Abstract: An apparatus and method for optically remapping projected pixels to maximize the utilization and to optimize the distribution of remapped projection pixels to achieve optimal visual performance (generally uniform resolution and luminance). A device interposed between a projector and an imaging surface for optically remapping projected pixel locations with minimal aberration. When this device is interposed between a projector and an imaging surface, it changes the terminal location of each focused pixel such that it maximally coincides with the imaging surface, which is often a surface of complex curvature and very different from the native focal surface of the projector. One implementation of the technology includes a device that uses multiple optical surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optically remapping projected pixels to maximize the utilization and to optimize the distribution of remapped projection pixels to achieve optimal visual performance (generally uniform resolution and luminance). A device interposed between a projector and an imaging surface for optically remapping projected pixel locations with minimal aberration. When this device is interposed between a projector and an imaging surface, it changes the terminal location of each focused pixel such that it maximally coincides with the imaging surface, which is often a surface of complex curvature and very different from the native focal surface of the projector. One implementation of the technology includes a device that uses multiple optical surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rear projection simulator system with a free-form fold mirror. The system includes a high definition projector and a curved screen. The free-form fold mirror is interposed between the projector and the screen. The free-form fold mirror includes one or more non-planar (e.g., curved) portions to eliminate or reduce loss of resolution of the projected image near the edges or boundaries of the image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optically remapping projected pixels to maximize the utilization and to optimize the distribution of remapped projection pixels to achieve optimal visual performance (generally uniform resolution and luminance). A device interposed between a projector and an imaging surface for optically remapping projected pixel locations with minimal aberration. When this device is interposed between a projector and an imaging surface, it changes the terminal location of each focused pixel such that it maximally coincides with the imaging surface, which is often a surface of complex curvature and very different from the native focal surface of the projector. One implementation of the technology includes a device that uses multiple optical surfaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods to reduce the appearance of a seam in an image reflected onto a mirror array from a screen is provided. The systems and methods may include a light source to emit light into a seam between a pair of mirrors of the mirror array; a camera for taking a picture of the image displayed on the screen and yielding image data from the picture; and a control system in communication with the light source and the camera. The control system may be operable to cause the light source to emit light of a first color into a first portion of the seam and to emit light of a second color into a second portion of the seam based on the image data, thereby providing colored light in the seam to substantially match colors in the image reflected onto pair of mirrors adjacent to the seam.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting focal distances of images displayed to a user at a designated eye point of a simulator are provided. An image may be generated for display by a screen, wherein the image is reflected by a mirror to the designated eye point. A simulated distance from the designated eye point to an object in the image may be determined. A focal distance for the image may be determined based on the simulated distance. A simulated size of the object may be determined based on the simulated distance. An adjustor may alter a distance between the screen and the mirror to achieve the focal distance. A size of the object may be adjusted in the image based on the simulated size.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optically remapping projected pixels to maximize the utilization and to optimize the distribution of remapped projection pixels to achieve optimal visual performance (generally uniform resolution and luminance). A device interposed between a projector and an imaging surface for optically remapping projected pixel locations with minimal aberration. When this device is interposed between a projector and an imaging surface, it changes the terminal location of each focused pixel such that it maximally coincides with the imaging surface, which is often a surface of complex curvature and very different from the native focal surface of the projector. One implementation of the technology includes a device that uses multiple optical surfaces.

Abstract: A mirror body, a mirror array, and a method of producing a mirror and a mirror array are provided. The mirror body can be formed of a rigid foam and has a front surface with a shape adapted to reflect light that originates in a projector of a simulator. A block of the rigid foam may be machined to form the mirror body. A reflective material is positioned over the front surface to reflect light from the projector. In embodiments, the reflective material is a sheet of a metalized film. In embodiments, the reflective material is applied to the front surface in a first state and subsequently changes to a second state. The mirror array may be formed of two or more mirror bodies. In embodiments, a seam between adjacent mirror bodies is covered with the reflective material.

Abstract: A heavy equipment cockpit training apparatus, device, system, and method is disclosed. The disclosed features include at least one substantially clear, substantially seamless pane to at least partially present an approximation of physical portions of the cockpit, at least one projector capable of backprojecting a simulation of the cockpit onto the at least one substantially seamless pane, at least one tactile aspect, discrete from the at least one seamless pane, interactively provided in association with the simulation, and at least one processor having communicatively associated therewith non-transitory computing code for at least partially providing the simulation and the interaction with the at least one tactile aspect.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods of evaluating performance of a student during a training session in a training device. The systems and methods include receiving data, comparing performance of the student to a model, and assigning a score to the student. In one embodiment, the training device is a flight simulator configured to teach the student to operate an aircraft. The flight simulator displays output to the student and receives input from the student.

