Simulation Of View From Aircraft Patents (Class 434/38)
  • Patent number: 11183077
    Abstract: Systems and methods include providing a virtual reality (“VR”) flight teleport system that includes a master aircraft and a plurality of remote slave aircraft connected through a network. A flight emulator in the master aircraft allows a user in the master aircraft to “teleport” into a remote slave vehicle in order to observe and/or assume control of the remote slave aircraft. Motion of, orientation of, and/or forces acting on the remote stave vehicle are emulated to the user of the master vehicle through a pilot control interface, a motion-control seat, and a head-mounted display to provide real-time feedback to the user of the master aircraft. Inputs made via the pilot control interface of the flight emulator system in the master aircraft are transferred through the network into the flight control system of the remote slave vehicle to control operation of the remote slave vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Paul Nissen, Daniel Brent McCall, Joshua Peter Riccobono
  • Patent number: 10782524
    Abstract: This integrated skydiving safety/training system combines sensors, hardware and software technologies to improve skydiving for individuals and teams of 12 or more military or civilian skydivers. It dramatically improves skydivers' training and helps prevent the leading causes of skydiving deaths, including mid-air collisions and dangerous landings. The system offers innovative error-correction on low-cost trackers to collect flight data to improve debriefings after jumps for planeloads of jumpers and create an expert proprietary flight database with hundreds of jumps. This can be used for debriefings/accident investigations which can be done in minutes, where before it took months to analyze accidents. It plots this data into 3D Interactive Maps and the real-time radio version can track teams in the air or on the ground, and museums can use the interactive mapping option to display stunning tours of the earth and moon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventor: Mark Haley
  • Patent number: 10699584
    Abstract: Flight planning systems and methods are provided, which augment supersonic flight planning via the integration of sonic boom forecast data. In embodiments, the flight planning system includes a display device, a pilot input interface, and a controller architecture coupled to the display device and to the pilot input interface. During system operation, the controller architecture receives flight plan criteria entered via the pilot input interface. The controller architecture then endeavors to generate or construct a boom-regulated flight plan, which includes at least one supersonic flight plan segment, in accordance with the flight plan criteria. If unable to construct a boom-regulated flight plan, the controller architecture generates a visual notification on the display device. The visual notification can include, for example, a warning that an excessive sonic boom or overpressure event may occur during execution of the flight plan by an aircraft, absent modifications to the flight plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: John G. Suddreth, Jerry Ball, Troy Nichols, Mark A. Giddings
  • Patent number: 10490097
    Abstract: A display device of a simulation flight vehicle and an operating method thereof. That is, when a vehicle type for training is selected for performing a flight training using a simulation flight vehicle, the measuring instrument information of the selected vehicle type is changed to be the same as that of an actual flight vehicle for display, such that convenience and effectiveness of the flight training can be greatly enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Naviworks Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Hee Won, Kyong Ju Min, Yong Taek Lee, Sang Haeng Lee
  • Patent number: 10093320
    Abstract: A drive support device includes a vehicle information obtainment unit configured to obtain vehicle information including a plurality of driving support levels provided by the drive support device installed in a vehicle, and a position of the vehicle or time; and a vehicle information recording unit configured to record the vehicle information obtained by the vehicle information obtainment unit on a vehicle information storage unit. The vehicle information recording unit records the position of the vehicle or the time, and the driving support level executed at the position of the vehicle or the time, on the vehicle information storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryota Osumi, Masato Endo
  • Patent number: 9651786
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of reducing light leakage from display devices are described. An embodiment of reducing light leakage from display devices includes providing an optical shutter that is configured to block light from a display device from being emitted into the ambient environment when the display device is in a bright state and configured to display visual information to the user. The optical shutter can be configured to transmit light from the ambient environment to the user when the display device is not displaying visual information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SA Photonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. Browne
  • Patent number: 9612320
    Abstract: A method for estimating the equivalent radar cross section (RCS) of an object using near-field measurements. The method using a diffraction model of the object in far field and a diffraction model in near field. These models make it possible to determine respectively bases adapted to said object in far field and in near field. The measurement vector is first of all projected onto the base adapted in near field and the components obtained are transformed into components on the base in far field. The vector obtained is then returned into the analysis base of the RCS in order to provide a reconstructed vector. The components of the reconstructed vector are next used for calculating the RCS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Sylvain Morvan, Olivier Vacus
  • Patent number: 9417070
    Abstract: A method and system for continuously re-planning a vehicle's path, in the face of stationary and moving obstacles, dynamically calculates a new path in real time which is both efficient and maintains minimum safety clearances relative to obstacles. Repulsion signals emanating from obstacles and propagating through delineated sections of a grid representing a geographic space are summed along with values representing the relative distance of the sections from the vehicle origin and vehicle destination. The grid sections having optimal values according to a predetermined criteria represent an efficient and safe travel path between the vehicle origin and destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: NEXTGEN AEROSCIENCES, INC.
