AMOLED Mosaic Display for Flight Simulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wide field of view display systems for aircraft flight simulators are large, expensive, and require frequent maintenance due to multiple video projectors and projection screens, with limitations in visual accuracy and issues of discontinuities and reflections.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a mosaic arrangement of inexpensive, consumer-grade active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display panels around the pilot seat, with overlapping frames and anti-glare treatments to eliminate discontinuities and reflections, supported by a framework that includes cooling fans for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If multiple video projectors and projection screens are used to create a wide field of view display system, then the field of view is expanded, but the system size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple flat panel displays (FPDs) arranged in a mosaic configuration, with each panel contributing a portion of the overall wide field of view. This segmentation allows the system to achieve expanded coverage without requiring a single large complex projector system
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional single-plane projection to a multi-dimensional mosaic arrangement of multiple FPDs positioned at different locations and orientations around the pilot seat, creating a three-dimensional display environment that provides wide field of view without increasing individual component size
2Illumination intensity
If multiple video projectors with high intensity light sources are used, then the illumination intensity is sufficient for the projection screens, but regular maintenance is required due to consumable arc lamps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, maintenance-intensive projection systems with consumer-grade flat panel displays that have no consumable parts requiring replacement. The FPDs use solid-state LED backlighting and LCD or OLED panels that do not require arc lamp replacement or optical alignment maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical projection system with moving lenses, mirrors, and adjustable components is replaced with solid-state flat panel displays that have no mechanical parts. This substitution eliminates maintenance related to mechanical alignment and consumable light sources
3Area of moving object
If multiple projection screens and optical components are used to create a wide field of view display, then the field of view is expanded, but visual accuracy is reduced due to losses in projected scene detail
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of projecting images through multiple optical components that degrade image quality, the system uses flat panel displays that directly generate high-resolution images. Each FPD acts as a direct digital copy source, eliminating optical losses and preserving scene detail across the wide field of view
4Area of moving object
If flat panel displays are arranged in a mosaic configuration to provide wide field of view, then the field of view is expanded, but discontinuities may appear between adjacent display panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different characteristics to different regions of the display system. Edge regions of FPDs have reduced brightness or are masked to create smooth transitions, while central regions maintain full brightness. This local quality adjustment eliminates visible discontinuities between panels while preserving overall wide field of view coverage
5Stability of the object's composition
If multiple flat panel displays are positioned around the pilot seat to eliminate discontinuities, then the display continuity is improved, but cross reflections between display panels may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses anti-reflective coatings on the FPD surfaces to convert potentially harmful reflections into beneficial light transmission. The coatings are specifically designed to reduce glare from ambient lighting while maintaining display brightness, thereby eliminating cross-reflection issues between adjacent panels
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance wide field of view display system with reduced discontinuities and reflections, enhancing visual accuracy and pilot experience.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the display panels is an active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display panel
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of cooling fans are positioned relative to the plurality of display panels inside the flight simulator to direct cooling air across the display screens of the plurality of display panels
Data Source
AI summary
A wide field of view visual display system and aircraft flight simulator uses inexpensive, consumer grade flat display panels, such as active matrix organic light-emitting diode display panels. A plurality of the side display panels are arranged in a left side vertical array at a left hand side of the pilot seat of the flight simulator, and in a right side vertical array at a right hand side of the pilot seat. A top edge of a bottom, left side display panel in the left side vertical array and a bottom edge of an upper, left side display panel in the left side vertical array overlap. A top edge of a bottom, right side display panel in the right side vertical array and a bottom edge of an upper, right side display panel in the right side vertical array overlap.