Abstract: The present invention is directed to a simulation system for simulating virtual reality experiences such as for the sport of hang gliding or the like. The simulation system has a stereoscopic and collimated virtual image display, for providing pupil forming simulated images to a rider at a fixed point of reference relative to the stereoscopic display. In the disclosed embodiment, the simulation system comprises a mechanical support structure for suspending the rider in a harness so as to allow freedom of movement. The rider is suspended to face a visual display over a movable control bar coupled to the mechanical support structure. By maneuvering the control bar, riders may view the results of their actions as by a simulated display. The visual display is coupled to the control bar to receive electrical signals indicative of the movements initiated by the riders as they maneuver through a programmed environment.

Abstract: A system and method for creating visual images of aircraft wake vortices allows a user, such as an aircraft controller, to increase a number of airport transactions while maintaining a predetermined level of safety. Wake vortices are simulated in a three dimensional environment taking into account various aircraft, environmental, and atmospherical conditions. The simulated wake vortices are rendered from a perspective selectable by the user. The displayed image allows the user to direct aircraft around potentially harmful wake vortices.

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 skydiving simulator combines a vertical air chamber with a video projection system on the interior wall. A virtual reality environment is created as the skydiver, while suspended, sees actual film footage of scenarios descending toward earth. A skydiver backpack houses a transmitter which interactively steps the skydiver through emergency procedures.

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: The present invention is directed to a simulation system for simulating virtual reality experiences such as for the sport of hang gliding or the like. The simulation system has a stereoscopic and collimated virtual image display, for providing pupil forming simulated images to a rider at a fixed point of reference relative to the stereoscopic display. In the disclosed embodiment, the simulation system comprises a mechanical support structure for suspending the rider in a harness so as to allow freedom of movement. The rider is suspended to face a visual display over a movable control bar coupled to the mechanical support structure. By maneuvering the control bar, riders may view the results of their actions as by a simulated display. The visual display is coupled to the control bar to receive electrical signals indicative of the movements initiated by the riders as they maneuver through a programmed environment.

Abstract: This invention relates to sound systems and more particularly to such systems that present sound to a listener in a "full wrap-around" manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating imagery animation in a color video monitor as may be used for visual training. A high resolution photo image of a particular station which is to be the subject for simulation training is generated and it is electronically scanned to produce a digitized photo image of the station. The digitized photo image is edited to remove all images exhibiting dynamic characteristics and the resultant photo image is stored in graphics processor video memory designated for background static object imagery. The removed dynamic object images are rendered and stored in graphics processor video memory designated for foreground dynamic object imagery. The background static and foreground dynamic object imageries are combined in a composite video signal which is applied to a trainee video monitor. Once the background static object imagery is generated in the monitor, only the foreground dynamic object images are manipulated by the graphics processor for real-time imagery animation.

Abstract: A simulator device provides a full 360 degree axial roll to a passenger capsule. This device also provides 70 degrees of pitch to the capsule. The 70 degrees of total range of pitch motion provided by the simulator device creates additional desirable and exciting sensations. For example, if the passenger is quickly rotated from a full pitched back position to a full pitch forward position, the feeling of flying or dropping straight down is simulated. The simulator device provides the passenger with 0.5 Gs pitch forward, 0.25 Gs pitch backward, 0.25 Gs rotational acceleration, and 2.25 Gs vertical acceleration. These forces simulate the motion sensations of high speed looping roller coasters, bobsled rides, water rides, flying rides, and driving rides. The simulator device provides sufficient vertical motion to create more than 1/2 second of weightlessness. In this manner, the passenger experiences free falls off cliffs, vertical drops down the side of skyscrapers or plunges over Niagara Falls.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a simulator includes a substantially circular outer frame pivotally mounted on a base; an outer frame-driving tire which is pressed against an outer side of the outer frame by means of a spring disposed on the base and is adapted to drive the outer frame; an inner frame formed in a maneuvering seat and pivotally supported between opposing portions of an inner peripheral wall of the outer frame; and an inner frame-driving tire which is pressed against an inner side of the outer frame by means of a spring disposed within the inner frame and is adapted to drive the inner frame. Also disclosed is an occupant holding apparatus for use in the simulator.