    Inventor: James W. Herriot
  • Patent number: 9262939
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for training in an aircraft. A display system is associated with an aircraft. A sensor system is associated with the aircraft. A training processor is configured to be connected to the aircraft. The training processor is configured generate constructive data for a number of simulation objects and generate simulation sensor data using the constructive data. The training processor is further configured to present the simulation sensor data with live sensor data generated by the sensor system for an aircraft on a display system in the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert James Lechner, Timothy Stumpf, John Wokurka, Kenneth Leonard Bernier, Ryan Greene, Chad Michael Keller
  • Patent number: 9230448
    Abstract: The invention concerns a flight simulator device (1, 51) for simulating the flight behavior of an aircraft. The flight simulator device (1, 51) comprises a passenger compartment (6) with an input means to accommodate at least one person (P), an omnidirectionally movable carrier vehicle (2) with several wheels (4) and with drive units for driving the wheels (4), and a control device (5) connected to the input means and the drive units of the carrier vehicle (2), which is designed to actuate the drive units of the carrier device (2) on the basis of signals coming from the input means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Alois Buchstab
  • Patent number: 9199166
    Abstract: Coordinates on a detection surface are obtained using data output from a pointing device. The obtained coordinates are used to perform a designated coordinate-related process which is a game process. On the other hand, a designated coordinate-unrelated process is performed which is a game process which does not use the obtained coordinates. Also, it is detected whether or not coordinates within a predetermined region of the detection surface have been obtained. Depending on a result of the detection, the designated coordinate-related process and the designated coordinate-unrelated process are switched and executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuichi Nakada, Yasuhito Fujisawa
  • Patent number: 9108098
    Abstract: A system configured to be coupled with a participant of an activity. The system comprises: a participant activity monitoring unit configured for monitoring a performance of the activity by the participant; an activity information module configured for storing performance information corresponding to the activity; and a participant performance correlator configured for delivering comparative performance data based on the monitored performance of the activity by the participant and the stored performance information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Wesley E. Allinger, David M. Haugen, Robert David Kaswen, Mark Stephen Fitzsimmons
  • Patent number: 9039419
    Abstract: A method and system for capturing expert behavior that the expert is not even necessarily conscious of, such as gaze patterns, that are tied to positive outcomes, and to create a catalog (e.g. database) of these behaviors. The system compares the current behavior of a person, for example a novice, against this catalog of expert behaviors. If the current behavior is significantly different, the system would adapt various aspects of the interface to bring the current behavior closer in line to that of the expert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brenda Dietrich, Jennifer Lai, Yan Liu
  • Patent number: 9022786
    Abstract: A method is present for flight crew training. Flight crew interactions are recorded during a lesson to form recorded flight crew interactions. Flight deck displays occurring during the lesson are recorded to form recorded flight deck displays. A flight training video is formed from the recorded flight crew interactions and the recorded flight deck displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Haywood Keith Fabling
  • Publication number: 20150104757
    Abstract: A system for driver assessment and training comprising a simulator which can be operated by a driver or pilot under test or in training, the simulator displaying scenarios the driver or pilot must drive through or fly through. The inputs of the driver or pilot in reaction to the displayed scenario are fed to a free body model which calculates the resulting movement of the simulated vehicle in the displayed world. Scoring can be by analysis of calculated Fonda curves comparing the driver performance to performances by one or more normative drivers plotted by standard deviation from norm on the vertical axis and sample point on the horizontal axis. Simulator sickness can be mitigated by calculation and display of a mitigation object which partially obscures the virtual scene being displayed. Signature curves give the driver or pilots' performance at a glance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: MBFARR, LLC
    Inventors: RICK L. MONCRIEF, Max Larkin Behensky, Tomas G. Harkins, Brad Allen Fuller
  • Publication number: 20150050623
