초록 ▼

A distribution system for a passenger entertainment system (30) that provides appropriate in-line amplification and equalization of an entertainment signal carried on a common bus (40). The distribution system is comprised of a network of zone management units (ZMUs) (42a, 42b, . . . 42n) and seat e

A distribution system for a passenger entertainment system (30) that provides appropriate in-line amplification and equalization of an entertainment signal carried on a common bus (40). The distribution system is comprised of a network of zone management units (ZMUs) (42a, 42b, . . . 42n) and seat electronics units (SEUs) (48a, 48b, . . . 48n) connected to the bus. Each ZMU contains a variable gain amplifier in series with the bus to amplify the entertainment signal carried on the bus. Each ZMU also contains a variable slope compensation network (84) that is continuously adjusted to equalize the amplitude of the entertainment signal across the signal bandwidth. Each SEU contains a variable gain amplifier in series with the bus to amplify the entertainment signal carried on the bus. Each SEU also contains a fixed slope compensation network (330) that may be switched in series with the bus to equalize the amplitude of the entertainment signal across the signal bandwidth. Initialization routines are disclosed to initially configure the ZMUs and SEUs in the distribution system prior to system operation.

대표청구항 ▼

[ The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.] An audio and video distribution system for distributing an entertainment signal over a bus from an entertainment signal source to a plurality of audio and video receivers, the ente

[ The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.] An audio and video distribution system for distributing an entertainment signal over a bus from an entertainment signal source to a plurality of audio and video receivers, the entertainment signal containing a first and a second pilot tone, the distribution system comprising:(a) a bus coupled to the entertainment signal source and carrying the entertainment signal; and(b) a plurality of seat electronic units (SEUs) coupled to the bus, each of the plurality of SEUs comprising:(i) a variable gain amplifier connected in series with the bus, the variable gain amplifier having a control input such that a control signal provided to the control input will vary the gain produced by the variable gain amplifier;(ii) a control circuit coupled to the bus and to the control input of the variable gain amplifier, the control circuit monitoring an amplitude of the first pilot tone of the entertainment signal carried on the bus and generating and applying a control signal to the control input in order to adjust the gain of the variable gain amplifier to maintain the amplitude of the entertainment signal at the desired level;(iii) a tap coupled to the bus and providing the entertainment signal carried on the bus to one of the plurality of audio and video receivers, and(iv) a bypass relay connected in series with the bus, wherein in an energized state, the bypass relay connects the variable gain amplifier, control circuit, and tap to the bus, and in an unenergized state, the bypass relay disconnects the variable gain amplifier, control circuit, and tap from the bus.