfacing with an aircraft cabin control system |
| CN108454509A (en) * | 2016-12-12 | 2018-08-28 | 韩国帝诺思有限公司 | The emergency of passenger traffic equipment copes with device |
| US10110332B2 (en) | 2017-01-09 | 2018-10-23 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Devices and methods for in-vehicle content localization |
| US10737634B2 (en) | 2017-03-24 | 2020-08-11 | Systems And Software Enterprises, Llc | Pivoting internal display unit with fixed screen |
| EP3560835B1 (en) * | 2018-04-27 | 2024-08-21 | Bombardier Inc. | Universal passenger service unit |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4450477A (en) * | 1982-03-31 | 1984-05-22 | Lovett Bruce E | Television information system |
| GB2124059A (en) * | 1982-07-09 | 1984-02-08 | Gen Electric Co Plc | Signal distribution networks |
| DE3426893A1 (en) * | 1984-07-20 | 1986-01-30 | Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm GmbH, 8012 Ottobrunn | Method and arrangement for carrying out passenger-related and/or crew-related functions in an aircraft |
| JP2658030B2 (en) * | 1987-01-30 | 1997-09-30 | ソニー株式会社 | Information transmission equipment |
-
1989
- 1989-05-31 GB GB8912474A patent/GB2235800B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1990
- 1990-05-03 AU AU55315/90A patent/AU5531590A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1990-05-03 EP EP90907200A patent/EP0427831A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1990-05-03 JP JP2506679A patent/JPH04501940A/en active Pending
- 1990-05-03 CA CA002033054A patent/CA2033054A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1990-05-03 KR KR1019910700103A patent/KR920702160A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1990-05-03 BR BR909006785A patent/BR9006785A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1990-05-03 WO PCT/GB1990/000681 patent/WO1990015508A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1990-05-07 IL IL94315A patent/IL94315A0/en unknown
- 1990-05-09 ZA ZA903539A patent/ZA903539B/en unknown
- 1990-05-30 PT PT94201A patent/PT94201A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1990-05-31 CN CN90103079A patent/CN1048478A/en active Pending
-
1991
- 1991-01-29 BG BG093727A patent/BG93727A/en unknown
- 1991-01-30 FI FI910447A patent/FI910447A0/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8180678B2 (en) | 1999-04-19 | 2012-05-15 | Brotherston David N | Apparatus and method for providing products and services in a transport vehicle using a network of computers |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH04501940A (en) | 1992-04-02 |
| IL94315A0 (en) | 1991-03-10 |
| BR9006785A (en) | 1991-08-06 |
| ZA903539B (en) | 1991-04-24 |
| KR920702160A (en) | 1992-08-12 |
| WO1990015508A1 (en) | 1990-12-13 |
| PT94201A (en) | 1992-02-28 |
| GB2235800A (en) | 1991-03-13 |
| GB8912474D0 (en) | 1989-07-19 |
| GB2235800B (en) | 1993-05-12 |
| CN1048478A (en) | 1991-01-09 |
| BG93727A (en) | 1993-12-24 |
| FI910447A0 (en) | 1991-01-30 |
| EP0427831A1 (en) | 1991-05-22 |
| AU5531590A (en) | 1991-01-07 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 19931103 |