    Abstract: A system and method for training a student employ a simulation station that displays output to the student and receives input. The computer system has a rules engine operating on it and computer accessible data storage storing (i) learning object data including learning objects configured to provide interaction with the student at the simulation system and (ii) rule data defining a plurality of rules accessed by the rules engine. The rules data includes, for each rule, respective (a) if-portion data defining a condition of data and (o) then-portion data defining an action to be performed at the simulation station. The rules engine causes the computer system to perform the action when the condition of data is present in the data storage. For at least some of the rules, the action comprises output of one of the learning objects so as to interact with the student. The system may be networked with middleware and adapters that map data received over the network to rules engine memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Falash, Eytan Pollak, Michael Barnoske, George Rovny, Coy Stewart, Robert Ducharme
  • Patent number: 8942964
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and system for simulating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and simulating an environment in which the UAV may be flying. A plurality of visual sensors, e.g., cameras, positioned on the UAV, may be simulated. A UAV simulator is configured to simulate the UAV and a graphical simulator is configured to simulate the environment. The UAV simulator may be configured to: estimate pitch, roll and/or groundspeed based, at least in part, on outputs from the visual sensors, determine a position and/or an orientation of the simulated UAV in the simulated environment based, at least in part, on the estimate(s) and provide the position and/or orientation to the graphical simulator. The graphical simulator may be configured to display the simulated UAV at the position and/or orientation in the simulated environment and/or to display the simulated camera view(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: George T. McWilliams, III, Kevin J. Alley, Christopher I. Mentzer
  • Patent number: 8876534
    Abstract: A method for pilot situational awareness comprises calculating a location; providing terrain data for the calculated location; processing the terrain data and positioning a light source generally proximal to a view point of a pilot data to generate a synthetic image, the synthetic image representing an appearance of the terrain data illuminated by an appearance of the light source positioned generally proximal to the view point of the pilot; and displaying the synthetic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Frank, Radu E. Denghel
  • Patent number: 8868808
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a configurable simulator comprising at least one configuration component and a plurality of configurable modular cards. The configuration component determines configuration parameters of the cards and exchanges configuration messages with the cards. Each card comprises a configurable input/output unit comprising a plurality of configurable inputs and outputs, and a power supply comprising a plurality of configurable power supply circuits. The input/output unit exchanges configuration messages with the simulation controller. Each card further comprises a processor for configuring the plurality of inputs and outputs of the configurable input/output unit, and the plurality of power circuits of the power supply. The processor also executes a simulation code to implement a functionality of the simulator. The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating a configurable simulator comprising a plurality of configurable modular cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: CAE Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Galibois, Yanick Cote
  • Publication number: 20140272809
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a flight simulator, having a folded state and an unfolded state, having a chassis, an inner display and support that may be stowed or deployed, and an outer display and support that may be stowed or deployed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: INDRA SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: James Martel, David Jorgensen, Dan Diorio, Fernando Piernavieja, Javier Gonzalez, Mike Maier
  • Patent number: 8834164
    Abstract: Systems and methods for use in training crewmembers in the cargo compartment in detecting and identifying visual cues related to potential threats to aircraft and to ground based search and rescue circumstances. A visual display displays a scene generated by a visual scene generator apparatus. A vision limiting device, such as an actual door from an aircraft, equipped with a window is placed between the trainee and the visual display and the trainee can only see a limited amount of the visual display through the door's window. The limited view of the scene afforded the trainee will force the trainee to move around at various angles to see more of the scene and will also provide a frame of reference for making spatiotemporal judgments regarding the relationships between the trainee, the trainee's aircraft, and objects external to the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Her Majesty The Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence
