Virtual Cockpit Window Using Mobile Display for Extended Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles, such as aircraft, often have limited field of view through their windows, making operations like flight checks and taxiing challenging, especially when on the ground, as pilots struggle to see the exterior environment effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a view generator to identify the position of a mobile display device relative to a vehicle and display external views on the device using image data from sensor systems, effectively extending the field of view by acting as a virtual window, allowing pilots to see surroundings not visible through the cockpit windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the aircraft uses traditional windows in the flight deck for viewing the exterior environment, then the structural design is simple and reliable, but the field of view is limited and makes operations like flight checks and taxiing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mobile display devices (smartphones, tablets) as virtual copies of physical windows. These devices run applications that capture and display exterior views from various camera positions on the aircraft, providing a replicated visual experience without adding physical windows to the aircraft structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional physical windows to three-dimensional spatial viewing by allowing operators to view exterior environments through multiple camera positions and angles on mobile devices, effectively adding dimensional freedom to the viewing experience.
2Area of stationary object
If the pilot walks around the exterior of the aircraft or exits the flight deck to make separation observations, then the field of view is improved, but the time required for operations increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile display device acts as an intermediary between the pilot and the exterior environment. Instead of the pilot physically moving to different locations, the device captures images from various positions and transmits them to the pilot, eliminating the need for physical movement while maintaining comprehensive viewing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical action of the pilot physically walking around or exiting the aircraft with an electronic system that captures and transmits visual information digitally, eliminating the mechanical movement requirement and reducing time loss.
3Area of stationary object
If additional physical windows are added to the aircraft to improve field of view, then the viewing capability is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically adding windows to the aircraft, the system uses mobile display devices as virtual copies that provide the same viewing function through software applications capturing images from existing camera positions on the aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile display devices serve multiple functions: they act as viewing screens, camera interfaces, and communication devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated physical windows, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining viewing capabilities.
4Area of stationary object
If head-mounted displays are used to provide external views, then the field of view is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses inexpensive mobile display devices (smartphones, tablets) that are already widely available, replacing expensive specialized head-mounted display hardware. These consumer devices provide sufficient functionality for the intended application without requiring costly custom equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus comprising a view generator. The view generator is configured to identify a position of a mobile display device relative to an exterior of a vehicle. The view generator is further configured to identify image data from a sensor system for the vehicle that corresponds to a field of view of the mobile display device from the position of the mobile display device relative to the vehicle. The view generator is further configured to display an external view for the vehicle on the mobile display device using the image data.