Patent Description:
Images are displayed for a variety of reasons, including for the branding of products and services, the communication of information, and the conveyance of artistic creations.

<CIT> states, according to its abstract, a projection system for enhancing color saturation and contrast for a projected image. The projection surface includes a coat containing active materials and the projection system includes a first light source emitting light onto the surface and defining a first image on the surface and a second light source emitting light onto the surface and activating the active materials within the transparent coat to emit visible light of one or more wavelengths. The first light source defines the first image and the visible light emitted from the active materials enhances one or more characteristics of the first image. In another embodiment, the second light source may be activated when the first light source fails to define a backup or static image that may be different or the same as the image produced by the first light source.

<CIT> states, according to its abstract, a multi-layered intelligent display system includes a first LCD display panel; a second OLED display panel; a smart panel disposed behind the second display panel; an LED panel disposed between the second display panel and the smart panel; a sensor for detecting the ambient light behind the smart panel and activating the LED panel if the ambient light is below a predetermined illuminance; a memory having programming instructions stored thereon; and a controller in communication with the first and second display panels, the smart panel, and the memory. The multi-layered intelligent glass display is operable in each of a display mode, a multilayer display mode, and a transparent mode.

<CIT> states, according to its abstract, a projection screen of a head-up display has a projection surface and a back surface opposite to the projection surface. The projection surface is used for receiving an image beam projected by an image projection component and reflecting part of the image beam. The projection screen includes a photochromic layer disposed on the transmission path of the image beam. When an ambient light irradiates the back surface of the projection screen, the transmittance of the photochromic layer decreases as the intensity of the ambient light increases.

<CIT> states, according to its abstract, an image projection apparatus provided with a camera as image pickup means for detecting a position of a curved surface as a target for projection, so that the image can be projected to other than a fixed planar surface, a marker follower for following markers of the curved surface based on image pickup signals from the camera, an attitude and/or position prediction unit for predicting the attitude and/or position of the curved surface, a computer having an image creating unit for creating an image based on the attitude and/or position of the curved surface and a projector for projecting an image from the computer to the curved surface as a target of projection.

<CIT> states, according to its abstract, a display system is equipped with light irradiation devices that are provided on an aircraft, and the light irradiation devices are configured to emit light toward the airframe of the aircraft.

<CIT> states, according to its abstract, a method and apparatus comprising a projector system and a structure connected to the projector system. The projector system is configured to project an image on an exterior surface of an aircraft. The structure is configured to be connected to the aircraft and has a shape configured to reduce an undesired airflow caused by the projector system when the aircraft is in flight.

<CIT> states, according to its abstract, a method and apparatus for displaying information on an exterior surface of an aircraft. A display panel is embedded within an exterior surface of the aircraft. A substantially transparent protective layer covers the display panel and forms a portion of the exterior surface of the aircraft.

According to an aspect of the invention to which this European patent relates, there is provided a display system as defined in claim <NUM>. According to a second aspect of the invention to which this European patent relates, there is provided a display method as defined in claim <NUM>.

Display systems, vehicles with display systems, and display methods are disclosed. Display systems comprise a display structure having a display surface, and an optical projector that is positioned relative to the display structure and that is configured to project an image onto the display surface. Vehicles comprise a display system and vehicle structures, in which one vehicle structure comprises the display structure of the display system and another vehicle structure comprises the optical projector of the display system. Display methods comprise projecting an image onto a display surface.

Display systems, vehicles with display systems, and display methods are disclosed herein. Generally, in the figures, elements that are likely to be included in a given example are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that are optional to a given example are illustrated in dashed lines. However, elements that are illustrated in solid lines are not essential to all examples of the present disclosure, and an element shown in solid lines may be omitted from a given example without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As schematically represented in <FIG>, display systems <NUM> comprise a display structure <NUM> having a display surface <NUM>, and an optical projector <NUM> that is positioned relative to the display structure <NUM> and that is configured to project an image <NUM> onto the display surface <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the projection of the image <NUM> is schematically represented by dash-dot lines. An image <NUM> may be displayed onto a display surface <NUM> for various reasons, such as to advertise a product or service, to display branding, to display artwork, and/or to communicate information. As discussed herein, display systems <NUM> may be incorporated into various structures, including (but not limited to) vehicles, such as aircraft, rail vehicles, other land vehicles such as buses, and marine vehicles, as well as buildings.

