Abstract: The disclosure describes a system of connecting a plurality of independently operable data processor systems to obtain a substantial increase in power and flexibility. Each of the pluralities of independently operable systems has its own memory, and the respective memories are accessible by a data transfer controller connected to each memory by a common bus. Since all data transfer activity is controlled by the data transfer controller, there is no need for any communication between respective independently operable data processor systems, and in one embodiment of the invention, the data transfer controller has its own separate memory to store data temporarily as it becomes available in one memory which will be needed by another data processor system.

Abstract: A computer-generated image system that is described in the Disclosure has a videoprocessor circuit with an integrator circuit to assign a predetermined identification to each edge of each face of any image that is to be displayed. Also, it has a "skip-over logic" circuit to identify any area in the face of any image to be displayed that requires no further intensity modification.Perhaps a key to the success of this arrangement in accordance with the described invention is its provision of a signal modifier circuit to apply a pre-determined intensity modification factor to any area not identified by the skip-over logic circuit. By this arrangement, any area that is to be displayed behind a translucent area will be visible although at a reduced intensity.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a vehicle simulator visual system for training two individuals, such as a pilot and a co-pilot seated side-by-side to view compound images that are projected on the same large curved screen. Structurally, the system comprises two projectors, each of which has a polarizer to polarize the individual light images in opposite directions in a circular manner. Two separate windshields are simulated and each one supports an analyzer that is polarized in the opposite circular direction from its projector. The polarization of each analyzer is such that one windshield will pass light that is polarized from one projector, and the other windshield will pass light that is polarized by the other polarizer.

Abstract: A simulator projected-image system includes a distortion-correcting circuit to modify flat-image data that is stored sequentially in a Random Access Memory by connecting a source of random address to obtain selected video data from the memory in a predetermined order and a circuit to combine the selected video data to form an image that is substantially free from distortion when projected on a curved screen.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an air jack with features that permit a substantial increase in performance during operation. A load engaging bracket includes a telescoping connection with rollers so that the connection will extend readily under loaded conditions without the air jack being subjected to forces that would tend to tilt it or otherwise move it. The ground-engaging member has sides that are positioned apart to define a dimension greater than the fully retracted load-engaging bracket to permit the bracket to lower between the sides thereby defining a minimum down height. An air manifold is positioned to furnish air under pressure not only for operating the air jack but for operating a number of air tools that are associated with the need for the air jack. The air jack has pockets to hold these tools when they are not being operated.

Abstract: A geodesic dome structure is described, i.e., a structure having a mathematically-derived surface. This new dome structure is formed of a single, one-piece layer of synthetic material and provides a one-piece, seamless screen to permit the viewing of a scene in a vehicle simulator in order to achieve a maximum of realism matching substantially real world conditions. One form of the structure for this geodesic dome is described with the single, one-piece layer of synthetic material bonded to a generally dome-shaped geodetic structure in order to provide sufficient strength for a free-standing structure. However, another form of the geodesic dome is described with the synthetic material formed of sufficient thickness to be strong enough to provide a free-standing structure, and the synthetic material may even be reinforced if desired.

Abstract: A raster-scan display device (which may be part of a combined raster-scan/calligraphic display) has a store (8) which is loaded (calculators 2, 4, 5, and 7) with image data. Processing of the data to assemble and output sets of values corresponding to successive lines of the display is performed by line processors (10, 11, 12, etc.): during output of one line or part-line by a processor, image data for a subsequent line or part of a line is being processed by another processor, so that a processing time in excess of one line duration is available. One application of such devices is in flight simulators.

Abstract: A signature analyzer card 102 having sixteen cycle redundancy circuits 106 embodied within a cycle redundancy check generator 104 for serially receiving two thousand and forty-eight binary words 54 from a logic circuit card 22 under test when the cycle redundancy check generator 104 is in the write data in mode. Each cycle redundancy circuit 106 receives a serial stream of two thousand and forty-eight binary bits 144 with the logical value of each serial bit potentially changing the logical state of the cycle redundancy circuit 106. After the receipt of the two thousand and forty-eight binary words 54 and the read signature out mode is enabled, each cycle redundancy circuit 106 emits sixteen compressed serial binary bits 148.

Abstract: A circuit is presented for eliminating a ghost signal from a television picture signal. A video amplifier amplifies the television picture signal which then is connected to an autocorrelator that will perform its mathematical functions of time delay, multiplication and integration to generate an output signal that is substantially free of ghost signals. A preferred form of the ghost signal elimination circuit includes microcomputer circuit means to perform the mathematical functions which permits use of standard, commercially-available autocorrelator circuits. Described also is way to package certain component parts including the autocorrelator to eliminate these undesirable signals from television sets already on the market.

Abstract: In a calligraphic scene display, occulting or masking of information stored in a data base can take place due to occulting surfaces. To determine whether occulting occurs for any given data item, a comparison is made first with data held in a surface memory circuit (34) indicating generally the area occupied by the surface. When occulting is indicated, a more detailed check is made against data held in a line memory circuit (36) and addressed with the aid of an address held in the surface memory circuit. If the line check indicates occulting, the occult logic (50) is instructed accordingly.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an image pick-up assembly for use in a vehicle training simulators and the assembly has an optical system to detect images in a direction of travel and to transmit these images to an electronic camera. A terrain-following head unit is formed to traverse a terrain model and contains the optical system. A gimbal joint couples the terrain-following head unit with the electronic camera to permit relative universal movement between the two. Releasable locking device is described to lock the terrain-following head unit in an operating position relative to the electronic camera so that it is releasable by a force when the terrain-following head unit engages an obstacle on the terrain model.

