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Sommaire du brevet 2643247 

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Disponibilité de l'Abrégé et des Revendications

L'apparition de différences dans le texte et l'image des Revendications et de l'Abrégé dépend du moment auquel le document est publié. Les textes des Revendications et de l'Abrégé sont affichés :

  • lorsque la demande peut être examinée par le public;
  • lorsque le brevet est émis (délivrance).
(12) Brevet: (11) CA 2643247
(54) Titre français: SYSTEME DE VISUALISATION D'IMAGES POUR PASSAGERS D'UN AERONEF
(54) Titre anglais: IMAGE VIEWING SYSTEM FOR PASSENGERS OF AN AIRCRAFT AND AIRCRAFT COMPRISING SUCH A SYSTEM
Statut: Réputé périmé
Données bibliographiques
(51) Classification internationale des brevets (CIB):
  • G09F 21/08 (2006.01)
  • G09F 9/35 (2006.01)
  • G09F 19/18 (2006.01)
  • G09F 21/10 (2006.01)
(72) Inventeurs :
  • COSSART, CHRISTOPHE (France)
(73) Titulaires :
  • AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS (France)
(71) Demandeurs :
  • AIRBUS FRANCE (France)
(74) Agent: RICHES, MCKENZIE & HERBERT LLP
(74) Co-agent:
(45) Délivré: 2015-11-03
(86) Date de dépôt PCT: 2007-02-23
(87) Mise à la disponibilité du public: 2007-08-30
Requête d'examen: 2012-02-09
Licence disponible: S.O.
(25) Langue des documents déposés: Anglais

Traité de coopération en matière de brevets (PCT): Oui
(86) Numéro de la demande PCT: PCT/FR2007/000328
(87) Numéro de publication internationale PCT: WO2007/096531
(85) Entrée nationale: 2008-08-21

(30) Données de priorité de la demande:
Numéro de la demande Pays / territoire Date
0601710 France 2006-02-27

Abrégés

Abrégé français

L' invention concerne système de visualisation d' images pour passagers d'aéronef, caractérisé en ce qu'il est réalisé sous la forme d'un module (10) qui comporte une unité d'affichage (20) d'images provenant d'au moins une source d'images, l'unité d'affichage étant assujettie à une paroi interne de l'aéronef, dans une position parallèle à un plancher de l'aéronef.


Abrégé anglais

The invention relates to an image viewing system for aircraft passengers, characterized in that it is embodied in the form of a module (10) which comprises a unit (20) for displaying images originating from at least one image source (12, 14, 16), the display unit being tied to an internal wall of the aircraft, in a position parallel to a floor of the aircraft.

Revendications

Note : Les revendications sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.


18
What is claimed is:
1. An image viewing system for passengers of an aircraft, comprising:
a module provided with a display unit configured to display images
originating from at least one image source, wherein
the display unit is disposed in a position parallel to a floor of the aircraft

when the module is fastened to an internal partition of the aircraft, and
the display unit is configured to be accessible to the passengers
simultaneously.
2 A system according to claim 1, wherein the display unit has a convex
general shape.
3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the display unit has a
hemispherical general shape.
4. A system according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:
a projection unit configured to project images furnished by the at least one
image source; and
an optical system configured to adapt, to the display unit, the images
projected thereon.
5. A system according to claim 1, further comprising:
passenger/viewing system interactive elements that are associated with
the display unit.
6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the display unit integrates a
tactile
layer, and the interactive elements form tactile zones of the layer.
7. A system according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising:
a plurality of interactive elements arranged around the display unit.
8. A system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a data-processing unit.
9. A system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a mechanism configured to adjust the vertical position of the display unit.

19
10. A system according to claim 1, wherein
the display unit is mounted on a support capable of being fixed on the
internal partition of the aircraft.
11. A system according to claim 10, wherein
the support is provided with a fixation foot.
12. A system according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising:
an adjustment mechanism configured to vertically adjust the support.
13. A system according to claim 12, wherein
the adjustment mechanism is of the rotary type.
14. A system according to claim 1, wherein
the module has a height that is smaller than the height of the
passengers.
15. A system according to claim 1, wherein the display unit has a circular
shape.
16. A system according to claim 15, wherein the display unit is configured
to be viewed from a plurality of positions around the periphery of the display

unit.
17. A system according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is mounted on
a support and forms therewith an external physical envelope of the image
viewing system.

