Abstract: A serial to parallel data conversion interface circuit is disclosed for certing a serial word supplied by a head tracker to a parallel word so as to allow for the processing of the parallel word by a microprocessor. The head tracker supplies to the interface circuit a data ready pulse signal. The interface circuit, in response to the data ready pulse signal, supplies a data acknowledge pulse signal and a clock signal to the head tracker so as to allow the serial word from the head tracker to be transferred to the interface circuit, which then converts the serial word to a parallel word. An enable pulse signal supplied to the interface circuit effects the transfer of the parallel word from the interface circuit to the microprocessor. A reset pulse from the microprocessor then resets the interface circuit so as to allow for the transfer of another serial word from the head tracker.

Abstract: A head position and orientation sensor system utilizes a head mounted protor of known scan pattern which presents a visual display to the observer. In order to maintain proper display orientation, the head position and orientation are measured by intercepting the projected light scan pattern at a retroreflective screen upon which the visual display is focused. A photodetector array mounted in said screen intercepts the visual display regardless of head orientation and position. A computational unit having knowledge of the scan pattern parameters correlates the photodetector array output to a unique head position and orientation.

Abstract: A smoke generator utilizes a boiler chamber within which a mixture of water nd liquid smoke generant are heated above the boiling point of water, thereby producing free steam confined within the chamber. The steam and heated liquid are independently removed from the chamber and recombined at optimum pressure and flow in a special atomizing nozzle to generate a smoke of particulate size under ten microns.

Abstract: A helmet mounted projector provides offset and frame scanning capabilities or a dual channel computer generated image simulation system. The projector receives full color lasers from each channel via a separate optical path, including galvanometer controlled line scan offset mirrors designed to provide eye tracking capabilities, and combines said channels along a single optical axis to provide coordinated frame scanning from the complex image produced by the combined rasters.

Abstract: A training device for simulated anti-armor weapons system utilizes a microcessor system to perform a number of functions including solving dynamic flight equations of a simulated missile and determining the gunner's aiming error. A miniature terrain board having a miniature target with an infrared source provides the aim point for a gunner using a simulated weapon launcher. An infrared sensing device mounted in the weapon provides input to the microprocessor while a CCTV provides an instructor with a gunner's view. Sound, visibility, and recoil associated with weapons use are simulated by peripheral devices under the control of the microprocessor. The gunner's aiming error and view are displayed in real time on an instructor's console which provides for instructor input and recording of gunner performance.

Abstract: A video display system employs a plurality of controlled cathode ray tubes producing individual images which are combined by dichroic prisms to form a single image which is transmitted by a fiber-optic cable to a set of optical elements which transmit the image to the viewer. The position and orientation of the viewing instrument are sensed to provide control signals to an image generator to provide an image appropriate to the orientation of the viewing instrument.

Abstract: A control stick simulator for use in a part task trainer for pilots utili a bending beam in cooperation with deflection sensing transducers to output pitch and roll commands. The control stick is a cantilevered metallic beam, arrested by stops in a mounting flange near a handgrip at its upper end, thereby presenting an isometric feel to the pilot.

Abstract: A field of view test apparatus utilizes a plurality of interchangeable acic masks to vary the resolution characteristics of a projected field of view. An eye or head tracker provides line of sight direction signals to a servo which positions the mask with the optical path of the projection to correlate the area of higher resolution with the direction of the line of sight.

Abstract: A circuit for linearizing the oscillator sweep output frequency signal of a oltage controlled oscillator is disclosed. The voltage controlled oscillator is driven by the output of an op amp, which amplifies and filters the output of a D/A converter. The D/A converter responds to preselected 8-bit words, stored in an EPROM, so as to produce a desired output frequency at each memory address. The addresses, in turn, are provided by a combination of gates, counters, input signals and a clock.

Abstract: A small arms firing effects simulator utilizes a modular construction to egrate with the magazine of a weapon such as a rifle. The modular design resembles the ammunition clip and houses an expendable plastic coated plurality of pyrotechnic charges. An electrical control circuit is also housed within the module and serves to interface the pyrotechnic charges with the firing of the weapon, including semi-automatic and automatic firing as well as disabling the weapon when all rounds have been fired.

