Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to aircraft cabin display systems and more particularly, but not exclusively, to aircraft cabin display systems overlaid on aircraft cabin windows and control thereof.

Electrochromic and smart windows are used in aircraft to block out light from the outside. When activated, a dark or monochromic, tinted surface is obtained on each window. Patent documents <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose such aircraft windows.

These surfaces are in stark contrast to the inner walls of the aircraft. In addition, when some windows are activated and others are not, a non-uniform look is created along the sidewall of the aircraft. Therefore, improvements are needed.

Aspects of the invention provide a method, a system and an aircraft as claimed in the appended claims.

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:.

<FIG> is a top view of an example aircraft <NUM> which can comprise an aircraft cabin display system <NUM> (shown schematically). Aircraft <NUM> can be any type of aircraft such as corporate, private, commercial and passenger aircraft suitable for civil aviation. Aircraft <NUM> can be manned or unmanned (e.g., drone). For example, aircraft <NUM> can be a (e.g., ultra-long range) business jet or a narrow-body, twin-engine jet airliner. Aircraft <NUM> can be a fixed-wing aircraft comprising one or more engines <NUM>. Alternatively, aircraft <NUM> can be a glider with no engines. Aircraft <NUM> can comprise wings <NUM>, fuselage <NUM> and empennage <NUM>. One or more of engines <NUM> can be mounted to fuselage <NUM>. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more of engines <NUM> can be mounted to wings <NUM>. Aircraft <NUM> can comprise a passenger cabin and a cockpit inside fuselage <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is illustrated an example of the aircraft cabir display system <NUM>. At least one cabin window 202a is formed within a sidewall <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>. In some examples, the cabin window 202a is a transparent or translucent window that allows the passage of light and through which a passenger may see outside of the aircraft <NUM>. The window may be made of glass, plastic, fiberglass, acrylic, plexi-glass or any other material capable of having translucent or transparent properties. In some examples, the window 202a is provided with variable opacity, such as by altering its light transmission properties when voltage, light, or heat is applied. The window 202a may change from blocking some or all wavelengths of light to letting some or all wavelengths of light pass through. Some example technologies for providing variable opacity are electrochromic, photochromic, thermochromic, suspended particle, micro-blind, nanocrystal, and polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices. Other technologies are also considered.

A display device 206a covers cabin window 202a and is operatively connected to a controller <NUM>. In some examples, the display device 206a is a layer that is separate from the cabin window 202a, such as a film or a screen that lies on top of or behind the window 202a. In other examples, the display device 206a is embedded in the cabin window 202a. For example, the display device 206a may be one of multiple layers forming an assembly for cabin window 202a, and be surrounded with other structural components. Although illustrated as an ellipse, the display device 206a may take on another shape, such as but not limited to rectangular, square, circular, other geometrical shapes, and other non-regular shapes. Various technologies may be used for the display device 206a, such as but not limited to light-emitting diodes (LEDs), liquid crystal displays (LCD), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), surface-conduction electron-emitter display (SED), plasma display panel (PDP), electroluminescent display (ELD), and laser video display.

In some examples, at least one color measuring device 208a is positioned to measure a reflected color at a position P1 on a surface adjacent to the cabin window 202a. The color measuring device 208a may be attached to a structure of the sidewall <NUM> and pointed towards a specific position on the surface of the sidewall <NUM> adjacent to the window 202a. The color measuring device 208a may also be embedded in or attached to a structure of the window 202a and pointed towards a specific position on the surface of the sidewall <NUM> adjacent to the window 202a. Also alternatively, the color measuring device 208a may be attached to another structure inside the cabin of the aircraft <NUM>, such as a passenger seat, a light fixture, a ceiling structure, and the like. The distance between the color measuring device 208a and the position P1 on the surface where reflected light is measured is set in accordance with the measuring range of the device 208a.

In some examples, the color measuring device 208a is a color meter for measuring surface colors, such as a spectral color meter for RGB or HSL values, or a color meter according to CIELab standards. The color measuring device 208a may be adapted for a specific type of material, for example for measuring textile or plastic, depending on the material covering the sidewall <NUM> at P1 on the surface adjacent to the cabin window 202a.

