Abstract: A system for generating digital image data bases automatically that is principally for use in visual systems of simulators and for use when a particular geographic area is not required. A data processing circuit generates high detail realistic images statistically under the control of a control data base. A conflict resolution data base retains data for identifying and for resolving geographic conflicts among features generated for a visual system.

Abstract: A fiber optic helmet mounted display system produces a replica of an image derived from an image source for viewing by an observer. The system includes a wide angle eyepiece mounted on the helmet in the line of sight of the observer. Fiber optic cable means transmit the image from the image source to the eyepiece whereby to produce the replica of the image in the line of sight of the observer, the replica appearing to originate at a distance.

Abstract: A technique for the real-time computer generation of visual scenes of rolling terrain and sea waves is based on a view ray approach wherein an azimuth sweep is defined and an image profile is generated by incrementing range steps from the view point but employs a data base which is an on-line math model consisting of a summation of cosine functions rather than a grid data base. Math models are generated separately for both land and sea elevation posts for the scene to be generated. A horizontal field of view is defined as a predetermined number of increments between sweeps perpendicular to a boresight from a view point, and a vertical field of view is defined as a predetermined number of increments between view rays perpendicular to the boresight from the view point. The change in range is incremented along the boresight from the view point, and for each range increment, the view ray is stepped down by an increment corresponding to an incremental change in the tangent of the view angle.

Abstract: A method for computer image generation producing simulated visual scenes for applications such as flight training, employing a comprehensive distortion correction to generate the image takes place in three sequential stages: Controller, Geometry Processor, and Display Processor. The Display Processor generates video to produce the desired scene on the raster of the display device. If the scene is projected through a wide-angle lens and/or is projected onto a curved screen, the combination of optical and geometric distortion presents a highly distorted scene to the viewer. The comprehensive distortion correction method produces a precisely predistorted scene on the projector raster so it appears valid to the viewer. Mapping between projector space and viewer space is highly nonlinear. However, a small region of the display (span) is selected sufficiently small so that the projector/viewer transformation may be considered linear.

Abstract: An aircraft controls simulator, for use with a computer programmed for aircraft flight simulation, having a yoke, a throttle control and a rudder control. A cabinet has a shaft extending therefrom attached to a simulated yoke control. The shaft operates an elevator potentiometer responsive to horizontal movement of the shaft and an aileron control responsive to rotation of the shaft. A throttle knob connected to a second shaft operates a throttle potentiometer. A foot operated potentiometer produces rudder control signals. A cable connects the potentiometers to the computer which utilizes the potentiometer positions to operate the flight simulation program.

Abstract: An improved advanced video object generator with a more efficient cell texturing memory is disclosed. The advanced video object generator includes a data memory for storing cell-by-cell object data for a plurality of objects for retrieval and processing for video display. A vector processor calculates object transformations for translating operator inputs into image orientation control signals for calculating pixel-by-pixel image data. Cell texture address logic determines the memory location to be accessed for retrieval of cell texture data for display. Output logic provides the cell texture data to a span processor which translates the cell texture data into pixel-by-pixel display data for display on a video display device. The disclosed improvement includes at least one data memory hardware map having a plurality of nxn memory locations for storing n.sup.2 cell sets of cell texture data. The cell texture output logic reads out two independent n.sup.2 cell sets simultaneously which are blended.

Abstract: An electromagnetic communications and switching system provides for line-of-sight remote selection and actuation of a wide variety of apparatus. The system has a plurality of radiating antennas having independent components defining a reference coordinate frame. A transmitter is provided for applying electrical signals to the antennas which generate a plurality of radio frequency electromagnetic fields. The signals are multiplexed so that the electromagnetic fields are distinguishable from one another. An array of control positions is provided that is fixed with respect to the reference coordinate frame. A plurality of receiving antennas are provided which are adapted for mounting on the head of an operator. The receiving antennas are provided with independent components for detecting and measuring the components of the electromagnetic fields. A sight couples the eyes of the operator and the array of control positions.

Abstract: A computer image generation system is described which models objects without the necessity of linear edges. The system is adaptable for dynamic (real time) image generation from a compact model base for use in, for example, flight training systems. Scene content is enhanced by a novel texture generator. The system is designed for use with standard video display equipment.

