Abstract: A portable flight simulator is installed upon a conventional vehicle trailer for storage and transportation to various sites. The apparatus includes a folding video screen which when erected provides a relatively wide and long field of view for the operator of the simulator, rather than a relatively small and close video monitor display. The screen and video projector are immovably affixed to an operator cab or cockpit when the simulator apparatus is erected for operation, with cockpit movement and attached screen and projector being controlled by the operator in the cockpit. A conventional personal computer and flight simulator program provide the video signal for the projector, which projects the video program onto the screen. The operator reacts to the video program by using a control stick to control the orientation of the video program conventionally. Audio output may also be provided for realistic sound effects, or music for the operator.

Abstract: A support structure for a display system includes at least one pentagon-shaped lens, at least two hexagon-shaped lenses, and at least two hexagon-shaped supports. The at least two hexagon-shaped supports support the at least one pentagon-shaped lens and the at least two hexagon-shaped lenses. Each of the hexagon-shaped supports is securely attached to one of the hexagon-shaped lenses and one edge of the pentagon-shaped lens.

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.

Abstract: A system and method of generating an immersive digital image sequence capable of providing a perception of self-motion, includes the steps of: generating the digital image sequence; and adjusting the digital image sequence to control the perception of self-motion, whereby the degree of motion sickness induced in a viewer of the digital image sequence is controlled.

Abstract: A vehicle simulation system has an image system for projecting a simulated out-the-window scene and symbology as produced by a head-up display onto a viewing screen. A dummy beamsplitting or combiner structure is positioned so that the user can view the scene with the head-up display symbology through it. A filtering structure is provided on the combiner structure to prevent the user from viewing the head-up display symbology outside the combiner structure.

Abstract: An in situ training system for displaying simulation and/or real images includes a microprocessor for generating at least one simulation image, at least one display for displaying said simulation image, at least one periscopic device each with a viewing window for receiving the simulation and/or real images, and a controller for controlling the simulation and real images to be received by said periscopic device interchangeably or simultaneously.

Abstract: A three-dimension image processing apparatus includes a CPU. When the CPU detects by collision determination that another object, e.g., a wall, is existent between an operable object and a camera, it calculates such a moving angle of the camera that an eye of the camera to the operable object is not obstructed by the other object. The camera is moved in accordance with the moving angle to a position where the operable object and the other object existing in a photographed three-dimensional space are displayed on a display.

Abstract: A tactical display unit having a set of abutting viewing screens with each of the viewing screens located at an angle of at least 60 degrees to each other and each having an identical image thereon with the screens positioned either above or below a lateral head region of the viewers to create a communications zone where each of the viewers can both visually and orally communicate with one another even if viewers are on the opposite side of the viewing screens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flight simulator adapted for a family of aircraft and comprising at least one hardware unit (2) common to the aircraft of the family and capable of carrying out at least one function by implementing a software program which is supported by a nonvolatile memory (M1, M2, M3, M4) of a module (3), said module (3) being removably connected to said hardware unit (2).

Abstract: A self contained electronic system for manual or automatic control and navigation of fixed winged aircraft using electronic position sensing such as GPS, DGPS, WAAS, and the like, as the primary sensor and making use of known flight characteristics of the aircraft to determine aircraft attitude without any interaction with the aircraft, its controls, or the outside environment and without any moving mechanical devices other than switches, dials and connectors. The automatic and visual interface between the system and the pilot provides for simplified flight controls, and a new solution to the hazard of disorientation, and will reduce the time needed for a pilot to become proficient in VFR and instrument flying. A single instrument replaces many of the conventional instruments used for flight. Navigation data is provided in an easy to understand graphical format. The pilot is told explicitly where to move aircraft controls.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an integrated graphical user interface which facilitates the display and editing of aircraft flight-plan data. A user (e.g., a pilot) located within the aircraft provides input to a processor through a cursor control device and receives visual feedback via a display produced by a monitor. The display includes various graphical elements associated with the lateral position, vertical position, flight-plan and/or other indicia of the aircraft's operational state as determined from avionics data and/or various data sources. Through use of the cursor control device, the user may modify the flight-plan and/or other such indicia graphically in accordance with feedback provided by the display. In one embodiment, the display includes a lateral view, a vertical profile view, and a hot-map view configured to simplify the display and editing of the aircraft's flight-plan data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying a position of a vehicle on a multi-layer road, by which it is possible to judge whether the vehicle is running on an upper layer or a lower layer of the multilayer road without using additional new devices or parts on a navigation system. In order to identify a position of a vehicle on a road when the vehicle is running on a multi-layer road, prediction can be made to some extent by determining the visible range to see GPS satellite in the sky is wide or narrow. With the purpose of processing the problem quantitatively, a position measuring ratio is defined as follows: Position measuring ratio (%)=(Traveled distance where GPS position measuring is effective)×100/(Traveled distance). By this position measuring ratio, it is possible to identify the position of the vehicle on the road.