The color measuring device 208a is operatively connected to the controller <NUM> for transmitting to the controller <NUM> the measured reflected color. The controller <NUM> is configured for generating an image for display on the display device 206a. The image has an image color that matches the reflected color as measured by the color measuring device 208a at P1. The controller provides the image to the display device 206a and the display device 206a displays the image. The displayed image allows the window 202a to visually blend with the surface adjacent to the window 202a, giving the sidewall <NUM> a more uniform look. In some examples, the displayed image comprises a pattern that corresponds to a pattern of the surface adjacent to the window 202a. For example, the sidewall <NUM> may have inlays and textures that are reproduced in an image, using a pre-programmed surface pattern. The image color of the image comprising the pre-programmed surface pattern is set to match the reflected color as measured by the color measuring device 208a at P1.

In some examples, the color measuring device 208a is omitted from the system <NUM> and the reflected color is obtained by the controller <NUM> from a storage medium <NUM>, which may be separate from or incorporated within the controller <NUM>. For example, one or more measurement of the reflected color on the surface adjacent to the window 202a may be performed during a calibration phase, which can take place as the aircraft is manufactured or at any other time prior to operation of the system <NUM>. In some examples, a plurality of measurements of the reflected color on the surface adjacent to the window 202a are taken during the calibration phase, each one corresponding to a different set of lighting conditions (and possibly other parameters) within the cabin of the aircraft. During operation, the controller <NUM> may be configured to access the storage medium <NUM> and select the reflected color as a function of current cabin lighting conditions and/or other parameters.

In some examples, a light intensity measuring device 212a is provided for measuring a reflected intensity of light at P1 on the surface adjacent to the window 202a. The light intensity measuring device 212a may be attached to a structure of the sidewall <NUM> and pointed towards a specific position on the surface of the sidewall <NUM> adjacent to the window 202a. The light intensity measuring device 212a may also be embedded in or attached to a structure of the window 202a and pointed towards a specific position on the surface of the sidewall <NUM> adjacent to the window 202a. Also alternatively, the light intensity measuring device 212a may be attached to another structure inside the cabin of the aircraft <NUM>, such as a passenger seat, a light fixture, a ceiling structure, and the like. The distance between the light intensity measuring device 212a and the position P1 is set in accordance with the measuring range of the device 212a.

In some examples, the light intensity measuring device 212a is a lux meter for measuring luminous flux per unit area, or illuminance, at P1. In some examples, the light intensity measuring device 212a is a light meter for measuring the amount of light reflected at P1.

Examples include a multifunction lux meter, an LED light meter, an LED lux meter, and the like.

In some examples, the reflected intensity is pre-measured for a given set of cabin lighting conditions (and possibly other parameters, such as time of day), and stored in the storage medium <NUM> for retrieval by the controller <NUM>.

While illustrated as separate devices, the light intensity measuring device 212a and the color measuring device 208a may be provided as a single device capable of performing both measurements.

The light intensity measuring device 212a is operatively connected to the controller <NUM> for transmitting to the controller <NUM> the measured reflected light intensity. The controller <NUM> is configured for matching the light intensity of the image generated with the reflected light intensity as measured at P1, thus enhancing the visual blending of the window 202a with the sidewall <NUM> and the uniformity thereof.

In some examples, the controller <NUM> is configured for applying a gradient to the color and/or light intensity of the image displayed on the display device 206a, as a function of one or more factors. For example, a gradient may be applied to the image on the display device 206a as a function of a distance of a pixel on the display device 206a with the position P1 at which the reflected color and/or light intensity is measured. Pixels that are further away from P1 would be dimmed compared to pixels that are closer to P1, or vice versa. A wash light effect may be created on the window 202a in this manner. Other factors that may be used to apply the gradient across the image on the display device 206a are a distance of a pixel from a surrounding light source, or a reflectivity of the surface at P1. Using the distance from a surrounding light source, a top to bottom dimming effect may be created on the window 202a, whereby the upper section of the generated image has a higher light intensity than a lower section of the generated image.

