Abstract: Disclosed by way of example embodiments is a wireless communication system transmitting or receiving a wireless signal according to an orientation of the wireless communication system. In one aspect, the wireless communication system includes an antenna operable in different configurations. In each configuration, the antenna has a corresponding antenna gain in a direction with respect to the antenna. The wireless communication system further includes a sensor for determining an orientation of the wireless communication system. According to the determined orientation, the antenna is configured to transmit or receive the wireless signal in a corresponding configuration. Hence, the wireless communication system disposed in different orientations can successfully communicate with another wireless communication system.

Abstract: A thin film mirror, comprising: a mirror shell (605); a reflective film (601) stretched between forming structures (603) provided on said mirror shell and reflective film being arranged such that they form a chamber which is capable of being placed under at least partial vacuum; the mirror shell having an inner surface which forms an inner wail of said chamber, wherein the mirror shell is a moulded part where its inner surface is a controlled surface.

Abstract: A system and method displays a realistic image that allows a user to readily grasp his/her own positional relationship and also to experience a sense of presence. An outer dome screen is disposed so as to surround a user, and an immersion image such as the scenery of the surroundings of an object is displayed thereon. An inner dome screen is disposed inside the outer dome screen, and it displays a bird's-eye image of the object as perceived by the vision of the user when the object is viewed from a viewpoint of the user. In this case, the user is allowed to readily grasp his/her own positional relationship by the bird's-eye image and is allowed to experience a sense of presence by the immersion image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending the effective circumferential extent of an original an aircraft simulator mirror cell having a base support structure mounted to a movable platform, the base support structure being in generally the shape of a portion of a sphere of a predetermined radius and having a predetermined circumferential extent defined by original edges of the support structure configured to support a vacuum-shaped reflective film.

Abstract: A telepresence server is for connection to a telecommunications network for providing access to a reality engine for a plurality of passive users. The reality engine can be controlled by an active user or a professional director through the network or by a local professional director. Active/passive mode displays can be used by the passive users in a passive mode and an active/passive mode display can be used by the active user in an active mode.

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.

Abstract: Display apparatus (50) comprising a front projection screen (60), at least one projector (54) which is for providing a display on the screen (60) and which is positioned outside an enclosed display volume, the screen (60) being optimised to preferentially set the image distance in different regions when viewed by an observer (58) via a collimating mirror (62).

Abstract: A panoramic imaging and display system for the imaging and displaying of visual-media content, comprising a screen configured for the display of panoramic imagery, having an interior surface-perimeter and an exterior surface-perimeter, wherein each of said surface-perimeters are substantially contiguous in appearance and are sized and shaped to have a display area on which, substantially contiguous panoramic visual-media content and segmented visual-media content can be imaged. The system provides support and positioning of the display to at least one height relative to a viewing audience to provide circumnavigable viewing, and a multitude of vantage points from which to view at least one of the surface-perimeters of the panoramic display. Embodiments of the system can have an array of speakers positioned around a perimeter of the system's screen as a sound-system providing a panning of audible sound which can be synchronized with the movement of objects seen moving on the screen.

Abstract: A novel display system for observing virtual and real images. The display system includes a light redirection surface or reflective surface (e.g, mirrored surface) to display, for example, a virtual image. The system also has a light emitting surface, or LES, which includes first and second sides directly opposite from each other. The LES emits light to form the virtual image at an apparent distance behind the reflective surface. An observing region is also included on the second side of the LES for observing the image through the LES.

Abstract: An optical system (10) has an image source (12), a first optical element (34), a second optical element (50), and an aperture stop (52). The first optical element (34) is positioned close to the image source (12) to generate anamophic field curvature of matching the display screen (16). The radiation is then directed to the second optical element (50) which corrects astigmatism of the radiation passing from the first optical element (34). The aperture stop (52) is provided adjacent to the second optical element (50). The system may be used in an infinite display optical system where the radiation would be directed through projector 14 to a screen (16). A mirror (18) is positioned to reflect the radiation from the screen (16) to provide an image to a viewer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a geo-positional treading sphere (10) having a sphere (12) rotatably cradled within a base (14). The base (14) has at least one base pylon (14A) having a base pylon driver to rotate the sphere (12) longitudinally and/or latidudinally in response to an instant position which the user (16) is located within the sphere (12). The base (14) has a plurality of base bearings (14D) attached thereto which function to facilitate the sphere's (12) rotation. The user (16) adorns a user control (18) consisting of a user control backpack (18A) and a user control helmet (18B). The user control backpack (18A) has at least one user control backpack infrared distance sensor to send and receive signals to the inner wall of the sphere (12). The received signals by the at least one user control backpack infrared distance sensor is relayed to the geo-positional treading sphere operating system (110).

