Abstract: A roll and pitch motion optical system, particularly for a ground-based flight simulator visual display using a raster-scanned laser optical projector and a concave part-spherical display screen and requiring a wide-angle display. The optical system uses an input concave paraboloidal mirror and an output convex paraboloidal mirror of complementary shape. The intermediate optics comprise a collimator to constrict the display beam envelope, roll and pitch prisms positioned in the constricted area and close to the output mirror and a concave spherical mirror to reflect beams from the pitch prism back onto the output paraboloidal mirror.

Abstract: The invention provides line scanning and frame scanning apparatus for the projection of images, particularly for head-coupled area-of-interest visual display apparatus for ground-based flight simulators. The line scan apparatus is cockpit-mounted and comprises a modulated laser beam which is scanned over a line of fibre optic guides forming a ribbon by which the line image is transmitted to a helmet-mounted frame scanner. A sensor measures head/helmet movement to permit voluntary scanning of a wide angle of simulated view from the craft. The invention permits of lightweight helmet-mounted equipment for this purpose.

Abstract: The invention provides head-coupled area-of-interest visual display apparatus particularly for ground-based craft-flight simulators. The apparatus provides binocular, pseudo-collimated vision of a display, projected onto a part-spherical retro-reflective screen, for two pilots, covering an area of interest centered upon each pilot's line of view. A separate image generator is used for each pilot and may both be of the computer generated image, laser-scanned model or closed-circuit television type. For the pseudo-collimated viewing, the same image is projected for left and right eyes for each pilot from points on a respective pilot helmet, horizontally in line but vertically displaced above the pilot's eye position. Line scan apparatus is mounted in the pilots' cockpit; line image transmission is by fibre optic light guide ribbons; and frame scan apparatus is mounted on the two pilots' helmets.

Abstract: The invention provides head-coupled area-of-interest visual display apparatus particularly for ground-based craft-flight simulators. The apparatus provides binocular, three-dimensional vision of a display, projected onto a part-spherical retro-reflective screen, for one pilot, covering an area of interest centered upon the pilot's line of view. The image generator used may be of the computer generated image, laser-scanned model or closed-circuit television type. For the three-dimensional viewing, a modified image is provided for each eye and the two images are separately projected from points on a pilot's helmet horizontally in line but vertically displaced above the pilot's eye positions. Line scan apparatus is mounted in the pilot cockpit; line image transmission is by a pair of fibre optic light guide ribbons; and frame scan apparatus is mounted on the pilot's helmet. A position sensor detects head/helmet movements to permit voluntary scanning of a wide angle of simulated pilot view from the craft.

Abstract: A visual display system of the computer generated image type, for a ground based flight-simulator having a rectangular raster-scanned display and having a surface detail information store for providing a visual display of textured surfaces in perspective during simulated flight. The system includes a surface detail generator comprising a perspective transformation computer and a surface detail store. The perspective transformation computer is organized as a pipeline processor to computete in real time the perspective transformation from the textured surface (ground) plane to the display plane. Scanning of the surface detail store is controlled in a manner comparable with a trapezium scan of a photographic image, for the purpose of the perspective transformation.

Abstract: The invention provides head-coupled area-of-interest visual display apparatus particularly for ground-based craft-flight simulators. The apparatus provides binocular vision of a display projected onto the inside of a part-spherical shell which surrounds the pilot and carries a concave retro-reflective screen. The display covers an area of interest determined by craft position and attitude and the viewer's instantaneous line of view. The image or images are projected from points horizontally in line but vertically displaced above the viewer's eye positions. If the retro-reflective screen material has a very small angle cone of reflection, light is reflected back to the projection point rather than to the viewer's eyes. The invention provides a screen reflection characteristic modified in all vertical planes by the use of an optical grating in combination with a highly retro-reflective screen material.

Abstract: The invention provides head-coupled area-of-interest visual display apparatus particularly for ground-based craft-flight simulators. The apparatus provides a display projected onto the inside of a part-spherical shell which surrounds the pilot and carries a retro-reflective screen. The displayed scene covers an area of interest dependent upon craft position and heading and viewer's instantaneous line of view. The image generator may be of the computer generated image, laser-scanned model or closed-circuit television type. Multiple images are required for stereoscopic viewing or for more than one viewer. Line scanning apparatus is cockpit-mounted; line image is transmitted by fibre optic light guide ribbon and frame scan apparatus is mounted on a helmet worn by the viewer. A sensor measures head/helmet movement to permit voluntary scanning of a wide angle simulated view from the craft. The projected image is divided into zones each zone using separate line-scanning means and fibre optic light guide.

Abstract: The invention provides head-coupled area-of-interest visual display apparatus particularly for ground-based craft-flight simulators. The apparatus provides binocular, pseudo-collimated vision of a display, projected onto the inside of a part-spherical shell which carries a concave retro-reflective screen and surrounds the pilot. The displayed scene covers an area of interest centered upon the pilot's line of view. The image generator used may be of the computer generated image, laser-scanned model or closed-circuit television type. For the pseudo-collimated display, the same image is projected for left and right eyes from points on a pilot's helmet above the pilot's eye positions. Line scan apparatus is mounted in the pilot cockpit. Line image transmission is by fibre-optic light guide ribbon and two such light guide ribbons are used to restrict impairment of the image by fibre fracture. Common frame scan apparatus is mounted on the pilot's helmet.

Abstract: Visual display apparatus for ground-based craft flight simulation apparatus using a raster scan display for viewing by the trainee pilot and providing an image comprising a target or other craft, together with cloud extending to the simulated horizon. The cloud image part has repetitively patterned features and is displayed in correct perspective, according to the simulated flight position relatively thereto, for providing speed and altitude cues. This part of the image is provided by digital means, a single cycle of the repetitive pattern being held in a digital store and perspective being computed continuously. The whole apparatus includes three generators providing respectively sky, horizon and patterned cloud surface all controlled by a general purpose computer receiving flight data from the simulator flight computer. Outputs from the three generators are selected appropriately during the raster scan of the display and also appropriately combined with a high-definition image of the target or other craft.