The controller <NUM> may communicate with the display device 206a, the color measuring device 208a, and the light intensity measuring device 212a in a variety of ways. For example, the controller <NUM> may communicate via wire-based technology, such as electrical wires or cables, and/or optical fibers. The controller <NUM> may also communicate via wireless means, such as RF, infrared, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular radio, and others. As such, communication with the controller <NUM> may therefore traverse a network, such as the Internet, the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN), a cellular network, or others known to those skilled in the art. In some examples, the controller <NUM> is part of a cabin management system (CMS) of the aircraft <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, there is illustrated an example of an image generated by the aircraft cabin display system <NUM>. In accordance with the claimed invention, color and light intensity are measured at two distinct positions and the image displayed on display device 206a is generated in accordance with at least two measurements. For ease of discussion, the color measuring device 208a and the light intensity measuring device 212b have been removed. As shown, first measurements of reflected color and/or light intensity are taken at position P1 and second measurements of reflected color and/or light intensity are taken on an opposite side of the window 202a at position P2. The measured reflected color and/or measured reflected light intensity at P1 and P2 are sent to the controller <NUM>. The image generated by the controller is composed of two portions <NUM>, <NUM>. A first portion <NUM> has an image color that matches the reflected color measured at P1 and/or a light intensity that matches the reflected light intensity measured at P1. A second portion <NUM> has an image color that matches the reflected color measured at P2 and/or a light intensity that matches the reflected light intensity measured at P2. The first portion <NUM> of the image is disposed adjacent to P1. The second portion <NUM> of the image is disposed adjacent to P2.

While the example of <FIG> illustrates obtaining measurements at two positions, measurements for reflected color and/or reflected light intensity may be obtained at three or more positions disposed around the surface surrounding the window 202a. In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to generate the image with a number of portions corresponding to the number of reflected color measurements received and/or with the number of reflected light intensity measurements received. An example is illustrated in <FIG>, where measurements for reflected color and/or reflected light intensity are obtained at positions P1, P2, P3, P4, leading to an image composed of portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the reflected color measurement positions differ from the reflected light intensity measurement positions, as illustrated in the example embodiment of <FIG>. In this example, reflected color measurements are taken at P1, P2, and reflected light intensity measurements are taken at P3, P4. Portions <NUM> and <NUM> have image colors that match the reflected color measured at P1. Portions <NUM> and <NUM> have image colors that match the reflected color measured at P2. Portions <NUM> and <NUM> have image intensities that match the reflected light intensity measured at P3. Portion <NUM> and <NUM> have image intensities that match the reflected light intensity measured at P4.

In some embodiments, reflected colors are measured at a number of positions that differs from the number of positions where reflected light intensity is measured. An example is illustrated in <FIG>. Color is measured at three positions around the window 202a, at P1, P2, P3 while light intensity is measured at two positions around the window 202a at P4, P5. The image is composed of four different portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Portion <NUM> has an image color that matches the reflected color measured at P1 and an image intensity that matches the reflected light intensity measured at P4. Portion <NUM> has an image color that matches the reflected color measured at P3 and an image intensity that matches the reflected light intensity measured at P5. Portion <NUM> has an image color that matches the reflected color measured at P2, and an image intensity that matches the reflected light intensity measured at P4. Portion <NUM> has an image color that matches the reflected color measured at P2, and an image intensity that matches the reflected light intensity measured at P5.

