Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a processor that performs operations including detecting a first depression range of a button that includes an electro-mechanical sensor for detecting the first depression range, comparing the first depression range to a first actuation threshold, and asserting a first actuation state when the first depression range is at or exceeds the first actuation threshold. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A panoramic video system obtains a digital video image having a width w1 pixels and a height of h pixels. A plurality of digital still images is also obtained, each still image comprising a ray having a width w2 comprising pixels, 1?w2?50, a height substantially equal to h. A storage device records or a display device displays the digital video image and plurality of digital still images. The set of n rays on either or both sides of the first horizontal angle is obtained from the plurality of still images to form one or two still background images, adjacent horizontally to the digital video image, each of the background image(s) having a width of n·w2 and a height substantially equal to h, and each ray forming one vertical stripe of the still background image.

Abstract: A system and method utilizing a camera device containing an inertial measuring unit or similar orientation mechanism to calibrate alignment of the camera device according to a primary image such as an image displayed on an imaging screen, and then utilizing this calibration data to guide the system or user in acquiring a spatially aligned digital image using the camera device. Steps include recording the spatial orientation of the camera in at least two spatial dimensions when aligned with the primary image and guiding the camera into relative alignment with the imaging screen when taking a picture.

Abstract: The present invention implements the movement of an object in an image projected onto a dome-shaped screen while maintaining an original resolution without increasing the resolution of a video projector as a projection device. In a device for projecting an image onto the dome-shaped screen D, an aggregate of two or more video projectors 1A, 1B for projecting a moving image is disposed in a dome such that the range of projection from the aggregate covers the whole sphere, and the aggregate is mounted on a stand 2 having two or more rotating shafts.

Abstract: Provided is an extended view method and apparatus, the method including generating a virtual viewpoint image of a vehicle based on a surrounding view of the vehicle, generating an extended virtual viewpoint image based on the virtual viewpoint image of the vehicle and a received virtual viewpoint image of another vehicle, and displaying the extended virtual viewpoint image to a user.

Abstract: Projected input and output devices adapt to a desktop environment by sensing objects at the desktop environment and altering projected light in response to the sensed objects. For instance, projection of input and output devices is altered to limit illumination against and end user's hands or other objects disposed at a projection surface. End user hand positions and motions are detected to provide gesture support for adapting a projection work space, and configurations of projected devices are stored so that an end user can rapidly recreate a projected desktop. A projector scan adjusts to limit traces across inactive portions of the display surface and to increase traces at predetermined areas, such as video windows.

Abstract: Methods and systems for wirelessly loading software on at least one line replaceable unit (LRU) of a vehicle and wirelessly verifying the loading of the software are provided. An example method includes a computing device sending, via a wireless access point, instructions to a conversion module to configure the conversion module for loading software on at least one LRU. The method also includes the computing device transferring, via the wireless access point, the software to the at least one LRU. Further, the method includes the computing device connecting to a vehicle network of the vehicle using the wireless access point. Yet further, the method includes the computing device simulating output of a vehicle display unit of the vehicle based on data received from the vehicle network.

Abstract: A display assembly includes a display console displaying at least one image on an image plane. The image is divided into a plurality of pixels. A controller is operatively connected to the display console and includes a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method for dynamically adjusting the image in real-time for off-axis viewing. The controller is programmed to generate a compensation-over-viewing-angle map which includes respective compensation factors for each of the plurality of pixels for multiple viewing positions. In one embodiment, the controller is programmed to apply separate respective compensation factors for the instantaneous viewing positions of a first user at a time j and a second user at a time k. In another embodiment, the controller is programmed to apply first and second compensation factors simultaneously at a time m, for a first image and a second image, respectively.

Abstract: Provided is an extended view method and apparatus, the method including generating a virtual viewpoint image of a vehicle based on a surrounding view of the vehicle, generating an extended virtual viewpoint image based on the virtual viewpoint image of the vehicle and a received virtual viewpoint image of another vehicle, and displaying the extended virtual viewpoint image to a user.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for providing an end user with a spatially-aware projector combined with a spatially-aware digital pen for use in a design environment. Paper documents are augmented to allow a user to access additional information and computational tools through projected interfaces. Virtual ink may be managed in single and multi-user environments to enhance collaboration and data management. The spatially-aware projector pen provides end-users with dynamic visual feedback and improved interaction capabilities.