Abstract: A system for simulating the display of visual images by a matrix of liquid crystal cells or other matrix elements and providing flexibility in selecting display characteristics such as element size, active area ratio, and signal noise content. The display preferably employs a cathode ray tube and uses software signal processing.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a computer controlled imaging system involving a digital image processing and display system which has the ability to compose and construct a display scene from a library of images with sufficient processing speed to permit real-time or near real time analysis of the images by a human operator or a hardware/software equivalent thereof.

Abstract: At a simulation of the visual field of view in the training of a battle situation, a TV-monitor is arranged in the field of view of the optics of a person to be trained. On said monitor a cut-out of a digitally stored background image is displayed. The cut-out to be displayed experiences a containuous change at an aiming motion. The image cut-out is loaded into a buffer memory and with a changed addressing the information in the buffer memory over-lapping with respect to the old and new cut-out is maintained. Only the new digital image information to be added is loaded from the background memory into the buffer memory at the place where the old image information has to be cancelled. Proper addressing takes care that the new buffer memory contents are displayed in the correct logical sequence.

Abstract: A gunnery training system comprising a fire control unit located at a trainee location and including an aiming sight, an aiming controller, and a trigger; a video display viewable through the aiming sight and providing a field of view through the aiming sight corresponding to the actual view of a target through the aiming sight of an actual gun; apparatus for sensing the orientation of the trainee's line of sight or of a simulated or actual gun provided by the operation of the aiming controller by the trainee; apparatus for determining the trajectory of a simulated projectile relative to the target provided by the sensed orientation produced by the trainee's operation of the aiming controller; a library of video records of actual projectile trajectories and impacts for various orientations of an actual gun relative to the target shown on the display as seen through the aiming sight; and apparatus responsive to operation of the trigger and to an output from the determining apparatus for selecting a video recor

Abstract: A three-dimensional image display system comprising a video information memory, storing video information in the form of a perspective view, a reading circuit for reading out the video information stored in the video information memory while scrolling the stored video information in an oblique direction with respect to the perspective view, and a display for displaying in perspective the read out video information in such a way that the displayed picture is obliquely scrolled as time elapses.

Abstract: A system for image generation is provided which includes a device for controlling the sweep voltages of a CRT so that realistic views of the earth can be projected on a curved screen surface from a flat transparency and for generating a haze band between the earth and sky interface of the projected scene. The preferred embodiment is an aircraft flight simulator in which real world scenes are projected and updated in accordance with simulated aircraft maneuvers. Various visual flight cures are or can be presented to an operator during training. These flight cues include a dynamic haze or cloud band along the projection of the earth and sky interface. The system permits image projection with six degrees of freedom (yaw, pitch, roll, altitude, north/south and east/west vector components) over simulated terrain. In the preferred embodiment, the haze or cloud band generation is accomplished so that it is compatible with a single projector technique.

Abstract: At the simulation of a visual field of view for training of a battle situation, the image of the background is displayed on a TV-monitor (16) which is arranged in the field of view of the optics of a person to be trained and moveable targets are cut in in the background image. The background image as well as the target image are digitally stored and are displayed on the monitor after conversion into a video signal. In order to simulate a thermal image on the monitor, the gray scale levels of a daylight video picture of the background image point by image point are treated with an evaluation function which may be obtained for instance by comparing the daylight video picture with a true thermal picture. The thermal image representation of the cut-in targets for instance may be generated by a computer (FIG. 2).