    Inventors: Stuart Grant, Tony Ghoman
  • Patent number: 8794970
    Abstract: This disclosure describes novel aircraft control systems for propeller-driven training aircraft, and methods for their use. In an aspect of some embodiments, a control system might comprise an integrated power control that takes a single power input from the pilot and translates that input into controls for a throttle, a propeller pitch setting, and a fuel/air mixture. In another aspect of some embodiments, a glass cockpit may be provided, with computer displays emulating the instruments of the aircraft for which the pilot is training. Advantageously, this allows a pilot in training to learn, from the beginning, the power controls and/or instrumentation for the aircraft for which the pilot is training, instead of having to learn one power control and instrumentation system, only to later have to learn another system. In a specific embodiment, the instrumentation displays may be reconfigurable, allowing the displays to emulate those of a variety of jet aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Steven G. Testrake
  • Patent number: 8587497
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a uniform resolution display screen. In one embodiment, the uniform resolution display screen comprises a surface of the uniform resolution display screen having a curvature configured to display images with a uniform resolution across the display screen. The curvature is based on a projection distance from a projector to the uniform resolution display screen and a viewing distance from an eyepoint of an observer to the uniform resolution display screen. The geometry of the display screen is configured to display images associated with a high definition imaging format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Harold R. Streid, Carl J. Vorst, Scott Phillip Rothman
  • Patent number: 8573977
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and flight simulators are disclosed to present infrared images detectable by night vision devices. A video signal may be received. The video signal may be configured to generate a viewable image substantially within a human visible spectrum. The video signal may include one or more of a red component, a green component, and a blue component. The video signal also may be configured to generate one or more infrared images. The one or more infrared images may be substantially outside the human visible spectrum and may have an infrared component detectable by a night vision device. In response to the video signal, the red and green components may be separately modulated to generate red and green portions of the viewable image. The blue component and the infrared component may be collectively modulated to generate a blue portion of the viewable image and the one or more infrared images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Harold R. Streid
  • Publication number: 20130280678
    Abstract: An aircrew training system and method utilizes an analytical software tool to assess student pilot gaze activity and flight performance against established baseline standards. The system comprises databases that contain information detailing the expected state of aircraft instrumentation and characteristics of experienced gaze behavior associated with activities undertaken throughout each phase of flight. These databases provide operational context and a baseline reference for performance evaluation. The resultant output provides the instructor with insight into student gaze intersection, scan activity, adopted strategies, and other performance metrics based on cumulative data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Towers, William Cheung
  • Publication number: 20130209967
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating a simulator with a special impression of reality is provided. The apparatus is configured for learning how to control a vehicle moving in three-dimensional reality. Controllable systems for detecting human stress reactions are provided. The controllable systems may be configured for sensing the resistance of the skin and for detecting movements of persons and physiognomy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: GRENZEBACH MASCHINENBAU GMBH
    Inventor: Olaf Guehring
  • Patent number: 8487977
    Abstract: A video conference system provides “in the room” telepresence to near end participants. The video conference system includes a frameless or bezelless display device placed in front of a front wall for displaying edge-to-edge 3D images of far end participants. Color of the near end front wall is configured to be the same as the color of the far end rear wall. As a result, images displayed on the display device can merge or blend into the near end front wall, giving the near end participants the perception that the far end participants are actually in the near end conference room. Brightness of the faces/bodies of the near end participants can also be adjusted to match the brightness of the face/bodies of the images of the far end participants as they appear on the display device—therefore enhancing the in the room perception of the far end participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Polycom, Inc.
