CN110996040B

CN110996040B - Method and system for selective media distribution to a vehicle entertainment system

Info

Publication number: CN110996040B
Application number: CN201910927265.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 彼得·布朗
Original assignee: Panasonic Avionics Corp
Current assignee: Panasonic Avionics Corp
Priority date: 2018-10-02
Filing date: 2019-09-27
Publication date: 2024-06-04
Anticipated expiration: 2039-09-27
Also published as: CN110996040A; DE102019126324A1

Abstract

Networking methods and systems for vehicles, such as aircraft, are provided. A method comprising: a multicast network address assigned to each of a plurality of areas of the aircraft is registered with the switching device, each area including a plurality of seating devices configured to store media files of a media library of the on-board entertainment system, the media files being assigned to one of a plurality of layers. A range of multicast network addresses is reserved for each layer and the multicast network addresses are distributed over different areas of the aircraft based on where the media file is expected to be stored. Based on the registered multicast network address, the switching device selectively forwards the particular media file associated with the particular multicast network address for storage at one or more seating devices located within the area associated with the particular multicast network address.

Description

Method and system for selective media distribution to a vehicle entertainment system

Cross-reference to related applications: this patent application is a partially continued application (CIP) of co-pending patent application Ser. No. 16/003,995, entitled "VEHICLE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM," filed on 8, 6/8, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to entertainment systems for vehicles, and in particular to Virtual Local Storage (VLS) of an on-board entertainment system.

Background

Entertainment systems for vehicles used in commercial passenger transport are typically server-based. In particular, the server stores content (e.g., media files) and provides the content via a network according to demand from client devices operated by users or passengers on the vehicle. Typically, the content is in the form of video and audio files of a media library, which are streamed over a network to the client device. Thus, in conventional systems, the server is extremely important for the operation of the entertainment system. For this reason, server-based systems in the field of on-board entertainment (IFE) are sometimes referred to as server-centric or centralized AVOD server systems. The disadvantages of server-centric systems are: if the server becomes inaccessible, the content stored on the server also becomes inaccessible to the passenger or user of the client device. Another disadvantage is that the cost of the media server may be prohibitive.

Other types of IFE systems store content in client devices. In particular, IFE systems typically have a client device installed at each seat for use by the passenger. In the IFE field, these systems are sometimes referred to as seat-centric or distributed AVOD server systems. The advantage of a seat-centric system is that it is not server dependent. However, the storage capacity of the client device for storing content is limited. Techniques are being developed for increasing the size of a media library by configuring the storage medium of a client device without having to increase the storage capacity or processor power of the client device.

Increasing the media library size (e.g., for IFE systems) presents certain bandwidth and network challenges with respect to distributing media files across various devices using existing networks. For example, network bandwidth on board an aircraft may vary and may be limited. This limits the rate at which media files can be loaded into the seating device. Efforts are continually being made to develop network technologies to efficiently load media files onto seating devices.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, a method and system for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes an Area Distribution Box (ADB) having ports, wherein each port provides a network connection with the seat box. Each of the seat boxes in turn provides a network connection with one or more intelligent monitors. In addition, the seat boxes are connected to each other, forming a daisy chain of seat boxes leading back to the ports of the ADB. Each such daisy chain is defined herein as a region, or more specifically, as a network region on a vehicle.

A method comprising: the plurality of layers are used by the processor to store a plurality of media files of a media library of an entertainment system of the vehicle at the plurality of seating devices. The first tier comprises a first set of media files, wherein each media file in the first set of media files is capable of being played simultaneously by all passengers of the vehicle, the second tier is for a second set of media files, wherein each media file in the second set of media files is capable of being played simultaneously by at most X% of all passengers, and the third tier is for a third set of media files, wherein each media file in the third set of media files is capable of being played simultaneously by at most Y% of all passengers.

The method further comprises the steps of: assigning, by the processor, a multicast network address range to each of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer; allocating, by the processor, the multicast network address range among different areas of the vehicle, wherein the seating device of each area is configured to store media files belonging to the first, second, and third layers; registering a multicast network address assigned to each zone with a switching device of a vehicle that interfaces with one or more networks of the vehicle to transfer media files to the plurality of seating devices; and selectively routing, by the switching device, the particular media file associated with the particular multicast network address for storage at one or more seating devices located within the particular area associated with the particular multicast network address.

In yet another aspect, a method and system for an aircraft are provided. A method comprising: a multicast network address assigned to each of a plurality of areas of the aircraft is registered with the switching device, each area including a plurality of seating devices configured to store media files of a media library of the on-board entertainment system, the media files being assigned to one of a plurality of layers. The first tier includes a first set of media files, wherein each media file in the first set of media files is capable of being played simultaneously by all passengers of the vehicle, and the second tier is for a second set of media files, wherein each media file in the second set of media files is capable of being played simultaneously by at most X% of all passengers. A range of multicast network addresses is reserved for each layer and the multicast network addresses are distributed over different areas of the aircraft based on where the media file is expected to be stored.

The method further comprises the steps of: the particular media file associated with the particular multicast network address is routed through the switching device for storage at one or more seating devices located within the area associated with the particular multicast network address. The switching device receives the plurality of media files and selectively routes particular media files based on the registered multicast network address.

This brief summary is provided so that the nature of the disclosure may be understood quickly. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure may be obtained by reference to the following detailed description of various aspects of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Various features of the disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings of various aspects disclosed herein. In the drawings, like parts may be designated with like reference numerals. The aspects shown are intended to illustrate and not limit the present disclosure. The drawings include the following figures:

FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a vehicle entertainment system of a vehicle in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B illustrates a portion of a economy class portion of a vehicle entertainment system;

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a smart monitor used in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a Virtual Local Store (VLS) configuration tool in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 2C illustrates an example of a plurality of VLS media sets configured in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 2D illustrates an example of distributing media across multiple intelligent monitors in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 3A illustrates a process flow for configuring a VSL media set in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates a process flow for managing media files on a vehicle in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3C illustrates a process flow for configuring a media library in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3D illustrates a process flow for configuring media files on an aircraft in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of example software or program logic executed by the intelligent monitor of FIG. 2D in response to input for a media request from a user or passenger in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 5 is a flowchart of example software or program logic executed by the smart monitor of fig. 2D in response to a request for streaming media from another smart monitor in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a computing system in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example of a content distribution system for a vehicle;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of example software or program logic executed by the intelligent monitor in determining from which source to play a media file;

FIG. 9A is a flowchart of example software or program logic executed to efficiently load media files to a smart monitor in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 9B illustrates an example of assigning multicast group channel numbers (MCCGN) to VLS media subsets;

9C-9D illustrate examples of implementing adaptive aspects of the present disclosure on an aircraft; and

Fig. 10 is a flowchart of software or program logic executed to efficiently load media files to a smart monitor in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the terms "component," "module," "system," and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, a general purpose processor executing software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a hardware processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer.

By way of illustration, both an application running on a computer device and the computer device itself can be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer device and/or distributed between two or more computing devices. Furthermore, these components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components may communicate via a local process and/or a remote process such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a computing network with other systems via the signal).

In accordance with the claimed subject matter, the computer executable component may be stored in, for example, a non-transitory computer/machine readable medium including, but not limited to, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), a CD (compact disc), a DVD (digital versatile disc), a ROM (read only memory), a hard disk, an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory), a solid state memory device, or any other storage device.

Described in the following paragraphs are various aspects of the present disclosure. The various aspects are implemented via a combination of hardware and software, including a computing or information processing device having one or more processors configured to execute program logic or software stored on a computer-readable tangible, non-transitory storage medium (e.g., magnetic storage disk, RAM, ROM, flash memory, or Solid State Drive (SSD)). The program logic preferably configures the information processing apparatus to provide the functionality as described herein.

System 100: fig. 1A schematically illustrates a vehicle entertainment system 100 disposed in a vehicle 102. The type of vehicle 102 is not limited and may be any type of vehicle for carrying passengers, such as an aircraft, bus, train, ship, submarine, or spacecraft. In this example, the vehicle 102 includes two seat rows 104 and 106 symmetrically arranged with respect to each other across a aisle as is typical in a vehicle for passenger transport. Each column 104 and 106 includes a row of seats 108-122 extending generally orthogonally away from the aisle between the two columns. It should be understood that fig. 1A is a schematic diagram for illustration purposes and for a passenger vehicle (e.g., an aircraft for commercial passenger transport), a passenger vehicle may have hundreds of seats, and thus have many more columns and rows than shown in fig. 1A.

The seat rows 108-122 may have different numbers of seats depending on the seat class 122 and 124. For example, the seat rows 108-112 closer to the front of the vehicle 102 may be premium class seats 122, such as business class or first class, and have larger seats 128 and/or a larger space between seats 128. The more rearward seat rows 114-122 in the vehicle 102 may be economy class 126 and have smaller seats 130 and/or less space between the seats. Typically, a bulkhead (not shown) separates one of the seat classes 124 and 126 from the other.

