Inflatable video display assembly

Abstract

The document describes methods and devices for video display, including an assembly comprising: a captive air inflatable structure in a curved shape or a portion of a truncated sphere; a display support; and a holding system between said inflatable structure and said display support.Developments describe: the use of screen fabric for video projection and / or flexible screens, including OLED; variations of support systems (mechanical, electrical, etc.), including tensioners; different arrangements for forming the inflatable, captive-air structure; the use of buttresses and / or reinforcing crossbeams; the use of one or more sensors and / or actuators, particularly for various control functions; the use of one or more short-throw projectors; teleworking, video game, simulator, or other applications, associated with screen sizes ranging from a few meters to several tens of meters. Software aspects are described. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Inflatable assembly for video display Scope of the invention

[0001] The document describes methods and systems for inflatable captive air for video display, and in particular assemblies for curved or even substantially spherical screens. State of the Art

[0002] Curved visual systems are widely used in simulation to provide pilots or drivers with an immersive visual environment through computer-generated images with a wide vertical and horizontal field of view. A wide variety of display types exist for this type of aeronautical simulation. In the field of projection, different types of screens are available.

[0003] The screens used for projection are generally partially spherical or hemispherical. They have a reflective surface that is curved horizontally and vertically (wide horizontal and vertical field for maximum immersion).

[0004] Most screens currently on the market are constructed from "petals" or "panels," i.e., sub-sections of screens that are joined end-to-end on a metal frame. These panels are generally manufactured using molds. The choice of dimensions is limited, and the production of screens of different sizes requires the creation of specific tooling.

[0005] Among numerous technical problems (e.g., design and / or manufacturing), the fabrication of variable-geometry screens is notably not described. With known structures, obtaining variable screen dimensions is excessively complex and expensive (non-recurring costs, specific or excessively large tooling, etc.). However, this type of on-demand spatial reconfiguration is increasingly essential, for example, to adapt to required fields of vision or to meet other constraints (e.g., size of the simulated vehicle, dimensions of the room where the simulator is installed, etc.).

[0006] The patent literature describes few existing solutions to this technical problem. The known approaches are either unsatisfactory or have limitations. Patent document AU333009, for example, describes a modular dome constructed from plastic panels. The use of panels with predefined dimensions does not adequately address the technical problem of dimensional variability. Indeed, a mold corresponds to a given sphere radius, whereas each type of simulator may require a sphere with a different radius. Moreover, the molds themselves are They are expensive to manufacture, particularly in the case of composites, and also impact the screen's production time, which can take several months. Finally, the operations involved in creating the screen, such as layering the composite components or sanding, are messy and laborious. In the case of sanding, the dust is potentially hazardous to health.

[0007] Other approaches involve creating screens with stretched fabric. The patent literature on displays with inflatable structures describes solutions that have limitations. Patent document US7791799 describes a structure comprising two fabrics: a dome supports a first fabric fixed on its convex face and a second fabric welded to the first and held in a concave shape by an air vacuum created between the two fabrics by a suction device. This approach consumes too much energy. Patent document USD682382 describes a dome-type shelter, which is inflatable. This type of structure is called "air-sealed" (the structure is either perfectly airtight or kept inflated by a small, continuous supply of air). Patent document DE202019100645 describes a shelter with a partially inflatable roof in which a flexible skin takes the desired shape when the support elements attached to it are inflated.

[0008] Traditionally in the field of video projection, flat or cylindrical screens are made of a fabric. In the case of spherical screens used for simulation, they are generally made from solid panels. These panels are therefore spherical and can be made, for example, of plastic or composite materials. The panels, primarily quadrilateral in shape, are created using molds. The entire panel assembly can be self-supporting or mounted on a metal structure.

[0009] For truncated spherical screens applied to the field of motionless simulation, the known solution consists of an assembly of composite petals, placed on a metallic structure, sealed and painted. This solution is cumbersome, expensive, and slow to deploy.

[0010] All these solutions are interesting but they do not solve, or do not fully solve, the technical problem posed.

