Abstract: A simulator is disclosed. The simulator includes a display configured to display a 3D simulated environment and a tracking system configured to track a target. The tracking system also includes a projection configured to illuminate the target and a sensor configured to obtain a depth-image of the target. The tracking system also includes a processor configured to determine the distance of the target and/or an angle of the face of a target from the tracking system and/or display. The simulator also includes a computing unit communicatively coupled to the display and the tracking system. The computing unit is configured to send the 3D simulated environment signal to the display and to perform an adjustment of the 3D simulated environment based on at least one of the distance of the target or an angle of a face of the target relative to at least one of the display or tracking system.

Abstract: A system and method of generating a Boolean network development environment for qualitative processing may include an alternative setup of NAND-gates implemented in a design to solve complex problems, such as image recognition and automatic decision making/categorization. The method may include initializing a network using a target bitstring and actuating binary propagation thereby, using a predetermined set of inputs to generate an output bitstring. Further, the method may include actuating binary feedback using the output bitstring. A source may be updated until the convergence of all values are completed, wherein the result is compared to the target bitstring.

Abstract: A weatherproof television cover of pliable material having a rear side and upper and lower flaps and at least one air vent cover. Adhesive material associated with the upper and lower flaps securely encloses and fastens the weatherproof television cover around a television and accompanying arm of various television wall mounts.

Abstract: A probabilistic landmark navigation system is arranged to obtain from one or more image sensors one or more terrain images of a target terrain to be traversed by a vehicle. The terrain images are characterized by multiple individually non-distinctive terrain features without distinctively identifiable landmark features. The non-distinctive terrain features in the one or more terrain images are compared to map database information to make a non-temporal probabilistic determination of absolute location coordinates to associate with the non-distinctive terrain features. Then a navigation path is determined for the vehicle across the target terrain based on the absolute location coordinates.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an information processing device includes a memory and one or more hardware processors electrically coupled to the memory and configured to function as a change unit, and a display controller. The change unit is configured to change a reference path to a position at a lateral distance when the lateral distance obtained from lateral environmental information indicating a lateral environment of the reference path referred to as a scheduled running path of a moving body is larger than a distance from a lateral end to a center of a running region of the moving body. The display controller is configured to display display information including the reference path on a display unit.

Abstract: For displaying an off-switch location, a processor displays a rack image of a physical rack of a plurality of monitored devices separate from the processor. The processor displays an icon configured to convey a status of each monitored device of the plurality of monitored devices. The processor monitors a position of a mouse. The processor identifies a given monitored device at the position of the mouse and configuration data associated with the given monitored device. The configuration data defines an area of the rack view associated with the given monitored device. In response to identifying the given monitored device, the processor displays a locate off hyperlink for the given monitored device. In response to a selection of the locate off hyperlink, the processor displays an off-switch location on the rack image of the given monitored device.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to ranging an object nearby an aircraft by triangulation of spatially-patterned light projected upon and reflected from the object. The spatially patterned light can have a wavelength corresponding to infrared light and/or to an atmospheric absorption band. In some embodiments, images of the object are captured both with and without illumination by the spatially-patterned light. A difference between these two images can be used to isolate the spatially-patterned light. The two images can also be used to identify pixel boundaries of the object and to calculate ranges of portions of the object corresponding to pixels imaging these portions. For pixels imaging reflections of the spatially-patterned light, triangulation can be used to calculate range. For pixels not imaging reflections of the spatially-patterned light, ranges can be calculated using one or more of the calculated ranges calculated using triangulation corresponding to nearby pixels.

Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of methods for representing a rate of turn indicator for an aircraft implemented by an on-board avionics system. The method includes a step of graphically representing on a visualization device a symbol called “aeroplane model”, said graphic representation being a function of the specific speed of the aircraft and of its angle of inclination. In a favored embodiment, said aeroplane model includes two straight arms interlinked by a common point and inclined to the horizontal symmetrically in such a way as to form an inverted V. The angle of inclination of the two arms of the V is proportional to the specific speed of the aircraft, the coefficient of proportionality being determined in such a way that when the specific speed and the angle of inclination correspond to values compatible with the standard rate, said arm is parallel to the horizon line, thus indicating that the aircraft is carrying out its turn at the standard rate.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for converting alpha values into pixel coverage masks. Geometric coverage is sampled at a number of “real” sample positions within each pixel. Color and depth values are computed for each of these real samples. Fragment alpha values are used to determine an alpha coverage mask for the real samples and additional “virtual” samples, in which the number of bits set in the mask bits is proportional to the alpha value. An alpha-to-coverage mode uses the virtual samples to increase the number of transparency levels for each pixel compared with using only real samples. The alpha-to-coverage mode may be used in conjunction with virtual coverage anti-aliasing to provide higher-quality transparency for rendering anti-aliased images.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a motion simulator providing, to a link part, a buffering uniting part for absorbing impact during operation so as to prevent shaking of the motion simulator, thereby improving stability. To this end, the motion simulator of the present invention comprises: support members for supporting a chair on which a user sits, a monitor for providing images of a virtual environment according to the operation of the user, and a handle operated by the user for providing the virtual environment; and a plurality of link parts coupled to the lower portions of the support members so as to support the support members while simultaneously moving the same in the vertical direction, wherein at least one link part among the plurality of link parts are provided with buffering uniting parts for the absorption of impact.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a motion simulator including a rotating plate, a fixing plate, an operating frame disposed at and spaced apart from an upper portion of the rotating plate, and a plurality of link units coupled between the rotating plate and the operating frame to support and vertically move the operating frame. The rotating plate has a motor mounted through one side thereof and a plurality of casters mounted through a lower surface thereof. The caster is configured such that, when the motion simulator is used, rotation of the caster is inhibited to allow the wheel to roll in the rotational direction of the rotating plate. When the motion simulator is moved, the caster can be unlocked to enable the caster to rotate and the motion simulator to be freely pushed and moved. The fixing plate enables the rotating plate to be rotated and has a driven part.

Abstract: An aircraft control system for a user of a simulated aircraft. The system includes input devices for controlling the simulated aircraft, a video display having three-dimensional graphics, modeling software for determining position and orientation information based on desired direction of flight obtained through the input devices. User controls desired direction of flight through the input devices, thus controlling aircraft. The aircraft control system may be embodied as a flight game.

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.

Abstract: A method, computer system and computer program product for providing a computer simulation that provides advance notification of expected events or states, comprising running a first computer simulation; running a second computer simulation corresponding to said first simulation, said second simulation having progressed further than said first simulation; and using said second computer simulation to provide information representing expected future events in said first simulation. A first computer simulation may be based on a model of a simulated system, said model having a plurality of state variables. Input data from a first user input interface may represent user interaction with said first computer simulation, while input data from a second user input interface may represent the extent to which a condition should be present in said simulation.

Abstract: An aircraft control system for a user of a simulated aircraft. The system includes input devices for controlling the simulated aircraft, a video display having three-dimensional graphics, modeling software for determining position and orientation information based on desired direction of flight obtained through the input devices. User controls desired direction of flight through the input devices, thus controlling aircraft. The aircraft control system may be embodied as a flight game.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing environmentally-sensitive simulations on a data processing system. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an ambient temperature associated with a player's location is provided to an environmental module. The environmental module provides the ambient temperature information to a simulation application. The simulation application modifies the behavior of a simulation executing on the data processing system according to the ambient temperature. The data processing system displays the simulation with the modified behavior to the player.

Abstract: A video game controller hub receives a number of control input sets from an equal number of video game controllers, and provides a preferably smaller number of control input sets to a video game console. Each of the control input sets provided to the video game console by the controller hub is used to control a distinct on-screen entity, e.g. vehicle, character, or team. A number of players therefore collectively control a single on-screen entity. The reduction in the number of control input sets is performed according to reduction and combination schemes that are preferably specified by the user to suit a particular video game. The reduction in the number of control input sets increases the number of players that may concurrently participate in a video game without requiring support from the video game console or software, and the collaborative nature of the control of on-screen entities provides for exciting variations in game play.

Abstract: A single compact multi-aircraft flight simulator processing unit is disclosed and may include a single chassis, a memory, and a flight simulator control unit housed within the single chassis that operates using a single processor that receives the user's selection of aircraft type, aircraft-type configuration, and start-up parameters to be simulated, retrieves the simulation of the user's selected aircraft type, aircraft-type configuration and start-up parameters from the memory, presents the simulation of the user's selected aircraft type, aircraft-type configuration and start-up parameters to the user, receives a signal from the user to begin the flight simulation experience using the selected aircraft type, aircraft-type configuration and start-up parameters, presents the flight simulation experience to the user, wherein the flight simulation experience displays simulated cockpit window views, displays interactive flight instrument panel views and permits the user to control the flight simulation experienc