Description

Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.


(CA 02643247 2008-08-21
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1
Image viewing system for passengers of an aircraft and
aircraft comprising such a system
The invention relates to an image viewing system intended for passengers
of an aircraft.
It is known that viewing screens mounted vertically and fixed to the back
of passenger seats, to the ceiling of aisles situated between the banks of
seats
and to the panels facing the central bank of seats can be used on board
airplanes.
It would nevertheless be useful to have a new viewing system that can be
used by several passengers and that is installed in clear spaces of aircraft,
for
example in the relaxation area of an aircraft of A380 type.
The object of the present invention is an image viewing system for
passengers of an aircraft, characterized in that it is constructed in the form
of a
module provided with a unit for displaying images originating from at least
one
image source, the display unit being fastened to an internal partition of the
aircraft, in a position parallel to a floor of the aircraft.
By mounting the display unit of the module horizontally in this way, or in
other words parallel to a cabin floor of the aircraft, it is possible to fix
this unit on
the floor in a clear space, free of any passenger seat. This space forms a
zone
accessible to the passengers in order that several of them can view the images

there simultaneously.
It will be noted that the display unit may be disposed in a manner
substantially parallel to the floor, meaning that the display unit may be
strictly
parallel or be slightly inclined by a few degrees relative to the floor.
The source of the images, such as video images, is not necessarily
integrated into the physical unit forming the viewing module, and in this
regard it
may be located elsewhere.

CA 02643247 2013-07-18
2
In this way it is possible to reduce the space requirement of the system.
Furthermore, in this way the source may be easily used by other viewing
systems, whether or not they are according to the invention, or even for other

purposes.
According to one characteristic, the display unit has a convex general
shape that is appropriate for offering simultaneous viewing to several
passengers.
When the viewing system is fixed on the floor, this convex shape,
hemispherical, for example, makes it possible to recreate the impression that
the
passenger would feel when looking at the bottom of the ocean in a glass-
bottomed boat or when using a bathyscope.
According to one characteristic, the system is provided with:
- a unit for projecting images furnished by the image source,
- an optical system for adapting, to the display unit, the images projected
thereon.
These two elements are integrated into the physical unit that forms the
viewing system, and the display unit constitutes an image-projection surface.
More particularly, these elements, as well as the display unit, are mounted
close to one another and not in separate locations.
It will be noted that the viewing system becomes more compact and the
number of "design" possibilities increases as the distance separating the
different elements (such as the projection unit and the display unit) becomes
shorter.
In this way it is possible, for example, to reduce the dimensions of the
viewing system which is fastened to an internal partition of the aircraft.
It will be noted that the optical system is, for example, an optical
correction system that may or may not be part of the image-projection unit. If
this
optical system is independent, it is, for example, a lens.

CA 02643247 2013-07-18
2a
According to one embodiment, the present invention provides an image
viewing system for passengers of an aircraft, comprising: a module provided
with
a display unit configured to display images originating from at least one
image
source, wherein the display unit is disposed in a position parallel to a floor
of the
aircraft when the module is fastened to an internal partition of the aircraft,
and the
display unit is configured to be accessible to the passengers simultaneously.
According to one characteristic, the system is provided with

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passenger/viewing system interactive elements that are in relationship with
the
display unit.
In this way, the multi-passenger viewing system is interactive, in contrast
to the traditional collective screens, which are disposed vertically, or in
other
words perpendicular to the floor of the aircraft and at a distance from the
passengers.
By using the means for inputting information into the system, the
passengers can therefore choose the information that they wish to view and can

act on the image reproducing the chosen information (zoom, colors, etc.).
According to one characteristic, the display unit integrates a tactile layer,
and the interactive elements form tactile zones of the layer.
The interactive elements may also be arranged in alternating or non-
alternating manner around the display unit.
This spatial distribution is particularly adapted to the arrangement of
passengers grouped around the display unit.
According to one characteristic, the system is provided with a data-
processing unit, which is, for example, integrated into the module forming the

viewing system.
Whether or not it is integrated into the system, the data-processing unit is
capable of processing the images that appear on the display unit, which is
particularly useful when the passengers wish to interact with the images being

viewed, for example, by manipulating them (zoom, etc.).
The data-processing unit and the display unit are mounted, for example,
close to one another in such a way as to reduce the space requirement of the
module.
It will be noted that the viewing system may not be provided with a
projection system and an associated optical system and instead may be
provided with a data-processing unit of little thickness, thus giving the
assembly
formed by the display unit and the processing unit a reduced space requirement