[0011] There is a need for improved display processes and systems. Summary of the invention

[0012] The document describes methods and devices for video display, including an assembly comprising: an inflatable structure with captive air in the form of a curved shape or a truncated portion of a sphere; a display support; and a holding system between said inflatable structure and said display support. Developments describe: the use of flexible screens, in particular of the OLED type, and / or Screen fabric for video projection; various support systems (mechanical, electrical, etc.), including tensioners; different arrangements for forming the inflatable, captive-air structure; the use of buttresses and / or reinforcing crossbeams; the use of one or more sensors and / or actuators, particularly for various control functions; the use of one or more short-throw projectors; teleworking, video game, simulator, or other applications, associated with screen sizes ranging from a few meters to several tens of meters. Software aspects are described.

[0013] In one embodiment, the display system according to the invention is made from a fabric screen, held in place and stretched in various ways.

[0014] Advantageously, the structure according to the invention does not require a mold. The dimensions can be easily determined. The use of materials whose manufacture is time-consuming, such as composites, is not required.

[0015] Advantageously, the materials used (plastic and / or fabrics) are light and compact, making the display system easily transportable and deployable.

[0016] Advantageously, the materials used make the complete screen lightweight and, when properly folded, compact enough to be carried by one or two people.

[0017] Advantageously, the assembly is simplified (inflating the screen), quick and stable. Assembly can typically be completed in less than a day by two people, since there is no screwing or finishing operations to be carried out such as sanding, filling or painting.

[0018] Advantageously, the solution addresses the technical problem of dimensional variability because there are no requirements for molds or specific tooling. A change in the radius or field of view of the screen only requires a modification of the program and cutting parameters of the machine that cuts the fabrics and / or plastics.

[0019] Advantageously, the systems and methods according to the invention do not require mold manufacturing. Deployment and use are significantly accelerated compared to the installation of articulated structures.

[0020] Advantageously, the described embodiments are modular. Each part of the display has several technical variations, which makes it possible to meet a wide range of different needs.

[0021] Advantageously, the proposed solution is suitable for the field of image projection for the simulation without relative motion of the video projection system(s) ("motionless", no dynamic cinema). However, its application can be extended to any field using video projection or video display, such as cinema, planetariums and other applications belonging to the fields of leisure, education, or events etc. In particular, methods of implementation make possible large-scale installations (e.g. for helicopter simulation), or, at the other extreme, for home game consoles (with more constrained, even cramped, dimensions). Description of the figures

[0022] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0023] Fig. 1 illustrates a specific embodiment of the invention, in a configuration for video projection;

[0024] Fig. 2 illustrates an example of an embodiment of the invention, in a configuration with flexible screens;

[0025] Fig. 3 illustrates an example of an embodiment of the invention, with instrumentation and servo control;

[0026] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a specific embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 5 illustrates an example of reinforcement for the inflatable structure, in a mode of specific implementation of the invention;

[0028] Figure 6 illustrates another example of reinforcement for the inflatable structure, in a specific embodiment of the invention; Detailed description of the invention

[0029] The assembly according to the invention comprises three parts: i) a fully inflatable, air-filled structure, ii) a display support, and iii) a system for attaching or interconnecting the inflatable structure and the display support. Each of these three parts can be configured in numerous variations, as described below. The possible combinations are therefore significant. There are two extremes along the continuum of solutions: the first where the display support is a projection screen (for video projection), and the second where the display support consists of one or more flexible screens. Some embodiments can also combine video projection and a video display screen.

[0030] The dimensions of the assembly are variable, typically from 1.50 m in diameter (e.g. video game application, work or telepresence sphere) up to about fifteen meters in diameter (e.g. helicopter simulator).

[0031] For a specific case (helicopter simulator), the perimeter is 18 m on the ground with a diameter of approximately 3 m. The radius is sized from 1 m to 4 m. The height of the inflatable structure typically allows a 60° field of view (bottom to top) and a FOV of 170° or more (left to right). There are no constraints regarding geometry or viewing angles. For example, two short-throw projectors can each handle a 180° FOV. Many other configurations are possible.

[0032] One or more parts of the assembly according to the invention can be instrumented by one or more sensors and / or actuators.

[0033] In one embodiment, the inflatable structure includes one or more inflation points (e.g., 4 points)

[0034] A video display assembly is described, comprising: an inflatable structure in a curved shape or a portion of a truncated sphere; a display support; and a holding system between said inflatable structure and said display support.

