Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved systems and methods for providing a virtual terrain display. In one embodiment, a method comprises identifying a location within an enclosure. The location is referenced against an external environment containing the enclosure. The method also comprises identifying a portion of a structure of the enclosure. The portion of the structure exists between the location and the external environment and blocks a view of the external environment. The method also comprises generating a display depicting a view of the external environment from the location; and applying a translucent structure representation to the display. The structure representation is a visual depiction of the portion of the structure and appearing in front of the depicted view without blocking the depicted view of the external environment.

Abstract: A tactile-based guidance system incorporating tactors in headgear, such as a hat, helmet, or hood. Tactors may provide tactile sensations at different places about the head to convey information to a person such as direction, bearing, movement, orientation, and the like, of the person wearing the tactors. The system may also include an optional multi-dimensional sound mechanism which provides indications of direction, bearing, and other information. One or more tactors may be resorted to for resolving any ambiguity in the sound indications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved systems and methods for providing a virtual terrain display. In one embodiment, a method comprises identifying a location within an enclosure. The location is referenced against an external environment containing the enclosure. The method also comprises identifying a portion of a structure of the enclosure. The portion of the structure exists between the location and the external environment and blocks a view of the external environment. The method also comprises generating a display depicting a view of the external environment from the location; and applying a translucent structure representation to the display. The structure representation is a visual depiction of the portion of the structure and appearing in front of the depicted view without blocking the depicted view of the external environment.

Abstract: A display device is provided for selecting a plurality of selectable symbols on an electronic display. The display device comprises an electronic display that displays a plurality of selectable symbols, a user input control device, and a processor coupled to the electronic display and the user input control device. The processor is configured to select one of the plurality of selectable symbols based on a comparison of at least two of the plurality of selectable symbols according to a predetermined priority scheme in response to a single activation of the user input control device. In addition, the processor is further configured to select an additional selectable symbol from the plurality of selectable symbols in accordance with a predetermined sequence upon further activation of the input control device.

Abstract: A tactile-based guidance system incorporating tactors in headgear, such as a hat, helmet, or hood. Tactors may provide tactile sensations at different places about the head to convey information to a person such as direction, bearing, movement, orientation, and the like, of the person wearing the tactors. The system may also include an optional multi-dimensional sound mechanism which provides indications of direction, bearing, and other information. One or more tactors may be resorted to for resolving any ambiguity in the sound indications.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diminishing the effects of an acoustic signature of a vehicle while the vehicle is en route to a destination. One method includes the steps of retrieving acoustic data representing an acoustic model of the vehicle, terrain data representing a terrain model of a geographic area surrounding the destination, route data representing a model of a plurality of routes to the destination, and weather data representing atmospheric conditions of the geographic area. The method also includes selecting a route to the destination based on the acoustic, terrain, route, and weather data. A system includes means for performing the retrieving step and the selecting step of the above method. Another system includes memory storing the acoustic, terrain, route, and weather data, and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to select a route to the destination based on the acoustic, terrain, route, and weather data.

Abstract: A method and system for context sensitive navigation of an aircraft is provided. The method comprises obtaining data for use at takeoff, enroute, or at a destination, and interpreting the data to infer conditions during takeoff, enroute, or at the destination. One or more viable flight plans are determined based on the conditions during takeoff, enroute, or at the destination. The one or more viable flight plans are then presented to a pilot for optional selection. When there is more than one viable flight plan, a prioritized selectable list of flight plans is presented to the pilot.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling the movement of an object on a plane. The apparatus comprising a basin, a movable object positioned within the basin, and a sensor coupled to the apparatus for detecting the movement of the movable object within the basin, wherein the movement of the object on the plane is related to movement of the object within the basin.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for providing feedback about firing on blueforce personnel are provided. A blueforce soldier is armed with a weapon that has one or more weapon sensors. The weapon sensors may provide information about a direction of fire and a firing state of the weapon. A blueforce-injury-possibility calculator may determine the direction of fire, the firing state, and an injury zone of the weapon based on the information from the weapon sensors. The blueforce-injury-possibility calculator may receive location information about one or more blueforce personnel. The blueforce-injury-possibility calculator may then determine a blueforce-injury possibility based on the injury zone and the location information. Tactile feedback may be provided to the blueforce soldier based on the blueforce-injury possibility. The tactile feedback may be provided via a tactile-feedback suit.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling the movement of an object within a coordinate system having a plurality of axes. The apparatus comprises a plurality of rotatable input controls each coupled to the apparatus and rotatable about an axis that is parallel to a different one of the plurality of axes for controlling rotation of the object about the different one of the plurality of axes. In addition, the apparatus comprises a plurality of translatable input controls each coupled to the apparatus and translatable along an axis that is parallel to the different one of the plurality of axes for controlling the translation of the object along the different one of the plurality of axes.