Abstract: A beam splitting module and a projector device using the same are provided. The beam splitting module comprises a projector, a first reflective mirror and a second reflective mirror. The projector projects a first split image, a second split image and a third split image. The first reflective mirror reflects the first split image to a real image forming plate to form a first projection image. The second reflective mirror reflects the second split image to the real image forming plate to form a second projection image. The third split image is projected on the real image forming plate through a space between the first reflective mirror and the second reflective mirror to form a third projection image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for compensating for visual distortion caused by surface features on a display are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system includes: a display including one or more surface features; a processor configured to: receive a display signal including graphical data; determine a location of the surface feature; transform the display signal based at least in part on the location of the surface feature; and cause the transformed display signal to be displayed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass bottle inspection apparatus which can detect a defect at a specific location such as a bottle-mouth portion of a glass bottle by an imaging process. The glass bottle inspection apparatus includes an inspection unit having one or plural illuminating units (LED1 through LED6) configured to illuminate a glass bottle (1) and at least one camera (CAM1 through CAM4) configured to image light reflected from the glass bottle (1), configured to detect a defect at a specific location of the glass bottle. The apparatus has a controller (4) configured to control operations of the one or plural illuminating units (LED1 through LED6) and the camera (CAM1 through CAM4). The controller (4) controls the one or plural illuminating units (LED1 through LED6) individually to emit a pulsed light in synchronism with an image capturing timing of the camera (CAM1 through CAM4).

Abstract: An apparatus for rendering surroundings includes an image source, image signal processing device, and image reproduction device. The image source feeds input image signals to the image signal processing device to create output image signals for a panoramic image that are forwarded to the image reproduction device for displaying the panoramic image. The image signal processing device processes the input image signals such that a first region of the panoramic image is reproduced undistorted or compressed in a first compression and a second region of the panoramic image is reproduced compressed in a second compression. The image signal processing device is configured such that the portion of the regions reproduced undistorted or compressed is variably selectable, the compression of the regions reproduced compressed is selectable, and these changes in the region reproduced compressed may occur during the operation of the apparatus for rendering surroundings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a number of display devices. Images displayed on the number of display devices are received by a computer system for a platform during a performance of a number of tests at a number of test locations for the platform. A portion of the images from the images are identified as a number of images of interest using a policy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a uniform resolution display screen. In one embodiment, the uniform resolution display screen comprises a surface of the uniform resolution display screen having a curvature configured to display images with a uniform resolution across the display screen. The curvature is based on a projection distance from a projector to the uniform resolution display screen and a viewing distance from an eyepoint of an observer to the uniform resolution display screen. The geometry of the display screen is configured to display images associated with a high definition imaging format.

Abstract: The aviation emergency response system includes a number of ground subsystems located on an airport, and a number of subsystems installed in an aircraft. The ground subsystems may include dispensers along the edges of the runway(s) for dispensing foam, water, and/or deicing fluid, and an array of cameras installed along the runway edges. Low lateral retaining dams may be provided along the edges of the runway(s), and appropriate drainage is also provided for the runway. A tire-puncturing apparatus may also be installed in the surface of the runway, and energy-absorbing overruns are provided at the runway ends. A control center including appropriate monitoring and control systems is also provided on the airport. Aircraft may be equipped with external cameras for monitoring the condition of the aircraft in flight, and corresponding annunciator systems placed in the aircraft cockpit for appropriate response(s) by the flight crew.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simulator comprising at least one projector arranged to project an image, and a non-spherical, generally continuous, dome-like projection surface on which the image is displayed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a number of display devices. Images displayed on the number of display devices are received by a computer system for a platform during a performance of a number of tests at a number of test locations for the platform. A portion of the images from the images are identified as a number of images of interest using a policy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a uniform resolution display screen. In one embodiment, the uniform resolution display screen comprises a surface of the uniform resolution display screen having a curvature configured to display images with a uniform resolution across the display screen. The curvature is based on a projection distance from a projector to the uniform resolution display screen and a viewing distance from an eyepoint of an observer to the uniform resolution display screen. The geometry of the display screen is configured to display images associated with a high definition imaging format.