[0035] A video display assembly is described, comprising: a captive air inflatable structure in a curved shape or a truncated sphere portion; a display support; and a holding system between said captive air inflatable structure and said display support.

[0036] In one embodiment, the inflatable captive air display system includes a canvas attached to the inflatable structure when the latter is inflated, the canvas taking the desired shape to be able to project images into its concave part.

[0037] In one embodiment, the display system uses captive air technology to create a spherical inflatable structure, with a projection-adapted canvas fixed at several points on its concave part and which, when inflated, allows the canvas to take the desired shape.

[0038] A captive air system is more economical in terms of the energy required to maintain the structure. The risk of punctures can be managed by compartmentalizing the spaces and / or by increasing the number of inflation points.

[0039] The fasteners and fastening accessories may be made of Velcro or equivalent. The fastening systems may be entirely mechanical (clips), or electromechanical (e.g., electromagnet, etc.), or chemical (e.g., glue).

[0040] In a development, the display support carries one or more flexible screens, in particular of the OLED type.

[0041] In one development, the display support is a screen canvas for video projection.

[0042] In one development, the support system (or "attachment system") is an independent part. In another development, the support system is a perimeter definition that includes, in addition to its own components, parts of the display support (pre-sewn notches) and / or the inflatable structure (sewn squares with rods for attaching tensioners). This decoupling allows for more combinations. In one embodiment, the support system is reduced to zero: the inflatable structure is attached to the screen fabric by means of Velcro. In another development, the support system consists of distributed or to be distributed attachments. on the surface of the concave part of the inflatable structure and additional attachments distributed or to be distributed on the convex surface of the display support.

[0043] The inflatable structure and the display support can therefore include predefined attachment points, configured to accommodate hooks or additions to the hooks (in particular tensioners).

[0044] In one development, the holding system includes manually and / or remotely controlled tensioners.

[0045] In one development, the inflatable structure with captive air comprises several sub-parts that can be inflated independently of each other, said sub-parts being associated with distinct inflation points. The inflation / deflation can, in particular, be adaptive.

[0046] In one development, part or all of the sub-parts of the captive air inflatable structure are tubular, the tubular sub-parts being welded and / or glued together.

[0047] In one development, the sub-parts of the inflatable structure form patterns. The patterns can form a lattice, a mesh network, or a reticular network. The patterns can be checkerboard, frieze, fractal, etc.

[0048] In one development, the inflatable captive air structure is reinforced by one or more buttresses and / or horizontal and / or vertical crossbeams.

[0049] In one development, the inflatable, captive-air structure is reinforced by a rigid, articulated frame. The reinforcing frame can be made of wood and / or metal, and / or carbon fiber.

[0050] In one development, the inflatable structure and / or display support include one or more sensors and / or actuators, including a video acquisition camera and an inflator.

[0051] In one development, the assembly according to the invention further comprises a local processor and / or remotely accessed computing resources for controlling the inflation / deflation of the captive air inflatable structure and / or the tension actuators of the display support to the deformations of the displayed video.

[0052] In one embodiment, the assembly according to the invention further comprises one or more cameras for the three-dimensional reconstruction of the shape of the display support attached to the captive air inflatable structure, and computing resources for determining the sub-parts to be reinflated and / or deflated.

[0053] In one development, the assembly according to the invention further comprises a laser projector, in particular a short-throw projector. A short-throw laser projector reduces the overall size while ensuring good brightness and contrast. The uses of projection and flexible screens can be combined.

[0054] A method for managing a captive air inflatable system for display is described. video. The steps of the process may include one or more of the following steps: determining the three-dimensional shape of a projection screen, this shape including convex and / or concave parts; determining the number and respective shape of the sub-parts of an inflatable structure for the support of said three-dimensional shape; inflating and / or deflating one or more sub-parts of the inflatable structure, in particular according to the deformed parts of the video display.

[0055] A computer program product is described, said computer program comprising code instructions to perform one or more steps of the process, when said program is executed on a computer.

[0056] Fig. 1 illustrates a specific embodiment of the invention, in a configuration for video projection.