The optical projector <NUM> of a display system <NUM> may take any suitable form, examples of which include liquid crystal display (LCD) projectors, digital light processing (DLP) projectors, GOBO (go before optics) projectors, micro projectors, and laser light projectors. The display structure <NUM> of a display system <NUM> also may be any suitable structure onto which an image <NUM> is desired to be displayed. Illustrative examples of display structures discussed herein include vehicle structures, such as aerostructures of an aircraft, and building structures.

In some examples, the display surface <NUM> has a first state, in which indicia <NUM> are visible, and a second state, in which the indicia <NUM> are at least less visible. In some such examples, the indicia <NUM> are not visible at all when the display surface <NUM> is in the second state. Accordingly, when the display surface <NUM> is in the second state and when the image <NUM> is projected onto the display surface <NUM>, the image <NUM> will have greater clarity than when the display surface <NUM> is in the first state and the indicia <NUM> are visible. Such display structure <NUM> may therefore be used to display the indicia <NUM> in some instances and to display the projected image <NUM> in other instances. Additionally or alternatively, in some instances, the image <NUM> may be projected and displayed in combination with the indicia <NUM> and or in combination with at least a subset of the indicia <NUM>. As an example, it may be desirable to display the indicia <NUM> during daylight and to display a projected image <NUM> during nighttime. As a more specific example and with reference to <FIG>, it may be desirable to display indicia <NUM> in the form of a logo on the display surface <NUM> in some instances and to display an image <NUM> in the form of text on the display surface <NUM> in other instances.

In some examples, the indicia <NUM> are defined by color-changing pigment <NUM>, that is, pigment that changes color, hue, saturation, intensity, tone, shade, and/or otherwise its visible appearance responsive to a change in external conditions. Accordingly, when indicia <NUM> are defined by color-changing pigment <NUM>, the display surface <NUM> is configured to change between its first state and its second state responsive to a change in external conditions. For example, color-changing pigment <NUM> may be a thermochromic pigment that changes its appearances responsive to changes in temperature. Alternatively, color-changing pigment <NUM> may be a photochromic pigment that changes its appearance responsive to changes in, or the presence of certain, wavelengths of light incident on the photochromic pigment. For example, a photochromic pigment may change its appearance responsive to ultraviolet (UV) light incident on the photochromic pigment, with such examples referred to as UV-photochromic pigments. In some examples, the photochromic pigment is clear, translucent, or even transparent when a threshold amount of UV light is incident thereon, and is colored when the threshold UV light is not incident thereon. Accordingly, such a photochromic pigment may be used to display indicia <NUM> during daylight (i.e., with the display surface in its first state) and to not display the indicia <NUM> during darkness, or relative darkness (i.e., with the display surface in its second state).

In some examples, the image <NUM> that is projected by the optical projector <NUM> is a video image or an animated image. Such display systems <NUM> may provide for unique advertising, branding, or other information sharing for entities that utilize such display systems.

<FIG> schematically illustrate in sequence an example animated image in the form of a portion of an animated logo. More specifically, in this example, the ring feature (representing aerial circumnavigation of Earth) is the animated image <NUM> being projected, while the remainder of the logo (representing Earth and an aircraft) is static. In a more particular example, the ring feature is separately visible as indicia <NUM> when the display surface <NUM> is in its first state, as represented in <FIG>, and when the display surface <NUM> transitions to its second state, the static ring feature (i.e., indicia <NUM>) is not visible, as represented in <FIG>, and instead the optical projector <NUM> projects the animated image <NUM> in the form of the animated ring feature.

In another example, a video image or an animated image may include text that scrolls (e.g., as a roller ticker) across the display surface <NUM>.

Additionally or alternatively, the image <NUM> may be or include a static image.

In some examples, the optical projector <NUM> is configured to automatically redirect the image <NUM> responsive to a change in relative position of the display surface <NUM>. In some examples, the optical projector <NUM> is configured to automatically maintain an entirety of the image <NUM> on the display surface <NUM>. For example, in various applications of display systems <NUM>, it may be important to ensure that the image <NUM> is incident solely on the display surface <NUM>, as opposed to being inadvertently incident on another surface or structure, such as behind the display structure <NUM> relative to the optical projector <NUM>. In aerospace applications, such as discussed herein for example, it may be important to ensure that the image <NUM>, and more specifically the light that forms the image <NUM>, is not incident on airport personnel such as on the flight deck, pilots and other personnel in aircraft cockpits, passengers in aircrafts, etc..