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4
in the manner of a flat and compact portable computer.
The display unit is, for example, a screen of LCD type.
In order to be adaptable to the height of the passengers, there is provided
a mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the display unit.
More particularly, the display unit is mounted on a support capable of
being fixed on an internal partition of the aircraft.
The partition may be the floor, the ceiling or even a vertical partition of
the
aircraft, in which case the support forms an elbow in order that the display
unit
remains horizontal.
According to one characteristic, the support is vertically adjustable by
means of a vertical adjusting mechanism and, for example, the mechanism is of
the rotary type.
According to one characteristic, the support is provided with a fixation foot
that permits fixation of the system to an internal partition of the aircraft.
According to one characteristic, the display unit is fixed on the floor.
According to one characteristic, the viewing module has a vertical height
or extension that is smaller than the height or size of the passengers.
In general, the height of the module is situated almost at mid-height of an
adult passenger, or in other words at a height of approximately one meter.
This height gives adult passengers in standing position the ability to use
the viewing module.
Correlatively, the invention also has as an object an aircraft comprising an
image viewing system for aircraft passengers such as that briefly described
hereinabove.
Other characteristics and advantages will become apparent in the course
of the description hereinafter, given only by way of non-limitative example
and
written with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:
- Fig. 1 is a schematic view illustrating the logical architecture of the
viewing system according to the invention;

WO 2007/096531 'CA 02643247 2008-08-21
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- Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the layout of the viewing system according
to the invention;
- Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a first exemplary embodiment of a viewing
system according to the invention;
- Figs. 4a and 4b are schematic views of a second exemplary
embodiment of a viewing system according to the invention, Fig. 4b being a
sectional view according to section plane 1Vb-IVb of Fig. 4a;
- Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a third exemplary embodiment of a viewing
system according to the invention;
- Fig. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the system of Fig. 5.
As illustrated in Fig. 1, a logical architecture of an image viewing system
according to the invention is provided with the physical unit or module 10
constituting the system proper and a plurality of possible image sources
denoted
12, 14 and 16.
According to one variant, the image source or sources may be integrated
into system 10.
In the described embodiment, however, the sources are disposed at
separate locations.
In this way the space requirement of system 10 can be reduced.
It will be noted that the image data originating from one or more sources
are digital, for example, but alternatively they may be in analog form.
Furthermore, the image data are, for example, of video type.
Sources 12, 14, 16 may include video and non-video data and
respectively form part of a system denoted LCS (an acronym that in English
terminology means "Landscape Control System"), of a system denoted IFE (an
acronym that in English terminology means: "In-Flight Entertainment), and of a

system denoted Cl DS (an acronym that in English terminology means: "Cabin
Intercommunication Data System").
The LCS system furnishes video data originating from cameras placed

- ,
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= 6
under the aircraft or at the upper end of the aircraft tail section.
The IFE system furnishes data relating to in-flight entertainment programs
(films, commentaries, games, language training methods, etc.).
The CIDS system in turn furnishes data relating to the flight (trajectory of
the airplane, speed, altitude and other items of information about the
flight).
It will be noted that the transmission between sources 12, 14 and 16 and
system 10 may be achieved by means of a cable or wirelessly, such as by a
radio link.
As illustrated in Fig. 1, IFE system 14, for example, receives data
originating from sources 12 (video images) and 16 (information items to be
used
for the display, such as information items about the flight), and processes
them
in a data management module 17.
It will be noted that module 17 also generates data specific to system 14,
which itself also is a possible source of data (in-flight entertainment data).
These data are also transmitted to system 10.
Physical module or device 10, which constitutes the viewing system,
integrates a data-processing unit 18, which is connected to system 14 and is
capable of communicating therewith, in both transmission and reception.
When the data to be displayed have been processed, they are transmitted
to system 10.
It will be noted that, under certain circumstances, processing unit 18 may
itself generate the data to be displayed from sources 12, 14 and 16 without
the
intervention of the function of management module 17 for generating data to be