[0057] In one embodiment, the assembly according to the invention comprises a fully inflatable captive air structure 100 which houses and carries 105 a screen fabric 110.

[0058] Video projection

[0059] The screen fabric serves as a support for projected video display (one or more video projectors, e.g., 120 video projectors, can be used). The video projectors can be mounted on metal frames (not shown), particularly at a height. It is possible to use one or more short-throw video projectors, which will then be placed almost against the screen fabric display support.

[0060] Embodiment with captive air

[0061] This fully inflatable embodiment is particularly advantageous in terms of compactness (when folded, the structure can fit in a backpack or travel suitcase) and, consequently, speed of deployment (electric inflation, for example, takes less than five minutes, and even less if multiple inflation points are provided). No special skills or qualifications are required for setup.

[0062] Captive air

[0063] The various embodiments of the invention use trapped air to maintain the inflatable structure. A pressure of approximately 0.15 to 0.3 bar is maintained above atmospheric pressure. The system is therefore airtight.

[0064] Inflatable structure 100

[0065] In more detail, the structure 100 has a curved shape or a truncated sphere. Composed of bladders or tubes, the inflatable structure may have one or more inflation points eg 101, depending on whether the air is compartmentalized in one or more sub-sections (puncture risk management, or faster inflation options, etc.). Reinforcement elements of the inflatable structure will be described below.

[0066] In one embodiment, the inflatable, air-filled structure is made of a (puncture-resistant) fabric comprising several underlayers of different materials: for example, polyurethane for the air chamber (80 to 150 microns thick) and a layer of Dacron, which is a textile fused in a resin (particularly resistant to tensile stress). A wide variety of fabrics is possible (variations in layers, weave, etc.).

[0067] New materials can partially enable self-repair of leaks. Current self-healing materials include three categories of self-healing mechanisms (e.g., microcapsules, vascular networks, or intrinsic). In microcapsule-based materials, a healing agent is protected within tiny spherical shells, which rupture upon damage. In vascular materials, the healing agent is transported by a network of capillaries. As for intrinsically self-healing materials, the property is generally embedded in the chemical network of the polymer material (molecular repairs, such as the formation of hydrogen bonds, ionic interactions, and the mobility and entanglement of the polymer chains).

[0068] The geometry of the inflatable structure can be highly varied (the illustrations show rectangular structures, but inflatable tubes oriented other than horizontally or vertically allow for the creation of various patterns and lattices). A lattice can be a triangulated system, formed by the assembly of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal bars, notably forming triangles, so that each bar is subjected to an acceptable stress, and the overall deformation is moderate. In one embodiment, the inflatable structure comprises squares of approximately 40 cm by 40 cm.

[0069] Display stand, made of canvas 110

[0070] In one embodiment, the projection screen meets optical / visual requirements (grain, reflectance, resolution, reflected brightness, etc.). In the aeronautical case, for simulators, the regulator, for example, sets tolerances for standards in terms of resolution, contrast, fabric quality, etc.; the regulations also impose minimum or maximum values ​​for distance, diameter, etc., which serve to constrain the various devices.

[0071] For an immersive virtual reality application, particularly for video games, a game console coupled with a short-throw projector and a video display assembly according to the invention allows for "local cooperation" ("couch co-op"), which is not naturally possible with virtual reality (VR) headsets, which can present too many limitations for certain uses and personal preferences. Teleworking can also benefit from the embodiments of the invention (a personal desk can to understand and deploy a display surface according to the invention, by video projection, short-throw or from the rear). A large flexible screen also requires a conforming support, in the form of an inflatable structure.

[0072] In one embodiment, the screen fabric 110 is formed from a single piece (e.g., fabric composed of textile and / or plastic fibers; the composition of the screen fabric can vary, particularly with regard to surface grain size). This embodiment is advantageous in that the screen fabric can be rolled and / or folded: like an inflatable structure, it is easy to deploy, quick to assemble, and compact when folded.

[0073] In one embodiment, the screen fabric is flexible and not very deformable (e.g., boat sail).

[0074] In one embodiment, the screen fabric is flexible and stretchable.

[0075] In one embodiment, the screen is made of elastomer. In another embodiment, the display support consists of a single screen fabric (fabric fiber blended with elastics, or even elastane).