More or less measurement positions may be used than what is shown in the examples illustrated in <FIG>. In some embodiments, a single measurement device is used to measure both reflected color and reflected light intensity. In this case, the measurement positions for reflected color and reflected light intensity are the same. In some embodiments, a same color measuring device 208a is used to measure reflected color at two or more positions by displacing the device 208a to have it pointing towards a given position when obtaining a given measurement. In some embodiments, a same light intensity measuring device 212a is used to measure reflected light intensity at two or more positions by displacing the device 212a to have it pointing towards a given position when obtaining a given measurement. Control and positioning of the devices 208a, 212a may be effected by the controller <NUM> or by another device. In some embodiments, each measurement device 208a, 212a is cycled through the various positions P1. PN sequentially. The generated image may be adapted or modified by the controller <NUM> when a new color or light intensity is measured at a given position that differs from a color or light intensity previously measured at the given position. The measuring positions may be offset between the devices 208a, 212a, such that the color measurement device 208a starts measuring at position P1, for example, and cycles through to position PN while the light intensity measurement device 212a starts measuring at position P2, for example, and cycles through to position PN followed by position P1. Other measurement sequences may also be used.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured for providing a gradient in color and/or light intensity in the image generated. An example is illustrated in <FIG>. Reflected color and/or reflected light intensity are measured at positions P1 and P2. Portion <NUM> of the image is set in accordance with the measurements obtained at P1. Portion <NUM> of the image is set in accordance with the measurements obtained at P2. Portion <NUM> of the image is set with a gradient to more smoothly transition from portion <NUM> to portion <NUM> and vice versa.

In some embodiments, the gradient is provided between more than two portions, as illustrated in the example of <FIG>. Color and/or light intensity measurements are taken around the window 202a, as positions P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9, P10, P11. Portions <NUM> of the image are set in accordance with the measured color and/or light intensity measurements at respective ones of P1-P11. Portion <NUM> of the image is set with a gradient. A single gradient may be applied to portion <NUM>. Alternatively, multiple gradients may be applied to portion <NUM> to more smoothly transition between the various portions <NUM> of the image.

In some examples, the display 206a extends over additional cabin windows 202b, 202c, as illustrated in the example, not falling within the scope of the claims, of <FIG>. In some examples, additional color measuring devices 208b, 208c and/or additional light intensity measuring devices 212b, 212c are provided for additional cabin windows 202b, 202c, respectively. The portion of the display that covers window 202a displays an image having an image color and/or an image intensity that corresponds to the reflected color and/or reflected light intensity measured at position P1. The portion of the display that covers window 202b displays an image having an image color and/or an image intensity that corresponds to the reflected color and/or reflected light intensity measured at position P2. The portion of the display that covers window 202c displays an image having an image color and/or an image intensity that corresponds to the reflected color and/or reflected light intensity measured at position P3. In some examples, a single color measuring device 208a is used to measure reflected colors at positions P1, P2, P3. In some examples, a single light intensity measuring device 212a is used to measure reflected light intensity at positions P1, P2, P3. In some examples, a single measurement device is used to measure both color and light intensity at positions P1, P2, P3.

In the example of <FIG>, the image generated by the controller <NUM> and displayed on the display device 206a may comprise a plurality of individual images that are displayed at positons on the display that correspond to the positions of the cabin windows 202a, 202b, 202c. Sections of the display that do not correspond to the cabin windows 202a, 202b, 202c, for example sections of the sidewall <NUM> between windows 202a and 202b, and between windows 202b and 202c, may remain transparent. For example, if the display device 206a is an LED display, pixels aligned with cabin windows 202a, 202b, 202c are active while pixels unaligned with windows 202a, 202b, 202c are inactive.

Alternatively, a single image may be generated and displayed on the display device 206a. Pixels aligned with cabin windows 202a, 202b, 202c may be set to have colors and/or light intensity that match measured reflected colors and/or light intensities at corresponding positions P1, P2, P3 respectively. Pixels unaligned with cabin windows 202a, 202b, 202c may be set to recreate the sidewall <NUM> between respective ones of the windows 202a, 202b, 202c. In some embodiments, a gradient is applied to portions of the image between respective ones of the windows 202a, 202b, 202c, to smooth the transition between the portions of the image displayed over windows 202a, 202b, 202c.

