Abstract: A mechanically actuated motion platform which provides a realistic simulation of the side to side motion experienced while operating a vehicle which is normally steered at its front end. The motion platform is comprised of a base frame coupled through a pivot to a second frame which carries a steering assembly and a operator seat. The steering assembly is coupled though a means for conveying rotational energy to an axle shaft which uses a traction wheel fixedly connected to the axle shaft to effect substantially horizontal movement of the second frame when rotational force is applied to the steering shaft. Also provided is a tiltable operator seat which acts in concert with a spring loaded throttle pedal to impart sensations of acceleration and deceleration to the user.

Abstract: An intermodal transportation simulation system comprising a ground transportation simulation node, a rail transportation simulation node, a maritime transportation simulation node and an air transportation simulation node. Each of these simulation nodes are interactive, interconnected and designed to provide a manned multi-sensory, e.g. visual, auditory, olfactory and tactile simulation.

Abstract: A control system for a motion simulator and the associated method of operating the motion simulator. The control system contains a memory. Within the memory is a plurality of pre-programmed maneuvers that are capable of being simulated by the motion simulator. An interface is provided that enables a person to select some of the pre-programmed maneuvers from the memory in a desired sequence, prior to that person entering the motion simulator. Once a certain sequence of maneuvers is selected, the motion simulator simulates those maneuvers in the chosen sequence. This enables each rider of the motion simulator to design his/her own simulation each time that person uses the motion simulator. The control system also enables a rider to program the motion simulator at the sight of the motion simulator or at home, via a personal computer.

Abstract: A virtual reality system provides effective exposure treatment for psychiatric patients suffering from a particular anxiety disorder. The system is characterized by a video screen disposed in front of the patient to display an image of a specific graphical environment that is intended to trigger anxiety within the patient as a result of the particular patient phobia. A headset is worn by the patient, and has sensors disposed to detect movement and positioning of the patient's head. A computer program controls the operation of the system, and is designed to control the display of the graphical environment on the video screen, monitor the headset sensors and determine the position of the patient's head, and controllably manipulate the graphical environment displayed on the video screen to reflect the movement and position of the patient's head.

Abstract: An airborne avionics simulator system integrated into a low-cost host aircraft to simulate the avionics of a high performance aircraft. The simulated avionics system includes for example radar, radar warning, chaff, radar locks, weapons systems, electronic defensive systems, and navigation systems. The airborne avionics simulator system can be programmed with various scenarios, such as air-to-air or air-to-ground combat, navigational situations, aircraft malfunctions, and general training routines. A multi-function display provides for simulating the avionics of various high performance aircraft. Additionally, the cockpit of the host aircraft may be modified to simulate the control stick, throttle assemblies and other aspects of a particular high performance aircraft.

Abstract: A flight simulator for amusement rides simulating aircraft or space flight with visual presentations and motion having an operator station attached to a structural support frame through an articulating member providing unlimited angular rotation about a roll axis and limited angular rotation about a pitch axis. An electrical coupling concentric with a drive axle is rotatable through at least 360.degree. about the roll axis.

Abstract: A flight simulator wherein the pitch, roll and yaw axes are separated from the trainee to provide a more realistic simulated flight experience in that the trainee feels a translation as well as a rotation of his body as he performs a simulated climb, turn, or roll.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for simulator control include a training system (10) with indicators and controls (12) for interfacing with a trainee. A display (16) is used to display representations of preprogrammed units, each unit including a collection of detailed parameters for use with a selected training scenario. Selection of one of the representations results in configuring the training system (10) according to the detailed parameters of the unit associated with the selected representation.

Abstract: A flight simulator kit which includes at least a simulated flight attitude control member, the simulated flight attitude control member being capable of mimicking the movements of an actual aircraft flight attitude control member. A visual display system is also provided for receiving input signals and in response thereto visually display a video simulation of a plurality of simulated aircraft flight instruments mimicking the movements and responses of actual aircraft flight instruments. The kit further includes a computer for receiving the output signals from the simulated control system and in response thereto for providing the input signals to the visual display system. The kit may be used to set up a simulator in an actual aircraft not in flight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for training are provided in which a training system (10) includes indicators and controls (12) for interfacing with a trainee. A display (16) is used to display graphical representations of operating conditions. By selecting locations on the display (16), the training system (10) is configured to correspond with the operating conditions associated with the selected locations on the-display (16).