Abstract: A display device is provided for selecting a plurality of selectable symbols on an electronic display. The display device comprises an electronic display that displays a plurality of selectable symbols, a user input control device, and a processor coupled to the electronic display and the user input control device. The processor is configured to select one of the plurality of selectable symbols based on a comparison of at least two of the plurality of selectable symbols according to a predetermined priority scheme in response to a single activation of the user input control device. In addition, the processor is further configured to select an additional selectable symbol from the plurality of selectable symbols in accordance with a predetermined sequence upon further activation of the input control device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diminishing the effects of an acoustic signature of a vehicle while the vehicle is en route to a destination. One method includes the steps of retrieving acoustic data representing an acoustic model of the vehicle, terrain data representing a terrain model of a geographic area surrounding the destination, route data representing a model of a plurality of routes to the destination, and weather data representing atmospheric conditions of the geographic area. The method also includes selecting a route to the destination based on the acoustic, terrain, route, and weather data. A system includes means for performing the retrieving step and the selecting step of the above method. Another system includes memory storing the acoustic, terrain, route, and weather data, and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to select a route to the destination based on the acoustic, terrain, route, and weather data.

Abstract: For improved sniper training, a sniper skills training system is described. The sniper training system comprises a computer trainer station having a 3D rendering engine, a computer display, a trainer user interface module, at least one database, and a data storage; and a simulated rifle unit having a near-to-eye display and a hardware interface module, wherein the trainer station is interfaced with the simulated rifle unit to provide a simulated training scenario.

Abstract: A method and system for context sensitive navigation of an aircraft is provided. The method comprises obtaining data for use at takeoff, enroute, or at a destination, and interpreting the data to infer conditions during takeoff, enroute, or at the destination. One or more viable flight plans are determined based on the conditions during takeoff, enroute, or at the destination. The one or more viable flight plans are then presented to a pilot for optional selection. When there is more than one viable flight plan, a prioritized selectable list of flight plans is presented to the pilot.

Abstract: Aircraft and other systems employing various condition settable parameters are controlled utilizing a command language, display, and input device for entering certain desired parameters with a parser programmed to interpret various alternate expressions which have been entered into a predetermined format recognizable by a computer which is operable to display the parsed command and upon approval to input the computer for controlling the desired parameter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using a simplified language consistent with air traffic control syntax for inputting, displaying and controlling the operation of a flight management system of an aircraft to comply with the instructions received by the pilot from the air traffic controller.

Abstract: A two-axis motion mechanism with reduced backlash includes two-axis motion that is transferred between a moveable member and a first and second shaft positioned orthogonal to each other through three principle bearings. The first and second shaft are fixedly positioned so as to constrain motion except about a first and second axis therethrough, respectively. The second axis is substantially orthogonal to the first axis intersecting at the center of the mechanism. An outer ring, having the moveable member connected thereto and an inside ring nested therein lies in a plane transverse to the second shaft. Pins connect the outer ring with the inside ring. A case member is positioned about the outer ring with the first shaft mounted thereto. First duplex bearings couple the inside ring to a rod extending across the inside ring and connected to the second shaft at the center of the mechanism. The first duplex bearings allow rotation of the inside ring and the first axis.

Abstract: An active virtual pivot hand controller using motors to control reflective forces and torques. Degree of freedom parameters, stops, and reflective force rates may be easily modified without altering hardware. The location of the virtual pivot of the hand controller may be likewise readily changed.