With continued reference to <FIG>, in some such examples, the optical projector <NUM> comprises one or more sensors <NUM> that are configured to detect the change in positon of the display surface <NUM> relative to the optical projector <NUM>, and an actuator <NUM> that is configured to automatically redirect the image <NUM> responsive to the one or more sensors <NUM> detecting the change in relative positon of the display surface <NUM>. Any suitable sensors <NUM> and any suitable actuators <NUM> may be incorporated into display systems <NUM>.

In some such examples, the one or more sensors <NUM> are configured to detect a boundary <NUM> of the display surface <NUM>, and the actuator <NUM> is configured to automatically maintain the entirety of the image <NUM> on the display surface <NUM> responsive to the one or more sensors <NUM> detecting the boundary <NUM> of the display surface <NUM>.

In some examples, the display structure <NUM> comprises one or more markers <NUM>, and the one or more sensors <NUM> are configured to detect movement of the one or more markers <NUM> to detect a change in relative positon of the display surface <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more sensors <NUM> are configured to detect the one or more markers <NUM> to detect the boundary <NUM> of the display surface <NUM>.

As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, markers <NUM> may comprise retro-reflective material, and sensors <NUM> may detect reflected light incident on the markers <NUM> (e.g., infrared (IR) light emitted by the optical projector <NUM> or by another component of the display system <NUM>). In other examples, markers <NUM> may emit, rather than just reflect, light (e.g., IR light), and sensors <NUM> may detect the light therefrom. For example, markers <NUM> may comprise IR light emitting diodes (LEDs).

In some examples, the actuator <NUM> comprises one or more gimbals together with one or more motors configured to adjust the position(s) of the one or more gimbals and thereby to adjust the direction the image <NUM> is projected from the optical projector <NUM>. In some examples, the actuator <NUM> is configured to redirect the image <NUM> only in a single dimension, while in other examples, the actuator <NUM> is configured to redirect the image <NUM> in two dimensions. In some applications, adjustment of the image <NUM> in only a single dimension may be necessary, such as based on environmental or other conditions associated with the display structure <NUM>, the optical projector <NUM>, and/or the structure by which the optical projector is supported.

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, optical projector <NUM> is configured to correct for distortion based on the keystone effect when the display surface <NUM> is angled relative to the optical projector <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, illustrative non-exclusive examples of display systems <NUM> and applications thereof are illustrated; however, the examples of <FIG> are non-exclusive and do not limit display systems <NUM> to the illustrated examples and applications of <FIG>. For the purpose of brevity, each previously discussed component, part, portion, aspect, region, etc. or variants thereof of display systems <NUM> may not be discussed, illustrated, and/or labeled again with respect to the examples of <FIG>; however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the previously discussed features, variants, etc. may be utilized with such examples.

<FIG> each illustrate an example vehicle <NUM> that comprises vehicle structures <NUM> and at least one display system <NUM>, in which one of the vehicle structures <NUM> comprises the display structure <NUM> of the display system <NUM> and another one of the vehicle structures <NUM> comprises the optical projector <NUM> of the display system <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> each illustrate example vehicles <NUM> in the form of aircraft <NUM>. More specifically, aircraft <NUM> comprise aerostructures <NUM>, and at least one display system <NUM>, in which at least one of the aerostructures <NUM> comprises the display structure <NUM> of the display system <NUM> and at least one other of the aerostructures <NUM> comprises or supports the optical projector <NUM> of the display system <NUM>. In the illustrated examples, the aerostructures <NUM> comprise a fuselage <NUM> that comprises a passenger cabin <NUM> and windows <NUM>, two wings <NUM>, a vertical stabilizer <NUM> supported by the fuselage <NUM>, and a horizontal stabilizer <NUM> supported by the fuselage <NUM>.

In some examples, a display system <NUM> of an aircraft <NUM> may be operative to project an image <NUM> only when the aircraft's logo lights are activated. In some such examples, activation of the aircraft's logo lights may simultaneously activate the optical projector <NUM> of a display system.

The aircraft <NUM> of each of <FIG> and <FIG> are shown with four optional implementations of display systems <NUM>.

