Aircraft Cabin Panoramic View System Using Window Plug Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft cabin windows are limited in size due to structural constraints, restricting passengers' external views, and panoramic windows require significant redesign and certification, limiting their applicability to existing aircraft models.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising window plugs with integrated cameras and a processor that captures and combines video feeds to display a panoramic view on flat panel displays, allowing for improved external viewing without major structural modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If panoramic windows are implemented to increase viewing area, then the viewing area outside the cabin is improved, but the aircraft structure requires major redesign and certification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cameras positioned at the window to capture images of the external environment, creating a visual copy of the outside scene. This copied visual information is then displayed on screens within the cabin, allowing passengers to view external scenery without physically enlarging the window opening, thus avoiding structural redesign while achieving enhanced viewing experience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of cameras, processors, and display screens between the external environment and the passenger viewing area. This intermediary system captures, processes, and presents external views without requiring direct line-of-sight through enlarged windows, thereby resolving the contradiction between viewing area and structural integrity
2Area of stationary object
If window size is increased to improve passenger visibility, then the view outside the aircraft is improved, but structural constraints on the aircraft are violated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically enlarging windows which would compromise structural integrity, the system captures images through existing windows using cameras and displays enlarged versions of these images on screens. This creates a visual copy that appears larger than the actual window, maintaining structural strength while providing enhanced viewing area for passengers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the viewing experience from a two-dimensional physical window opening to a multi-dimensional display system. Cameras capture images through the fixed-size window, processors enhance and manipulate the visual data, and large-format screens present the expanded view, effectively adding spatial dimensions to the viewing area without altering the physical window dimensions
3Ease of operation
If cameras and displays are added to create panoramic view, then the viewing experience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified system: cameras serve both as viewing devices and as data sources for processing; the processor handles image capture, enhancement, and display coordination; and the display screens provide both the panoramic view and can potentially show other cabin information. This multi-functional integration improves viewing experience while managing system complexity through coordinated operation of these universal components
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for displaying on a display inside of an aircraft a panoramic view of a view outside the aircraft. The system includes a window plug configured to fit into a window of an aircraft. The window plug includes a camera positioned to capture video outside of the aircraft and a display positioned over the window plug. The camera and display are connected to a processor to display the captured video on the display. The system may include a control panel that controls the operation of the camera and display. A device may be used to control pan and zoom features of the camera. A plurality of cameras may be connected to the processor, which may combine the captured videos from the plurality of cameras to display a single panoramic video on a single display or a plurality of displays. The combined video may be a 3D video.