[0076] In one embodiment, the screen fabric 110 is woven with the incorporation of prestresses (e.g., tensions, extensions, pulls, etc.) into the fabric during the weaving process (e.g., elastic fibers can be woven while stretched). In particular, the fabric can be woven in one or more sub-parts that can be assembled so as to position the fabric in a spherical configuration.

[0077] In one embodiment, the screen fabric 110 comprises several sub-parts (e.g., 111, 112, etc.), which may be relatively rigid and / or flexible. Indeed, it is possible to differentiate different viewing zones: the central parts may be made of panels that are more rigid than the parts to be positioned or curved. For example, for a video game application, a game console combined with a short-throw video projector can be placed in an inflatable structure according to the invention: polygonal facets can cover the surface of the screen fabric (video display deformations allowing adjustment of the very strong curvature of a living room device).

[0078] Interconnection or maintenance system 105

[0079] The holding device 105 (or "subsystem" for attaching or interconnecting) between the inflatable structure and the screen fabric can be made in different ways: mechanical (e.g. Velcro, springs), magnetic (magnets), electromagnetic (electromagnet), chemical (glue), or in combination of these methods.

[0080] In particular, the attachment system may include hooks and hook complements, said hook complements being able to connect to the hooks of the inflatable structure.

[0081] In one embodiment, the system according to the invention comprises a multitude of tensioners. These tensioners can be fixed once and for all (static), so as to adjust the final shape of the inflatable structure, but can also be controlled dynamically (springs or electric actuators). The fabric can be attached to the inflatable structure by tensioners (e.g., small clips or tensioners) whose distribution aims to ensure good uniformity of fabric tension.

[0082] Figure 2 illustrates an example of an embodiment of the invention, in a configuration with flexible screens.

[0083] In this embodiment, the inflatable structure is composed of vertical 221 and horizontal 231 tubes, which can be melted or glued or attached or integrated 241. In one embodiment, the inflatable structure can be configured to carry flexible screens: the display comes directly from the flexible screens 211, 212, etc.

[0084] Electrical and video cables, where applicable, can be inserted into the various tubes, or even contribute to the stiffening of the inflatable structure.

[0085] Flexible screens

[0086] Flexible or flexible OLED displays are now feasible. Recent models were presented to the public at CES 2018 (Consumer Electronics Show, Las Vegas). Some manufacturers have demonstrated that displays with these properties can be curved to the point of being rollable, foldable, and variously deformable.

[0087] Since flexible screens are particularly thin and light, inflatable structures with captive air can be adapted to support screens.

[0088] Stretchable electronics refers to various applicable technologies. In the manufacture of conventional liquid crystal displays, glass is used as the substrate. If a plastic or metal sheet is used, the entire system can become flexible due to the thinness of the film deposited on the substrate (a few micrometers). A flexible printed circuit board (flex PCB or flex circuit) is, for example, a printed circuit board technology that uses a high-performance plastic substrate, such as polyimide (Kapton) or PEEK film. Other technologies include electronic textiles (e-textiles), some of which converge with flexible electronics.

[0089] Display technologies usable for flexible screens include, in particular, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays. Many other technologies are also usable: organic light-emitting transistors (OLEDs), surface conduction electron-emitting displays. designated by SED (acronym for Surface-conduction electron-emitter display), field emission displays usually designated by FED (acronym for Field emission display), telescopic pixel displays usually designated by TPD (acronym for Telescopic pixel display), laser-powered phosphate displays usually designated by LPD (acronym for Laser-powered phosphor display), ferro liquid crystal displays usually designated by FLCD (acronym for Ferro liquid crystal display), thick-film dielectric electroluminescent technology usually designated by TDEL (acronym for Thick-film dielectric electroluminescent technology), etc.

[0090] The "distribution" (arrangement in space) of the screens can be varied. For example, an architecture may consist of multiple small flexible screens in the center of the display, while larger panels / screens will be used for peripheral vision.

[0091] Tiling of the truncated hemisphere

[0092] The different techniques for tiling the desired surface are applicable to the configuration with overhead projector and / or with flexible screens.

