Virtual Window Video System for Aircraft Attitude Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passengers in windowless aircraft suites experience discomfort due to lack of visual attitude reference during flight maneuvers, leading to motion sickness, as existing video systems fail to provide reliable and intuitive attitude information.
Innovation Solution
A video system that emulates actual windows by using multiple cameras positioned to capture distinct views, processing images to match each passenger's eye position, and displaying them on monitors to provide an intuitive attitude reference through peripheral vision, reducing image latency and distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single image is replicated on all screens on the same side of the mockup, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of attitude reference is compromised during aircraft maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the video system into multiple independent camera units, each capturing a specific view (forward, downward, side). Each monitor receives a dedicated camera feed rather than a replicated single image, providing reliable attitude reference for different flight phases while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Different monitors display different camera views optimized for their specific location and function. Forward monitors show forward-looking camera footage for level flight, while side monitors display downward-looking camera footage for attitude reference during maneuvers, ensuring each monitor provides the most appropriate visual information for its position
2Ease of operation
If forward looking landscape cameras are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of attitude reference deteriorates during takeoff maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the camera functions into multiple specialized cameras: forward-looking landscape cameras for normal operation, and downward-looking cameras specifically for attitude reference during takeoff and maneuvering. This segmentation allows each camera type to excel at its specific function without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different camera feeds based on flight phase. During takeoff and maneuvering, the system activates downward-looking camera feeds to provide reliable attitude reference, while using forward-looking feeds during level flight, ensuring optimal performance across all operational conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If video screens are used for multiple information and entertainment purposes, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability of attitude reference deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments monitor functions into dedicated attitude reference monitors and general entertainment/information monitors. Attitude reference monitors receive exclusive feeds from downward-looking cameras optimized for maneuver detection, while other monitors provide entertainment and information content, ensuring attitude reference reliability is not compromised by multi-functionality requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method. The system may include a monitor (1202, 1204, 1206) implemented as a virtual window, a camera (1302, 1304, 1306), an additional camera (1704), a processor (1404), and a switch (1310). The processor may be configured to: receive video from the additional camera; manipulate the video from the additional camera based on a position of the passenger to provide an additional camera manipulated video stream; and output the additional camera manipulated video stream. The switch may be configured to: when the passenger is in a first position, feed video from the camera to the monitor; and when the passenger is in a second position, feed the additional camera manipulated video stream to the monitor.