Abstract: A visual display system and method according to the present invention includes an inset image generator for producing video signals representative of a plurality of inset images and an inset image projection means for generating a plurality of inset images, each having a smaller size and a higher resolution than a background image, in response to the video signals. The inset image projection means includes an inset image projector having a number of video lines and dividing means for dividing the plurality of video lines into a number of subraster blocks, each of which can generate an inset image. Each subraster block is individually positioned by deflection means such that the high resolution of inset images can be individually positioned relative to the background image.

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

Abstract: The invented computer simulation playback method includes the steps of recording commands entered during use of a simulation, operating the simulation with the recorded commands and allowing new commands to be entered at any point during the step of operating the simulation with the recorded commands. More specifically, the invented method runs a simulation on a computer system that includes a user input device and a visual display. Images are shown on the display and the person using the simulation enters commands through the user input device. The commands affect the images shown on the visual display and are recorded in the sequence that they were entered. The method then runs the simulation again and automatically enters the recorded commands in the same sequence that they were recorded so that substantially the same images that were produced when the commands were initially entered are displayed again. During that step, new commands can be entered.

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: A night vision goggle aided flight simulation system and technique allows an flight simulator operator wearing night vision goggles to view an approximate simulation of night vision goggle aided flight. A processor generates at least one look-up table of brightness values utilizing database sources including any selected options. A scene generation computer will then generate the scene image with the contrast based on values provided by the look-up table. An image display system displays the scene at light levels with sufficient dynamic range so that approximate simulation of night vision goggle aided flight is achieved. A neutral density filter can be placed over a CRT display if the CRT display as the display system cannot produce sufficient dynamic range.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a game stage formed by a three-dimensional model and a plurality of image synthesizing scopes disposed radially toward the game stage.Each of the image synthesizing scopes is adapted to synthesize and display the scene of the game stage superimposed on a video scene. The video scene is formed as a panorama scene which is displayed superimposing over substantially the entire area of the game stage. Each of the image synthesizing scopes is adapted to scrollingly display the window scene to be viewed through the viewing window while being superimposed on the actually viewed scene of the game stage, within the extent of the panorama scene.

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: Elliptical features are described in an image generator database in terms of an origin and major and minor axes defined by reference to a world or model space coordinate system. Image data is assembled for display by transforming the database contents into screen space and assessing for each of an array of sampling points distributed across screen space which features are to contribute to the portion of a final image in which the sampling point is located. In the case of elliptical features, data is transformed into eyepoint space and each sampling point is projected into eyepoint space to determine the point of intersection between a line drawn through the sampling point from the eyepoint and a plane defined by the axes. The coordinates of the intersection point in a coordinate system defined by the origin and axes, are used to determine whether or not the feature contributes to the sampling point.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for providing a portable visual display device. The device, in one embodiment, can be worn over the head by a viewer in the manner of a helmet. The viewer then looks at a screen within the helmet and "sees" created images. The helmet is equipped with sensors which determine the geographical direction as well as the relative movement of the viewer. The images are stored in a processor as a series of objects, each having associated therewith physical characteristics, including both audio and visual.

Abstract: The system includes a computer (20), a detector (40) for detecting and tracking head orientation and head movement of an individual, a pair of tactile gloves (42, 44) which are donned by the individual (51) for detecting and transmitting to the computer (20) as input data orientation and movements of the hands of the individual inserted in the tactile gloves (42, 44), a stereoscopic, head-mounted display (31), a subsystem for enabling the computer to generate a stereoscopic image of the training environment, a subsystem for causing the stereoscopic image of the training environment to be displayed and changed by the computer relative to input data received by the computer relating to the head orientation and head movement of the individual, relative to input data received by the computer relating to orientation and movement of the hands of the individual inserted in the tactile gloves, and relative to input data reflecting realistic changes in the training environment that would be perceived by the individual

Abstract: Kinematic data is generated onboard an aircraft for describing its state of motion as it flies over a tracking range. The kinematic data is transmitted to a plurality of remote stations on the tracking range and tracking data is generated which represents the actual state vector of the flying aircraft. Also generated is pseudo tracking data, identical to the tracking data but delayed in time, for representing the motion and trajectory of a pseudo aircraft. Utilizing the pseudo tracking data an image of the flying aircraft is generated from the viewpoint of the cockpit of the pseudo aircraft. A person may then view the image to observe the dynamics of the flying aircraft as if the person were chasing the actual aircraft in the pseudo aircraft. The method permits sophisticated maneuvers in the remote piloting of aircraft as well as flight performance analysis.