Abstract: An instructional model. The model, in a preferred form, includes an indicator member that represents the instantaneous flight path of an aircraft. The indicator member has indica thereon that represents a range of attack angles at which the aircraft could fly relative to the instantaneous flight path. The indicator member also has indicia thereon that represents the center of pressure acting on the aircraft when flying at a selected attack angle. A second member that represents an aircraft is pivotally attached to the indicator member such that it can be selectively pivoted relative to the indicator member to an attack angle such that the center of pressure indicia identifies a point on the second member which represents a corresponding point on the aircraft at which the center of pressure forces are applied thereto when flying at that selected attack angle.

Abstract: A flight simulator is disclosed which includes active electronic display controls. A simulated cockpit area is provided which includes a visual display screen for depicting a simulated cockpit viewpoint. A simulated instrument panel is provided within the cockpit area by means of a cathode ray tube display device and an overlying bezel which defines the perimeter of at least one displayed instrument face within the cathode ray tube display device. A rotary switch which includes a rotary encoder having an output indicative of a direction of rotation and an amount of rotation is then mounted within the bezel. Outputs from the rotary switch are then coupled to electronic circuitry which is utilized to selectively vary the displayed instrument face within the cathode ray tube display device, providing a realistic representation of an actual flight instrument.

Abstract: A flight simulator for amusement rides simulating aircraft or space flight with visual presentations and motion having an operator station attached to a structural support frame through an articulating member providing unlimited angular rotation about a roll axis and limited angular rotation about a pitch axis.

Abstract: The present system sets, as numeral information, the characteristic data of a space navigation vehicle and characteristic data of a circumstance situation and sets action setting condition information of the space navigation vehicle with the use of a nonprogramming language containing symbols, and computes, based on the characteristic data and action condition setting information, circumstance data in a circumstance generation unit which are actual action variables necessary for maneuver operation, and performs operation maneuver simulation in a simulator library on the basis of the circumstance data, whereby the characteristic data and action setting condition information can achieve substantially the same function as in the case of the system modification and it is possible to compute the circumstance data under various action setting conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle simulator is disclosed in which a first motion platform is driven in translation and rotation from a datum position. A simulator user station is positioned on the first motion platform, the user station defining a predetermined eyepoint position and a predetermined field of view from the eyepoint position relative to the user station. A display surface is mounted on a second motion platform so as to lie within the field of view, and the second motion platform is driven to maintain a predetermined positional relationship between the eyepoint position and the display surface. An image is projected to be viewed from the eyepoint position via the display surface.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for preparing a bleach accelerator silver salt dispersion by precipitating a salt of a bleach accelerating compound and a silver salt wherein the vAg is maintained at a predetermined level during the precipitation. This invention further provides a photographic element containing a dispersion of grains of a bleach accelerator silver salt wherein the grains are isomorphic or derived from needle or platelet isomorphic crystals.

Abstract: An expanded field of view visual display concept capable of conducting credible close-in or within visual range (WVR) air-to-air combat from a single computer graphics display screen. By use of the invention, the visual scene content that normally exists outside and around the cockpit of a fighter aircraft can be condensed onto a single CRT screen or video projection screen in such a manner that pilots have good situational awareness, even in close-in-combat, and can fly credible air combat. An expanded field of view visual display is created, referred to as target coordinate display (TCD), capable of conducting credible close-in simulated air combat from a single CRT display or video projection screen. The display handles multiple aircraft, shows friendly aircraft formations, is usable in real time, shows weapon release information, is easily adapted to by pilots, and yields credible air combat simulation results.

Abstract: An aircraft simulator including means for determining the g-force acting on the simulated aircraft in response to the operator's controls and means for applying to a helmet (3) worn by the operator a vertical force dependent on said g-force. The means for applying a vertical force to the helmet may comprise a pneumatic piston/cylinder arrangement (14, 15, 16) responsive both to a g-demand signal determined by the position of the controls and to means (22) for monitoring the force exerted on the helmet.The piston (15) conveniently acts across adjacent sides (8, 9) of a parallelogram linkage (6, 7, 8, 9) interconnecting a mounting (4, 5) for the helmet and a fixed support (12), enabling horizontal, vertical and rotational movements of the helmet to be made and monitored.