Referring to <FIG>, there is illustrated another example embodiment. In this example, a plurality of display devices 206a, 206b, 206c are provided for cabin windows 202a, 202b, 202c, respectively. Each display device 206a, 206b, 206c is operatively connected to the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> generates an image for each display device 206a, 206b, 206c as a function of color and/or light intensity measurements obtained on surfaces adjacent to each cabin window 202a, 202b. A combination of the embodiments illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> is also considered, whereby a first display device 206a extends over two or more cabin windows 202a, 202b, and one or more additional display device 206b, 206c is provided for additional cabin windows 202c. Various configurations may be used as a function of the setup of the interior of the passenger cabin in the aircraft <NUM>.

The display devices 206a, 206b, 206c can operate in multiple modes. In a first mode the display devices 206a, 206b, 206c are transparent while in a second mode the display devices 206a, 206b, 206c are operative to display an image generated by the controller for color and/or light intensity matching. In some embodiments, the display devices 206a, 206b, 206c can also operate in a third mode as in inflight entertainment (IFE) system. In some embodiments, the display devices 206a, 206b, 206c can operate in both a color-matching mode (i.e. the second mode) and as an IFE system (i.e. the third mode) concurrently. Indeed, the color and/or intensity of the images displayed while in-use as an IFE system may be adapted as a function of the color and/or light intensity measurements obtained on surfaces adjacent to each cabin window 202a, 202b, 202c. In some embodiments, the display devices 206a, 206b, 206c can operate as IFE systems (i.e. the third mode) while the devices are transparent (i.e. the first mode). Individual passenger control may be provided to set the mode of operation, using for example a tactile screen for interactive operation or other input means.

In some embodiments, and as illustrated in <FIG>, a plurality of positions P1-P8 are disposed pseudo-randomly around the plurality of cabin windows 202a, 202b, 202c. The controller <NUM> receives measurements taken at positions P1-P8 and considers the measurement for a given image as a function of its relative position with respect to a given cabin window. For example, the controller <NUM> may consider measurements taken at P1, P2, P3, and P5, and optionally P4, for the image generated for cabin window 202a. The controller <NUM> may consider measurements taken at P4 and P7, and optionally P3, P5, P6, for the image generated for cabin window 202b. The controller <NUM> may consider measurements taken at P6 and P8 and optionally P7 for the image generated for cabin window 202c. Other permutations are also considered. The measurement positions, number of measurements taken, and consideration of a given measurement for a given image or image portion should not be limited by the examples illustrated herein.

With reference to <FIG>, there is illustrated an example embodiment for the controller <NUM>. A processing unit <NUM> and a memory <NUM> which has stored therein computer-executable instructions <NUM> are provided. The processing unit <NUM> may comprise any suitable device configured to implement the system such that instructions <NUM>, when executed by the processing unit <NUM>, may cause the functions/acts/steps as described herein to be executed.

The memory <NUM> may include a suitable combination of any type of computer memory that is located either internally or externally to the controller <NUM>, for example random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), electro-optical memory, magneto-optical memory, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM) or the like. Memory <NUM> may comprise any storage means suitable for retrievably storing machine-readable instructions <NUM> executable by processing unit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> can be implemented as part of an inflight entertainment system of an aircraft.

<FIG> illustrates an example method <NUM> for controlling the aircraft cabin display system <NUM>. In some embodiments, method <NUM> is performed when instructions <NUM> are executed by processing unit <NUM>. In a first optional step, the method <NUM> is enabled when a predetermined level of translucency of the cabin window is detected. At step <NUM>, the translucency level of the cabin window is detected. If the detected translucency is below a threshold, step <NUM> is repeated. If the translucency is equal to or above the threshold, the method <NUM> moves on to step <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, the reflected color and/or light intensity is obtained on a surface adjacent to a cabin window of the aircraft <NUM>. As indicated above, step <NUM> may take many forms, such as performing separate measurements for color and light intensity, taking measurements at a plurality of positions around the window, displacing one or more measuring device to obtain measurements at two or more positions, retrieving previously obtained measurements (reflected color and/or light intensity) from a storage device, and the like. In some embodiments, step <NUM> further comprises obtaining color and/or light intensity at surfaces adjacent to a plurality of windows.