Abstract: Improved marksmanship scoring device for use in weapons simulation. The apparatus compensates for equipment errors that prevent a marksmanship device from providing an accurate indication of a firearm hit or miss. To this end, a visual system (16), which includes an image generation subsystem (20) and an image display subsystem (22), is associated with a marksmanship scoring device. The invention provides correction apparatus which comprises a series connection of the visual system (16) with a photo sensor (24), an amplifier (26), a counter (28) and a comparator (30).

Abstract: A geodesic dome structure is described, i.e., a structure having a mathematically-derived surface. This new dome structure is formed of a single, one-piece layer of synthetic material and provides a one-piece, seamless screen to permit the viewing of a scene in a vehicle simulator in order to achieve a maximum of realism matching substantially real world conditions. One form of the structure for this geodesic dome is described with the single, one-piece layer of synthetic material bonded to a generally dome-shaped geodetic structure in order to provide sufficient strength for a free-standing structure. However, another form of the geodesic dome is described with the synthetic material formed of sufficient thickness to be strong enough to provide a free-standing structure, and the synthetic material may even be reinforced if desired.

Abstract: The disclosure describes how, by starting with the final equation (11) in U.S. Pat. No. 4,177,579 and by making certain assumptions and by rearranging, collecting and reducing the equation further, the apparatus to produce the same result will cut the cost dramatically. All of this is accomplished in accordance with a demonstrated mathematical relationship.

Abstract: The control loading system described is capable of higher performance than anything available heretofor because of certain described features built in. The control loading system that is described includes a force transducer to develop an electrical signal corresponding to the force applied to the manually-operable controls of a vehicle simulator to develop a "feel" as sensed by an operator that matches the real world response of actual controls. A computer generates an electrical signal corresponding to the force required for these controls to give these realistic cues. A compare circuit generates a signal corresponding to the difference between the applied force and the required force, and the usual actuator device develops a force on the manually-operable vehicle controls in response to this difference signal. One of the more significant features of the invention is the monitor which detects deviations in force magnitude to disable the control loading system when the force detected exceeds a pre-set limit.

Abstract: A beam position processor (15) generates address signals representing the spatial coordinates of points on a simulated radar beam, for a plurality of beam directions. The address signals serve for readout of weather information (e.g. cloud intensity, ceiling and base height data) from a data storage means (16) for further processing to form a video signal for display. The storage means (16) is arranged for economy of memory capacity in that the higher order parts of the address are used to read out code words from a database memory (17). Each code word selects one of a set of predetermined cloud patterns in cloud pattern memories (18, 19) and the lower order parts of the address access data corresponding to individual cells of the selected pattern.

Abstract: The specification describes a device that admits of performing a variety of servicing, inspection and maintenance functions on the viewing surface of a simulator dome. The structural arrangement of such device includes a circular track supported by the base floor of the simulator and at least one arcuate carrier track extending from one end at the circular track, upwardly in a plane perpendicular to the circular track and at a constant distance from the viewing surface, to the opposite end at the circular track 180 degrees from the end. A servo unit, carrying a desired implement to perform some function on the viewing surface, is indexed along the arcuate carrier track after the arcuate carrier track is turned 360 degrees. Suitable wheels support each end of the arcuate carrier track on the circular track.

Abstract: Visual system (37) for providing high detail, high resolution imagery anywhere a trainee is looking throughout a wide field of view. An image generation system (38) of visual system (37) accepts inputs from a helmet mounted oculometer system (30) which determines a trainee's instantaneous eye line-of-sight. The image generation system (38) provides a foveal view of high detail, high resolution imagery at the eye line-of-sight. The foveal view is projected on a screen (46) by a foveal projection system (40). The image generation system (38) further provides a peripheral view of low detail, low resolution imagery that is projected on screen (46) by a peripheral projection system (42). The foveal view is merged with the peripheral view by a merge electronics system (44).

Abstract: Safety apparatus for an electrohydraulic servovalve. The safety apparatus includes a digital programmable switch (14) which is programmed to make switching decisions on the basis of whether or not the electrohydraulic servovalve is subjected to an external error and whether or not the electrohydraulic servovalve is free from internal error. Logic inputs that supply this information are provided to the programmable switch (14) by a logic device (16). On the basis of the logic inputs, the programmable switch (14) is programmed to interconnect, in a sequential manner, the analog electrohydraulic servovalve to one of four different analog drive systems. One of the drive systems is employed for the case whether there is no external or internal error, so that the electrohydraulic servovalve is in a normal mode of operation. Two of the drive systems are employed to quickly and safely de-energize the electrohydraulic servovalve upon the occurrence of an external error.

Abstract: In an optical sight display for a fighter aircraft pilot training simulator, a performance monitor system is described as having a visual display for providing a pictorial representation (10) to a trainee's eye view (11) of real-time information. Electronic apparatus (31) such as a TV camera generates electrical signals responsive to visual images developed on a combining glass (13), and by means of a particularly described optical arrangement (lens 24, 27 & 30) when used with a fiber-optic bundle (29), the camera (31) is positioned remotely, out of the trainee's normal field-of-view. Due to the limited space in a fighter aircraft, this disclosed arrangement of component parts permit the generation of a substantially duplicate pictorial representation at an instructor's station for monitoring the performance of a trainee.