Abstract: A system (10) for simulating an operating environment, such as aircraft cockpit for use in training. The system (10) includes a video storage device (46) for storing and transmitting an image of the operating environment. The video storage device (46) is coupled to a video monitor (58) for displaying the stored image. A graphics generator (54) generates an overlay image simulating the appearance of displays and manipulable controls in the operating environment in a plurality of its manipulative states. The graphics overlays may be manipulated by means of a touch sensitive screen (64) to simulate the operation of the manipulable controls. The system also includes an interactive system (12) for authoring and editing the overlays as well as the simulation process.

Abstract: The invented computer simulation playback method includes the steps of recording commands entered during use of a simulation, operating the simulation with the recorded commands and allowing new commands to be entered at any point during the step of operating the simulation with the recorded commands. More specifically, the invented method runs a simulation on a computer system that includes a user input device and a visual display. Images are shown on the display and the person using the simulation enters commands through the user input device. The commands affect the images shown on the visual display and are recorded in the sequence that they were entered. The method then runs the simulation again and automatically enters the recorded commands in the same sequence that they were recorded so that substantially the same images that were produced when the commands were initially entered are displayed again. During that step, new commands can be entered.

Abstract: A graphics system provides color image displays including a low resolution, wide field background and a contained high resolution area of interest, by projecting three component color images at wide angle, one of which (green) is blanked at the area of interest and is filled by a separate projection of a high resolution image (green). Simulator apparatus utilizing the graphics system responsively actuates a vehicle platform supplying data signals to an image generator apparatus whereby the area of interest may be variously displaced responsive to movements by of the viewing platform.

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

Abstract: The disclosed display device for simulators has an off-axis collimated display system: a spherical screen and a spherical mirror that are fixed to a helmet worn by the user. This device gives a wide horizontal field and a relatively low attenuation of the external view.

Abstract: A foot operated electrical control is disclosed with simulated aircraft rudder pedals coupled to potentiometers for providing signals to a microcomputer having a flight simulation program. The pedals are additionally linked to one another by slides and a rocker arm for simultaneous pedal travel in opposite directions. The potentiometers may provide cumulative signals determined by pedal displacement or distinct signals when functioning independently of one another. For this latter purpose a carrier block for the rocker arm is positionable out of engagement with the foot pedals. Opposed springs of the control serve to position the pedals in an upright static position. Each pedal is coupled to a potentiometer by spring and pedal biased slides with one of the slides in wiping contact with the pedal.

Abstract: An accessory apparatus for use with computerized airplane flight simulations providing full-size control for elevator, ailerons, rudder, and throttle. Apparatus is free-standing and includes a single compact partially collapsible frame which is anchored by the user's chair. Electronics are provided by user in the form of two conventional dual-axis analog computer joysticks which are removably installed in unmodified form in the accessory. Control stick, rudder pedals, and throttle arrangement mimics that of typical airplanes. Means are provided to adjust the trim position of the rudder, elevator, and (on the yoke configuration), the ailerons. Controls for elevator, rudder, and ailerons are spring-loaded to simulate control forces in an airplane and may be damped for additional realism.

Abstract: Sources of video signals representing an object (e.g. an aircraft), optionally movable, and a scene provide data stored in frame stores (b 1,5). Distance (optionally variable) from the observer of the object and near and far distances at transitions between features in the scene are stored respectively in frame store (4) and (7a, 7b). Within the boundaries of the object and in the neighborhood of the lines of transition, between features of the scene, quantities stored in object and scene stencil frame stores (3, 6) vary from 0 to 1. All frame stores are read simultaneously, driven by a microprocessor (2), the picture point scanning element sequentially. A comparator (11) compares distances, and the results of the comparison, together with the values stored in the stencil frame stores, determine the tone displayed at each element. Near features obscure distant ones, and sharp transitions are softened.

Abstract: An amusement apparatus having a rotary capsule, which comprises: a capsule having therein a seat, provided with a player restraining means; an inner frame arranged outside the capsule, for rotatably supporting the capsule through a first shaft; an intermediate frame arranged outside the inner frame, for rotatably supporting the inner frame through a second shaft extending in a direction different from that of the first shaft; and an outer frame arranged outside the intermediate frame, for rotatably supporting the intermediate frame through a third shaft extending in a direction different from those of the first shaft and the second shaft. The capsule, the inner frame and the intermediate frame rotate independently and selectively by the action of respective driving means.