[0093] In some embodiments, the two modes can be combined; for example in a complete rhombicuboctahedron, the 18 square faces can be flexible screens and the 8 triangular faces can be the subject of one or more projections; in a half rhombicuboctahedron, these figures are adjusted; 5 squares (screens) and 4 triangles (projection) may be sufficient.

[0094] In mathematics, a geode is a convex polyhedron inscribed in a sphere, which it approximates. Some architectural constructions include geodesic domes.

[0095] In an advantageous embodiment, the tiling is in the shape of a football, that is, in the form of a portion of a truncated icosahedron (the complete shape comprises 12 regular pentagonal faces, 20 regular hexagonal faces, 60 vertices, and 90 edges). Many other tilings are possible with squares or rectangles and adjustments to the display by screen and / or projection.

[0096] The screen joints, like the manufacturing of multi-part panels, can be made practically invisible. If necessary, a joint of a few millimeters is not a problem (video projection can be carried out on the uprights to smooth out any irregularities, etc.).

[0097] Figure 3 illustrates an example of an embodiment of the invention, with instructions mentation and enslavement.

[0098] In one embodiment, the elements (310) of the inflatable structure (300) are suction or aspiration tubes, which allow the fabric to be attracted / held in position on the captive air inflatable structure.

[0099] In one embodiment, the captive air inflatable structure (300) and / or the display support and / or the interconnection subsystem (105) includes one or more sensors (321, etc.) and / or actuators (eg 322, etc.), i.e., "sensors and actuators" in English.

[0100] A sensor is a device that transforms the state of an observed physical quantity into a usable quantity. Used with a data acquisition system, sensors can be used to implement one or more feedback loops. The sensor can be an accelerometer, an inclinometer, a gyrometer, a gyroscope, etc.

[0101] An actuator is an object that transforms the energy supplied to it into a physical phenomenon that performs work, modifies the behavior or state of a system. The actuator belongs to the operational part of an automated system. The energy can be pneumatic, hydraulic (water or oil), electrical, mechanical, or thermal (e.g., heating of confined air). The actuator can be a cylinder, an electromagnet, a motor, a heating element, an acoustic enclosure, etc. Sensors and actuators can be macroscopic, but also very small (e.g., MEMS).

[0102] In one embodiment, the interconnection subsystem 105 includes several actuators, so as to adjust the tension of the projection screen.

[0103] Control system(s)

[0104] The use of confined air and suitable materials generally guarantees very high stability of the inflatable structure. However, in certain challenging operating conditions (e.g., public places, construction site conditions, etc.), it is possible to incorporate a feedback loop (e.g., controlling inflation based on deformation measurements).

[0105] In one development of the invention, the inflatable structure and / or the canvas are instrumented with position sensors, and a feedback loop with the video projection makes it possible to maintain a stable image.

[0106] Thus, in specific embodiments, the inflatable structure with captive air can be instrumented, in the sense that its geometry can be monitored (e.g., position sensors, tracking cameras, etc.). Deformations (air currents, shock, slow drift, weakening, etc.) can be compensated, in real time or nearly so. This type of compensation can be minimal (requiring a fixed, independent monitoring camera (320), using markers or sensors or actuators (321, 322, etc.), detecting deformed areas and compensating by reinflating / deflating one or more sub-parts of the structure).

[0107] Geometric approximation can be compensated for by the geometric distortion of the display (which is calculated before the data to be displayed is sent, by projection and / or by flexible screen). A video projector can mechanically compensate for a trapezoidal projection; but more generally, logically, knowing the Depending on the geometry of the display surface, it is possible to distort the geometry of the video to be displayed so that the distorted video is compensated for ("erased") by the display surface, giving the viewer the impression of a flat display. In particular, in a square room, it is possible to "process" the corners of the room to approximate a spherical projection. In the various tiling methods described below, the video display can be distorted to match the distortion of the display surface.

[0108] In the illustrated embodiments, the tensioners serve as attachment supports for the various flexible screens etc. The arrangement and geometry of the flexible screens can be architected in various ways (fractal, patterned, etc.).

[0109] Figure 4 illustrates an example of reinforcement for the inflatable structure, in a specific embodiment of the invention.

[0110] For example, the central region can be occupied by a large screen (411) while peripheral vision areas such as (413) can be covered by smaller flexible screens

[0111] Figure [Fig. 5] illustrates an example of reinforcement for the inflatable structure, in a specific embodiment of the invention.