Abstract: Training method for the simulation of an operation performed by at least one device which is part of a real apparatus, wherein the method comprises providing to display means overlaid images under controlled depth order of a virtual apparatus, and real images of said device, and providing a simulated response to control means, based on data of the position and behavior of said device and on data of the position and behavior of said virtual apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for equalizing an imaging sensor. The system includes at least one image sensor having a plurality of detectors defining a sensor array, each detector being configured to provide an output signal representative of a sensed image. The system further includes an equalization system configured to receive the output signals from the detectors; estimate a distribution for at least one detector based on the respective output signals; compare the distribution for the at least one of the detectors to a given distribution to determine a mapping function for the at least one detector; and apply the respective mapping function of the at least one detector to the output signal of the at least one detector to provide an equalized signal for the at least one detector.

Abstract: The Improved Mobile Digital Video Recorder (IMDVR) system is a ruggedized, multiple camera video and audio recording system that is installed within a public transit vehicle to record, store, and manage an integrated data stream of data captured within and exterior to the transit vehicle. The system is focused on multiple person vehicles and the capture of an integrated data stream for use in transit security, liability, and evidentiary processes.

Abstract: A system for and a method of synchronous acquisition of pulsed source light performs monitoring of aircraft flight operation. Diode sources of illumination (18, 108, 208) are pulsed (16, 106, 206) at one-half the video frame rate of an imaging camera (36, 136, 236). Alternate frames view the world-scene with lights of interest pulsed on, and then off, respectively. Video differencing (34, 134, 234) eliminates the background scene, as well as all lights not of interest. Suitable threshholding over a resulting array of camera pixel-differences acquires the desired lights and represents them as point symbology on a display (40, 140, 240). In an enhanced vision landing system embodiment, the desired lights (symbols) overlay or are fused on a thermal image of the scene; alternatively, the symbols overlay a visible scene (TV) image.

Abstract: A telepresence server is for connection to a telecommunications network for providing access to a reality engine for a plurality of passive users. The reality engine can be controlled by an active user or a professional director through the network or by a local professional director. Active/passive mode displays can be used by the passive users in a passive mode and an active/passive mode display can be used by the active user in an active mode.

Abstract: These teachings present triple data transport redundancy in the form of three data bus interfaces that are each designed and manufactured independently from one another and compatible with a common data handling protocol. This protocol can be one that includes no error correction. These interfaces can each couple to a corresponding first, second, and third data bus that may comprise optical data busses. Information gauges can be realized through use a memory that stores a plurality of images comprising views of an information gauge (or gauges) of interest showing a variety of different readings. Upon receiving information regarding a monitored parameter of interest (via, for example, the aforementioned data busses and data bus interfaces), this information can be used to address the stored information gauge view that corresponds to the present parameter value. That particular view can be recalled and displayed to thereby provide the corresponding information to a viewer.

Abstract: A telepresence server is for connection to a telecommunications network for providing access to a reality engine for a plurality of passive users. The reality engine can be controlled by an active user or a professional director through the network or by a local professional director. Active/passive mode displays can be used by the passive users in a passive mode and an active/passive mode display can be used by the active user in an active mode.

Abstract: An antenna calibration system consists mainly of a signal source, an antenna, a first radio frequency mixer, a first local oscillator, an power detecting device, a personal computer, and a servo amplifier. The signal source emits a signal, and the antenna receives the signal. The signal and the first local oscillator, which emits a signal, are emitted into the first radio frequency mixer. Then the first radio frequency mixer emits a signal into the energy detecting device which calculates the signal power, and transmits the power into the personal computer. The personal computer calculates the powers, and then transmits an angle control signal into the servo amplifier. The servo amplifier amplifies the signal, and then drives the antenna pedestal to turn until the antenna is aimed at the signal source. This can calibrate exactly the antenna's azimuth and elevation offset angle.

