Aircraft Window Image Display System for Expanded Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft window systems limit passenger visibility of the outside environment, and existing virtual window display systems require structural modifications and do not provide a realistic representation of the outside environment.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft fuselage system with image acquisition, processing, and display means that produces computed images in continuity with real window views, allowing wider visibility by projecting images onto a display surface that adapts to passenger movements and gaze direction, using cameras and image processing to simulate the outside environment around the window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional aircraft windows are used, then the aircraft structure remains simple and unmodified, but passenger visibility of the outside environment is limited to the window dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the real window view with virtual displayed images onto a single display surface, combining the benefits of both real and virtual windows. The display means projects computed images onto the window or surrounding surface, allowing passengers to see both the actual outside environment through the window and enhanced virtual images simultaneously, thereby expanding visibility without requiring complete window replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary display system that acts as a mediator between the passenger and the outside environment. The display means serves as an intermediary device that projects computed images onto a display surface, enhancing the direct window view while maintaining the simplicity of the original window structure. This intermediary approach allows visibility expansion without complex structural modifications
2Area of stationary object
If virtual window display systems replace windows, then visibility is augmented, but the aircraft structure requires modification and realism is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display function from the window structure itself. Instead of replacing the entire window with a complex display system, the invention places display means (projectors) and display surfaces as separate, add-on components that work with the existing window. This segmentation allows the visibility enhancement function to be added without modifying the core window structure or aircraft fuselage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic display system where the display means can project images adaptively onto the display surface. The system dynamically adjusts the projected images based on the aircraft's position, orientation, and the passenger's viewpoint, creating a realistic enhanced view that adapts to changing conditions without requiring structural changes to the aircraft
3Area of stationary object
If display systems are added to windows, then outside visibility is widened, but the system complexity increases with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the display means to perform multiple functions: projecting virtual images, correcting image distortion, and adapting to different viewing angles. The image processing means handles multiple tasks including receiving images from video cameras, processing them, and transmitting corrected images to the display means. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing system complexity while expanding field of view
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft fuselage comprising at least one window equipped with a system for displaying images of the outside environment for a passenger. The display system comprises a camera for filming the environment outside the aircraft; a display surface; a display projector suitable for displaying an image of the outside environment on the display surface; and a first image processor suitable for receiving the images of the outside environment. The first image processor is configured to produce computed images which are in continuity with the images visible to the passenger through the window, and transmit the computed images to the display projector.