Abstract: A portable viewing booth adapted to accommodate a viewer therein. The viewing booth comprising a chair having a seat portion, a back rest portion, a pair of arm rests, and a leg rest. The portable viewing booth is adapted to be transported on a roller. The portable viewing booth further includes a frame member adapted to cover the viewer seated on the chair, wherein the frame member is adapted to house a screen display thereon, and wherein the frame member is pivotally attached to an upper edge of the back rest portion of the chair, and is adapted to fold and be disposed behind the chair.

Abstract: A method for forming a geographic database that can be used in a navigation system in which geographic data are transmitted in portions, as needed, from the geographic database to remotely located end users' computing platforms and used by the remotely located end users' computing platforms to provide navigation-related services and features to the end users as the end users travel along roads in a geographic region. The method includes the step of forming a plurality of separate collections of data from a primary copy of the geographic database. Each separate collection includes data that represent all roads of a corresponding respective separate rank, wherein a rank of a road represents a functional classification of the road such that roads that permit generally faster travel have a higher rank than roads that permit generally slower travel.

Abstract: A visual display system and method for full and realistic stimulation of night vision goggles according to the present invention includes a display system for stimulating night vision goggles across a large dynamic range. The display system includes a high resolution head tracked area of interest display for a rear projection video display. The system time multiplexes the display of raster and calligraphic images in the area of interest. The system also includes a method of calligraphic light point projection that conserves power by using a head tracked slow speed high sensitivity electromagnetic deflection system to position an electron beam which is modulated in X-Y position in a calligraphic fashion by a high speed secondary yoke to create intense light point images for the area of interest display.

Abstract: A CPU of a control system controls a signal processor to effect various calculations to move a player's spaceship on a projection display screen, orient the player's spaceship toward a shooting direction, move a camera position at a rear viewpoint toward the player's spaceship, and orient the shooting direction outside of the projection display screen, based on shooting game data including image data, audio data, and program data stored in recording medium. The CPU also controls an image processor to write image data and audio data into a RAM based on the calculated results from the signal processor. The image data thus written in the RAM is displayed on a television monitor and projected onto the projection display screen.

Abstract: A visual display system, such as a flight simulation system, includes a number of display screens and a number of associated video projectors which project predetermined video images on the display screens in response to control signals provided by an operator. In one embodiment, the display screens are circumscribed by an imaginary sphere having a predetermined radius and centered about the design eye of the visual display system. The design eye is generally positioned in a predetermined fixed relation to the operator such that the distortion of the displayed video image is reduced. In another embodiment, the video projectors are mounted in a linear side-by-side relationship on a rear side of the display screens, thereby reducing the overall size of the visual display system.

Abstract: A visual display system for producing a continuous far-focused virtual image according to the present invention includes a number of adjacent video image generation and display modules. Each module includes an image generator that generates a video image representative of a portion of a composite display image displayed on a video display. The visual display system also includes a number of optical viewing lenses associated with each video image generation and display modules and positioned between the operator and the video display. The lenses restrict the operator's field of view such that the operator views only a portion of the active display area of the video displays. The lenses of adjacent modules are joined together along their edges to form an enclosure partially surrounding the operator so that the operator views the composite display image displayed on the video displays through the lenses and perceives the composite display image as a continuous far-focused virtual image.