Abstract: A simulator dome for a motion base simulator comprises one or more fiber reinforced outer layers, inner layers of a similar material and an intermediate core. The intermediate core is preferably a structural foam of variable density to allow selectively lowering the dome center of gravity to enhance the simulation capabilities of the motion system to simulate various flight maneuvers. By producing the dome from fiber reinforced polymer and using a core of variable density, a dome of unitary construction with no through fasteners is produced, having high strength for withstanding high G maneuvers without cracking or distortion, enhancing simulator effectiveness and increasing the accuracy of the simulated flight 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: An optical image is generated by an image source and is transmitted to an optical assembly by a fiber optic cable or cables. The optical assembly includes a transmission lens or lenses, rear projection screens and an eyepiece. By using a rear projection screen in the optical assembly, a non-pupil forming arrangement is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for a visual display in a training simulator. A projector illuminates a convex side of a spherical screen. A concave face of a spherical mirror facing the convex side of the spherical screen reflects the image on the spherical screen to a viewer. A second embodiment projects an image on a first mirror. The projected image is reflected onto a convex portion of a spherical screen. The image on the convex portion of the spherical screen is reflected to a concave mirror facing the convex face of the screen. A viewer sees the projected image on the concave mirror. The first mirror and the second mirror can be formed as one mirror.

Abstract: A simulator dome for a motion base simulator comprises one or more fiber reinforced outer layers, inner layers of a similar material and an intermediate core. The intermediate core is preferably a structural foam of variable density to allow selectively lowering the dome center of gravity to enhance the simulation capabilities of the motion system to simulate various flight maneuvers. By producing the dome from fiber reinforced polymer and using a core of variable density, a dome of unitary construction with no through fasteners is produced, having high strength for withstanding high G maneuvers without cracking or distortion, enhancing simulator effectiveness and increasing the accuracy of the simulated flight conditions.

Abstract: The disclosed display device for simulators has, for the display of a zone of interest, a visual unit fixed to a helmet, essentially constituted by mirrors and spherical screens and, for the peripheral vision, a system of wide-angle projection on a sphere.

Abstract: A simulator projected-image system includes a distortion-correcting circuit to modify flat-image data that is stored sequentially in a Random Access Memory by connecting a source of random address to obtain selected video data from the memory in a predetermined order and a circuit to combine the selected video data to form an image that is substantially free from distortion when projected on a curved screen.

Abstract: A system of enhancing a limited field of view (LFOV) aircraft simulator, having less than a full 360.times.360 degree continuous field of view, such that while a primary object is tracking within the field of view it is fully reproduced as an aircraft, target, runway, etc. and once it migrates outside of this area, or if another primary object is located outside of this area, the object is represented and tracked as a light spot. Once the primary object migrates within the limited field of view, the light spot will be extinguished and replaced by the fully reproduced object. The relative distance of the primary object to the simulated cockpit is illustrated by varying the magnitude of the light spot.

Abstract: An area of interest display system of the type wherein area of interest imagery of relatively great detail and resolution is displayed in the spatial position of the foveal region of the eye of an observer and background imagery of relatively lesser detail and resolution is displayed about the area of interest imagery is disclosed. An improved display is achieved by optically blending and projecting the area of interest imagery and the background imagery with a common servo optical system.

Abstract: A geodesic dome structure is described, i.e., a structure having a mathematically-derived surface. This new dome structure is formed of a single, one-piece layer of synthetic material and provides a one-piece, seamless screen to permit the viewing of a scene in a vehicle simulator in order to achieve a maximum of realism matching substantially real world conditions. One form of the structure for this geodesic dome is described with the single, one-piece layer of synthetic material bonded to a generally dome-shaped geodetic structure in order to provide sufficient strength for a free-standing structure. However, another form of the geodesic dome is described with the synthetic material formed of sufficient thickness to be strong enough to provide a free-standing structure, and the synthetic material may even be reinforced if desired.

