Spherical LED Display for Panoramic Flight Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flight simulators using collimated projection systems face limitations in light intensity and viewing angles due to optical mechanisms, leading to restricted visibility for pilots, especially under strong backlighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A panoramic vision system utilizing a processor to convert images into spherical coordinates and a spherical display with densely arranged light-emitting-diode pixels, arranged according to radial and zenith spacings, providing a 360-degree view and enhanced depth perception without the need for multiple projectors or optical refractors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a collimated projection system is used to create depth of fields, then the depth efficiency of the image is enhanced, but the light intensity of the image is weakened after multi-reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the optical projection mechanism (projectors, mirrors, refractors) from the system. Instead of using optical reflection and refraction to create depth effects, the system directly displays images on a spherical surface that encompasses the cockpit, eliminating light loss from multiple optical reflections while preserving depth perception through the spherical geometry itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system (projectors, mirrors, lenses) with a direct spherical display system using light-emitting diodes. This substitution eliminates the need for complex optical paths and multiple reflections, thereby maintaining high light intensity while achieving the desired depth of field effect through the spherical arrangement of display elements
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple projectors are combined to create a wide viewing angle, then the viewing angle is expanded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical display surface that completely surrounds the cockpit interior. This spherical geometry naturally provides a 360-degree viewing angle in all directions, eliminating the need to combine multiple projectors to achieve wide coverage. The curved spherical surface inherently delivers panoramic visual coverage with uniform quality across all viewing angles
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical display system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides panoramic viewing in all directions, creates depth of field effects, simulates realistic lighting conditions including backlighting, and eliminates the need for separate optical components. This single unified spherical structure replaces what would otherwise require multiple projectors and complex optical arrangements
3Measurement precision
If a collimated projection system is used, then depth of fields is created, but the viewing angles and light intensity are restricted by optical mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical display surface provides omnidirectional viewing capability, allowing pilots to see images from any angle around the cockpit. This spherical geometry inherently offers 360-degree coverage without the viewing angle restrictions imposed by flat projector screens or limited optical paths, while the spherical arrangement of light-emitting elements naturally creates depth perception
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
The system offers improved image resolution and natural visual transitions, simulating realistic light conditions and providing pilots with comprehensive external views, enhancing their operational visibility and situational awareness.
Implementation Method 1
a spherical display coupled to the processor, wherein the spherical display has a sphere center, the spherical display comprises a plurality of light-emitting-diode pixels being arranged according to the spherical coordinate
Data Source
AI summary
A panoramic vision system includes a processor configured to convert received images into images in a spherical coordinate; a memory coupled to the processor and configured to store the images in the spherical coordinate; and a spherical display coupled to the processor, wherein the spherical display has a sphere center, the spherical display comprises a plurality of light-emitting-diode pixels being arranged according to the spherical coordinate, there is a same radial distance between each light-emitting-diode pixel of the plurality of light-emitting-diode pixels and the sphere center, in the plurality of light-emitting-diode pixels, there is a same azimuth spacing between adjacent two of the plurality of light-emitting-diode pixels at a zenith angle, and there is a same zenith spacing between adjacent two of the plurality of light-emitting-diode pixels at an azimuth angle.