displayed.
Furthermore, in other embodiments that are not illustrated, processing unit
18 may be disposed at a separate location and thus may not be part of the
physical unit constituting viewing system 10, thus reducing the volume and
weight thereof.
System 10 also integrates a display unit 20, which makes it possible to

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7
display video or non-video images that have passed through processing unit 18
or have been generated in their entirety thereby.
It will be noted that the images transmitted by the source or sources may
nevertheless be subjected to several transformations (post-processing of the
shaping type, adaptation to system 10, etc.) by unit 18 before they are
displayed.
In this way, possible optical and chromatic defects can be corrected before
the
images are displayed.
This display unit, which is constructed, for example, in the form of a
screen, is a display unit accessible simultaneously by several passengers.
System 10 is also provided with a subsystem 22 for interaction between
the passengers and the viewing system and that is in relationship with display

unit 20.
This multi-passenger interactive subsystem is provided with interactive
elements (control elements) that permit several passengers to exert control
over
the system via means for inputting into the system.
These input means are, for example, passenger/viewing system
interactive elements that will be described later in relation with Figs. 3 and
4a,
4b.
These control elements are in relationship with processing unit 18, in
order to intervene in the display of data by transmitting commands. Other
control
elements are, for example, remotely accessible by the on-board personnel, who
may transmit commands to unit 18 to control the display of data.
Interactive subsystem 22 permits the passengers and the on-board
personnel to exercise a plurality of functions over the viewing system
according
to the invention, such as:
- image manipulation: zoom, rotation, translation, default preset mode (a
set of initial settings such as zoom level, image orientation, namely, the
height of
the image can be directed toward the nose section of the airplane or toward
the
north or else parameterized between 0 and 360 by the user, etc.);

'
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- image adjustment: artificial colors, real colors, contrast, luminosity,
default preset mode (infrared or digitally processed images to highlight
political
frontiers, land/sea boundaries, mountain zones, etc.);
- image information items obtained by computerized processing of images
to emphasize information items comprehensible to a user (geographic, physical,

political, etc.): location of the territory or cities over which the airplane
is flying at
a given moment, wind, altitude, default preset mode;
- types of data to be displayed: data originating from the LCS system, data
originating from the cockpit (such as information items originating from the
cockpit via the CIDS system and asking the passengers to return to their
seats),
data concerning the flight, entertainment programs.
Transducers C may also be part of viewing system 10 according to the
invention and retrieve information from the system itself or from its
environment.
For example, they may be luminosity transducers associated with the
display unit, temperature transducers, hygrometry transducers, etc.
Processing unit 18 communicates with these transducers if they are
"intelligent" transducers (equipped with a calculation unit), or otherwise it
merely
obtains the information items that they have collected.
From the information items retrieved by the transducers, processing unit
18 prepares information items about maintenance of the constituent elements of

system 10 as well as information items about the state of this system, and
transmits them to management module 17 of IFE system 14.
The latter analyzes the information items received then transmits these
information items to the CIDS system, which thus may utilize them.
In this way it is possible to provide for replacement of a constituent
element of system 10 if the maintenance information items indicates that it is
at
the end of its life (example: light bulb).
As illustrated in Fig. 2, a zone of an aircraft such as a commercial airplane
of A380 type or of a private airplane (which is the property of companies,