In some examples, a wing <NUM> comprises the display structure <NUM> and the fuselage <NUM> comprises (or houses) the optical projector <NUM>; however, in other examples a wing <NUM> may comprise both the display structure <NUM> and may comprise (or house) the optical projector <NUM>.

In the example aircraft <NUM> of <FIG>, wings <NUM> each comprise a winglet <NUM>, and the winglet <NUM> comprises the display structure <NUM>. In such examples, the image(s) <NUM> projected onto the winglet(s) <NUM> will be visible to passengers in the passenger cabin <NUM> looking out the windows <NUM>. Moreover, in such examples, the display system(s) <NUM> may be able to project the image(s) <NUM> onto the winglet(s) <NUM> regardless of whether the aircraft <NUM> is in flight or on the ground.

In the example aircraft of <FIG>, each wing <NUM> comprises a folding wing <NUM> that comprises a proximal portion <NUM> that is coupled to the fuselage <NUM> and a distal portion <NUM> that is hinged to the proximal portion <NUM> and spaced-away from the fuselage <NUM>. The distal portion <NUM> of the folding wing <NUM> has a deployed position (illustrated in dash-dot-dot lines), in which the distal portion <NUM> and the proximal portion <NUM> are configured for flight of the aircraft <NUM>, and a folded position (illustrated in solid lines), in which the distal portion <NUM> is pivoted upward relative to the deployed position. In the illustrated example, the distal portion <NUM> of each folding wing <NUM> comprises a display structure <NUM> of a display system <NUM>. In some such examples, the optical projector <NUM> is configured to project an image <NUM> only when the distal portion <NUM> is in the folded position. Accordingly, the aircraft's controls may prevent operation of the optical projector <NUM> when the folding wings <NUM> are in their deployed position. As discussed herein, such a feature may be important to avoid an image <NUM> being undesirably projected onto an unintended structure. In some such examples, the optical projector <NUM> is configured to project an image <NUM> only when the distal portion <NUM> is in the folded position and responsive to the aircraft's logo lights being activated by aircraft personnel.

In some examples, such as when a winglet <NUM> (<FIG>) or a distal portion <NUM> of a folding wing <NUM> (<FIG>) comprises a display structure <NUM>, the display surface <NUM> is within a line of sight from the passenger cabin <NUM> via a window <NUM>.

In some examples, such as when a winglet <NUM> (<FIG>) or a distal portion <NUM> of a folding wing <NUM> (<FIG>) comprises a display structure <NUM>, the optical projector <NUM> is configured to redirect the image <NUM> responsive to a change in droop of the wing <NUM>. For example, the droop (or sag) of a wing <NUM> is affected by the weight of fuel housed therein, as well as on whether the aircraft is in flight or on the ground. Accordingly, in examples of display systems <NUM> in which a wing <NUM> comprises a display structure <NUM>, it may be advantageous for the display systems <NUM> to incorporate an actuator <NUM> that redirects the image <NUM> up and down based on the droop of the aircraft wing.

In some examples, the vertical stabilizer <NUM> comprises the display structure <NUM>. In some such examples, one or both horizontal stabilizers <NUM> comprise an optical projector <NUM>. In such examples, the image(s) <NUM> may not be visible to passengers in the passenger cabin <NUM>, but instead may be visible to other individuals, such as looking out of airport windows.

In some examples, the fuselage <NUM> comprises the display structure <NUM>, and one or more of a wing <NUM>, the vertical stabilizer <NUM>, or a horizontal stabilizer <NUM> comprises the optical projector <NUM>. Such examples may be particularly useful to project image(s) <NUM> that provide an aircraft with a striking visual (e.g., sparkling stars) when the aircraft is on the ground and visible to travelers looking out of an airport window.

<FIG> illustrates an example vehicle <NUM> in the form of a train <NUM> comprising at least one display system <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example vehicle <NUM> in the form of a bus <NUM> comprising at least one display system <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example vehicle <NUM> in the form of a marine vehicle <NUM> comprising at least one display system <NUM>. In the specific example of <FIG>, the vehicle structures <NUM> of the marine vehicle <NUM> comprise a funnel <NUM>, and the funnel <NUM> comprises the display structure <NUM> of a display system <NUM>. In other examples, other portions of the marine vehicle <NUM>, such as its hull, comprise the display structure <NUM> of a display system <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example building <NUM> that comprises a display system <NUM>. In other examples, a building <NUM> may comprise the display structure <NUM> of a display system <NUM>, while the optical projector <NUM> of the display system is spaced away from the building <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically provides a flowchart that represents illustrative, non-exclusive examples of display methods <NUM> according to the present disclosure. In <FIG>, some steps are illustrated in dashed boxes indicating that such steps may be optional or may correspond to an optional version of a display method <NUM>. The display methods <NUM> and steps thereof illustrated in <FIG> are not limiting and other methods and steps are within the scope of the present disclosure, including methods having greater than or fewer than the number of steps illustrated, as understood from the discussions herein.