Abstract: A training aid providing a display simulating that of an artificial horizon instrument. The training aid comprises a base, a circular member rotatably supported within the base, and a horizon indicating member. The circular member is transparent and has an image representative of an aircraft and a pointer inscribed on the circular member. The horizon indicating member has a symbolic horizon inscribed thereon, and is visible through the circular member. The base has index marks forming a scale visible through the circular member. The horizon indicating member is linearly movable relative to the base, and may be manipulated so that the symbolic horizon is visible in positions indicative of climbing, diving, and level flight. The circular member may be rotated to indicate banking to the right and left and straight flight. The circular member and horizon indicating member are independently manipulable so that any flight attitude attainable in actual flight can be symbolically reproduced on the training aid.

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: The experience of parachute flight is simulated including parachute release and malfunctions. The parachutist trainee is suspended in a harness and a control line provided for the parachutist to operate. The parachutist's actions are sensed by an action sensor actuated by the control line. Force and position sensors sense position and force factors effected by the parachutist. The parachutist's head motion can be tracked by a head mounted sensor. The outputs of the sensors are converted to digital signals which are fed to a computer. The computer is programmed with a mathematical and logical model of parachute dynamics and environmental factors. The computational results are displayed to the parachutist on a monitor or on a head mounted display, the scene viewed containing a variety of three dimensional representations of objects on the ground such as buildings vegetation roads, etc.

Abstract: A visual display system, such as a flight simulation system, includes a number of display screens and a number of associated video projectors which project predetermined video images on the display screens in response to control signals provided by an operator. In one embodiment, the display screens are circumscribed by an imaginary sphere having a predetermined radius and centered about the design eye of the visual display system. The design eye is generally positioned in a predetermined fixed relation to the operator such that the distortion of the displayed video image is reduced. In another embodiment, the video projectors are mounted in a linear side-by-side relationship on a rear side of the display screens, thereby reducing the overall size of the visual display system.

Abstract: A simulator, example, a flight simulator, includng an image-generating display (20) and first and second mirrors (30, 40). The mirrors (30, 40) are singly curved and have substantially perpendicular axes, so that light from the display passes to the the concave surface of the first mirror (30), and from that mirror (30) to the concave surface of the second mirror (40), and from the second mirror (40) to a user of the simulator.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a motion simulator having a deck and a number of deck-supporting legs (2) that are pivotally connected with the deck in first pivot points (4). The legs are actively and continuously length-adjustable, such that the deck is capable of describing a motion envelope comprising all desired deck positions, wherein a leg envelope is determined for each leg within which the possible positions of the relevant leg are located, whereafter the common surrounding space of the legs, and in particular the interspace included between the leg envelopes is determined. A shell is then designed that at least carries the deck, which shell defines an inner space extending at least partly within the interspace between the legs (2) defined by the leg envelopes, in such a manner that in each position of the simulator, the legs are clear of the shell (1).

Abstract: A virtual reality vehicle simulator has a seat for supporting a person in a sitting position. The person wears goggles that present to the person an image of a virtual vehicle, as well as a virtual image of the person's hand and any objects, such as coffee cups, that the person may grasp in his hand. A position sensing system senses the position of a marker that is attached to a marked portion of the person's hand, e.g., the back of the hand. The person may be tasked to manipulate a virtual object, e.g., a virtual pushbutton, with a contact portion of his hand, e.g., the index finger. To calibrate the distance between the marked and contact portions so that a virtual image of the hand accurately may be displayed, a control surface is positioned adjacent the seat such that the person can manipulate the control surface. Based on the manipulation, the distance between the marked and contact portions is determined, thus calibrating the size of the virtual hand to accurately model the person's actual hand.