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9
governments or physical persons) constitutes a common relaxation area for the
passengers of the airplane and permits installation of a viewing system
according to the invention.
The viewing system according to the invention is fixed by bolting, welding
or any other appropriate means to an internal partition of the aircraft, which
is, for
example in Fig. 2, floor 24 of this common zone.
The open space is free of any passenger seat and is large enough that
several passengers can assemble around viewing system 10, which, for
example, is installed more or less at the center of this space.
Thus, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the display unit of the viewing system
according to the invention is mounted in more or less horizontal position,
which
in the present case is parallel with the floor of the aircraft.
If the display unit was too greatly inclined relative to the horizontal, it
would make it difficult for passengers standing up and looking downward to
view
images on the display unit.
The passengers grouped around the display unit are able to view thereon
displayed information items relating to an exterior view of the airplane, such
as a
view of the ground over which this airplane is flying (obtained by cameras
mounted on the airplane or by satellite), or geographic information items
based
on a real view and analyzed by processing unit 18 of Fig. 1, accompanied on
the
display by real-time comments from a database of different geographic maps.
Viewing system 10 of Fig. 2 is illustrated in more detailed manner in
longitudinal section in Fig. 3, which will now be described.
In schematic terms, viewing system 10 comprises display unit 20 mounted
on a support 30 and forming therewith the external physical envelope of the
viewing system.
As indicated above, display unit 20 is more or less parallel to the floor of
the aircraft, and in this exemplary embodiment is constructed in the form of a

semi-transparent screen 25 of general convex shape, which in the present case

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is hemispherical, in this way projecting images upward.
The screen, for example, has a diameter of 800 mm.
It may be made of tempered glass or laminated glass or plexiglass, which
constitutes the frosted curved surface for projection of images.
It will be noted that the curvature imparted to the screen gives the
passengers the impression of looking through the glass bottom of certain boats

used for observation of underwater scenes.
Furthermore, the more or less horizontal arrangement of the screen of
Fig. 3 reproduces the natural sense of vision downward.
The spatial arrangement of the screen is defined relative to the spatial
orientation of the axis of rotation or of symmetry of the screen surface in
the
case of a hemispherical or circular surface, or of the normal to the screen
surface in the case of a plane surface.
Thus a horizontal arrangement of the screen means that the axis of
rotation or symmetry or the normal to the surface of the screen is vertical.
In this exemplary embodiment, viewing system 10 is not vertically
adjustable, and support 30 appears in the form of a fixation foot 30a, which
is
intended for fixation of the support, for example to the floor, and which
extends
upward in a flared shape 30b, becoming horizontal, and on which display unit
20
is braced.
Foot 30a is, for example, fixed to the longitudinal and/or transverse beams
constituting the framework of the floor.
The shape imparted to the viewing system resembles that of a mushroom.
In the interior of the block or module constituting system 10, there is
disposed, in the interior part of the foot, data-processing unit 18 and
thereabove
a unit 32 for projecting images that either are furnished by one of the data
sources of Fig. 1 or are generated by processing unit 18.
This video projection unit may be, for example, an LCD projector.
It may also be a video projection unit of DLP type (an acronym that in

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English terminology means "Digital Light ProcessingTm"), marketed by the
MITSUBISHI Co., for example, which is provided with three diodes of LED type
as light source, weighs 500 g and has the following dimensions: 150 x 100 x 50

mm.
Alternatively, the video projection unit may be composed of an LCD
matrix, of a light bulb or of a diode matrix.
System 10 is also provided with an optical system 34 for adapting, to
display unit 20 (screen 25), images that are projected thereon.
The optical system makes it possible to achieve optical diffusion of these
images, thus geometrically adapting the images to the curvature of the display

unit.
Such an optical diffusion system is composed, for example, of Fresnel
lenses or of optical lenses of glass or appropriate plastics.
The optical beam obtained in this way is illustrated very schematically by
reference 35 in Fig. 3.
It will be noted that other geometric corrections for improving the quality of

the image on the display (for example, correction of optical aberrations) are
imposed, for example, by mathematical algorithms used by processing unit 18.
In addition, display unit 20 integrates a tactile layer 22, flexible, for
example, which is provided with passenger/system interactive elements
constituting tactile zones of the screen (interactive subsystem 22 of Fig. 1).
The tactile layer (resistive, capacitive or from another technology)
transmits the information items received to processing unit 18 via a physical
link
not illustrated.
It will be noted that screen 25 may alternatively be a screen of holographic
type.
This latter type of screen is composed of a hologram of the screen
surface and not a hologram of the formed image, thus making it possible to
avoid
stray light while offering a broadened range of colors.