Abstract: A system and method are provided for review of a trainee being trained in simulation. The system has a computerized simulator displaying to the trainee a real-time out-the-window (OTW) scene of video made up of a series of images each rendered in real-time from stored scene data. A review system stores or displays a view of the OTW scene video as seen from a time-variable detected viewpoint of the trainee. Each frame of this video is independently rendered in a single pass from the scene data using a projection matrix that is derived from a detected eyepoint and line of sight of the trainee. A HUD display with imagery superimposed on the OTW view may advantageously combined with the perspective-distorted imagery of the review system. The video displayed or stored by the review system accurately records or displays the OTW scene as seen by the trainee.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for assisting an operator (e.g., a pilot) of an apparatus (e.g., an aircraft) that includes a control compartment (e.g., a cockpit). The system includes a near-eye display and a processing subsystem. The near-eye display includes a transparent display panel and is adapted to be worn on a head of the operator. The processing subsystem is adapted to receive layout information defining a physical layout of one or more operational components located within the control compartment. The processing subsystem is further adapted to determine a location for a display indicator on the transparent display panel, where the location is determined to appear to the operator to be in proximity to an operational component. The processing subsystem is further adapted to generate a display signal to cause the near-eye display to display the display indicator in the location.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that permits a user to interactively and graphically design a company route to be traveled by a vehicle such as an airplane. Alternatively or additionally, a system and method are disclosed that permits a user to interactively and graphically conduct a virtual travel through, such a virtual fly through, a company route to be traveled by a vehicle such as an airplane.

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: An aircraft flight control display for orientation of the pilot during an approach of the aircraft toward a destination has a center of the display as its fixed point. An aircraft symbol with a center depicts the longitudinal axis as well as a lateral line to depict the current attitude of the aircraft. A destination position symbol has a reference line and a position symbol, with a skyline having a center. The destination position symbol is located at a distance from the center and its reference line points to the center as the reference point. The destination position symbol is rotated around the reference point dependent on the relative position of the aircraft's direction or the flight direction to the desired destination direction.

Abstract: A visual simulation technique is provided to facilitate visual activities, such as reading and movement of a subject through surroundings, for sight-impaired persons. The technique obtains digital images of the surroundings via an image retrieval and sending device, and then provides a real-time audio interpretation of the images via an automated image identification and narration system. The automated system may have communication and computing circuitry, remote human interaction circuitry, and other components for either computer-based or human-based identification and narration of the acquired images.

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: A flight control display shows a representation of terrain, the horizon, an aircraft with a fuselage and aircraft wings, and a gamma ladder. The observer has a viewing direction at least in a predefined attitude range, which viewing direction is directed along the momentary flight path. The aircraft is therefore rotated depending on its momentary angle of incidence and angle of yaw with respect to the observer's viewing direction. The representation of the terrain is obtained from the relative position of a geodetic system of coordinates XG, YG, ZG and an aerodynamic system of axes of the airplane, in which case a reference line of the gamma ladder coincides with the horizon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically generating a terrain model for display during a simulated flight along a predefined mission route. The apparatus includes a mission profiler that automatically determines the area containing the mission route for which the terrain source data is required and the respective resolution of different regions within the area. The apparatus also includes an apparatus for automatically collecting the terrain source data including a search engine for automatically searching electronic collections of terrain source data to identify terrain source data covering the area containing the mission route. The apparatus also includes an image engine for processing the terrain source data into one or more predefined formats and a terrain engine for automatically compiling the processed data to create a terrain model for display during flight simulation.

Abstract: A compliant structure which includes a means for sensing translation and rotation of a top plate is disclosed. The structure is composed of a base plate and three supporting legs. The legs are compliant. The deflections of the structure are substantially in a plane and the translation and twist of the top platform may be measured by the gimbaled sensor assembly attached to one of the legs.

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 method and apparatus are provided for automatically generating a terrain model for display during a simulated flight along a predefined mission route. The apparatus includes a mission profiler that automatically determines the area containing the mission route for which the terrain source data is required and the respective resolution of different regions within the area. The apparatus also includes an apparatus for automatically collecting the terrain source data including a search engine for automatically searching electronic collections of terrain source data to identify terrain source data covering the area containing the mission route. The apparatus also includes an image engine for processing the terrain source data into one or more predefined formats and a terrain engine for automatically compiling the processed data to create a terrain model for display during flight simulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically generating a terrain model for display during a simulated flight along a predefined mission route. The apparatus includes a mission profiler that automatically determines the area containing the mission route for which the terrain source data is required and the respective resolution of different regions within the area. The apparatus also includes an apparatus for automatically collecting the terrain source data including a search engine for automatically searching electronic collections of terrain source data to identify terrain source data covering the area containing the mission route. The apparatus also includes an image engine for processing the terrain source data into one or more predefined formats and a terrain engine for automatically compiling the processed data to create a terrain model for display during flight simulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically generating a terrain model for display during a simulated flight along a predefined mission route. The apparatus includes a mission profiler that automatically determines the area containing the mission route for which the terrain source data is required and the respective resolution of different regions within the area. The apparatus also includes an apparatus for automatically collecting the terrain source data including a search engine for automatically searching electronic collections of terrain source data to identify terrain source data covering the area containing the mission route. The apparatus also includes an image engine for processing the terrain source data into one or more predefined formats and a terrain engine for automatically compiling the processed data to create a terrain model for display during flight simulation.