Abstract: Passengers on board a vehicle make and receive calls via a satellite network. That network sees each passenger involved in a call as a temporary dummy subscriber of the satellite network. Thus the satellite network is used to manage the roaming of passengers on aircraft. An intermediate network and the terrestrial mobile telephone network therefore do not need to manage the roaming of the aircraft. The terrestrial mobile telephone network sees each node of the intermediate network as a dummy base station and each passenger involved in a call as a dummy mobile subscriber of the terrestrial mobile telephone network, in the service area of one of the dummy base stations. The terrestrial fixed telephone network sees each passenger involved in a call as a subscriber of another fixed network managed by another operator. The intermediate network sees the satellite network as a standard terrestrial mobile telephone network, able to manage the roaming of its subscribers itself.

Abstract: A projection display is provided according to one embodiment of the invention. The projection display includes a hollow case including a window opening, a screen formed on one portion of the case, and at least one mirror internally mounted to the case at a position to reflect light from the window opening to the screen. The projection display further includes a window mounted in the window opening. The projection display further includes an optical engine mounted to the case. The optical engine is positioned over the window and oriented so that emitted light from the optical engine is directed onto the at least one mirror. The projection display further includes a diaphragm internally attached to the case and dividing an internal volume of the case into a first portion and a second portion. The projection display further includes a gas filling the second portion of the case at an overpressure and a vent communicating with the first portion of the case and communicating with an external environment.

Abstract: A circuit and method serves as a slave interface to support both register read/write and monitor detection operations by a graphics controller chip, or other display data source, with a plurality of display devices. The circuit supports differing monitor detection protocols including, for example, I2C protocol and non-DDC type protocols. The circuit may be set in two modes, a register mode and a bypass mode. The register mode is used to facilitate standard I2C protocol to a display device. Display detection bypass circuitry is used to selectively bypass the register based display detector interface by connecting input pins to any two of a plurality of I/O pins so that the system may be used for monitor detection of a plurality of different display devices, such as CRTs and LCDs to facilitate multiprotocol display detection.

Abstract: A portable flight simulator is installed upon a conventional vehicle trailer for storage and transportation to various sites. The apparatus includes a folding video screen which when erected provides a relatively wide and long field of view for the operator of the simulator, rather than a relatively small and close video monitor display. The screen and video projector are immovably affixed to an operator cab or cockpit when the simulator apparatus is erected for operation, with cockpit movement and attached screen and projector being controlled by the operator in the cockpit. A conventional personal computer and flight simulator program provide the video signal for the projector, which projects the video program onto the screen. The operator reacts to the video program by using a control stick to control the orientation of the video program conventionally. Audio output may also be provided for realistic sound effects, or music for the operator.

Abstract: The view point-setting part calculates the position of the view point V to be set behind the current position of the car and up in the air, based on the current position calculated by the current position-measuring part and the position correcting part. The data reading part reads out map data M about map elements such as buildings, which are located around the current position. The representing method-changing part calculates the distance or level difference between the viewpoint and each of the map elements, and, for example, changes the representation shapes of ones of the map elements near the view point, that is, in the region within a predetermined distance from the view point, to detailed shapes, and the rest ones far from the view point, that is, outside the region within a predetermined distance from the view point, to simple shapes, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying a position of a vehicle on a multi-layer road, by which it is possible to judge whether the vehicle is running on an upper layer or a lower layer of the multilayer road without using additional new devices or parts on a navigation system. In order to identify a position of a vehicle on a road when the vehicle is running on a multi-layer road, prediction can be made to some extent by determining the visible range to see GPS satellite in the sky is wide or narrow. With the purpose of processing the problem quantitatively, a position measuring ratio is defined as follows: Position measuring ratio (%)=(Traveled distance where GPS position measuring is effective)×100/(Traveled distance). By this position measuring ratio, it is possible to identify the position of the vehicle on the road.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for equally aging a cathode ray tube (CRT). A video input terminal is coupled to the CRT and receives an external video signal. Control circuitry is provided, which detects the aspect ratio of the signal and determines whether there is a mismatch between the signal aspect ratio and an aspect ratio of a display screen in association with the CRT. If a mismatch between the signal aspect ratio and the screen aspect ratio exists, an equalization video signal is derived from the external video signal. A primary region of the CRT is illuminated in response to the external video signal, and a secondary region of the CRT, which would otherwise be unilluminated in response to the external video signal due to the mismatch between the signal aspect ratio and the screen aspect ratio, is illuminated in response to the equalization video signal. In this manner, the CRT is uniformly aged.