,
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12
Such a screen is described, for example, in the document WO 03012495.
The different interactive elements are, for example, distributed over the
periphery
of the screen to facilitate access thereto by the passengers grouped around
the
system.
The height over which module 10 extends is smaller than that of an adult
passenger and, for example, is situated at human mid-height (for example,
between 90 cm and 1 m, or even 1.20 m). Thus the passengers merely have to
lower their eyes to view images.
It will be noted in this exemplary embodiment that data-processing unit 18
and display unit 20 as well as projection unit 32 and optical system 34 are
mounted close to one another, in order to reduce the overall volume of viewing

system 10.
Referring now to Figs. 4a and 4b, there will be described a second
exemplary embodiment of a viewing system according to the invention.
Viewing system 40 according to the invention conforms with the
description pertaining to system 10 of Fig. 1, but has a configuration
different
from that illustrated in Fig. 3.
Nevertheless, just as for system 10, viewing system 40 may also be
installed in a clear zone of an aircraft, such as that illustrated in Fig. 2.
Module 40 of Figs. 4a and 4b is provided with a display unit 42 mounted
against a data-processing unit 44 of small thickness or in proximity thereto,
in
such a way as to give the assembly composed of the two units 42 and 44 a
reduced space requirement.
This assembly is mounted on a support 46 (Fig. 4b) fixed on an internal
partition of the aircraft which is, for example, a cabin floor thereof, such
as floor
24 of Fig. 2.
As illustrated in Fig. 4b, display unit 42 is mounted horizontally, or in
other
words in a position parallel to the floor of the aircraft, and the vertical
position or
height of this display unit can be adjusted vertically.

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This adjustment is made possible by virtue of the low weight of the
viewing system. In this embodiment, the system effectively does not comprise
frosted glass, optical adaptation system and projection unit.
More particularly, support 46 is provided with a fixation foot 48 of rotary
type which makes it possible to ensure adjustment of the vertical position of
display unit 42 and therefore of viewing system 40.
Foot 48 is mounted in rotary manner in a cylindrical base 49 of the
support, which is fixed to the floor, and it cooperates with the internal
surface of
the latter by way of complementary threads in the manner of an assembly of nut-

and-screw type.
In this way, by simple rotation of the assembly composed of the display
unit and the data-processing unit, viewing system 40 can be raised or lowered
in
order to adjust it to the desired height for the passengers who wish to use
it.
However, it is important to emphasize that, in its maximally extended
position, the vertical dimension of the module is always much smaller than
that
of an adult passenger (example: 1.75 m), because, beyond a certain height, the

passengers standing up do not have sufficient vertical room to view images.
It will be noted that foot 48, in addition to its mechanical function, also
ensures transmission of electric signals to data-processing unit 44 and to
display
unit 42, and likewise from unit 44 to points outside the system.
It is possible, for example, to transmit the necessary electric energy to the
system exclusively via the foot and to transmit the data between the system
and
the external sources of Fig. 1 wirelessly.
In this regard, the electric connector used for electric transmission
between two mounted parts that can rotate relative to one another, and which
is
described, for example, in the document FR 2690285, can be used in support 46
of Fig. 4b.
It is important to note that the viewing system according to the invention
can be adjusted in its vertical position by mechanisms other than the rotary

-
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14
system illustrated in Fig. 4b and, for example, by a hydraulic system using a
jack.
As illustrated in Fig. 4b, display unit 42 is provided with a circular screen
50, for example of LCD or OLED type (an acronym that in English terminology
means "Organic Light Emitting Diode"), which is mounted on a circular frame 52