Fig. 1B schematically illustrates a portion of a vehicle having multiple rows of seats. As shown in fig. 1B, the entertainment system for the vehicle includes an intelligent monitor 132 (SM), which is sometimes also referred to as a media player, video monitor, video display unit, or seating device (intelligent monitor 132 is not shown in fig. 1A for clarity of illustration). Typically, a smart monitor 132 is mounted to the rear of each seat for viewing by a passenger or user in the seat immediately behind the seat in which the smart monitor 132 is mounted. For seats that do not have a seat in front of them, the intelligent monitor 132 is often mounted to a cabin wall in front of the seat. Alternatively, such a smart monitor 132 is mounted to the seat armrest 136 and can be retracted into the seat arm when not in use. The adaptive aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular location/position of the intelligent monitor 132.

The hardware for the intelligent monitor 132 is preferably of conventional design for vehicles. For example, intelligent monitors sold by Song's avionics in forest lake, california may be used. Other types and intelligent monitors from other manufacturers may also be used. The adaptive aspects disclosed herein are not limited to any particular smart monitor type. The intelligent monitor 132 as described herein includes software or program logic that executes as described in connection with the flowcharts shown in fig. 3-5. The intelligent monitor 132 is configured with software or program logic for presenting to a passenger or user a media selection corresponding to a media file stored at the intelligent monitor 132 using one or more Virtual Local Storage (VLS) media sets or media subsets. In addition, the intelligent monitor 132 streams one or more files to another intelligent monitor via a request transmitted over a network.

Each intelligent monitor 132 may store a subset of the total media library of the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the intelligent monitor 132 for the passenger/user in row 23 is loaded with media subset A. Since these smart monitors are located in the first row, they are smart monitors 132 mounted to the seat rail 136. Media subset B is loaded to intelligent monitor 132 for the user/passenger in row 24. These smart monitors are smart monitors 132 mounted to the back of the seats in row 23. The intelligent monitor 132 for the user/passenger in row 25 is loaded with media subset C, and so on. In summary, five media subsets A, B, C, D and E are shown in FIG. 1B as illustrative, non-limiting examples. Media subsets A, B, C, D and E are part of a VLS set that will be described in more detail below.

As an example, the media file is initially loaded into the vehicle's server 134 or other server using conventional techniques. Typically, this is performed by: the media is transferred from a portable media loader or an on-board media loader that stores the media in a non-volatile memory (such as in an SSD), and copied onto the server 134 through a media loading port on the server via a wired Ethernet connection. Wired connections currently provide the fastest loading time compared to wireless connections. Alternatively, the media may be transmitted via a wireless connection such as a satellite connection, a ground station to a vehicle, bluetooth, cellular, or Wi-Fi.

Thereafter, as described in detail below, media is distributed from the server to the cabin seat network and loaded onto the smart monitor 132 in a plurality of parallel multicast streams using the Internet Group Multicast Protocol (IGMP), thereby loading each subset of media onto the smart monitor 132. Typically, each smart monitor 132 in a row will have a different subset of media. In an alternative configuration, each media subset in each intelligent monitor 132 of the seat subnet or LAN may be the same, i.e., all intelligent monitors 132 for seats in row 23 have media subset a. This allows the seat box 140 for row 23 to load all of the same media files to the intelligent monitor 132 to which it is connected. Since multiple SMs employ the same (VLS) media subset, the use of multicast streams as described below minimizes loading time. For the LINUX system, multiple network block device channels are formed that operate simultaneously to transfer media files from the server 134 to the intelligent monitor 132.

Notably, in one aspect, the media file is first loaded into a headend server (e.g., server 134 in fig. 1A). In this regard, the portable media loader or on-board media loader will include a portable server for transmitting media files to headend server 134, but will not typically remain with the vehicle after the media files or content are transmitted. The adaptive aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to loading the server 134 first and then the intelligent monitor 132.

Returning to FIG. 1A, in one aspect, the system 100 includes one or more servers 134 for managing the overall operation of the entertainment system. The server 134 is of conventional hardware design and is commercially available, for example, from Song avionics of forest lake City, california. Servers from other manufacturers may also be used. FIG. 1A illustrates one aspect with a single server 134, but other aspects may have multiple servers 134. Server 134 preferably uses the LINUX operating system, but other operating systems such as WINDOWS (without detracting from the trademark rights of any third party) may also be used. When using LINUX or ANDROID (for intelligent monitor 132), a network block device is used to cause a remote server on the network to appear as a virtual drive for a device (e.g., intelligent monitor 132) to search for files stored thereon.

The server 134 preferably includes at least one Solid State Drive (SSD) (or any other type of storage medium) and one or more high performance processors to enable the server to communicate with the vehicle's intelligent monitor 132 and other devices. SSDs enable media files to be quickly loaded or copied from various wired or wireless loaders onto server 134. As newer content becomes available, the media files are updated on the server 134 periodically (typically monthly or weekly). Each server 134 is typically capable of storing a total of several megabytes of data, such as the server available under the NEXT trademark from the pine avionics company of forest lake city, california. The various aspects disclosed herein are not limited to any particular server storage capacity.

The network 136 connects the intelligent monitor 132 and the server 134 that communicate with each other. The network 136 is preferably a conventional Local Area Network (LAN) that uses ethernet to communicate between the intelligent monitor 132 and the server 134. The network includes a higher speed subnetwork 138 extending from the server 134 along columns 104 and 106. Preferably, higher speed subnetwork 138 uses conventional 2.5GBase-T, 1000BASE-T, copper-Gigabit (coater-Gigabit) cabling/cabling or CAT5e to provide at least gigabyte Ethernet throughput. Higher speed subnetwork 138 is hereinafter referred to as column subnetwork 138.

The column subnetwork 138 is connected to a seat box 140 that includes switches. A lower speed data subnet 142 may extend from each seat box 140 and along the seat row nearest thereto (seat row 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 or 122). Lower speed subnetworks 142 can each provide a throughput of at least 100mbits/s via conventional fast ethernet connections using 100BASE-TX cabling. In contrast to the column subnetwork 138 described earlier, the lower speed subnetwork 142 forms a seat LAN or seat subnetwork of at least two intelligent monitors 132. The various adaptive aspects described herein are not limited to any particular network protocol or network operating speed.

In one aspect, the seat box 140 provides both network connection and power to the intelligent monitor 132 to which it is connected. Each seat box 140 includes a processor and memory, wherein the processor executes software or program logic. The seat box may have conventional hardware and is often referred to in the art of on-board entertainment as the seat box 140 provides both power and network connectivity as a Power Network Box (PNB). Alternatively, the seat box 140 may be referred to as a Seat Interface Box (SIB). If a larger smart monitor is used, such as those sold under the trademarks NEXT, ELITE SERIES V, and ALTUS by the loose avionics corporation, the seat box 140 may only provide a network connection and power alone via the Seat Electrical Box (SEB) or the Seat Power Module (SPM). The power network box, the seat interface box, the seat electrical box, and the seat power module are all available from loose avionics. The term seat box as used herein includes switches that provide power and network connections to the intelligent monitor 132 as well as switches that provide only network connections.

Optionally, the network 138 may include one or more redundant communication connections 144 for use in the event of a communication path failure. In this regard, a path failure along either column subnet 138 will sever the communication between the server 134 and the intelligent monitor 132 for the seats 128 and 130 in that column 104 or 106 downstream of the failure. Thus, a redundant communication connection 144 may extend between the last seat box 140 in each column 104 and 106 and the server 134. The redundant communication connection 144 provides an alternate communication path to prevent shutting off communication of the intelligent monitor 132 with the server 134 in the event of a failure of the column subnetwork 138.

In one aspect, redundant communication connection 144 provides full communication redundancy and provides gigabyte Ethernet using conventional 2.5GBase-T, 1000BASE-T, or copper-gigabit cabling/cabling. To reduce cost, the redundant communication connection 144 may be a lower data rate connection and be reserved only for advertising and map data from the server 134. In this regard, the entertainment system 100 includes an interface or staff terminal 146 for use by vehicle personnel to control the entertainment system 100 and communicate announcements to the intelligent monitor 132. The redundant communication connection 144 provides an alternative way of broadcasting announcements to the intelligent monitor 132 in case of a communication failure.

In an aspect, instead of a wired connection, the intelligent monitors 132 may be connected to each other wirelessly over a network, either directly or indirectly via a wireless access point. The communication standard may be in accordance with the 802 family (Wi-Fi), the bluetooth standard, or other communication standard. If a wireless access point is provided, the intelligent monitor may have a local content store and act as another media file source in the event of a connection failure. Streaming may provide different quality of service depending on the source, e.g., a lower speed connection (e.g., a wireless connection) provides lower quality of service.

