Google Maps for plane windows | |||||||||||||||||
I always want to know "what's down there" when I'm on a flight. Now that computer displays are advancing rapidly, would it be possible to sandwich, between the layers of each airplane window, a very slim screen that displays a Google Maps view of whatever you're flying over? The opacity of the screen could be adjusted by a little knob above the seat (like the light or A/C), and could potentially even zoom in or out on command.
eliwho, Jan 30 2008
What do you think of this idea or comment? | |||||||||||||||||
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A previous post suggested the same thing on an lcd display, which could also display live images from cameras which would show the ground below.
It's really too much trouble to put it in the window when it would work just as well somewhere else that wasn't structural. Also, these things break--it's far less hassel to snap-out a broken screen from a seat-back than it would be to get a certified airframe technician to come remove it from the window.
Otherwise, you've got a great, fun idea. But as with many ideas, I don't understand how someone could make money with this, so I don't know who would sell it or install it.
It could be offered by the airline as an option, like renting movie headphones.Participating customers could be issued a portable display, which would plug into the armrest, or be wireless, IR, etc. Arrangements might need to be made before the customers boarded.
The same display might be used for movies, in-flight tv, etc.
If you're talking a simple literal overlay, shouldn't be a problem. But if you're talking about synchronizing path/location data with what's below (kinda like using the classic "Hybrid" mode), you'd need more equipment. Without eye-tracking capability, there's no way to accurately do this—helicopter pilots wear special helmets. You could compromise and offer a limited set of devices (like how there aren't individual bathrooms) with some view-constraining system.