Abstract: A video image tracking system is provided for determining the orientation of an operator with respect to a simulator display. The operator carries an observation device for watching the simulator display which has a detectable object disposed therein. The video image tracking system further includes a device for locating the detectable object within the simulator display and communicates this location to a virtual reality system which displays the proper orientation and location of the virtual environment with respect to the operator. The video image tracking system is incorporated into a virtual environment deployable simulator which has an environment system for including virtual reality effects into a plurality of color keys contained within the simulator display.

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.