Abstract: Systems and methods to reduce the appearance of a seam in an image reflected onto a mirror array from a screen is provided. The systems and methods may include a light source to emit light into a seam between a pair of mirrors of the mirror array; a camera for taking a picture of the image displayed on the screen and yielding image data from the picture; and a control system in communication with the light source and the camera. The control system may be operable to cause the light source to emit light of a first color into a first portion of the seam and to emit light of a second color into a second portion of the seam based on the image data, thereby providing colored light in the seam to substantially match colors in the image reflected onto pair of mirrors adjacent to the seam.

Abstract: A heavy equipment cockpit training apparatus, device, system, and method is disclosed. The disclosed features include at least one substantially clear, substantially seamless pane to at least partially present an approximation of physical portions of the cockpit, at least one projector capable of backprojecting a simulation of the cockpit onto the at least one substantially seamless pane, at least one tactile aspect, discrete from the at least one seamless pane, interactively provided in association with the simulation, and at least one processor having communicatively associated therewith non-transitory computing code for at least partially providing the simulation and the interaction with the at least one tactile aspect.

Abstract: Optical-quality mirrors having an energetically bonded oleophobic/hydrophobic (O/H) coating are provided, as are methods for making and using such coatings and mirrors. The O/H coating is a thin-film coating that causes water and oils to form beads and become easily removable from the mirror surface, and thus improves the cleanability, contamination resistance, and usable life of the mirror.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optically remapping projected pixels to maximize the utilization and to optimize the distribution of remapped projection pixels to achieve optimal visual performance (generally uniform resolution and luminance). A device interposed between a projector and an imaging surface for optically remapping projected pixel locations with minimal aberration. When this device is interposed between a projector and an imaging surface, it changes the terminal location of each focused pixel such that it maximally coincides with the imaging surface, which is often a surface of complex curvature and very different from the native focal surface of the projector. One implementation of the technology includes a device that uses multiple optical surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rear projection simulator system with a free-form fold mirror. The system includes a high definition projector and a curved screen. The free-form fold mirror is interposed between the projector and the screen. The free-form fold mirror includes one or more non-planar (e.g., curved) portions to eliminate or reduce loss of resolution of the projected image near the edges or boundaries of the image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optically remapping projected pixels to maximize the utilization and to optimize the distribution of remapped projection pixels to achieve optimal visual performance (generally uniform resolution and luminance). A device interposed between a projector and an imaging surface for optically remapping projected pixel locations with minimal aberration. When this device is interposed between a projector and an imaging surface, it changes the terminal location of each focused pixel such that it maximally coincides with the imaging surface, which is often a surface of complex curvature and very different from the native focal surface of the projector. One implementation of the technology includes a device that uses multiple optical surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rear projection simulator system with a free-form fold mirror. The system includes a high definition projector and a curved screen. The free-form fold mirror is interposed between the projector and the screen. The free-form fold mirror includes one or more non-planar (e.g., curved) portions to eliminate or reduce loss of resolution of the projected image near the edges or boundaries of the image.

Abstract: A heavy equipment cockpit training apparatus, device, system, and method is disclosed. The disclosed features include at least one substantially clear, substantially seamless pane to at least partially present an approximation of physical portions of the cockpit, at least one projector capable of backprojecting a simulation of the cockpit onto the at least one substantially seamless pane, at least one tactile aspect, discrete from the at least one seamless pane, interactively provided in association with the simulation, and at least one processor having communicatively associated therewith non-transitory computing code for at least partially providing the simulation and the interaction with the at least one tactile aspect.

Abstract: A heavy equipment cockpit training apparatus, device, system, and method is disclosed. The disclosed features include at least one substantially clear, substantially seamless pane to at least partially present an approximation of physical portions of the cockpit, at least one projector capable of backprojecting a simulation of the cockpit onto the at least one substantially seamless pane, at least one tactile aspect, discrete from the at least one seamless pane, interactively provided in association with the simulation, and at least one processor having communicatively associated therewith non-transitory computing code for at least partially providing the simulation and the interaction with the at least one tactile aspect.