Intelligent monitor 132: fig. 2A illustrates a block diagram of an intelligent monitor 132 for using VLS in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure. The smart monitor 132 includes a display screen 202 for displaying content. The intelligent monitor 132 includes one or more processors 204 that have access to memory 206. The processor 204 may be or may include: one or more programmable general purpose or special purpose microprocessors, digital Signal Processors (DSPs), programmable controllers, application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), or the like, or a combination of such devices. Memory 206 represents any form of Random Access Memory (RAM), read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, etc., or combination of such devices.

The memory 206 includes executable instructions for managing the overall operation of the intelligent monitor 206. In an aspect, processor 204 executes an ANDROID-based operating system from memory 206. However, other operating systems may be used, such as LINUX or proprietary operating systems available from Microsoft corporation of Redmond, washington or apple corporation of Cobidi, calif., which sell operating systems with WINDOWS and IOS trademarks, respectively (without any loss of trademark rights).

In an aspect, program logic executed by processor 204 from memory 206 tracks the name of the media file accessed by the user, the frequency with which the media file was accessed during the flight/journey, the date and time the media file was accessed, and whether the traveler belongs to an advanced or non-advanced class. This information is stored in a data structure provided to the media selector module 218 described below with reference to fig. 2B.

The smart monitor 132 includes a smart monitor interface 212 that enables communication with other smart monitors. In an aspect, interface 212 comprises logic and circuitry to support communication between smart monitors, i.e., from one smart monitor to another. The communication may use a wired network connection or a wireless connection. The intelligent monitor communication is not limited to any particular network communication type, network protocol, or operating speed.

When connected to the seat box 140, the intelligent monitor 132 includes a Seat Electronics Box (SEB) interface 210 having logic and circuitry that communicates with the seat box 140. The connection to the seat box 140 may be wired or wireless.

The smart monitor 132 also includes a local storage device 208 for storing media files, such as a non-volatile memory device, e.g., a memory card (i.e., SD flash card) according to a secure digital standard. In particular, the ECO smart monitors currently available from loose avionics (without compromising any trademark rights) have SD cards (i.e., SDXC flash cards) according to the extended capacity standard.

A media library having a plurality of media files is used to present media content at a vehicle. The number of media files stored by the intelligent monitor 132 is based on the storage capacity of the storage device 208 and the size of the media files (note: media file size depends on the movie resolution (e.g., 1080p versus 4 k) and the type of encoding). The number of media files in the media library is based on the storage capacity of the storage device 208 and the number of AVOD streams that the SM can provide to other SMs, which is referred to as the VLS factor (VLSF). The VLSF factor depends on the processing power of the processor 204 and the available network bandwidth of the cabin seat network 138. For example, VSLF is affected by the number of streams that a smart monitor can stream to other smart monitors with acceptable quality while playing video streams for passengers currently using the smart monitor with acceptable quality and performing other functions for passengers. In one aspect, the VLS media library size of the vehicle is based on: the storage capacity of the intelligent monitor is VLSF. For example, if VLSF is 15 and the storage capacity is 200GB (gigabytes), the total VLS capacity to store the media file is 15 x 200 = 3TB (terabytes). If the average media file (e.g., movie) is 5GB, the VLS can only accommodate a total of 600 movies. In this model, all passengers can view any of the 600 movies simultaneously (i.e., 100% AVOD coverage). As described in detail below, the adaptive aspects of the present disclosure extend the media library size (i.e., the number of different media files) by classifying the media files into one of three (3) different AVOD overlay models or categories (i.e., 100%, 50%, and 25% AVOD overlays).

VLS configuration tool 214: in one aspect, computing techniques for configuring VLS and extending media library sizes for vehicles are provided, providing more options for more titles that may be selected by passengers. The computing technique may be implemented as the processor-executable VLS configuration tool 214 shown in fig. 2B. The VLS configuration tool 214 includes a VLS configuration module 216 and a media selector module (which may also be referred to as a "media selector") 218. The media selector 218 receives a plurality of inputs 220A-220N, and may assign/reassign particular categories to media files based on the plurality of inputs 220A-220N, as described in detail below with respect to fig. 2C.

VLS configuration tool 214 may operate on-board the vehicle or off-board the vehicle, e.g., at a media file processing center. Operation of VLS configuration tool 214 off-board (i.e., as a ground tool) provides the following advantages: usage data from all vehicles in the formation may be received and processed to determine the category (or tier) to which the media file is assigned, e.g., 100%, 50%, or 25%. In general, media usage data from all vehicles in a fleet is more valuable than data from a single vehicle. Thus, for a VLS configuration 214 that is used outside of a vehicle, the inputs 220A-220N to the tool 214 come from each vehicle in the fleet operated by the shipping carrier.

In one aspect, VLS configuration module 216 defines specific multicast channel group numbers for different categories/layers (MCCGN). Specifically, the MCCGN range of each media layer is defined. As described in detail below, MCCGN ranges correspond to different areas or regions of an aircraft IFE network. VLS configuration module 216 assigns VLS media belonging to a layer to a particular region within the layer. More specifically, media is allocated to MCCGN from the MCCGN range for that layer and region. Thus, the seat and the intelligent monitor corresponding to the seat have MCCGN sets assigned to the intelligent monitor. Thus, media (e.g., movies) within the VLS media subset are essentially allocated to the seat/smart monitor. In this regard, there is only one seat/smart monitor within a seat set carrying one instance of the VLS media set with a specific combination of MCCGN per layer. This may alternatively be considered as a specific smart monitor and a specific MCCGN assigned to different areas or portions of the aircraft. As described in detail below, the layout of the different regions will vary based on aircraft type (e.g., narrow body aircraft, wide body aircraft, and other aircraft).

VLS media sets 222A through 222D: in one aspect, the media library on the vehicle includes a plurality of media files, such as movies, audio files, and other files. The product of the number of files and the file size determines the overall size of the VLS media library.

In an aspect of the disclosure, the media library size is increased by grouping media files (e.g., movies) into three (3) different categories or media layers. These categories indicate the likelihood that a particular number of passengers access a particular media file more frequently or less frequently. In an aspect, media files for vehicles may be categorized into multiple layers, X1, X2, X3, e.g., 100%, 50%, and 25%. The 100% layer indicates that any media file within the category is guaranteed to be able to be viewed/played simultaneously by all onboard passengers.

The 50% layer indicates that any media file within the category is guaranteed to be able to be viewed/played simultaneously by at least half of all on-board passengers. The 25% layer indicates that any media file within the category is guaranteed to be viewable by at least one quarter of all on-board passengers at the same time. This media file classification or media layer concept enables the system 100 to increase the overall media library size without having to increase the physical storage capacity of the intelligent monitor or upgrade the processor capabilities of the intelligent monitor. Notably, the adaptive aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to 100%, 50%, and 25% categories, and other categories may be used instead.

Fig. 2C shows an example of a VLS media set configured for storing a media library on an aircraft. In one aspect, the VLS configuration module 218 creates four VLS media sets 222A-222D to store media files based on the media availability categories defined in column 224. The amount of memory for each category is defined by a division ratio 226. For example, an airline may define that 50% of the total physical storage capacity should be used to store 100% of the category of media files, 30% of the storage capacity should be used to store 50% of the category of media files, and 20% of the storage capacity should be used to store 25% of the category of media files (i.e., division ratio = 50/30/20). Although the number of media layers and the specific guaranteed AVOD coverage per media layer are fixed, the division ratio may be tailored for different airlines.

In one aspect, to achieve 100%, 50%, and 25% guaranteed AVOD coverage, VLS configuration tool 214 creates four (4) different VLS media sets. The media files of the VLS library are distributed across four (4) VLS media sets based on the required AVOD coverage of each media file. Each VLS media set is divided into separate VLS media subsets. The number of VLS media subsets is based on the selected VLSF for a given aircraft configuration. Each VLS media subset includes media titles belonging to one of three media layers. VLS configuration tool 214 assigns each intelligent monitor 132 a particular subset of VLS media. For example, in a three (3) media layer configuration, if VLSF is twenty (20), then the exact number of VLS media subsets is four (4) by twenty (20) or eighty (80) VLS media subsets. In this example, each smart monitor 132 may provide a video stream to nineteen (19) other smart monitors while displaying video on its own display, so VLSF is twenty (20). Thus, movies stored in one of the VLS media subsets on a single smart monitor 132 can be viewed simultaneously on twenty (20) smart monitors 132.

Fig. 2D illustrates an example of storing a VLS media library on an aircraft. In this example, an aircraft may have 240 seats and use VLSF factors of twenty (20) to distribute media files across multiple intelligent monitors for 1080p media. The example of fig. 2D shows that eighty (80) seats are required to store all of the media files that make up the VLS media library. The first VLS media set 222A is distributed across twenty (20) intelligent monitors at lines 1 through 5. The second VLS media set 222B is stored across twenty (20) intelligent monitors at lines 6 through 10. The third VLS media set 222C is distributed across twenty (20) intelligent monitors from line 11 to line 15, while the fourth VLS media set 222D is stored across twenty intelligent monitors from line 16 to line 20. If the aircraft has 240 seats, the entire VLS media library is replicated three (3) times, as each of the four media sets is replicated three (3) times.