    Inventors: Youssef Saleh, Gopal Paripally
  • Patent number: 8393902
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method to control the movements of a flight simulator involving linear and angular accelerations perceived at a pilot's seat and involving mathematical transformations of a lateral position y and a roll angle ? for said accelerations, wherein mathematical transformations are used with at least one of the following corrections: —Feed-forward of a specific force error due to the y-position wash-out into a roll angle transformation function; —Decomposition of specific force at pilot's position and addition of complementary filters to reproduce suitable side forces in the pilot's seat due to lateral accelerations; —Mathematical transformations linking a pilot's position in an aircraft and flight simulator to a motion base centroid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: W.ING.S. sprl
    Inventor: Filip VanBiervliet
  • Patent number: 8360777
    Abstract: Systems and methods for use in training observers and search and rescue personnel in detecting and identifying visual cues related to potential threats to aircraft and to ground based search and rescue circumstances. A visual display displays a scene generated by a visual scene generator apparatus. A vision limiting device is placed between the trainee and the visual display and the trainee can only see a limited amount of the visual display through a window on the vision limiting device. The limited view of the scene afforded the trainee will force the trainee to move around at various angles to see more of the scene as he normally would in real life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as Represented by the Minister of the Department of National Defence
    Inventors: Stuart Grant, Tony Ghoman, Don Turner
  • Patent number: 8348440
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vision system for representing synthetically generated images for the stimulation of night vision appliances, especially in training simulators for driving or flight training, and lighting and observation operations in night vision conditions. Said system comprises an image generator (17) for generating image signals of a synthetic image, at least one projector (16) which is fed with the image signals and used to project the image onto at least one projection screen (11), and a night vision appliance (15) for visualizing the projected image. The aim of the invention is to create a technically less complex, cost-effective visual system, whereby the projected image is visualized through the night vision appliance (15) in an undisturbed manner when the night vision appliance is stimulated correctly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Burggraf, Wilfried Plass, Michael Paschold, Hans Born
  • Patent number: 8337206
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool (10) for assisting in the design of an aircraft flight deck compatible with a night vision system, comprising a closed chamber (12) functioning as a dark room and containing: a mockup (14) that reproduces the interior of a flight deck and is representative of the visual characteristics of the station, the mockup integrating equipment items that are representative of a flight deck and that are capable of reproducing a plurality of possible illumination configurations of the flight deck on command, a light source (22) capable of reproducing at least one level of darkness in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventor: Bruno Taffet
  • Patent number: 8241038
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a simulator comprising at least one projector arranged to project an image, and a non-spherical, generally continuous, dome-like projection surface on which the image is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Edward W. Quinn, Randall W. Wallace, Michael R. Vogel, Jason L. Seeliger
  • Publication number: 20120178054
    Abstract: A method and an image generator in a flight simulator system for generating a simulated head mounted display. The simulated head mounted display area represents a display area in a head mounted display and is positioned in a visual surrounding in dependence of a signal representing a position of a head of a pilot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Magnus Jomander, Jörgen Nilsson, Göran Nordqvist
  • Publication number: 20120156655
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a system and method of an instrument flight training system that provides student pilots with simulation of instrument flight conditions. This is accomplished by obscuring the outside world using two cross-polarizing filters, one on the windshield and one on the student pilot's glasses, while still providing a view of all of the flight instruments inside of the cockpit to the student pilot, while providing a view of the outside world to a second pilot who is not wearing the glasses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Guy Goldberg
  • Patent number: 8194193
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a uniform resolution display screen. In one embodiment, the uniform resolution display screen comprises a surface of the uniform resolution display screen having a curvature configured to display images with a uniform resolution across the display screen. The curvature is based on a projection distance from a projector to the uniform resolution display screen and a viewing distance from an eyepoint of an observer to the uniform resolution display screen. The geometry of the display screen is configured to display images associated with a high definition imaging format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Harold R. Streid, Carl J. Vorst, Scott Phillip Rothman
  • Patent number: 8185360
    Abstract: A computer aided design (CAD) system ascertains the clear view area of a transparency in light of head orientation and refractive properties of the transparency. Obstructions that limit the clear view are also taken into account. The CAD system is particularly useful in assessing the field of view provided to a pilot by aircraft windshields and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark E. Eakins, Steven B. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20110076648
    Abstract: A simulation system provides a simulated environment to at least one user in a simulation area. The simulation system includes a video system configured to provide high definition video of the simulated environment across a field of view of the user. The video system provides high definition live action video. The simulation system also includes an audio system configured to provide high definition audio related to the provided high definition video of the simulated environment and a motion system configured to move the at least one user on x, y, and z axes to simulate movement in the simulated environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Richard D. Lindheim, David B. Wertheimer, Robert Wolterstorff, Monty Lunde, Craig Barr
  • Publication number: 20110027761
    Abstract: Training method for the simulation of an operation performed by at least one device which is part of a real apparatus, wherein the method comprises providing to display means overlaid images under controlled depth order of a virtual apparatus, and real images of said device, and providing a simulated response to control means, based on data of the position and behavior of said device and on data of the position and behavior of said virtual apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: EADS CONSTRUCCIONES AERONAUTICAS, S.A.