[0112] Optionally, reinforcements, flying buttresses, arches, or buttresses (510) may be used to strengthen the support of the captive air inflatable structure. In architecture, a buttress is a raised reinforcement on the exterior face of a vaulted building that serves to contain the effects of a load or the thrust of the arches and vaults.

[0113] Figure 6 illustrates another example of reinforcement for the inflatable structure, in a specific embodiment of the invention.

[0114] Horizontal (610) and / or vertical (620) cross members can also be used to reinforce the support of the captive air inflatable structure and ensure proper tension of the projection screen.

[0115] The invention can be implemented using hardware and / or software. It can be available as a computer program product on a computer-readable medium. The medium can be electronic, magnetic, optical, or electromagnetic. The computing means or resources can be centralized and / or distributed ("cloud computing"), optionally with or using peer-to-peer and / or virtualization and / or redundancy technologies. The software code can be executed on any suitable processor (e.g., a microprocessor) or processor core or a set of processors, whether provided in a single computing device or distributed across several computing devices. The computer implementation of the invention can use centralized systems (e.g., client-server or master-slave) and / or distributed systems (e.g., peer-to-peer architecture). peer-to-peer using available computing resources, possibly opportunistically (e.g., ad hoc networks, etc.). The system (or its variants) implementing one or more steps of the process may use one or more dedicated electronic circuits or a general-purpose circuit. The process may also be implemented on a reprogrammable computing machine (a processor or a microcontroller, for example) executing a program comprising a sequence of instructions, or on a dedicated computing machine (for example, a set of logic gates such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other hardware module). A dedicated circuit can notably improve performance.The reference to a computer program that, when executed, performs any of the functions described above, is not limited to an application program running on a single host computer. Rather, the terms computer program and software are used here in a general sense to refer to any type of computer code (e.g., application software, firmware, microcode, APIs, web services, or any other form of computer instruction) that can be used to program one or more processors to implement steps in the process.

Claims

Demands

1. Video display assembly, comprising: - a captive air inflatable structure in the form of a curved shape or a portion of a truncated sphere; - a display support; and - a support system between said inflatable structure and said display support, the assembly being characterized in that the support system comprises hooks distributed over the surface of the concave part of the inflatable structure and additional hooks distributed over the convex surface of the display support, said hooks being connected to opposite additional hooks so that when the inflatable structure is inflated, said hooks of the inflatable structure tighten and shape the display support.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the display support is a screen canvas for video projection.

3. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the display support carries one or more flexible displays, in particular of the OLED type.

4. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the retention system comprises hooks and hook complements of mechanical, magnetic, electromagnetic, chemical, or a combination type.

5. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the holding system comprises manually and / or remotely controlled tensioners.

6. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the captive air inflatable structure comprises several sub-parts that can be inflated independently of each other, said sub-parts being associated with separate inflation points.

7. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein sub-parts of the captive air inflatable structure are tubular, the tubular sub-parts being welded and / or glued together.

8. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sub-parts of the inflatable structure form patterns.

9. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the captive air inflatable structure is reinforced by a or several buttresses and / or horizontal and / or vertical crossbeams.

10. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the captive air inflatable structure is reinforced by a rigid articulated frame.

11. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflatable structure and / or display support include one or more sensors and / or actuators, including a video acquisition camera and an inflator.

12. Assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a local processor and / or remotely accessed computing resources for controlling the inflation / deflation of the captive air inflatable structure and / or the tension actuators of the display support to deformations of the displayed video.

13. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a laser projector, in particular a short-throw projector.

14. A method for managing a video display assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a captive air inflatable structure of a curved shape or a truncated sphere portion; a display support; and a support system between said inflatable structure and said display support, the support system comprising hooks distributed over the surface of the concave portion of the inflatable structure and additional hooks distributed over the convex surface of the display support, said hooks being connected to opposite additional hooks; the method comprising at least one step of inflating the inflatable structure so that said hooks of the inflatable structure become taut and shape the display support.

15. Product computer program, said computer program comprising code instructions enabling the steps of the process according to claim 14 to be carried out when said program is executed on a computer.

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