Assume that the media file (e.g., movie title) is 20GB and the physical storage at the intelligent monitor is 100GB. In a conventional setting, only one hundred (100) movie titles can be stored on the smart monitor with VLSF twenty (20). However, by using the division ratio of 50/30/20, fifty (50) movies may be stored for 100% category, sixty (60) movies may be stored for 50% category, and eighty (80) movies may be stored for 25% category. Thus, the total number of movies in the media library increases from 100 to 190. This effectively increases VLS storage in three media layer configurations (100%/50%/25%) to 3.8TB, as compared to 2TB storage in a single media layer configuration (100% category only) where all passengers can get any movie at the same time. If a division ratio of 30/30/40 is used, thirty (30) movies are stored for 100% category, sixty (60) movies are stored for 50% category, and 160 movies are stored for 25% category. This increases the number of movie titles from 100 to 250, and thus the VLS media library size for this configuration is effectively five (5) TBs with a total of 250 movie titles.

Notably, the foregoing examples are provided to illustrate how to increase media library size by categorizing movie titles without changing the intelligent monitor storage capacity or processor capabilities. The adaptability aspects disclosed herein are not limited to any particular division ratio or class type.

Process 300: fig. 3A illustrates a process flow 300 for configuring one or more VSL media sets for a passenger vehicle in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The various processing blocks of process 300 are performed by program logic of a computing device executing VLS configuration tool 214 described above with respect to fig. 2B. The following examples are described with respect to an aircraft, but are equally applicable to any type of vehicle.

After determining the multiple media layers or guaranteed AVOD coverage categories C1/C2/C3 for storing the media file, process 300 begins in block B302. As an example, as described above, C1 may be a 100% category, C2 may be a 50% category and C3 may be a 25% category. The division ratio for the VLS, S1/S2/S3, is received from the entity operating the vehicle, e.g. the airline of the aircraft. For example, S1/S2/S3 may be 50/30/20, i.e., 50% of the available physical storage capacity of the smart monitor is assigned to the 100% class, 30% of the available physical storage capacity of the smart monitor is assigned to the 50% class and 20% of the available physical storage capacity of the smart monitor is assigned to the 25% class. VLSF for the vehicle is also obtained. In one aspect VLSF relies on the smart monitor processor capabilities and the smart monitor's ability to stream media files to other smart monitors and available network bandwidth.

Based on the foregoing, in block B304, a plurality of VLS media sets are generated. The number of VLS media sets that carry the entire VLS media library depends on the number of categories for storing media files. For example, to accommodate 100%/50%/25% categories, four VLS media sets are required, as shown in fig. 2C and described above. Each VLS media set 222A-222D is configured with a plurality of VLS media subsets (e.g., 230). An example of a VLS media subset is also shown in fig. 2C. The number of VLS media subsets is a function of VLSF. For example, if VLSF is twenty (20), then each of the four VLS media sets is configured with twenty (20) VLS media subsets.

In block B308, the VLS media subset is assigned to one or more intelligent monitors. In block B310, each VLS media subset includes media files from different categories and is stored on the intelligent monitor. For example, to achieve the required guaranteed AVOD coverage, there are media files in each of the four (4) VLS media sets that are identified as belonging to the 100% category. Media files in the 50% category are stored in two (2) of the four (4) VLS media sets, while media files in the 25% category are stored in only one (1) of the four (4) VLS media sets. This enables the system to extend the entire VLS media library size by storing more media files with various levels of guaranteed AVOD coverage, without having to increase storage capacity or processor power at the intelligent monitor, as compared to a system where all passengers can obtain each media file at the same time. Thereafter, in block B312, the VLS media set is initialized and the media library is ready for use by the passenger.

Processing 314: FIG. 3B illustrates a process 314 for modifying a category of media files of a media library of an IFE system in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure. The processing blocks of fig. 3B are performed by media selector module 218, and media selector module 218 may be performed by a computing device. In one aspect, when a media file is initially uploaded to the intelligent monitor, the media file may be placed in the "100%" category, i.e., the media file may be viewed simultaneously by 100% of the passengers. However, it may be desirable to promote or demote media files from one category to another. When a media file is promoted, the system needs to push the specific file to more intelligent monitors to meet the required AVOD coverage percentile for the specific category. When downgrading titles, the system needs to remove some copies in the cabin intelligent monitor network because the AVOD coverage required for a particular domain is reduced.

Process 314 begins in block B316 when a media file is stored using the VLS media set described above. In block B318, the media selector 218 receives a plurality of inputs 220A through 220N (see fig. 2B). For example, the plurality of inputs may include data from the aircraft identifying how frequently a particular media file is simultaneously accessed and viewed in parallel by airline passengers, whether the passengers are in an premium class or economy class; airline preferences, route information, aircraft type and configuration, flight time and season, third party media title ratings (e.g., rotted tomato or IMDB ratings (no impairment to any third party brand rights exists) and current categories assigned to media files.

In block B320, the media selector 218 executing the instructions identifies any media files that need to be reclassified. In an aspect, the media selector 218 assigns a weight to each input 220A through 220N and determines a score for each media file. The weighted score is compared to a threshold to identify that the media file needs to be reclassified. In block B322, the categories of media files are updated, and in block B324 the media files are relocated to different media categories/layers using the four (4) VLS media sets described above.

Processing 326: fig. 3C illustrates another process 326 for a vehicle in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure. The process begins in block B328 when the airline identifies a division ratio (e.g., 50/30/20) of three (3) media layers to be used in connection with four (4) VLS media sets. Media availability categories have been determined, for example, 100%, 50% and 25%. In one aspect, the processing blocks of fig. 3C are performed by VLS configuration tool 214.

In block B330, a plurality of media sets (e.g., 222A through 222D of fig. 2C) are generated for storing media files of the media library. Each media file is assigned a category based on preferences regarding the passenger percentile that warrants simultaneous access to the media files. If a passenger tries to access media files in a category other than 100% and the number of passengers attempting to access a particular title at the same time exceeds the guaranteed AVOD coverage value, a message may be displayed to inform the passenger that the title is currently unavailable and try again later. Furthermore, this may be used as a trigger mechanism to lift media files to a layer with a greater percentage of availability. Alternatively, the passenger may be provided with the option of receiving a notification when the media file becomes available.

In block B332, the media file is stored across the smart monitor. Each media set has a number of media subsets (e.g., 230 of fig. 2C) based on VLSF. An example of storing various media sets is shown in fig. 2D and described above.

In block B334, access to various media files is monitored. The access may be monitored by the program logic of each intelligent monitor and provided to the server 134. The access pattern is then provided to the media selector 218. The media file categories are modified by the media selector module 218 based on a number of factors, such as: data identifying how frequently a user accesses media files, whether the user is in an advanced or economy class; duration of the journey, route information, vehicle type and configuration, season of the journey, third party ratings of the media files (e.g., rotted tomato and/or IMDB ratings (no impairment to any third party brand rights exists)), current category allocation of each media file, and/or number of requests for access to the media file that cannot be immediately achieved due to too many passengers accessing the media file.

Notably, the media selector 218 performs a machine learning process based on which the media file categories are updated. This may be implemented as a neural network. Alternatively, other methods may be used to update the media file categories.

Processing 338: fig. 3D illustrates a process 338 in accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure. Process 338 begins in block B340 when a division ratio, such as 50/30/20, is received from an airline or aircraft. Media availability categories have been determined, for example, 100%, 50% and 25%. In one aspect, the processing blocks of fig. 3C are performed by VLS configuration tool 214.

In block B342, the media files of the media library of the IFE system are assigned a particular category, e.g., 100%/50%/30%. The total storage space for the media files at the intelligent monitor is based on the division ratio provided by the airlines, e.g., 50/30/20 as shown in fig. 2C and described above.

In block B344, the media file is stored on the intelligent monitor using a plurality of media sets having a plurality of media subsets. An example of this is shown in fig. 2D, which has been described in detail above. Thereafter, in block B346, access to the media file is monitored. The media file categories are modified by the media selector module 218 based on a number of factors, such as: data identifying how frequently a user accesses media files, whether the user is in an advanced or economy class; the duration of the flight, the flight route information, the type and configuration of the aircraft, the season of occurrence, the third party ratings of the media files (e.g., rotted tomato and/or IMDB ratings (no impairment to any third party brand rights) and the current category assignments for each media file).