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

Abstract: There is disclosed a system which permits an automobile driver to control electrical devices installed on an automobile by moving his or her pupils and mouth intentionally. The system includes a TV camera, a light, a first microprocessor which controls the electrical devices according to the changes in the shape of the driver's mouth, a second microprocessor for performing various arithmetic operations, and memories. Reference values have been previously assigned to various elements of the driver's face and stored in one of the memories. The second microprocessor normalizes the distances between the elements of the face with the distance between the pupils of the eyes and compares the normalized distances with the reference values to calculate the degrees of similarity of the elements.

Abstract: A method for providing rapid generation of photo-realistic imagery for use in a display system. The display system includes a memory which contains first and second ortho-rectified data layers. The first data layer includes a digitized photograph of known resolution together with spacing values and the second layer includes digitized elevation data corresponding to the photograph in the first data layer. The method includes the steps of scanning corresponding portions of the first and second data layers out of memory, removing hidden surfaces from the scanned portions, dividing the scanned portions into a plurality of two pixel by two pixel cells so as to form the cells using adjacent pixels from the data layer, further dividing the cells into triangular sections having vertices, projecting the vertices into the viewscreen using the coordinates in the second layer and the known spacing values, and shading the area subtended by the projected vertices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a 3-dimensional computer graphics system in which an operator can effectively interact with a virtual model generated and displayed by a computer. In one embodiment the operator wears a helmet fitted with means which enable both the location of his head and its coordinates relative to the virtual model to be monitored and the information sent to computer. The helmet carries miniature VDUs which direct separate images to his individual eyes so that the image is perceived stereoscopically. The movement of the operator's eyes is also monitored by means mounted within housings of the helmet and data representing the operator's direction of vision sent to the computer. The data transmitted to the computer is used to modify the image of the model as perceived by the operator to enhance its realism.

Abstract: A floor-standing video game player enclosure booth is disclosed. The enclosure booth is characterized by being a rear entry booth--that is, the player enters from the end of the booth facing the booth's front wall. The booth additionally includes a player seat. The seat is positioned within the enclosure booth so that, when occupied by a player who is looking directly forward toward the front wall, that player's horizontal field of view is interrupted on at least about 180.degree. by the front and side walls of the enclosure. In this configuration, the front and side walls substantially eliminate distractions and permit the player to focus his energies and attention on the game. The open rear permits substantial numbers of spectators to participate in the game without distracting the player. In preferred embodiments, the player seat is movable, closer to and further from the front wall, so as to give a plurality of game-playing positions adapted for larger and smaller game players.

Abstract: A situation display system has a movable section for attachment to a helmet nd a stationary section, including a stationary map providing a real map background for showing situation display elements on the map. The movable section is connected through a flexible cable to a device for the remote control of the situation display elements which are computer generated. By accurate measurements of the location of the helmet and its distance to the map, signals are provided which are processed independently of any movements of an operator wearing the helmet so that the elements are correctly displayed and seen on the map. Thus, a tactical situation display is obtained for a military command system.

Abstract: The arrangement for firing simulation and battle simulation, for reflecting mages generated by means of a computer (12) into the beam path (15) of a sighting device which has a cathode-ray tube (5, 6) for producing the images, is designed in such a way that it can be used even in widely varying external brightness. For this purpose, the cathode-ray tube (5, 6) emits essentially monochromatic light, while a narrow-band absorption filter (16) for the wavelength of the cathode-ray tube (5, 6) is located in the beam path (15) of the sight outside the beam path of the generated images.

Abstract: A method for presenting intervisibility data relative to an observation point. A data base of terrain altitudes is stored in computer memory. The data base comprises terrain altitudes at a grid of points in a selected terrestrial area encompassing the observation point. Visible heights from the observation point at the grid points are derived from the data base with a computer by performing a number of steps grid point by grid point in succession in an order moving away from the observation point. The first step is to determine a projected height at the grid point from the visible heights between the observation point and the grid point. The second step is to compare the projected height with the terrain altitude at the grid point. The third step is select as the visible height at the grid point the larger of the compared terrain altitude and the projected height. A number representative of the visible height at each grid point as so derived with a computer is stored in computer memory.