Abstract: Aircraft flight data collection is enhanced by changing the data sampling rate as a function of an operational condition of the aircraft, such as its flight phase. An algorithm is used to determine the flight phase. Then, the data is collected at a first sampling rate when the flight phase is one of a first set of flight phases and collected at a second sampling rate when the flight phase is one of a second set of flight phases. The second sampling rate is greater than the first sampling rate to maximize the data storage capacity of the system. Generally, the higher sampling rate is used with transient flight phases such as takeoff and thrust reverse.

Abstract: A packaged effervescent product is provided which includes a sachet surrounded by an outer package film sealing the sachet against water vapor transmission. The sachet is a cosmetic article which includes an effervescent cleansing composition of an acid material such as citric add and an alkaline material such as sodium bicarbonate. The composition is held within the sealed sachet or pouch. At least one wall of the pouch is water permeable. The outer package film is formed of a material which must have a breathability for carbon dioxide. Any carbon dioxide generated during storage is thereby allowed to slowly diffuse into the atmosphere while still minimizing the amount of water which may enter the package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically generating a terrain model for display during a simulated flight along a predefined mission route. The apparatus includes a mission profiler that automatically determines the area containing the mission route for which the terrain source data is required and the respective resolution of different regions within the area. The apparatus also includes an apparatus for automatically collecting the terrain source data including a search engine for automatically searching electronic collections of terrain source data to identify terrain source data covering the area containing the mission route. The apparatus also includes an image engine for processing the terrain source data into one or more predefined formats and a terrain engine for automatically compiling the processed data to create a terrain model for display during flight simulation.

Abstract: In a head-mounted display apparatus arranged to support a left-eye display system and a right-eye display system, a mounting-state confirming figure for confirming a mounting state of the head-mounted display apparatus on the user is displayed, and the displaying state of the mounting-state confirming figure on the left-eye display system and the right-eye display system is changed according to the confirmation operation on the mounting-state confirming figure.

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: A compliant structure which includes a means for sensing translation and rotation of a top plate is disclosed. The structure is composed of a base plate and three supporting legs. The legs are compliant. The deflections of the structure are substantially in a plane and the translation and twist of the top platform may be measured by the gimbaled sensor assembly attached to one of the legs.

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 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 real space video signal processing unit generates right and left eye first video signals including corresponding images at different horizontal positions by processing a real space video signal from a single image sensing unit. An image signal generation unit generates right and left eye second image signals including corresponding images at different horizontal positions. A right eye video signal synthesis unit generates a right eye display signal by synthesizing the right eye second image signal with a partial region of the right eye first video signal. A left eye video signal synthesis unit generates a left eye display signal by synthesizing the left eye second image signal with a partial region of the left eye first video signal. These right and left eye display signals are displayed on a video display unit, so that the image sensed by the image sensing unit is fused at finite distance.

Abstract: A compliant structure which includes a sensor for sensing translation and rotation of a top plate is disclosed. The structure is composed of a base plate and three supporting legs. The legs are compliant. The deflections of the structure are substantially in a plane and the translation and twist of the top platform may be measured by the gimbaled sensor assembly attached to one of the legs.

Abstract: In a gantry crane having a movable grappler adapted for lifting standard containers, a system is provided to aid in positioning the grappler relative to the container. The grappler is equipped with at least two corner video devices located near corners of the grappler for viewing the corner locking holes of a container below. In an embodiment, an additional distal video device is mounted to a side of the grappler opposite the cab to view the relative orientation of a side of the container relative to the side of the grappler. In an embodiment, a plurality of alignment sensors are mounted to respective sides of the grappler to detect the relative position of corresponding sides of the container vertically below. In an embodiment, a pair of height sensors are mounted to the grappler to measure a height of the grappler above the upper surface of the container. Additionally, indicators are provided in the cab to indicate information transmitted from the alignment sensors and/or height sensors.

Abstract: A training system for training AWACS weapons directors. The training system is programmed so that the student can select between a number of different training modes. These include interactive courseware, simulation, and live exercise modes. The system includes a voice recognition unit that is trained to recognize AWACS terminology and to interactively teach them.

Abstract: A method for tutoring a trainee in a simulator comprises the steps of defining an expert system simulating an activity, and using the expert system to provide instructional feedback to the trainee. The step of defining an expert system comprises constructing a decision support system so as to define a human factors engineering module, programming a plurality of training scenarios, and establishing automated performance measures. The method for tutoring of the present invention eliminates the need to have an expert trainer available and the consequent expense associated therewith.

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.