having greater diameter than that of screen 50.
An annular space 54 is made between the external peripheral rim of
frame 52 and the external peripheral rim of screen 50, and a plurality of
passenger/viewing system interactive elements 55 is arranged in this space
(Fig.
4a).
These interactive elements arranged around screen 50 are directly
accessible to the passengers disposed around viewing system 40, and, for
example, are distributed regularly over four angular sectors of the frame.
It will be noted that these interactive elements are, for example, buttons
constituting part of input means 22 of the interactive subsystem of Fig. 1.
Each of these buttons is, for example, dedicated to a single function, in
order to facilitate comprehension and use of the system by the passengers.
For example, one button is provided for activating the "zoom+" function
and another button is provided for activating the "zoom: function.
Thus the buttons have two positions: one for activating the function and
the other for deactivating it.
Furthermore, display unit 42 is also provided with a tactile layer 56
provided with tactile zones, which in themselves constitute another part of
input
means 22.
This layer 56 (capacitive, resistive or from another technology) is
connected, in a manner not illustrated, to processing unit 44 by physical
connections.
It will be noted that the multi-passenger viewing systems of Figs. 3, 4a
and 4b, by permitting access to several passengers simultaneously and by
offering them possibilities of interaction with the system, are particularly
user-

W02007/096531 CA 02643247 2008-08-21
PCT/FR2007/000328
friendly.
In addition, the fact that these viewing systems are mounted on one of the
cabin floors of the airplane permits the passengers to view images while in
standing position, which is particularly useful on long-distance flights in
which, for
physiological reasons, the passengers are advised not to remain seated
throughout the duration of the flight.
In this way, while standing up, they can also benefit from viewing systems
that are nevertheless different from those normally reserved for seated
passengers.
In a variant not illustrated in the figures, the viewing system according to
the invention can also be provided with a display unit mounted more or less
horizontally and fixed to the ceiling, so as to permit a passenger settled in
his
reclinable armchair to view video images (entertainment programs, etc.) in
almost recumbent position.
Furthermore, the viewing system according to the invention can also be
fixed to a vertical internal partition of the aircraft (not illustrated) and,
in this case,
the display unit is fixed to this partition by way of a lateral elbowed
support, which
assures transmission of electric energy and data.
Furthermore, the viewing system illustrated in the different figures has
limited weight, which makes it particularly usable in aircraft.
It will be noted that it is possible to increase the resolution of a viewing
system according to the invention by including a greater number of projection
units or screens.
Thus, on the basis of four projection units with individual resolutions of
800x600, it is conceivable that a final resolution of 1600x1200 can be
achieved
for the system.
Such a technology already exists for achieving enhanced resolution on
the walls of screens used as equipment in control rooms.
In addition, the viewing system according to the invention can also be

41
W02007/096531 ' CA 02643247 2008-08-21
PCT/FR2007/000328
16
provided with a display unit fastened to the floor of the aircraft, and Figs.
5 and 6
illustrate two possible variants of such an embodiment.
Everything explained in the foregoing for the system of Figs. 3, 4a and 4b
remains valid here, with the exception, however, that the system is fixed to
the
partition.
In Fig. 5, a viewing system 60 according to the invention is fixed to floor
62, which is supported by interlocked longitudinal ¨ 64a to e ¨ and transverse

rails or beams, a single transverse beam 66 being illustrated in this figure.
System 60 is provided with a plurality of display units, for example four
(only two display units 68 and 70 are illustrated), each mounted between two
longitudinal beams and between two transverse beams.
A translucent protective panel 72 covers the display units.
Furthermore, a peripheral molding or frame 74 having a convex exterior
surface is fixed to floor 62 and surrounds the display units and protective
panel
72, in order to ensure a smooth transition between the level of the floor and
that
of the panel.
As illustrated, this molding forms an inclined slope making it possible to
connect the two surfaces in non-abrupt manner.
It will be noted that the different elements 68, 70, 72 and 74 were
intentionally illustrated in a manner in which they are not joined to one
another,
so as to facilitate their identification.
Furthermore, the assembly composed of display units, panel and molding
constitutes, for example, a single block, which is fixed to the floor or to
the
beams supporting it by conventional means commonly used in aeronautics.
It is important to note that the display units are in communication (via a
VGA ribbon or cable) with a data-processing unit, not illustrated, which may
be
placed underneath the floor in proximity to the display units or may be at a
separate location.
A control bracket 76, also fixed to the floor and connected to the data-

=
W02007/096531 CA 02643247 2008-08-21
PCT/FR2007/000328
17
processing unit, supports the passenger/viewing system interactive elements
and
places them at a height accessible to the passengers (interactive terminal).
According to one variant, not illustrated, a tactile panel is mounted on
protective panel 72 and is provided with tactile zones accessible to the feet
of the
passengers.
Viewing system 80 of Fig. 6 is provided with the same elements as system
60 of Fig. 5, or in other words four display units and one translucent
protective
panel.
In contrast to system 60, however, display units 68 and 70 are each
integrated into a recess of floor 82 between two longitudinal beams. The
protective panel in turn is subdivided into four panels (only two panels 84
and 86
are illustrated), each covering one display unit and each integrated into the
same
recess as the latter.
In this way the assembly composed of display units and protective panels
no longer projects relative to floor 82 and is directly integrated into it.