    Inventors: Miguel Gasco Nunez, Javier Alvarez Ortiz
  • Patent number: 7871270
    Abstract: A simulator is disclosed which includes an image generator that includes a forward display system and a peripheral display system to provide a field of view. The forward display system utilizes a forward projection system to provide forward imagery with high-resolution. The peripheral display system utilizes a helmet-mounted display system to provide peripheral imagery. The forward and peripheral imagery are merged by the image-generator so as to provide a full field of view with as much high-resolution imagery as possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Jason L. Seeliger, Randall W. Wallace, Edward W. Quinn, Michael R. Vogel
  • Publication number: 20100266991
    Abstract: A flight simulation system capable of simulating multiple aircraft through interchangeable instrument panels, throttle quadrants, and control devices (stick and/or yoke). The system has multiple visual displays capable of displaying simulated outside views and instrument displays (e.g. multiple aircraft, avionics suites, gauges, etc.). The instrument panels simulating a particular type of aircraft and containing switches, knobs, and/or buttons of approximately the same type and approximately the same location as in the simulated aircraft. The system containing a communications system compatible with standard pilot headsets and a pilot key for logging, storage, and permissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Redbird Flight Simulations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry N. Gregoire, Todd B. Willinger, Jerry T. Gregoire, Bradley J. Whitsitt, John Land, Darren Bien, Charles Gregoire
  • Publication number: 20100266992
    Abstract: An interchangeable instrument panel overlay system for a flight simulator interchangeable with another simulating a different aircraft. Each instrument panel simulating a particular type of aircraft and containing switches, knobs, and/or buttons of approximately the same type and approximately the same location as in the simulated aircraft. The instrument panels capable of simulating a variety of avionics suites, gauges, and/or other equipment. The instrument panels capable of being affixed over a visual display displaying avionics suites, gauges, and/or other equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: REDBIRD FLIGHT SIMULATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jerry N. Gregoire, Todd B. Willinger, Jerry T. Gregoire, Bradley J. Whitsitt, John Land, Darren Bien, Charles Gregoire
  • Patent number: 7744463
    Abstract: A parameter of a consumption item (fuel, life) consumed as a game progresses is calculated. When a setting of a game termination condition changes, a rate of change of the parameter of the consumption item is changed according to the change of the setting. The game termination condition is a condition relating to the number of laps on a course, a time limit of a game or a game quota. The rate of change of the parameter of the consumption item is increased as the number of laps on a course is reduced, as the time limit of a game is shortened, or as the game quota is reduced. When a value of the parameter of the consumption item becomes equal to zero as a game progresses, the movement or motion of an object is disabled. The parameter of the consumption item is changed from an initial value set by a player with the rate of change which has been specified based on the game termination condition set by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Namco Bandai Games, Inc.