In one aspect, a method and system for a vehicle entertainment system are provided. A method comprising: generating, by the processor, a plurality of media sets of the media library to be stored at the vehicle as a plurality of media files, each media set of the plurality of media sets configured to store a first set of media files that can be played simultaneously by all passengers, a second set of media files that can be played simultaneously by up to X% of the passengers, and a third set of media files that can be played simultaneously by Y% of the passengers; distributing, by the processor, the plurality of media files for storage across a plurality of intelligent monitors of the vehicle; monitoring user access to a plurality of media files on a vehicle; and modifying, by the processor, the distribution of the media files among the first set of media files, the second set of media files, and the third set of media files based on a plurality of factors.

In another aspect, a method for an aircraft is provided. The method comprises the following steps: assigning, by the processor, a first portion of a media library for an on-board entertainment system of the aircraft having a plurality of media files to a first set of media files, and a second portion to a second set of media files, wherein each media file in the first set of media files may be played simultaneously by all passengers of the vehicle, and each media file in the second set of media files may be played simultaneously by up to X% of the passengers; and storing, by the processor, the plurality of media files using the media set for storage across a plurality of intelligent monitors of the aircraft. In response to a user request, a plurality of media files are streamed from a plurality of intelligent monitors. The method further comprises the steps of: monitoring access to a plurality of media files based on a user request; and modifying, by the processor, the distribution of the media files between the first set of media files and the second set of media files based on a plurality of factors including at least two of the following factors: access patterns for media files, aircraft route information, airline preferences, aircraft type and configuration, third party ratings for media files, time of year, and airline preferences.

Process 400: fig. 4 illustrates a process 400 for streaming media from a smart monitor using a configured VLS media set in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure. As described above, each intelligent monitor 132 includes software or program logic for displaying media selections as indicated by process block B402 of the flowchart. In this state, as indicated by decision block B404, program logic waits for input from the user or passenger to select one of the media selections. In decision block B406, the logic performs an initial check to determine whether the media file corresponding to the selection is available from the first source. The source includes a local content store of the smart monitor 132 or another smart monitor 132 or an AVOD-capable streaming server on the headend server.

In an aspect, the first source is a media file stored locally in a non-volatile memory (i.e., a local content storage device such as a memory card) of the smart monitor 132. If so, the logic plays the media file from the first source (i.e., from the local content store) as shown in process block B408 of the example program logic shown in FIG. 4. Playing media from a local content store has the following advantages: network traffic is minimized and buffering of the traffic is not typically required. Program logic of the intelligent monitor records access to the media file. This information is provided as input to the media selector 218.

If the media file corresponding to the media file selection is not available from the first source (i.e., in the local content store for this aspect), then the program logic proceeds to decision block B410. In decision block B410, program logic determines whether the media file corresponding to the selection is available from an alternative source. In this regard, an alternative source is another intelligent monitor 132 that is accessible via the nacelle network. That is, if the media file corresponding to the selection from the user/passenger is not available in the local content store, the smart monitor program logic searches or finds media on the other smart monitor 132. If the media file is available from another intelligent monitor, the media file is streamed from the other intelligent monitor and played as indicated by process block B412. This information is provided as input to the media selector 218.

The search for content providing resources is cabin-wide and includes all intelligent monitors. In finding a content providing source (e.g., another intelligent monitor that is close to the intelligent monitor being requested), an intelligent search algorithm may be employed to reduce network traffic. If the file is not available, an indication of unavailability is provided to the user or passenger, e.g., by displaying a message, as indicated by process block B418. Thereafter, the logic returns to the display media selection in processing block B402 to await another input or a different passenger selection.

Once streaming from one intelligent monitor 132 to another intelligent monitor 132 has begun, the intelligent monitor 132 receiving the stream includes program logic to monitor for acceptable packet loss. If it is determined that the packet loss exceeds an acceptable level, program logic requests media from another source (i.e., a different intelligent monitor 132).

The preference for the intelligent monitor to find out in it whether the priority of the source of the media file is first, second or later can be read from the configuration file. The default configuration is that the intelligent monitor (SM) first looks for content in local storage, then can look for content from other SMs within the nacelle (network), and finally looks for content from the AVOD server on the head-end. The configuration information may be: data pre-stored in the intelligent monitor 132 when the intelligent monitor 132 is installed in the vehicle 102, files downloaded from the server 134, or simple messages broadcast along the network 138.

Process 500: fig. 5 illustrates program logic on each intelligent monitor for operating a local media server to perform a process indicated generally by the reference numeral 500. In process block B502, program logic waits or listens for a request to stream a media file over network 136. If a streaming request is not received or detected in decision block B504, the logic continues to monitor for streaming requests in process block B502.

In some aspects of system 100, if the network topology includes a column subnetwork, it may be desirable to limit streaming from one intelligent monitor 132 to another intelligent monitor to only on the same column subnetwork 138. If so, the logic proceeds to optional decision block B506, where decision block B506 determines whether the streaming request is from an intelligent monitor 132 on the same column of sub-networks 138 as the intelligent monitor 132 that received the request. If not, the logic ignores the request, as indicated by process block B510, and the logic returns to the original process block B502 to wait or listen for a streaming request. However, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular network topology and other types used, such as star or ring as non-limiting illustrative examples.

This optional decision block B506 is not necessary if streaming is allowed from the intelligent monitor 132 on one column subnet 138 to the intelligent monitor 138 on another column subnet 138. In this case, or if the request is from an intelligent monitor 132 on the same column of subnets 138 in the case of optional decision block B506, then in decision block B510 the logic asks whether the maximum number of flows is being serviced.

If the maximum number of flows is being serviced, the request is denied or ignored, as indicated by process block B512. Otherwise, as indicated by process block B514, the media file corresponding to the request is streamed. After accepting the request and streaming the media or rejecting the request, the logic returns to its default state in processing block B502, monitoring for streaming requests. Additionally, for some aspects, the logic may prioritize requests from the intelligent monitor 132 in the premium class seat. For example, in addition to requests from the intelligent monitor 132 in the high-level pod, the logic may accept at most one less request than the maximum number of streams that can be serviced. In this way, reservations will be established for users or passengers in the premium class for mass media files.

100% Categories or layers are used for such media files: wherein each media file in this category/layer can be played by all passengers simultaneously. That is, the media files are stored in the local memory of a sufficient number of intelligent monitors 132 that all passengers on the vehicle can select the same media file in that category and play the media file at the proper quality. However, except for the security video, there are few cases where all passengers play any media file at the same time. Thus, a system with media files for entertainment may be provided without 100% of the categories of media files.

For example, 50% category and 25% category may be provided. In this system, media files in the 50% category are stored in the local content of a sufficient number of intelligent monitors to enable only media files in the category to be viewed simultaneously by up to half of the passengers. Media files in the 25% category may be viewed simultaneously by only one-fourth of the passengers. In some cases, it may be desirable to provide only 50% and 25% categories, and also to expand the media library.

Accordingly, the present disclosure includes a system for providing in-vehicle entertainment to passengers. The system includes smart monitors disposed in the vehicle, wherein each smart monitor includes a local content store that stores media files, wherein each smart monitor is configured to present to a passenger a media selection corresponding to the media files stored in common by all the smart monitors. The system includes a network connecting the smart monitors and program logic executed by each of the smart monitors.

After the intelligent monitor receives input from the passenger for one of these selections, the program logic performs a task that includes determining whether a media file corresponding to the passenger input is available from the local content storage of the intelligent monitor and, if available, playing the media file from the local content storage of the intelligent monitor. If the media file corresponding to the passenger's input is not available from the smart monitor's local content store, a determination is made as to whether the media file corresponding to the input is available from another smart monitor, and if so, the media file from the other smart monitor is played. In this system, media files that are predicted to be selected less frequently by passengers are stored in a smaller number of local content storage devices of the intelligent monitor than other media files. Alternatively, among media files distributed across intelligent monitors in a vehicle cabin, media files that are predicted to be selected more frequently appear more frequently, i.e., a larger number of intelligent monitors include in their local content storage media files that are predicted to be selected more frequently relative to other media files.

The processing system comprises: fig. 6 is a high-level block diagram illustrating an example of an architecture of a processing system 600 that may be used in accordance with an aspect. Processing system 600 may represent server 134 or a computing device executing VLS configuration tool 214. Note that certain standard and well-known components that are not germane to this aspect are not shown in fig. 6.

The processing system 600 includes one or more processors 602 and memory 604 coupled to a bus system 605. The bus system 605 shown in fig. 6 is an abstract representation of any one or more individual physical buses and/or point-to-point connections through appropriate bridges, adapters, and/or controllers. Accordingly, bus system 605 may include, for example, a system bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a HyperTransport or Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) bus, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 1394 bus (sometimes referred to as a "Firewire"), or any other type of interconnect.

The processor 602 is a Central Processing Unit (CPU) of the processing system 600 and thus controls the overall operation of the processing system 600. In certain aspects, the processor 602 accomplishes this by executing software instructions stored in the memory 604. The processor 602 may be or include one or more programmable general purpose or special purpose microprocessors, digital Signal Processors (DSPs), programmable controllers, application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), or the like, or a combination of such devices.