Dessin représentatif
Une figure unique qui représente un dessin illustrant l'invention.
États administratifs

Pour une meilleure compréhension de l'état de la demande ou brevet qui figure sur cette page, la rubrique Mise en garde , et les descriptions de Brevet , États administratifs , Taxes périodiques et Historique des paiements devraient être consultées.

États administratifs

Titre Date
Date de délivrance prévu 2015-11-03
(86) Date de dépôt PCT 2007-02-23
(87) Date de publication PCT 2007-08-30
(85) Entrée nationale 2008-08-21
Requête d'examen 2012-02-09
(45) Délivré 2015-11-03
Réputé périmé 2017-02-23

Historique d'abandonnement

Il n'y a pas d'historique d'abandonnement

Historique des paiements

Type de taxes Anniversaire Échéance Montant payé Date payée
Le dépôt d'une demande de brevet 400,00 $ 2008-08-21
Enregistrement de documents 100,00 $ 2008-11-10
Taxe de maintien en état - Demande - nouvelle loi 2 2009-02-23 100,00 $ 2009-01-29
Taxe de maintien en état - Demande - nouvelle loi 3 2010-02-23 100,00 $ 2010-01-28
Taxe de maintien en état - Demande - nouvelle loi 4 2011-02-23 100,00 $ 2011-01-28
Enregistrement de documents 100,00 $ 2011-05-24
Taxe de maintien en état - Demande - nouvelle loi 5 2012-02-23 200,00 $ 2012-01-24
Requête d'examen 800,00 $ 2012-02-09
Taxe de maintien en état - Demande - nouvelle loi 6 2013-02-25 200,00 $ 2013-01-23
Taxe de maintien en état - Demande - nouvelle loi 7 2014-02-24 200,00 $ 2014-01-27
Taxe de maintien en état - Demande - nouvelle loi 8 2015-02-23 200,00 $ 2015-01-28
Taxe finale 300,00 $ 2015-07-09
Titulaires au dossier

Les titulaires actuels et antérieures au dossier sont affichés en ordre alphabétique.

Titulaires actuels au dossier
AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
Titulaires antérieures au dossier
AIRBUS FRANCE
COSSART, CHRISTOPHE
Les propriétaires antérieurs qui ne figurent pas dans la liste des « Propriétaires au dossier » apparaîtront dans d'autres documents au dossier.
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Description du
Document 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Nombre de pages   Taille de l'image (Ko) 
Abrégé 2008-08-21 2 75
Dessins 2008-08-21 5 89
Revendications 2008-08-21 2 72
Description 2008-08-21 17 778
Dessins représentatifs 2008-08-21 1 9
Page couverture 2008-12-31 1 36
Revendications 2013-07-18 2 71
Description 2013-07-18 18 789
Revendications 2014-09-22 2 59
Revendications 2014-01-23 2 70
Page couverture 2015-10-14 1 37
Dessins représentatifs 2015-10-21 1 7
Cession 2008-11-10 2 77
Cession 2008-08-21 4 139
PCT 2008-08-21 4 193
Correspondance 2011-09-19 1 15
Cession 2011-05-24 48 3 465
Poursuite-Amendment 2013-07-18 11 392
Poursuite-Amendment 2012-02-09 1 53
Poursuite-Amendment 2013-03-11 3 141
Poursuite-Amendment 2014-09-22 4 116
Poursuite-Amendment 2014-04-11 2 81
Poursuite-Amendment 2013-12-31 2 75
Poursuite-Amendment 2014-01-23 5 168
Taxe finale 2015-07-09 1 58