Abstract: The architecture of a special-purpose multiprocessor, hierarchically structured and functionally distributed, having ditributed cache memory for local processing and a common applictions task manager in each microcomputer. A group of identical microcomputers execute the total program in an intrinsically parallel mode within the frame times scheduled by a system state control microcomputer.

Abstract: A pattern generating circuit is disclosed for providing a fixed test pattern to be broadcast on a video display system such that an individual may test or repair the aforementioned video display system. The pattern generating circuit provides a horizontal sync signal, a vertical sync signal, and first and second video component signals which are then summed by a summing amplifier to form a video signal. The horizontal and vertical sync signals are then supplied to the video display system so as to activate the same. This, in turn, allows the video display system, upon receiving the video signal, to broadcast on its display screen the fixed test pattern.

Abstract: An articulated light guide having internal mirrors and rotatable joints, vides a transmission path to a helmet mounted projector wherefrom light is transmitted onto a retroreflective screen to produce images utilized in simulation training. Located at the screen are photodiodes which detect the orientation of said images with respect to a reference and provide alignment signals to a servo-controlled image rotation device.

Abstract: An optical system for 360.degree. image transfer in which spaced primary secondary hyperbolically surfaced mirrors are combined with a refractive lens system and are held in spaced relation by a transparent envelope having inner and outer surfaces generated from the near focal point of the primary mirror to avoid image impairing aberrations, and in which the mirrors are so spaced and concentrically arranged that the entrance pupil of the lens system coincides with the near focal point of the primary mirror, which is centrally apertured to form an aperture diaphragm, and the near focal point of the secondary mirror approximates the apex of the primary mirror, the far focal points of the mirrors coinciding to form a confocal set of mirrors.

Abstract: An eye position measurement circuit is disclosed for calculating the posin of the cornea of the human eye. The eye position measurement circuit includes a dual axis infrared light detector which will sense the position of the cornea of the eye upon receiving pulsed infrared light reflected from the cornea of the eye. The dual axis infrared light detector is, in turn, connected in unique combination with filters, absolute value circuits, analog-to-digital converters, latches, a digital computer, and other electronic components for calculating the position of the cornea of the human eye.

Abstract: A data buffer circuit is disclosed for receiving from a serial-to-parallel ata conversion interface circuit a plurality of sixteen-bit parallel data words, for storing therein for a predetermined time period each of the parallel data words, and for transferring to a computer, so as to allow for processing by the computer, each of the parallel data words.

Abstract: E.C.C.M. (electronic counter-counter-measure) method and device operated in connection with tracking radar to degrade the effectiveness of D.E.C.M. (deceptive electronic counter-measure) means employed by targets to present a false return to the tracking radar. The E.C.C.M. is accomplished by shutting off the radar receiver during a brief time period when the false return is expected. Means for doing this in the critically short time periods involved are described.

Abstract: A composite video signal separator for television receivers, laser projecn systems and the like which performs the combined functions of horizontal sync signal separation, vertical sync signal separation, and video signal separation in a single circuit.

Abstract: A distributed loop antenna is embodied in a flexible cable structure for marine E.L.F. (extremely low frequency) radio reception. Several distributed loop and magnetic core configurations which provide "side-looking" reception are described, as is the ability of flexible distributed loops to minimize the induction of noise voltages in the antenna.

Abstract: An optical transmission system for eliminating picture element information oss during the transmission of a circular image forming light beam through a fiber optics bundle. Included in the optical transmission system is an image source which emits the image forming light beam, a first pair of cylindrical shaped mirrors adapted for amplifying the image forming light beam in a predetermined direction such that it will assume an elliptical configuration, and the fiber optics bundle which transmits the image forming light beam from the first pair of cylindrical shaped mirrors to a second pair of cylindrical shaped mirrors. The second pair of cylindrical shaped mirrors, in turn, reduce the image forming light beam to a circular configuration so as to allow for the broadcasting of the image forming light beam upon a reflective display screen such that a visual image is formed upon the reflective display screen.