Memory 604 represents any form of Random Access Memory (RAM), read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, or the like, or a combination of such devices. Memory 604 includes the main memory of processing system 600. The instructions 606 may be used to implement the process steps of fig. 3-5 described above.

Also connected to the processor 602 by the bus system 605 are one or more internal mass storage devices 610 and a network interface 612. The internal mass storage device 610 may be or include any conventional medium for storing large amounts of data in a nonvolatile manner, such as one or more magnetic, optical, or semiconductor-based disks.

The network interface 612 provides the processing system 600 with the capability to communicate with remote devices (e.g., over a network), and may be, for example, an ethernet adapter or the like.

The processing system 600 also includes one or more input/output (I/O) devices 608 coupled to the bus system 606. I/O devices 608 may include, for example, a display device, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

Content distribution system: fig. 7 illustrates an example of a content distribution system 704 for a mass transit vehicle 700 (e.g., aircraft, ship, train, bus, ferry, other vehicle). The content distribution system 704 is coupled to the content server system 711 and supports communication between the content server system 711 and the plurality of intelligent monitors 132. The content server system 711 may be simply referred to as a content server.

As previously described, the content distribution system 704 may be provided, for example, as a conventional wired and/or wireless communication network. The distribution system 704 may be provided as a plurality of Area Distribution Boxes (ADBs) 706, a plurality of Floor Disconnect Boxes (FDBs) 708, and a plurality of seat boxes (SEBs) 140 as previously described, and configured to communicate in real-time via a plurality of wired and/or wireless communication connections 712. The distribution system 704 includes a switching system 702 for providing an interface between the distribution system 704 and a server system 711. Switching system 702 may comprise a conventional switching system, such as an ethernet switching system, and is configured to couple server system 711 with zone distribution box 706. Each zone distribution box 706 is coupled to and in communication with the switching system 702. Switching system 702 is commonly referred to as a Network Controller (NC). On some vehicles, such as narrow body aircraft, the switching system 702 may be integrated with a content server system 711, which is commonly referred to as an integrated server system, or simply an integrated server.

Each zone distribution box 702 is coupled to and in communication with at least one floor disconnect box 708. Although the area distribution boxes 706 and associated floor disconnect boxes 708 may be coupled in any conventional configuration, it is preferred that the associated floor disconnect boxes 708 be arranged in a star network topology surrounding the central area distribution box 706. Each floor disconnect box 708 is coupled to and provides service to a plurality of daisy-chains of seat boxes 140. The seat electronics box 140 is in turn configured to communicate with the intelligent monitor 132. Each seat box 140 may support one or more of the intelligent monitors 132.

Distribution system 704 may include at least one FDB internal port bypass connection 714 and/or at least one SEB loopback connection 716. Each FDB internal port bypass connection 714 is a communication connection 712 that allows direct communication with floor disconnect boxes 708 associated with different zone distribution boxes 706. Each SEB loopback connection 716 is a communication connection 712 that directly couples the last seat electronics box 140 in each daisy-chain of seat electronics boxes 140 for the selected floor disconnect box 708. Thus, each SEB loopback connection 716 forms a loopback path between the daisy-chained seat boxes 140 coupled with the associated floor disconnect box 708.

The content distribution system 704 includes an antenna system 710 and a transceiver system 707 for communicating with a source external to the vehicle (e.g., a ground station or satellite) to provide an internet connection. The switching system 702, zone distribution box 706, floor disconnect box 708, seat box 140, antenna system 710, transceiver system 707, server system 712, and other system sources are provided as line replaceable units, hereinafter referred to as "LRUs". The use of LRUs facilitates maintenance of the vehicle information system because defective LRUs can be simply removed and replaced with new (or different) LRUs. The defective LRU may thereafter be repaired for subsequent installation. Advantageously, the use of LRU's may increase the flexibility of configuring content distribution system 704 by allowing for preliminary modifications to the number, arrangement, and/or configuration of system resources of content distribution system 704. Content distribution system 704 can also be easily upgraded by replacing any outdated LRUs with new LRUs.

In the content distribution system 704, content (media files) is stored on the intelligent monitor 132, as previously described in its local content store. In particular, the system 704 includes smart monitors 132 disposed in the vehicle, wherein each smart monitor includes a local content store that stores media files, wherein each smart monitor is configured to present to the occupant a media selection corresponding to the media files commonly stored by the smart monitors. The system 704 includes a network connecting the intelligent monitors 132 in communication and program logic executed by each intelligent monitor.

After the intelligent monitor receives input from the passenger for selecting one of the tasks, the program logic performs tasks including determining whether the media file corresponding to the passenger input is available from the intelligent monitor's local content storage and, if so, playing the media file from the intelligent monitor 132's local content storage. If the media file corresponding to the passenger input is not available from the local content store of the intelligent monitor, the logic determines whether the media file corresponding to the selection is available from another intelligent monitor and if so, plays the media file from the other intelligent monitor.

In the system 100, when another smart monitor 132 from which a media file is streamed is selected, the logic selects a first other smart monitor connected to the same column 104 or 106 (see FIG. 1A). In the system 704 (see fig. 7), logic selects a first other intelligent monitor that is connected to the same floor distribution box 708, and if not available, selects the next monitor that is connected to the same ADB 706. In a system with multiple switching systems 702, the next preference is an intelligent monitor that communicates with the same switching system. If there are multiple options available that meet the foregoing criteria, the selected intelligent monitor 132 is the intelligent monitor with the least number of active clients. This minimizes the distance of network traffic transmission while minimizing the pressure on the intelligent monitor. In the event that a media file cannot be located on another intelligent monitor or is not responsive to a request for a media file, the logical request requests media submitted from server system 711 (which is sometimes referred to as a headend server).

Fig. 8 shows a flow chart of logic 800 for the foregoing selection process. After startup, logic 800 waits for input from the passenger for content selection in block 802. If input for a content selection is received, logic 800 determines if the media file corresponding to the selection is available locally, i.e., in the local content store of the intelligent monitor 132, at block 804. If so, then the logic 800 plays content from the local storage in block 806. Thereafter, the logic returns to block 802 to await another input for content selection.

If the media file corresponding to the selected content is not available locally, then logic determines in block 808 if the media file corresponding to the selected content is available from other intelligent monitors 132. First preferably intelligent monitors on the same column 104 or 106 (see fig. 1), then intelligent monitors connected to the same floor distribution box 708, then those intelligent monitors connected to the same area distribution box 706 (see fig. 7), and if there are multiple switching systems 702, then intelligent monitors on the same switching system. If available from other smart monitors, the logic 800 requests streaming of the media file from the smart monitor 132 with the least number of active clients and plays/presents the stream in block 810. Thereafter, the logic returns to block 802 to await another input corresponding to a content selection.

If there is no response to the request to stream the media file and the system includes a headend server, logic determines if the media file is available from the headend server. If so, then logic 800 requests streaming of the streaming media file from the headend server and plays/renders the stream in block 814. The logic 800 thereafter returns to block 802 to await another request corresponding to a content selection request.

If the logic determines that the media file corresponding to the input content selection request is not available from any other smart monitor 132, i.e., the media file is not stored on any smart monitor, or the smart monitors storing the media file are each servicing the maximum number of permitted clients and the media file is not available from the head-end server, the logic proceeds to block 820. In block 820, the logic displays a message indicating that the requested content is not currently available. Logic may also provide the option to receive notifications when content is not available. Thereafter, the logic 800 returns to block 802 to await another input corresponding to a content selection request.

Selective VLS media distribution: loading media files from a headend server to an intelligent monitor in a fast and efficient manner is challenging and complex because the network on the vehicle includes segments that all have different maximum network speeds and available bandwidths. For example, a network connection using fiber optics for downloading media files from a hub server (not shown) to server 711 (FIG. 7) may be 10G (gigabit per second). The connection speed from the server 711 to the nacelle distribution network with ADB 706 using optical fibers may also be 10G. However, the connection speed from ADB 706 to SEB 140 may be 2.5G, and the connection speed from SEB 140 to intelligent monitor 132 may be 1G using copper wire. A step of

Conventional systems for downloading media files are inefficient because all multicast data streams must reach all columns and intelligent monitors. The present disclosure provides for selective media distribution where only certain multicast channels must enter a given column, allowing for greater media distribution rates between the headend server and the items entering the column. (the column is the segment between the network controller or server 711 and the ADB 706). This may limit network bandwidth to operate at lower rates (e.g., SEB 140 to intelligent monitor 132) and thus loading media files may take an undesirable amount of time. The selective VLS media distribution technique described in detail below provides an efficient network solution for loading media files on the intelligent monitor 132 of a vehicle entertainment system.