Abstract: A simulation method and system is provided for simulating a terrain and the objects above the terrain to a viewer. The method includes the steps of providing a first data base which includes a digital representation of the terrain and a second data base which includes a digital representation of the objects located above the terrain. The method also includes the steps of generating individual images, each of which simulates a viewing volume of the terrain and the objects and finally repeating the step of generating, thereby producing a plurality of images simulating a plurality of viewing volumes. The step of generating includes independently producing first and second images from information stored in separate first and second data bases, respectively, merging the first image and the second image, thereby forming an image simulating a viewing volume and displaying the image simulating the viewing volume.

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: A torso trainer has a user platform mounted on a pivoting, rotating shaft. The lower torso of the user is strapped to the platform with the upper torso supported by the user who employs the waistline muscles. As the platform rotates, different muscle groups are worked so that during the course of a complete 360.degree. revolution all the waistline muscles are exercised. The user effort required varies with the degree of tilting of the shaft and platform. At a nearly vertical tilting position user effort is minimal, while, at a horizontal tilting position, user effort is maximum. A user hand control starts platform rotation and overrides the stopping of platform rotation so that there can be multiple rotations.

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 visual display system, such as a flight simulation system, includes a number of display screens and a number of associated video projectors which project predetermined video images on the display screens in response to control signals provided by an operator. In one embodiment, the display screens are circumscribed by an imaginary sphere having a predetermined radius and centered about the design eye of the visual display system. The design eye is generally positioned in a predetermined fixed relation to the operator such that the distortion of the displayed video image is reduced. In another embodiment, the video projectors are mounted in a linear side-by-side relationship on a rear side of the display screens, thereby reducing the overall size of the visual display system.

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: The present invention is an improved flight simulation system. The system organizes data based upon a predetermined number of object types. Each scenery file is divided to separate the data for each object type. Object data is sub-divided into latitude bands of a fixed range of latitude. The system selectively analyzes the latitude band data to locate objects to be processed. For each object type, the objects within a latitude band are sorted and analyzed from west to east. The present system also includes a seeded scenery system. Various levels of seeds, each seed size referring to the size of the area covered by each seed are used. The seeded scenery system provides background scenery only when no other scenery is available to overwrite it. The system also includes a dynamic overlay management system which, when it loads a routine into memory, rewrites the line of code which called the routine to be a call directly to the location of the routine which is now in memory.

Abstract: A device (10) simulates a user's view (12) of a scene (16) on a display (24). A memory (36) stores region pixel data that represent a region (14) of the scene (16). A sensor (20) provides information that represents the direction and orientation of the user's gaze. A processor (32) determines the coordinates of the view (12) from the direction and orientation information, determines which of the region pixel data represent the view (12), and provides the determined view pixel data to the display (24).

Abstract: An enclosure having a horizon line, a scene, and lights is moved relative to a pilot to simulate vertigo during on-ground training of the pilot to overcome in-flight vertigo. Gravitational vertigo is simulated by a seat cushion inflatable to change the seated orientation of the pilot.

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 helicopter flight simulator having improvements in visual cues and modeling. The unique visual cues include terrain following shadows and hazing, the latter approximating a set of atmospheric conditions. The unique modeling features include a user selectable zoom, horizontal and vertical ground avoidance, and an autorotation model.

Abstract: The disclosed system essentially comprises a small diameter sphere, forming a projection screen, in which the pilot is placed. This sphere is associated with external and internal generators.

Abstract: A virtual reality vehicle simulator has a seat for supporting a person in a sitting position. The person wears goggles that present to the person an image of a virtual vehicle, as well as a virtual image of the person's hand and any objects, such as coffee cups, that the person may grasp in his hand. A position sensing system senses the position of a marker that is attached to a marked portion of the person's hand, e.g., the back of the hand. The person may be tasked to manipulate a virtual object, e.g., a virtual pushbutton, with a contact portion of his hand, e.g., the index finger. To calibrate the distance between the marked and contact portions so that a virtual image of the hand accurately may be displayed, a control surface is positioned adjacent the seat such that the person can manipulate the control surface. Based on the manipulation, the distance between the marked and contact portions is determined, thus calibrating the size of the virtual hand to accurately model the person's actual hand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating the effect of non-homogeneous fog in an image displayed on a screen. The image is intended to represent the appearance of a model defined in a database in world space coordinates from an eyepoint position in world space, the model being defined in terms of individual features each having predetermined attributes defining the position and visible characteristics of the feature. Image data is derived from the model for each of an array of sampling points distributed across screen space. A non-homogeneous fog structure is defined in world space coordinates as a series of parallel strata of predetermined extinction coefficients. The positions of the eyepoint and a feature to be displayed relative to the fog structure are determined. The distance from the feature to the eyepoint is calculated.

