Abstract: An inexpensive surround display system. In most general terms, the invention (10) includes a projector arrangement (12, 14, 16) for providing at least one beam of energy representative of an image. A beamsplitter arrangement (18, 20, 22) splits the beam into a first beam and a second beam. A screen (24) is provided for displaying a first image in response to the first beam and for displaying a second image in response to the second beam.

Abstract: A security system 31 for use with a base computer system 29 includes an access monitoring unit 100 for continuously monitoring all operations in the memory address space, the input/output address space, or both, of the base computer 1 in parallel with base computer execution. The access monitoring system 100 can include access monitoring memory tables which specify, for a given user, his read access and write access to data stored in the security system, in the base computer system or both.

Abstract: A visual simulation system (10') and method for digital computer graphics processing is described whereby the system (10') reduces the undesirable effects of aliasing on the digital computer images (59) rendered in the simulation. Real-Time Pixel Mixing (RTPM) is accomplished by processing each pixel (P.sub.f) of a digital computer foreground image (60, 62) generated in real-time with the corresponding pixel (P.sub.b) of a previously generated background image (64). The effect of the processing is to overlay the foreground image (60, 62) on the background image (64) and cause the pixels on the periphery of each object rendered in the foreground image (60, 62) to be color blended with the corresponding pixels of the background image (64) in such a manner as to "soften" the transition between the foreground (60, 62) and background (64) images.

Abstract: A method for converting forward looking video or motion picture imagery into a downlooking database suitable for use in an image generation system to generate realtime perspective images for simulation purposes. A digital video camera photographs a sequence of forward looking frames along a course including several known ground control points. Digital data from the digital video camera is read into a computer. The initial position and the position of ground control points is read into the computer. A Kalman filter technique provides continuous estimates of exact camera location in x, y, z coordinates, and in roll, pitch and yaw orientation. A correlation filter determines corresponding pixels in adjacent frames. Range from the camera to the pixel surfaces is calculated to determine the x, y and z position thereof. A modified mathematical stereophotogrammetry technique is used. Radiometric data and elevation data is extracted from the lower portion of the frame for each pixel.

Abstract: A video display system provides low cost, rapid processing for a high volume of participants through an interactive video system. The system includes a darkened serpentine tunnel constructed of flat faceted rear projection screens, formed as series of multi-screen sections. Video imagery is projected onto the screens from video projectors using reflecting mirrors on the back sides of the screens. The screens are mated together to form the complete tunnel. Participants travel through the darkened tunnel riding in guided vehicles. As each vehicle progresses through the tunnel, the projection screens currently surrounding the vehicle are illuminated, together with the preceding and succeeding screen sections. As the vehicle transitions from the current section to the forward section, the rearward section is extinguished and the next forward section illuminated.

Abstract: A method and system for generating high resolution photogrammetric images from a CCD camera. The method of the invention includes the steps of a) acquiring sequential images of terrain from a moving vehicle with a partially masked CCD camera having n uniformly staggered registers exposed at any given time; b) establishing the position of said vehicle; and c) processing the output of said camera to obtain a database of improved resolution data. Thus, an illustrative and more efficient system and method are provided for generating high resolution photogrammetric image data from a CCD camera.

Abstract: A reconfigurable control system (10) enabling a designer to layout, configure and test control panel designs includes an enclosure base (12), a matrix panel (14) and a plurality of modules (34) which are adapted to receive at least one control panel element. The base (44) of each module (34) has a plurality of holes (46) which align with corresponding apertures (22) provided in the matrix panel (14). A fastener (24) is passed through the aligning apertures (22, 46) of the matrix panel (14) and module (34), respectively, to provide removable mounting.

Abstract: An interactive training system (10) for simulating an operating environment. The system (10) can operate in both freeplay and procedural modes. The system (10) includes a plurality of simulated displays (18) simulating actual displays in the operating environment. The simulated displays (18) indicate the state of various components of the operating environment to the user. A plurality of manipulable input devices (20) permits the user to interact with the training system (10). Simulation software (22) responds to the input devices (20) and controls the displays in response thereto. Procedure monitoring software (26) determines the status of the input devices as a result of the user's manipulation of the input devices. Condition monitoring software (24) monitors conditions within the procedure monitor (26) and simulation software (22). These conditions may occur directly or indirectly as a result of the manipulation of the input devices (18) by the user.