In one aspect, the VLS media library is first partitioned into a plurality of VLS media sets (e.g., FIGS. 2D, 222A-222D). As described above, the number of VLS media subsets per VLS media set is defined by VLSF. Each VLS media subset is assigned to an intelligent monitor 132. The media files of each VLS media subset are selectively distributed from the server (e.g., fig. 7, 711) to the intelligent monitor by maximizing the available bandwidth of the cabin distribution network (fig. 7, 704).

To reduce VLS media distribution time from server 711 to intelligent monitor 132, the adaptive processes and systems described herein use multicast channel group numbers (MCCGN) assigned to media files. In one aspect, the aircraft is subdivided into a plurality of zones, where each zone may have one or more columns, where the smart monitors 132 of each column belong to the same zone. Each column is assigned a media file assigned a particular MCCGN. Each column registers itself MCCGN with an upstream switch (e.g., adb 706, fig. 7). This can be achieved using IGMP "join" operations. A join operation is a request from SEB 140 to ADB 706 to incorporate a multicast group into a particular MCCGN. ADB 706 stores MCCGN in a routing table at the switch memory (not shown).

When a switch (e.g., ADB 706) receives a media file, the switch forwards the received data packet including the media file to an outlet (port). Since the packets are received from the multicast data stream, only the data packets of the multicast channel number downstream of the intelligent monitor 132 are scheduled to be forwarded by the switch to that particular port, effectively separating the multicast data stream from the server 711. In this regard, the switch uses the table to direct registered MCCGN traffic to a particular port. This enables the distribution of multicast data streams from server 711 to intelligent monitors 132 at high rates, as described in more detail below.

In an aspect, VLS configuration module 216 (fig. 2B) assigns a subset of VLS media to the intelligent monitor based on the aircraft configuration and layout. In the event that a media file is promoted or demoted between media layers, the media file is assigned a different MCCGN and stored on the intelligent monitor using the newly assigned MCCGN.

Fig. 9A illustrates a process 900 for selectively distributing media files on a vehicle in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure. The processing steps are performed by VLS configuration module 216 and various hardware devices including server 711, ADB 706, and SEB 140. Some of the processing steps are not performed on the vehicle but on the ground side or in the operating facility when preparing the medium or configuring the aircraft. The various processing blocks of fig. 9A are described for an aircraft, but the innovative techniques disclosed herein are also applicable to any vehicle that deploys an entertainment system using intelligent monitors.

Process 900 begins at block B902. In block B904, a VLS media set having a plurality of VLS media subsets is generated. Each media subset has a plurality of media files, such as movies and videos. In block B906, each media file is assigned to a particular layer, as described previously, e.g., 100% layer (layer 1), 50% layer (layer 2), and 25% layer (layer 3). The number of VLS media subsets is based on the value of VLSF. For example, when VLSF of the aircraft configuration is 20, at least 80 intelligent monitors are used to store one instance of the VLS media library.

In block B908, MCCGN for each media layer is reserved or allocated. For example, MCCGN of 100 to 499 may be reserved as follows: :

Media layer #1: MCCGN #100 to #199

Media layer #2: MCCGN #200 to #299

Media layer #3: MCCGN #300 to #499

MCCGN #1 to #99 may be reserved for other functions, details of which are not necessary for an understanding of the present disclosure.

In an aspect, the VLC media set is cut or partitioned into separate VLC media subsets. The number of subsets is equal to the number of intelligent monitors required to store the entire VLS media set (e.g., 80 slices in the case VLSF is 20). Each intelligent monitor is assigned a specific media subset with three MCCGN for each layer. This is shown in fig. 9B, where there are 80 VLS media subsets for four VLS media sets. For example, VLS media set #1 has 20 VLS media subsets. MCCGN of each layer are shown within the respective circles. For example, one VLS media subset, layer 1, MCCGN, layer 2, MCCGN, and layer 3, MCCGN are 100, respectively. MCCGN of the other VLS media subsets are self-evident.

In block B910, VLS configuration tool 216 assigns MCCGN to various areas of the aircraft. For example, an aircraft may be divided into four regions north, south, east, and west, each region having one or more columns. A particular MCCGN is assigned to a column based on the assigned media subset for each layer. Examples of MCCGN allocations per region are provided below in table I:

table 1: per-region MCCGN allocation

In block B912, MCCGN for each aircraft region is registered with the switch that received the multicast data stream from server system 711. This enables the switch to separate the data streams and forward the data streams to a particular port based on the defined multicast channel number for that particular port. The downstream intelligent monitors 132 within the column define port multicast channel numbers as part of IGMP (internet group management protocol) join operations for the multicast channel numbers assigned to each intelligent monitor.

In block B914, the switch receives the media file from the server 711. First MCCGN for layer 1, followed by MCCGN for layer 2 and then MCCGN for layer 3 are provided. Layer 1 is provided first, layer 2 is provided subsequently and layer 3 is then provided for two main reasons. First, to ensure that the most valuable content is delivered first. Second, the connection from the seat box 140 to the intelligent monitor 132 is only 700Mbps. Each intelligent monitor 132 is receiving media for all defined layers. While providing layers may result in a potential oversubscription of the connection between the seat box 140 and the intelligent monitor 132, and thus the layers are provided in order from most valuable to least valuable based on the anticipated demand for content.

In block B916, the switch identifies the port number associated with the registered MCCGN.

In block B918, the media file is forwarded to the specific region and the intelligent monitor based on the exchange table.

In one aspect, the techniques described above with respect to fig. 9A may be used for different aircraft configurations. For example, fig. 9C shows a layout example 920 for a narrow body aircraft. Layout 920 includes four columns 922A through 922D. Each column has a plurality of SEBs 140 and intelligent monitors 132. The server 711A/711B injects the multicast data stream at a transmission rate matching the column bandwidth, for example, 2.5G (gigabit per second). The adaptive aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular bandwidth rate.

Fig. 9D shows a simplified layout of a wide body aircraft with multiple ADBs 706. The aircraft is divided into a plurality of zones, for example zones 926A through 926D. Seating apparatus 132 of each zone has one or more SEBs 140. The terrestrial system provides the multimedia file to the server 711. The server system 711 is connected to the ADB 706 via a fiber optic connection that is faster than the bandwidth of each zone/column (which is typically copper-based). The server system 711 may send data 924A to 924D at a 10G rate via the fiber optic medium, while data from the ADB 706 to each zone may be transmitted at a 2.5G rate. As previously described, ADB 706 separates data streams 924A-924D based on the assigned MCCGN for each region. The ADB 706 then sends the data to each SEB based on the registered MCCGN. Thus, in contrast to conventional systems where an SEB may receive an entire media library, an SEB receives only data that the intelligent monitor must store in a particular column.

Fig. 10 illustrates another example of software or program logic that may be executed to efficiently store media files on a smart monitor in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure. This example is for a configuration with three media layers of 100%, 50% and 25%. The processing steps are performed by VLS configuration module 216 and various hardware devices including server 711, ADB 706, and SEB 140. Some of the processing steps are not performed on the vehicle but on the ground side or in the operating facility when preparing the medium or configuring the aircraft. The various processing blocks of fig. 10 are described for an aircraft, but the innovative techniques disclosed herein are applicable to any vehicle that deploys an entertainment system using intelligent monitors.

Process 1000 begins at block B1002. In block B1004, the process 1000 defines a multicast group number range for each media layer. For convenience, layer 1 (100% coverage) is assigned MCCGN from 100 to 199. The first "1" in MCCGN represents layer 1. Layer 2 (50% coverage) was assigned MCCGN of 200 to 299. The first "2" in MCCGN represents layer 2. Layer 3 (25% coverage) was assigned MCCGN from 300 to 399. The first "3" in MCCGN represents layer 3.

Thereafter, process 1000 proceeds to block B1006. In block B1006, the process 1000 defines a number of seats (intelligent monitors 132) carrying the VLS media library on the vehicle network. For VLSF to twenty (20), eighty (80) intelligent monitors 132 are required to hold one instance of the VLS media library available for storage. Depending on the number of intelligent monitors 132 in the vehicle, multiple instances of the VLS media library may be stored.

Process 1000 then proceeds to block B1008. In block B1006, the process 1000 divides the seat carrying the VLS media library (intelligent monitor 132) into various areas. This defines the multicast group number (MCCGN) range for each zone. For example, the previous example divided the intelligent monitor 132 into four areas north, south, east, and west. Thus, the MCCGN range for each layer is divided by the number of areas.

In block B1010, the process 1000 assigns each seat a multicast channel group number (MCCGN) to which it needs to subscribe to store media in its local storage of the intelligent monitor 132. Thereafter, in block B1012, the seat (intelligent monitor 132) registers its multicast channel group number with the intra-column switch 706 (MCCGN).