Abstract: A vehicle simulator is provided with a control device for actuation by an operator which device's input is digitized and fed to a vehicle model. The model (14) maintains an objective position and direction for the simulated vehicle which are fed to a lag means. The lag means operates to delay the rate of change of objective direction of the simulated vehicle to provide a subjective direction to a display generator. The display generator provides a subjective view based on the objective position and subjective direction of the simulated vehicle on a display.

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: A helicopter flight simulator having improvements in visual cues and modeling. The unique visual cues include terrain following shadows and hazing, the latter approximating a set of atmospheric conditions. The unique modeling features include a user selectable zoom, horizontal and vertical ground avoidance, and an autorotation model.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating the effect of non-homogeneous fog in an image displayed on a screen. The image is intended to represent the appearance of a model defined in a database in world space coordinates from an eyepoint position in world space, the model being defined in terms of individual features each having predetermined attributes defining the position and visible characteristics of the feature. Image data is derived from the model for each of an array of sampling points distributed across screen space. A non-homogeneous fog structure is defined in world space coordinates as a series of parallel strata of predetermined extinction coefficients. The positions of the eyepoint and a feature to be displayed relative to the fog structure are determined. The distance from the feature to the eyepoint is calculated.

Abstract: A virtual reality flight control system displays to the pilot the image of a scene surrounding a vehicle or pod having six degrees of freedom of acceleration or velocity control by the pilot and traveling through inertial space, the image itself including a superimposed figure providing the pilot an instant reference of orientation consisting of superimposed sets of geometric figures whose relative orientations provide the pilot an instantaneous feel or sense of orientation changes with respect to some fixed coordinate system. They include a first set of geometric figures whose orientations are fixed to the pilot's vehicle and a second set of geometric figures whose orientations are fixed with respect to a fixed or interstellar coordinate system.

Abstract: The Display for Advanced Research and Training (DART), a wrap-around display system for presenting out-the-window visual imagery in a flight simulator, is substantially improved by adding a helmet mounted display of modest field-of-view that displays only an area-of-interest view (HMAoI) The HMAoI display displays a modest field-of-view, high resolution image, according to the head position of a simulator pilot as determined by a helmet mounted position indicator, that replaces the lower resolution view provided by the DART for the same image. The corresponding DART image is not displayed to prevent displaying a confusing view. The remaining DART display provides a peripheral view for a simulator pilot. The imagery provided through the HMAoI may be a two part image comprising a very high resolution central image surrounded by a lower, but still higher than the DART, resolution image.

Abstract: A vehicle simulator has three video monitors which display three respective windows, i.e., sectors, of a simulated space. Each of the monitors is held in a respective housing, and each housing is mounted on the simulator. Also, a respective video controller is associated with each monitor, and each controller is mounted on the housing of the associated monitor.One of the controllers is a master controller which calculates a reference position representative of the position of the simulated vehicle in a simulated space, based upon user-generated control signals. A signal representing the reference position is transmitted from the master controller to the two slave controllers. Based upon the reference position, each of the controllers generates a video display of a predetermined sector of the simulated space and causes its associated monitor to present the predetermined sector.

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: A low cost visual simulation system (100) for training simulators is disclosed. Aerial photo transparencies are used directly as image sources without creating a digital data base. The approximately correct image perspective is generated optically by a deformable mirror (114) and a zoom lens and rotation prism assembly (106). Stereo image photo pairs (120) need to be analyzed only at a relatively small number of points; thus, the computational burden is greatly reduced.

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: 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.