Abstract: A method for forming a geographic database that can be used in a navigation system in which geographic data are transmitted in portions, as needed, from the geographic database to remotely located end users' computing platforms and used by the remotely located end users' computing platforms to provide navigation-related services and features to the end users as the end users travel along roads in a geographic region. The method includes the step of forming a plurality of separate collections of data from a primary copy of the geographic database. Each separate collection includes data that represent all roads of a corresponding respective separate rank, wherein a rank of a road represents a functional classification of the road such that roads that permit generally faster travel have a higher rank than roads that permit generally slower travel.

Abstract: A simulator system in which a visual display assembly is arranged to present an image to be viewed on a display surface and a viewing station is positioned in front of the display surface such that a person looking from a predetermined eyepoint defined within the viewing station can see the display surface through a viewing window defined by the viewing station. The viewing station is displaceable relative to the visual display assembly between first and second positions to adjust the position of the display surface relative to the viewing window when viewed from the eyepoint. During displacement of the viewing station between the two positions, the viewing station is rotated about the eyepoint. The actuator is arranged such that the rate of rotation of the viewing station increases with distance from the first and second positions to a maximum when the viewing station is in an intermediate position.

Abstract: A low consumption power circuit using an electronic switch in a display monitor is provided, which includes an electronic switch circuit for selecting a power saving mode as the power mode of the display monitor, a microcomputer for generating power off signal according to a switch signal output from the electronic switch circuit, and a main power controller for cutting off DC voltage output from a main power stage when it receives the power off signal from the microcomputer. The microcomputer is turned off using the electronic switch circuit when the display monitor is turned off, so as to minimize the consumption power in the display monitor, resulting in power saving.

Abstract: A passive millimeter-wave imaging system (10) that includes a millimeter-wave camera (12) positioned at the end of an aircraft landing strip (14) to provide an image (20) of the aircraft (16) approaching the landing strip (14) along a landing glidepath (18). The camera (12) broadcasts the image (20) of the aircraft (16) approaching the landing strip (14) to the aircraft (16) and to a control tower (24). With this information, the pilot of the aircraft (16) sees his aircraft's position relative to the glidepath (18), and can make landing adjustments accordingly. Likewise, the tower personnel can monitor the aircraft landing glidepath (18) to insure that the aircraft (16) maintain a safe distance relative to the ground.

Abstract: A visual display system and method for full and realistic stimulation of night vision goggles according to the present invention includes a display system for stimulating night vision goggles across a large dynamic range. The display system includes a high resolution head tracked area of interest display for a rear projection video display. The system time multiplexes the display of raster and calligraphic images in the area of interest. The system also includes a method of calligraphic light point projection that conserves power by using a head tracked slow speed high sensitivity electromagnetic deflection system to position an electron beam which is modulated in X-Y position in a calligraphic fashion by a high speed secondary yoke to create intense light point images for the area of interest display.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the properly terminated connection between video components transmitting a video signal from one video component to the other. The video and/or data signal is input to a resistance element. A first comparison input device is connected to the input side of the resistance element and a second comparison input device is connected to the output side of the resistance element. A comparison unit is provided for comparing the voltages from the first comparison input device and the second comparison input device to determine whether there is a voltage drop across the resistance element thereby determining whether the video component is properly terminated. A data processing element connected to the output of the comparison unit receives data from the comparison unit which is detected across the resistance element.

Abstract: A visual display system, such as a flight simulation system, includes a number of display screens and a number of associated video projectors which project predetermined video images on the display screens in response to control signals provided by an operator. In one embodiment, the display screens are circumscribed by an imaginary sphere having a predetermined radius and centered about the design eye of the visual display system. The design eye is generally positioned in a predetermined fixed relation to the operator such that the distortion of the displayed video image is reduced. In another embodiment, the video projectors are mounted in a linear side-by-side relationship on a rear side of the display screens, thereby reducing the overall size of the visual display system.