At step <NUM>, an image is generated having an image color and/or an image intensity in accordance with the reflected color and/or reflected light intensity. In some embodiments, step <NUM> comprises generating multiple images for multiple display devices associated with multiple cabin windows. In some embodiments, step <NUM> comprises generating an image having multiple portions, each portion having its own setting for image color and/or image intensity, for a single cabin window. In some embodiments, step <NUM> comprises generating an image having multiple portions, each portion for a given cabin window, each portion having sub-portions with its own setting for image color and/or image intensity.

In some embodiments, one or more gradient is applied to an image, to provide a smoother transition between color and/or light intensity settings of different portions of the image.

At step <NUM>, at least one image is displayed on at least one display device over at least one cabin window. In some embodiments, step <NUM> comprises displaying the image over a portion of the display device. In some embodiments, step <NUM> comprises activating pixels of the display device that are aligned with cabin windows and deactivating pixels of the display device that are unaligned with cabin windows, for example pixels that are aligned with sidewalls of the cabin. In some embodiments, step <NUM> comprises displaying multiple images on a single display device that extends over multiple cabin windows. In some embodiments, step <NUM> comprises displaying one image with multiple portions on a single display device that extends over multiple cabin windows. In some embodiments, step <NUM> comprises displaying an image on each display device, for multiple display devices covering multiple cabin windows.

In some embodiments, the method <NUM> is performed dynamically as lighting conditions inside the aircraft cabin change. For example, if a passenger is watching a movie on a screen in proximity to the surface adjacent to the cabin window, and a light of a given coloring and/or intensity is projected onto the surface by the screen, the controller <NUM> would pick up on the change to the color and/or light intensity on the surface and generate an image for display on the display device accordingly, or update an already displayed image accordingly. Other conditions inside the cabin that may cause the reflected color and/or reflected light intensity at the surface adjacent to a cabin window to change are opening and closing of window shades of other windows in proximity to the cabin window, dimming or increasing the interior lighting of the cabin, changes to the opacity level of other windows in proximity to the cabin window, and the use of personal or individual lights by passengers in proximity to the cabin window.

The method <NUM> and controller <NUM> for controlling an aircraft cabin display described herein may be implemented in a high level procedural or object oriented programming or scripting language, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the method <NUM> and controller <NUM> for controlling an aircraft cabin display may be implemented in assembly or machine language. The language may be a compiled or interpreted language. Program code for implementing the method <NUM> and controller <NUM> for controlling an aircraft cabin display may be stored on a storage media or a device, for example a ROM, a magnetic disk, an optical disc, a flash drive, or any other suitable storage media or device. The program code may be readable by a general or special-purpose programmable computer for configuring and operating the computer when the storage media or device is read by the computer to perform the procedures described herein. Embodiments of the method <NUM> and controller <NUM> for controlling an aircraft cabin display may also be considered to be implemented by way of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. The computer program may comprise computer-readable instructions which cause a computer, or in some embodiments the processing unit <NUM> of the controller <NUM>, to operate in a specific and predefined manner to perform the functions described herein.

Claim 1:
A method for controlling an aircraft cabin display, the method comprising:
obtaining a reflected color on a surface adjacent to a cabin window (202a) of an aircraft (<NUM>);
obtaining a reflected intensity of light at the surface adjacent to the cabin window (202a);
generating an image having an image color in accordance with the reflected color and an image intensity in accordance with the reflected intensity on the surface adjacent to the cabin window (202a); and
displaying the image having the image color and the image intensity on a display device (206a) covering the cabin window (202a);
wherein obtaining the reflected color and intensity comprises measuring the reflected color and intensity on the surface adjacent to the cabin window (202a) of the aircraft (<NUM>);
wherein measuring the reflected color and intensity on the surface comprises measuring a first reflected color and intensity at a first position on the surface and measuring a second reflected color and intensity at a second position on the surface; and
characterised in that wherein generating the image comprises generating a first portion of the image in accordance with the first reflected color and intensity and generating a second portion of the image in accordance with the second reflected color and intensity.