Abstract: The invention relates to a 3-dimensional computer graphics system in which an operator can effectively interact with a virtual model generated and displayed by a computer. In one embodiment the operator wears a helmet fitted with means which enable both the location of his head and its coordinates relative to the virtual model to be monitored and the information sent to computer. The helmet carries miniature VDUs which direct separate images to his individual eyes so that the image is perceived stereoscopically. The movement of the operator's eyes is also monitored by means mounted within housings of the helmet and data representing the operator's direction of vision sent to the computer. The data transmitted to the computer is used to modify the image of the model as perceived by the operator to enhance its realism.

Abstract: A video simulation machine creates simulations of various movements, such as flying or driving. The machine has an enclosed cockpit containing movement controls and may be occupied by one or two persons. The machine can rotate 360.degree. in any direction, thus simulating movement (simulataneous pitch, roll, and yaw) and providing the occupant or occupants with the sensations of both position and respective motion, constant, acceleration or deceleration. The monitor inside the cockpit, which displays any given simulated picture, responds through a computer to the movements of the machine via simultaneous interaction of visual, and mechanical motions. The rotating parts of the simulator are driven by electric motors, which are interactively controlled by both the operator and the computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using stored data to produce a representation of a surface from the perspective of a platform moving across the surface (e.g. of ground terrain from an aircraft overflying the terrain) wherein the representation comprises a perspective view of an array of elements modelling the surface and the orientation of the array with respect to the surface changes with the direction of movement of the platform across the surface so as to keep the array aligned with the direction of platform movement and so avoid confusing changes in the display with changes in platform movement direction.

Abstract: An improvement for the real-time computer generation of visual scenes based on an algorithm that reduces the processing of elevation data to simple repetitive accumulations and a compare operation to generate occult data using grid elevation data bases is disclosed. The improvement adds three dimensional texture to close approach scenes to provide visual cues to the observer. The texture data is derived from the grid elevation data base itself and includes delta elevation and delta color values. The delta elevation values are added to the interpolated elevations computed by the image generator and the delta color values modulate the interpolated colors computed by the image generator. Since the texture data base is derived from the grid data base itself, the texture data base is already on-line thereby simplifying the memory and computational requirements of the computer image generator.

Abstract: A display processor in a raster graphics display system includes a transformation, clipping and mapping feature which controls the transformation, clipping and mapping of graphics data. A control byte contains 5 bits identified as: M--Window to viewport mapping; P--perspective projection; D--2D/3D mode; T--transformation; and C--clipping. Each bit in the control byte is tested to determine what operations are to be performed on the figure to be drawn.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating movement within a multidimensional space by sampling a prestored panoramic image. The image formed by sampling is displayed on a CRT display screen. Each of the stored images represents the view derived from data stored as a panoramic projection of a flat world in an imaginary space, selected as a function of an observer's position within the imaginary space and orientation with respect to that space. The preferred embodiment selects prestored panoramic image data which has been mapped to a geometric projection surface called a "keypoint". The apparatus includes a random access video disc system for storing the keypoint data. The method involves mapping each pixel on the display screen to the imaginary space and thence to the keypoint projection surface in order to retrieve pixel information for display. Each keypoint projection surface represents an entire 360.degree.

Abstract: A computer controlled visual display system utilizing a complex set of inputs to develop a video display of a preselected terrain. The computer program utilizes three dimensional topographical data in combination with an aerial photograph to generate a series of images, each slightly difference from the previous one in the series, which, when displayed in the proper order, give the impression of proceeding along a predetermined flight path over a preselected terrain. The display can be used to brief pilots prior to a mission in order to familiarize the pilot with the terrain over which the mission will be flown.

Abstract: A fully enclosed toy craft intended for both amusement and educational purposes having the ability to assume a multitude of forms with each form resembling a different type of vehicle. The craft's interior resembles a scaled down version of a commander's cabin in a real craft and includes, among other things, audio visual material, calculating apparatus, and an assortment of readout or instrumentation devices. In addition, an analog computer interacting with various items in the commander's cabin, in response to stimuli provided by the operator moving hand or foot control devices gives the operator the illusion of being in control of a real craft.

Abstract: A cursor moves at a constant velocity in a constant direction in a display space for displaying a three-dimensional image. When two parameters for representing a direction in a three-dimensional space are entered, the cursor changes its direction according to the entered direction at a rate determined by the entered magnitude. When a parameter for changing the velocity is entered, the cursor velocity is changed. It is not necessary to enter a three-dimensional coordinate to control the cursor to reach the desired position, and the manipulation of the cursor is very much simplified.

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.