Abstract: A system for simulating the forces associated with touching objects in a virtual reality simulator system includes a panel that contains an example of the various types of switches, knobs and any other item or object being simulated that is to be touched by a user of the system. The panel is attached as the payload of a robotic positioning device controlled by a computer. The computer is connected to a tracker and a flexible lightweight data glove worn by the user. The computer maintains a database that includes the positions of all of the controls being simulated by the system. The computer uses the trajectory data to determine the position of the robotic device.

Abstract: A visual display system, such as a flight simulation system, includes a number of display screens and a number of associated video projectors which project predetermined video images on the display screens in response to control signals provided by an operator. In one embodiment, the display screens are circumscribed by an imaginary sphere having a predetermined radius and centered about the design eye of the visual display system. The design eye is generally positioned in a predetermined fixed relation to the operator such that the distortion of the displayed video image is reduced. In another embodiment, the video projectors are mounted in a linear side-by-side relationship on a rear side of the display screens, thereby reducing the overall size of the visual display system.

Abstract: A device (10) simulates a user's view (12) of a scene (16) on a display (24). A memory (36) stores region pixel data that represent a region (14) of the scene (16). A sensor (20) provides information that represents the direction and orientation of the user's gaze. A processor (32) determines the coordinates of the view (12) from the direction and orientation information, determines which of the region pixel data represent the view (12), and provides the determined view pixel data to the display (24).

Abstract: The disclosed system essentially comprises a small diameter sphere, forming a projection screen, in which the pilot is placed. This sphere is associated with external and internal generators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating imagery animation in a color video monitor as may be used for visual training. A high resolution photo image of a particular station which is to be the subject for simulation training is generated and it is electronically scanned to produce a digitized photo image of the station. The digitized photo image is edited to remove all images exhibiting dynamic characteristics and the resultant photo image is stored in graphics processor video memory designated for background static object imagery. The removed dynamic object images are rendered and stored in graphics processor video memory designated for foreground dynamic object imagery. The background static and foreground dynamic object imageries are combined in a composite video signal which is applied to a trainee video monitor. Once the background static object imagery is generated in the monitor, only the foreground dynamic object images are manipulated by the graphics processor for real-time imagery animation.

Abstract: A system for saving power used by a video screen including a comparator comparing the red, green blue signals to a reference signal and when all of these signals fall below a reference signal and stay below the reference signal for a preset period of time, power to the video monitor is interrupted until the red, blue or green signals are restored. When the power is applied, power is maintained during a stabilizing period.

Abstract: A system for and a method of synchronous acquisition of pulsed source light performs monitoring of aircraft flight operation. Diode sources of illumination (18, 108, 208) are pulsed (16, 106, 206) at one-half the video frame rate of an imaging camera (36, 136, 236). Alternate frames view the world-scene with lights of interest pulsed on, and then off, respectively. Video differencing (34, 134, 234) eliminates the background scene, as well as all lights not of interest. Suitable threshholding over a resulting array of camera pixel-differences acquires the desired lights and represents them as point symbology on a display (40, 140, 240). In an enhanced vision landing system embodiment, the desired lights (symbols) overlay or are fused on a thermal image of the scene; alternatively, the symbols overlay a visible scene (TV) image.

Abstract: A system for and a method of synchronous acquisition of pulsed source light performs monitoring of aircraft flight operation. Diode sources of illumination (18, 108, 208) are pulsed (16, 106, 206) at one-half the video frame rate of an imaging camera (36, 136, 236). Alternate frames view the world-scene with lights of interest pulsed on, and then off, respectively. Video differencing (34, 134, 234) eliminates the background scene, as well as all lights not of interest. Suitable threshholding over a resulting array of camera pixel-differences acquires the desired lights and represents them as point symbology on a display (40, 140, 240). In an enhanced vision landing system embodiment, the desired lights (symbols) overlay or are fused on a thermal image of the scene; alternatively, the symbols overlay a visible scene (TV) image.