Abstract: The weight-shift movements of a suspended pilot are transformed into electrical signals representative of the movements. The signals may be used as the pitch and roll input information in an interactive computerized flight simulation system. The signals may also be generated by an actual pilot of a hang glider or ultralight aircraft and used on board to control ailerons, elevators, rudders, or the like, so as to enhance the performance potentials of these types of aircraft.

Abstract: A simulator system adaptable to an actual craft or existing simulator is disclosed. The system comprises computer hardware and software capable of simulation, combinations of simulations and networked simulations. Computer inputs come from sensors attached on or near control and operation members. Computer output is sent to overlay displays and other components. Visual, audio and motion cuing systems are added to increase realism where appropriate to the simulation. All equipment may be quickly and easily installed or removed so as to make maximum use of an otherwise inoperative craft or allow for diversity and upgrading of existing simulators. By the use of computer program modifications and component construction, the system may be used to simulate a wide variety of craft, including air, ground, naval and space craft.

Abstract: A method for assembling a simulator in which a visual display system is arranged to display an image for viewing from a predetermined viewing position within a simulated viewing station. The visual display system and viewing station are mounted on a base. The viewing station is fabricated such that the location of the viewing position relative to the viewing station is established. The visual display system is fabricated so that when mounted in a predetermined position on the base the location of the viewing position relative to the base is established. When the viewing station and visual display system are mounted on the base, the visual display system is mounted in the predetermined position, and the viewing station being mounted at a position relative to the base selected such that the eye position of a person sat within the viewing station coincides with the location of the viewing position relative to the base.

Abstract: An onboard instructor station for a training device provides a human/computer interface that is designed to support an optimum instructor's scan pattern of the training scenario. All displays and switches required to control and monitor the mission are resident at the instructor's work surface directly in front of, and tangent to the instructor's seated position. This design allows for a dedicated over-the-shoulder observation position. Therefore, the instructor may simultaneously observe trainees' actions, a visual scene and device instrumentation while controlling and monitoring the training environment through embedded situational awareness displays and corresponding switches at the work surface. The unique aspect of this design is the one position from which all tasks can be accomplished through the support provided by the packaging. This packaging employs flat panel displays which replace the traditional, larger CRT units.

Abstract: An assemblage of instruments such as in an aircraft instrument panel, either actually in an aircraft or training simulator pictured in various states of activation, are positioned behind a selectively programmed viewing device. Various individual instruments are programmed for viewing (one or more) while the remainder of the instruments are obscured behind a ported plate having partial instrument indicia on the face thereof and with the pattern of instrument ports having individual windows individually actuated by a control circuit controlling timing and sequence. This is a training aid with timing and sequence viewing improving the viewing comprehension skills of a pilot or student pilot using the training device. One embodiment is a timed and sequentially controlled system using on and off back lighting of individual instruments of a translucent aircraft instrument panel portrayal in order to enhance a users instrument viewing skills.

Abstract: A process for developing a statistical model to forecast the workload of an aircraft pilot (20), in particular that of a commercial airline pilot, as a function of objective flight parameters, wherein, during the course of at least one flight (real or simulated) of the aircraft, under defined flying conditions and flight conditions and stages which constitute the flight parameters, the aircraft pilot is asked to provide a rating of his workload according to a predefined scale, wherein this rating is logged at the same time as the corresponding flight parameters, and, simultaneously, the value of the significant data of the said parameters is measured, wherein, finally, a statistical correlation is established between the workload rating values on the one part and the aforesaid data and flight parameters on the other part.

Abstract: A robust, lightweight g force trainer having low moment of inertia is powered by a relatively low horsepower motor. The trainer has an onset rate of 6 g/sec. or more and idle speed of approximately 13 rpm. The natural frequency of the trainer arm is in excess of 6 hz. The trainer includes a computerized target tracking and missile avoidance system, including a heads up display field at the pilot gondola, and a computerized medical monitor.