In block B1014, the process 1000 assigns media to the tier based on predefined criteria/preferences. For example, media may be assigned to a layer based on ratings from websites/institutions (e.g., internet Movie Databases (IMDBs), rotted tomatoes, or other sources) that specifically aggregate comments from commentators or consumers of the media. In block B1016, the media is uploaded to the vehicle. After uploading the media to the vehicle, process 1000 distributes the media from head-end server 711 to the seats (intelligent monitor 132) using the multicast channel in block B1018.

In block B1020, switch 706 separates the multicast traffic and forwards the packet to a particular port (egress) based on the registered multicast channel group number for that particular port (see block B1012 of fig. 10). In a final block B1022, media is stored at the seat of the smart monitor 132 according to the prescribed multicast channel group number for each smart monitor (see table 1).

The networking techniques disclosed herein are advantageously used to efficiently load media files to intelligent monitors. Instead of sending the entire media library to the SEB, the media files are selectively sent to the SEB and the intelligent monitor based on the MCCGN assigned to the media files and the area where the intelligent monitor is located.

In one aspect, a method and system for a vehicle is provided. A method comprising: the plurality of layers are used by the processor to store a plurality of media files of a media library of an entertainment system of the vehicle at the plurality of seating devices. The first tier comprises a first set of media files, wherein each media file in the first set of media files is capable of being played simultaneously by all passengers of the vehicle, the second tier is for a second set of media files, wherein each media file in the second set of media files is capable of being played simultaneously by at most X% of all passengers, and the third tier is for a third set of media files, wherein each media file in the third set of media files is capable of being played simultaneously by at most Y% of all passengers.

In yet another aspect, a method and system for an aircraft are provided. A method includes registering, with a switching device, a multicast network address assigned to each of a plurality of areas of an aircraft, each area including a plurality of seating devices configured to store media files of a media library of an on-board entertainment system, the media files being assigned to one of a plurality of layers. The first tier includes a first set of media files, wherein each media file in the first set of media files is capable of being played simultaneously by all passengers of the vehicle, and the second tier is for a second set of media files, wherein each media file in the second set of media files is capable of being played simultaneously by at most X% of all passengers. A range of multicast network addresses is reserved for each layer and distributed over different areas of the aircraft based on where the media file is expected to be stored.

The method also includes forwarding, by the switching device, the particular media file associated with the particular multicast network address for storage at one or more seating devices located within the area associated with the particular multicast network address. The switching device receives the plurality of media files and selectively routes particular media files based on the registered multicast network address.

Innovative techniques for in-vehicle entertainment systems are described in the preceding paragraphs. Note that reference throughout this specification to "an aspect" (or "an embodiment") or "an aspect" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Thus, it is emphasized and should be appreciated that two or more references to "an aspect" or "an alternative aspect" in various portions of this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics referred to may be combined as suitable in one or more aspects of the disclosure, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

While the present disclosure has been described above with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects thereof, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing. On the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for distributing media on a vehicle, comprising:

Using, by the processor, the plurality of layers to store a plurality of media files of a media library of an entertainment system of the vehicle at the plurality of seating devices;

Wherein a first tier comprises a first set of media files, wherein each media file in the first set of media files is capable of being played simultaneously by all passengers of the vehicle, a second tier for a second set of media files, wherein each media file in the second set of media files is capable of being played simultaneously by at most a first percentage of all passengers, and a third tier for a third set of media files, wherein each media file in the third set of media files is capable of being played simultaneously by at most a second percentage of all passengers;

wherein the number of media files stored at the plurality of seating devices for each set of media files is based on a capability of a seating device to stream data to another seating device of the vehicle, wherein the capability is determined according to a processing capability of each seating device and a network bandwidth available on the vehicle for each seating device;

Assigning, by the processor, a multicast network address range to each of the first, second, and third layers of the plurality of media files;

Allocating, by the processor, the multicast network address range among different areas of the vehicle, wherein the seating device of each area is configured to store media files belonging to the first, second, and third layers;

registering a multicast network address in a multicast network address range allocated to each zone with a switching device of the vehicle interfacing with one or more networks of the vehicle to transfer media files to the plurality of seating devices; and

Selectively forwarding, by the switching device, a particular media file associated with a particular multicast network address for storage at one or more seating devices located within a particular area associated with the particular multicast network address;

Wherein the switching device receives the particular media file of the plurality of media files and selectively forwards the particular media file based on the registered multicast network address; and

Modifying an allocation of media files between the first set of media files, the second set of media files, and the third set of media files based on a comparison of weighted scores of media files to a threshold, the weighted scores being determined using a plurality of factors including a user access pattern for media files, a vehicle configuration, and a third party rating of media files; wherein media files are initially assigned to the first set of media files prior to modification.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the multicast network address is a multicast channel group number MCCGN.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the MCCGN is registered with the switching device using join operations of internet group multicast protocol IGMP.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein a server transmits the plurality of media files to the switching device via a first network connection.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the seating device selectively receives the particular media file via a second network connection slower than the first network connection based on the registered MCCGN.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein in the event of a media file category change, a new MCCGN is allocated to selectively forward the media file.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is one of an aircraft, a train, a ship, and a bus.

8. A method for distributing media on an aircraft, comprising:

Registering with the switching device a multicast network address assigned to each of a plurality of areas of the aircraft, each area including a plurality of seating devices configured to store media files of a media library of the on-board entertainment system, the media files being assigned to one of a plurality of layers;

wherein the first tier comprises a first set of media files, wherein each media file in the first set of media files is capable of being played simultaneously by all passengers of the aircraft, and the second tier is for a second set of media files, wherein each media file in the second set of media files is capable of being played simultaneously by at most a first percentage of all passengers;

Wherein the number of media files stored at the plurality of seating devices for each set of media files is based on a capability of a seating device to stream data to another seating device of the aircraft, wherein the capability is determined according to a processing capability of each seating device and a network bandwidth available on the aircraft for each seating device;

wherein a range of the multicast network addresses is reserved for each layer of media files based on where the media files of each layer are expected to be stored, and the multicast network addresses are distributed over the plurality of regions of the aircraft;

receiving, by the switching device, a particular media file associated with a particular one of the registered multicast network addresses;

wherein media files of the first set of media files included in the particular media file are received by the switching device prior to receiving media files of the second set of media files;

Selectively forwarding, by the switching device, a particular media file associated with a particular multicast network address for storage at one or more seating devices located within an area associated with the particular multicast network address;

Wherein media files of the first set of media files included in the particular media file are forwarded before media files of the second set of media files; and

The distribution of media files between the first set of media files and the second set of media files is modified based on a comparison of the weighted scores of media files to a threshold, the weighted scores being determined using a plurality of factors including access patterns to media files from a plurality of aircraft, aircraft route information, aircraft type and configuration, third party ratings of media files, and airline preferences.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein a third layer is used for a third set of media files, wherein each media file in the third set of media files is simultaneously playable by at most a second percentage of all passengers, wherein the second percentage is different from the first percentage.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the multicast network address is a multicast channel group number MCCGN.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the MCCGN is registered with the switching device using join operations of internet group multicast protocol IGMP.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein a server transmits a plurality of media files to the switching device via a first network connection.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the seating device selectively receives the particular media file via a second network connection that is slower than the first network connection.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein in the event of a change in media file category between the plurality of layers, a new MCCGN is allocated to selectively forward the media file.

15. A non-transitory machine-readable medium having stored thereon instructions comprising machine-executable code, which when executed by a machine, cause the machine to:

using, by the processor, the plurality of layers to store a plurality of media files of a media library of an entertainment system of the vehicle at the plurality of seating devices; wherein a first tier comprises a first set of media files, wherein each media file in the first set of media files is capable of being played simultaneously by all passengers of the vehicle, a second tier for a second set of media files, wherein each media file in the second set of media files is capable of being played simultaneously by at most a first percentage of all passengers, and a third tier for a third set of media files, wherein each media file in the third set of media files is capable of being played simultaneously by at most a second percentage of all passengers;

Allocating, by the processor, the multicast network address range among different areas of the vehicle, wherein the seating device of each area is configured to store media files belonging to the first, second and third layers;

Registering a multicast network address in a multicast network address range allocated to each zone with a switching device of the vehicle interfacing with one or more networks of the vehicle to transfer media files to the plurality of seating devices;

Selectively forwarding, by the switching device, a particular media file associated with a particular multicast network address for storage at one or more seating devices located within a particular area associated with the particular multicast network address; wherein the switching device receives the particular media file of the plurality of media files and selectively forwards the particular media file based on the registered multicast network address; and

16. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 15, wherein the multicast network address is a multicast channel group number MCCGN.

17. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 16, wherein the MCCGN is registered with the switching device using join operations of internet multicast protocol IGMP.

18. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 15, wherein a server transmits the plurality of media files to the switching device via a first network connection.

19. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 18, wherein the seating device selectively receives the particular media file via a second network connection slower than the first network connection based on the registered MCCGN.

20. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 16, wherein in the event of a media file category change, a new MCCGN is allocated to selectively forward the media file.