As represented in <FIG>, display methods <NUM> comprise at least projecting <NUM> an image onto a display surface, such as a display surface <NUM> of a display structure <NUM> of a display system <NUM>, discussed in detail herein.

In some examples, the display surface is at least partially defined by color-changing pigment. In some such examples, the display surface is at least partially photochromic and/or at least partially UV-photochromic. In some examples, the display surface is at least partially thermochromic.

In some examples, the display surface has a first state, in which indicia are visible, and a second state, in which the indicia are at least less visible and optionally not visible. In such examples, and as optionally represented in <FIG>, the display method <NUM> further comprises transitioning <NUM> the display surface between the first state and the second state. In some such examples, the transitioning <NUM> comprises automatically transitioning the display surface between the first state and the second state. In some examples, the projecting <NUM> is performed when the display surface is in the second state. In some examples, the projecting <NUM> is performed solely when the display surface is in the second state. In some examples, the indicia are defined by color-changing pigment. In some examples, the display surface is configured to be in the first state during daylight and in the second state during darkness, or at least relative darkness. In some examples, the display surface is configured to be in the first state when in the presence of a threshold amount of UV light and in the second state when in the absence of the threshold amount of UV light.

In some examples, the image is a video image or an animated image. In other examples, the image is a static image.

As optionally represented in <FIG>, some display methods <NUM> further comprise automatically redirecting <NUM> the image responsive to a change in relative position of the display surface. Additionally or alternatively, as optionally represented in <FIG>, some display methods <NUM> further comprise automatically directing <NUM> an entirety of the image onto the display surface.

In some examples, the projecting <NUM> comprises projecting the image onto a vehicle structure of a vehicle. For example, the vehicle may be an aircraft, a train, a bus, or other land vehicle, or a marine vehicle.

In some examples, the projecting <NUM> comprises projecting the image onto an aerostructure of an aircraft. In some such examples, the projecting <NUM> comprises projecting the image onto a wing of the aircraft. In some examples that include automatically redirecting <NUM>, the automatically redirecting <NUM> comprises automatically redirecting the image responsive to a change in droop of the wing.

In some examples, the projecting <NUM> comprises projecting the image onto a winglet of the wing.

In some examples, the wing is a folding wing, and the projecting <NUM> comprises projecting the image onto a distal portion of a folding wing when the distal portion is pivoted upward to a folded position. In some such examples, as optionally represented in <FIG>, display methods <NUM> further comprise restricting <NUM> the projecting <NUM> when the distal portion <NUM> is not in the folded position.

In some examples, the projecting <NUM> comprises projecting the image onto a vertical stabilizer of an aircraft.

In some examples, the projecting <NUM> comprises projecting the image onto a fuselage of an aircraft.

In some examples, the projecting <NUM> comprises projecting the image onto a funnel, a hull, or other structure of a marine vehicle.

In some examples, the projecting <NUM> comprises projecting the image onto a building.

Claim 1:
An aircraft (<NUM>) comprising:
a display system (<NUM>) comprising:
a display structure (<NUM>) having a display surface (<NUM>), wherein the display surface (<NUM>) has a first state, in which indicia (<NUM>) are visible, and a second state, in which the indicia (<NUM>) are at least less visible; and
an optical projector (<NUM>) positioned relative to the display structure (<NUM>) and configured to project an image (<NUM>) onto the display surface (<NUM>),
wherein the optical projector (<NUM>) is configured to automatically redirect the image (<NUM>) responsive to a change in relative position of the display surface (<NUM>), and wherein the optical projector (<NUM>) is configured to automatically maintain an entirety of the image (<NUM>) on the display surface (<NUM>); and
aerostructures (<NUM>), wherein one of the aerostructures (<NUM>) comprises the display structure (<NUM>) and another one of the aerostructures (<NUM>) comprises or supports the optical projector (<NUM>).