Abstract: A computing system for a flight simulator is formed as a distributed system with a common bus MFB to which five processing modules 11 to 15 are connected. The module 11 processes data relating to aircraft movement and receives data from a pilot's manual controls simulator 16, and supplies data to a motion output unit 17 and a visual field output unit 18. the module 12 processes data relating to engine performance. The module 13 processes data relating to navigation and communciations, and the module 14 processes data relating to aircraft equipment systems such as hydraulic and electrical systems. The modules 12, 13 and 14 may each supply control signals to instruments read by a trainee pilot, and each receive signals from manually operable members or switches operated by the trainee pilot. The module 15 is an instructor station and communicates with a VDU terminal 21.

Abstract: An aircraft flight simulator system adaptable to an actual inoperative aircraft not in flight provides instrument displays driven by a computer flight simulator program interacting with inputs from sensors attached to the actual aircraft control system and overlay switches. The computer may also drive visual displays placed in the cockpit windshield and side windows, as well as provide audio output and output for the operation of aircraft jacks to simulate inflight motion. All equipment may be relatively quickly and easily installed or removed so as to make maximum use of an otherwise inoperative aircraft on the ground, and by the use of computer program modifications, may be used to simulate a wide variety of aircraft. Realistic control handling is provided by feedback mechanisms attached to various aircraft control surfaces and the control column and which are coupled to the computer.

Abstract: The simulator is used for the training of personnel. In the case of the controls of an aircraft, the simulator contains an exact reproduction of the command cockpit (1) with all its controls (2), and capable of ensuring the actuation of circuit simulation devices by a student-operator (3). Simulation devices (4) consist of at least one instruction panel (5.sub.1, 5.sub.2) representing at least one control circuit and used to display various parameters or simulation motifs visible to the student-operator. An operating console (6) ensures contact between the simulation devices (4) and the cockpit (1). The console makes it possible to carry out a training programme administered by an instructor-operator.

Abstract: A flight simulator includes a host computer 10 coupled to serial buses 13 by master-interface circuits 12, each of which is a serial bus master controller. Each bus 13 is coupled to a number of slave circuits 14, and each slave circuit 14 drives several instrument display devices 15. The slave circuits 14 contain slave bus controllers and digital to analog conversion circuits for developing the drive signals for the display devices 15. Each slave bus controller is provided with one or more programs for processing received serial data in accordance with the electro-mechanical characteristics of the driven display device 15. Analog feedback signals may be provided by the devices 15 and A-D converted in the respective slave circuits 14 before transmission as serial data to the host computer 10 via the buses 13 and master-interfaces 12.

Abstract: Spatial disorientation trainer-flight simulator wherein a cockpit is gimballed on three independently-controlled axes, i.e., pitch, roll and yaw, which revolve about a planetary axis. Rotation of the cockpit about the planetary axis is controlled by a remote console computer. Rotation of the cockpit about the pitch and roll axes is controlled by an on board cockpit computer alone or in combination with the console computer. Rotation of the cockpit about the yaw axis is controlled by the console computer alone or in combination with the cockpit computer. Slip rings are employed at the planetary and yaw axes so as to provide 360.degree. cockpit rotation about each axis. Rotation about each of the pitch, roll and yaw axes is effected by a high torque direct drive dc motor under control of the computers. Smooth, continuous motor operation is possible over a wide range of speeds, including sub-threshold speeds not detectable by the pilot.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a vehicle simulator visual system for training two individuals, such as a pilot and a co-pilot seated side-by-side to view compound images that are projected on the same large curved screen. Structurally, the system comprises two projectors, each of which has a polarizer to polarize the individual light images in opposite directions in a circular manner. Two separate windshields are simulated and each one supports an analyzer that is polarized in the opposite circular direction from its projector. The polarization of each analyzer is such that one windshield will pass light that is polarized from one projector, and the other windshield will pass light that is polarized by the other polarizer.

Abstract: The ejection seat simulator is made with a cockpit which can be moved away from a seat so as to provide access to the seat in cases of accident or in cases where repairs are required.The throttle and pull ring are connected with suitable electronic electrical lines which can lead back to the control panel when the cockpit is moved away from the seat. In this regard, the lead lines are long enough so as to permit a desired extent of movement of the cockpit 18.

