Aircraft Panoramic View System Using Window Cameras and Flexible Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft passengers seated away from windows have difficulty viewing external panoramic views during flight, as window shades are typically open only for passengers near windows, limiting their visibility of the outside scenery.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus is installed in aircraft with multiple cameras positioned in windows to capture panoramic views, which are then displayed on flexible displays installed in the cabin, allowing passengers to select different viewing angles and positions, integrated with existing in-flight entertainment systems without modifying the aircraft structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If window shades are kept open for passengers near windows, then passengers near windows can view external panoramic views, but passengers seated away from windows have difficulty viewing external views
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures external panoramic views through cameras installed in windows and creates visual copies of these views. These copied views are then transmitted to display devices located at various positions throughout the aircraft cabin, allowing passengers seated away from windows to view external scenery that would otherwise be inaccessible to them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the viewing experience from a two-dimensional window view (only accessible to passengers near windows) to a multi-dimensional distribution system. By installing cameras in windows and displaying captured images on multiple screens throughout the cabin, the system creates viewing access in additional spatial dimensions, allowing passengers anywhere in the aircraft to access external views.
2Ease of operation
If multiple cameras are installed in windows to capture panoramic views for all passengers, then viewing accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal system where cameras installed in windows serve multiple functions: capturing panoramic views for distribution to multiple display locations simultaneously. The same camera system serves all passengers throughout the aircraft, and the display system can show the same content across multiple screens, creating a multi-functional setup that improves accessibility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the aircraft cabin into multiple zones with cameras and display devices strategically positioned in different segments. This segmentation allows the system to serve different passenger areas independently while using a standardized camera-display architecture, making the overall complex system manageable through modular organization.
3Ease of operation
If flexible displays are installed in the space between windows and ceiling, then viewing accessibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes flexible display screens that can be installed in the curved or irregular space between windows and the aircraft ceiling. These flexible displays conform to the available mounting surfaces, maximizing the use of unused cabin space while providing viewing access to passengers. The flexibility of these displays allows them to be adapted to various installation locations without requiring extensive structural modifications.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an apparatus for providing external panoramic view contents for an aircraft during flight by installing a plurality of cameras (112, 114, 116) in a plurality of windows installed in an aircraft for displaying external panoramic views inside the aircraft while the aircraft flies in order for aircraft passengers to enjoy them. The apparatus includes a shooting unit (110) having a plurality of cameras for shooting aircraft's external panoramic views; a control unit (120) for receiving a plurality of images from the cameras and processing them; and a display unit (130) comprising a single display (132) and a multi-display (134) including a plurality of sub-displays.