    Inventor: Satoru Ouchi
  • Patent number: 7424408
    Abstract: An aircraft engine face radar cross section analysis is computed using a finite element based approach. A finite element model is only created for a periodic slice of the aircraft engine face. The system matrix of the finite element model is then transformed into a series of independent modes in a block diagonal matrix using a Discrete Fourier Transform. Each of the independent modes is then solved using an “infinite” pipe arrangement to remove the effects of rim scattering and the incident wave. The solved independent modes are summed together to determine the scattered electromagnetic field for the aircraft engine face. The scattered electromagnetic field is then used to calculate the radar cross section of the aircraft engine face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Glenn David Crabtree, James Mathias Boland, John D'Angelo
  • Patent number: 7216069
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating airport lighting aids by providing a generator having a processor structured to receive a plurality of navigation signals representative of position and altitude of a host aircraft; a signal generator operated by the processor, the generator being structured to retrieve airport information from a database as a function of the position signal, compare the position and altitude signals with a glide path, and output a signal representative of a degree of coincidence with the glide path as a function of the position and altitude signals; and a plurality of indicators structured to receive the signal output by the signal generator and responsively output a visual indication of the degree of coincidence with the glide path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles L. Hett
  • Patent number: 7200536
    Abstract: A vehicle simulator comprising: (i) a real-world vehicle (1) whose controls and instruments are dual-mode such that they can be switched between normal operation and simulated operation; (ii) a retro-reflecting screen (3) which is deployed around and outside windows of a control area (cockpit) of the vehicle (1), which control area is for a person operating the simulator; (iii) an image projector (9) for being mounted on a head or headwear of the operator; (iv) a head position and orientation sensing system (11) mounted on the head or the headwear of the operator; (v) a simulator host computer that receives information from controls of the vehicle (1) and sends information to the controls and to instruments of the vehicle (1) when the vehicle (1) is in a simulation mode; and (vi) an image generator computer (8) that receives data from the simulator host computer regarding the vehicle's simulated position and orientation and that also receives data from the head position and orientation sensing system (11)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: SEOS Limited
    Inventor: Owen John Williams Wynn
  • Patent number: 7195486
    Abstract: A simulator structure with a deck for mounting various components including controls, one or two seats, an instrument panel and an image projector. The components are mounted to the deck using suitable fasteners, such as bolts and nuts. The image projector displays a computer-generated simulated environment. The instrument panel can include actual instruments or a computer-generated image. A dome-shaped image screen can be attached to the structure that can be tiltable on a horizontal axis or, alternatively, can be movable along an arcuate support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Robert W. McGraw
  • Patent number: 7056119
    Abstract: A periscopic optical training system for displaying simulation and real images includes a microprocessor for generating at least one simulation image, at least one display for displaying the simulation image, at least one periscopic device each with a viewing window for receiving the simulation and real images, and a controller for controlling the simulation and real images to be received by the periscopic device interchangeably or simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: LSA, Inc.
    Inventors: Alvin B. Cabato, David Warner, Dale R. Tyczka, John G. Lehman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6944581
    Abstract: Collimated visual display apparatus comprising an aspheric screen (12) and a curved collimating mirror (16), characterised in that the aspheric screen (12) is not a surface of revolution about an axis, the aspheric screen (12) comprises first and second parts (6, 8) which are separated from each other by a third part (10), the first and second parts (6, 8) are curved in cross section and if connected together then they would form a surface of revolution, the third part (10) is straight in cross sectional view and is a short cylindrical centre section, and the collimated visual display apparatus is such that the aspheric screen (12) has an outer curved surface that is viewed via the curved collimating mirror (16) by a user of the collimated visual display apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: SEOS Limited
    Inventor: Roy Edward Creek
  • Patent number: 6902402
    Abstract: Flight simulator with the ability to subject a passenger in a passenger compartment to sudden and possibly substantial horizontal and vertical thrusts in addition to a full 360 degrees of motion along a pitch, roll and yaw axes is described. In some embodiments, sustained G forces are also possible by mounting the passenger compartment in a support arm which includes an additional boom around which the passenger compartment is rotated to provide sustained acceleration to passenger compartment occupants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: MaxFlight Corporation
    Inventor: Frank McClintic
  • Patent number: 6814578
    Abstract: The present invention provides a visual display system that comprises an image generator and a plurality of adjacent video display modules. The image generator may be adapted to generate a video image viewable by an operator of the visual display system, where the video image may be representative of a portion of a composite display image. The plurality of adjacent video display modules include displays that may be adapted to display the portion of the composite display image, where the video display may be remotely coupled to the image generator and may be responsive to the video image generated by the image generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Carl J. Vorst