Abstract: A geodesic dome structure is described, i.e., a structure having a mathematically-derived surface. This new dome structure is formed of a single, one-piece layer of synthetic material and provides a one-piece, seamless screen to permit the viewing of a scene in a vehicle simulator in order to achieve a maximum of realism matching substantially real world conditions. One form of the structure for this geodesic dome is described with the single, one-piece layer of synthetic material bonded to a generally dome-shaped geodetic structure in order to provide sufficient strength for a free-standing structure. However, another form of the geodesic dome is described with the synthetic material formed of sufficient thickness to be strong enough to provide a free-standing structure, and the synthetic material may even be reinforced if desired.

Abstract: A head position and orientation sensor system utilizes a head mounted protor of known scan pattern which presents a visual display to the observer. In order to maintain proper display orientation, the head position and orientation are measured by intercepting the projected light scan pattern at a retroreflective screen upon which the visual display is focused. A photodetector array mounted in said screen intercepts the visual display regardless of head orientation and position. A computational unit having knowledge of the scan pattern parameters correlates the photodetector array output to a unique head position and orientation.

Abstract: A helmet mounted projector provides offset and frame scanning capabilities or a dual channel computer generated image simulation system. The projector receives full color lasers from each channel via a separate optical path, including galvanometer controlled line scan offset mirrors designed to provide eye tracking capabilities, and combines said channels along a single optical axis to provide coordinated frame scanning from the complex image produced by the combined rasters.

Abstract: A roll and pitch motion optical system, particularly for a ground-based flight simulator visual display using a raster-scanned laser optical projector and a concave part-spherical display screen and requiring a wide-angle display. The optical system uses an input concave paraboloidal mirror and an output convex paraboloidal mirror of complementary shape. The intermediate optics comprise a collimator to constrict the display beam envelope, roll and pitch prisms positioned in the constricted area and close to the output mirror and a concave spherical mirror to reflect beams from the pitch prism back onto the output paraboloidal mirror.

Abstract: In a vehicular simulator including a cockpit and visual system wherein the visual system includes a hollow, partial spherical screen 18 surrounding a cockpit 14, and wherein both the cockpit 14 and spherical screen 18 are supported by a base support structure 16 such that the nominal eye point 24 of a pilot operator sitting in the cockpit 14 is at or near the center of the spherical screen 18. Improvement apparatus is provided comprising a first base means or structure 38 for providing a selected increase of the distance between the nominal eye point 24 and base platform 16. A second spacing means 40 and 42 are also provided which maintains the same selected distance increase between the spherical center of the screen 18 and the base platform 16. Left and right curved screen panels 44 and 46 having a spherical surface with the same diameter as the spherical screen are provided to the left and right of cockpit 14 such that bottom edge of spherical screen 18 is increased in selected areas by the panels.

Abstract: A computer generated image simulator is disclosed for scanning a visual target and then providing a visual image of the target which is to be displayed upon a reflective display screen such that a trainee pilot may observe the target. A head tracker which monitors the position of the trainee pilot's head, and an eye tracker which monitors the position of the trainee pilot's eyes, respectively provide head and eye orientation signals to be processed by electronic circuitry such that the target which is projected upon the reflective display screen by a helmet mounted projector will be orientated upon the screen in accordance with the orientation of the trainee pilot's head.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical translation linkage and lamp support apparatus for maintaining the projection light source inside a gimballed transparency displaced from the geometric center of the transparency and in a fixed spatial relation with the center of the transparency as the transparency rotates about any of its three mutually perpendicular axes. The translation apparatus employs only a mechanical linkage to ground and reacts to rotation of the support gimbal about either the X or Y axis to maintain the projection light source at the required position regardless of the attitude of the gimbal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending the effective circumferential extent of an original an aircraft simulator mirror cell having a base support structure mounted to a movable platform, the base support structure being in generally the shape of a portion of a sphere of a predetermined radius and having a predetermined circumferential extent defined by original edges of the support structure configured to support a vacuum-shaped reflective film.