Abstract: A template, for use in conjunction with a radar presentation to train an intercept controller in coordinating aircraft movements, defines spatial relationships between aircraft symbols presented on the radar through range and separation scales and position cues imprinted on the template. The template also has a series of apertures which allow direct marking of aircraft position on the radar scope without removing the template.

Abstract: An air training evaluation process which corrects the position and velocity sensed by an aircraft's inertial navigation system (INS) to obtain more accurate data on the aircraft's position during an engagement.In carrying out the process the aircraft's on-board INS system is employed to obtain pre-flight data on position and velocity, data on position and velocity during the engagement, and post-flight data on position and velocity. The pre-flight data on position and velocity and the post-flight data on position and velocity are compared with independently determined data on the pre-flight position and velocity of the aircraft and with independently determined data on the post-flight position and velocity of the aircraft respectively to obtain pre-flight error functions and post-flight error functions on position and velocity.

Abstract: A hang glider flight simulator wherein a pilot is is suspended from a harness. A control apparatus for maneuvering the suspended pilot simulates movements occurring during hang gliding. A visual display is positioned to be viewed by the pilot. The maneuvering apparatus is synchronized with the visual display so that the simulated movements correspond to images being displayed. The simulator allows persons learning to fly hang gliders to do so without the risk involved in actual flight.

Abstract: The specification describes a structure for a vehicle simulator in which realism is maximized. For a simulator in which a trainee can see out, the outer surface is contoured to match the contour of the vehicle being simulated only over that surface which is seen from the trainee's seat. To accomplish this, a first pair of sills are supported above a base surface by a first plurality of ribs, and a second pair of sills are supported above the first pair of sills by a second plurality of ribs. The length of the second ribs space the second sills above the first sills by a distance pre-calculated to cover only the portion of the vehicle that is visible to the trainee.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing mass storage of vocal information by means of a digital communication system for use with a training simulator is disclosed. Unlike prior art analog records and playback systems, such as tapes, etc., the inherent advantages and flexibility available with respect to a digital system including randomly accessible voice messages, convenience of editing the stored data, and management and control by the computational system of the training simulator are available with the present invention. In general, the system of this invention comprises an input device, such as a microphone (30), an encoder (54) for encoding the analog information from the microphone (32) to digital format, a digital processing controller or computer (20) for processing the digital communication data in response to a stored program such that it is suitable for use with the computational system, and a mass storage media (38) for storing the processed digital data.

Abstract: In complex systems which involve a large amount of interacting electronic equipment and interconnecting cabling, the maintenance and testing required to isolate defective components or components having degraded performance become an almost continuous task. The system of this invention includes new techniques for continuous testing of components and interconnecting cabling of such a complex system such that deteriorating performance can be flagged thereby substantially eliminating catastrophic type system failure without at the same time requiring additional components and interconnecting cabling. This invention is potentially suitable for operation with a data transmission system which includes a master controller for converting parallel digital data from a computer to serial digital data for transmission to the using device through a single communication path where it is then converted to a form suitable for the using device.

Abstract: A flight simulator instrument trainer has operational controls and instruments similar to a conventional aircraft. An AC driven position simulator moves a simulated station position according to simulated power, attitude, flap condition direction and distance traveled to control simulated ADF, ILS and VOR instruments. Angularly offset phases are generated and are provided to potentiometers on directional instruments. Wipers on the potentiometers move with simulated direction indicators. Signals from the wipers are fed to other devices, and phases are compared with one of two ninety degree offset reference phases. The latter are shifted according to simulated flight characteristics, and the thus-varied output of the phase comparators are used to drive instruments and to shift angle position accumulators and distance position accumulators.

Abstract: A simulated open circuit on high current electrical lines is generated, such that high currents, including transient currents, do not interact with and adversely effect the low current digital computer electronics which control the simulation. A bi-directional triode thyristor in its non-conducting state is triggered to enter its conducting state allowing current to flow through the thyristor and to trip a circuit breaker connected to the output of the thyristor. The tripping allows the thyristor to reset itself to its non-conducting state and to be ready for any new triggering signal.

Abstract: A flight simulator displays control choices on an out-the-window display allows a crew member to control it directly by making selections of displayed choices through a "point and click" control module accessible by the crew member while located in the crew station. The simulator can be controlled by either of two crew members and also by an operator at an instructor operator station outside the crew station.