Abstract: At the simulation of a visual field of view as it is used on battle trainers, the image (16) of a background and the image (18) of a moveable target is displayed on a TV-monitor in the field of view of the optics of a person to be trained. The images are digitally stored whereat each image point according to its gray value (G.sub.H, G.sub.Z) is digitally coded. Additionally, with respect to individual objects (forest, bush etc.) in the background each image point is provided with a digital encoded range information (E.sub.H). By comparing this range information (E.sub.H) with the range information (E.sub.Z) of the target it is possible to decide with respect to the image area in which the target is present (G.sub.Z >0) whether the target is to display in front of or behind the individual object (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A low cost, true-perspective texture/shading processor (16) for a raster graphics display is based on a mathematical model which defines modulations globally over the entire simulated, visual environment. The model uses planes defined in three-dimensional space to define the modulation. These texture planes are all orthogonal to a single gradient in a flat reference plane and cut across any number of faces. The texture/shading processor is used in a computer image generator of the type wherein a first group (11) manages a visual data base (10) and transfers data to the active environment storage of a second group (12). The second group reduces the three-dimensional description of the environment supplied by the first group to a two-dimensional description, makes perspective transformation of data into coordinates of a view window and assigns a priority to each surface of the computed scene.

Abstract: A one-dimensional memory storage device, such as a video disc, is utilized to store graphic image symbols for video game displays. The storage device is organized so that the graphic symbols may be retrieved rapidly enough to give the visual impression that the entire display, including background or scene depiction, is changing in response to the player-manipulated controls. The memory organization scheme utilized establishes a plurality of jump sequences. The particular sequence being utilized to withdraw graphic symbol information from memory is determined by the physical movement of a player-operated control device, i.e., a joystick. Certain frequently used scenes, such as explosions, or bullet or rocket trajectories, for example, are generated separately by a fixed image producer.

Abstract: In a calligraphic scene display, occulting or masking of information stored in a data base can take place due to occulting surfaces. To determine whether occulting occurs for any given data item, a comparison is made first with data held in a surface memory circuit (34) indicating generally the area occupied by the surface. When occulting is indicated, a more detailed check is made against data held in a line memory circuit (36) and addressed with the aid of an address held in the surface memory circuit. If the line check indicates occulting, the occult logic (50) is instructed accordingly.

Abstract: Apparatus for the supervision of a battle vehicle, especially an armored vehicle, from a control station during training exercises. The apparatus has a television camera which is coupled to an aiming or observation apparatus in the battle vehicle and is connected by a video transmission circuit to a television receiver disposed at the control station. Outside of the battle vehicle, a television camera which can be aimed at the target area is set up in the field and can also be connected to the television receiver disposed in the control station. A remotely controlled switching device is disposed in the control station, by which either the video signal emitted by the television camera in the battle vehicle or the one emitted by the television camera set up in the field can be connected to the television receiver. The switching device is remotely operated by a firing signal transmitted from the battle vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle simulator for training purposes enables the trainee to observe rnal effects through a simulated thermal sight by the utilization of a variety of paints whose pigments are selected based on their reflectivity to known wavelengths of light. A lamp bank is provided to illuminate a modelboard with various hues so painted as to provide reflectivity corresponding to thermal images. A monochrome television camera mounted on a movable gantry supplies images of said modelboard to a display in the vehicle simulator.

Abstract: In a training unit for aiming at fictitious targets as applicable in particular to a firing simulator, provision is made for an optical sighting device in which the line of sight from reticle image to target is orientable at least at the start of a fictitious-firing event. Target signals define successive images of a fictitious target as a function of the shape and continuous relative displacement of the target at least in distance from the training unit and/or in angular position with respect to the line of sight. Each successive target image is formed by means of a luminous point moving on a screen, the successive images thus formed being projected in the field of view of the sighting device.

Abstract: Improved marksmanship scoring device for use in weapons simulation. The apparatus compensates for equipment errors that prevent a marksmanship device from providing an accurate indication of a firearm hit or miss. To this end, a visual system (16), which includes an image generation subsystem (20) and an image display subsystem (22), is associated with a marksmanship scoring device. The invention provides correction apparatus which comprises a series connection of the visual system (16) with a photo sensor (24), an amplifier (26), a counter (28) and a comparator (30).

Abstract: A flight simulator utilizes dual visual probes to simulate multisensor imry from a modelboard data base. The probes are mounted on a common gantry at a fixed relation to one another corresponding to their aircraft relation. One probe provides a wide angle visual presentation to the simulator cockpit, while the other provides a narrow field of view presentation modified and presented on a small screen CRT as a Forward Looking Infrared or other type display.

Abstract: The disclosure describes how, by starting with the final equation (11) in U.S. Pat. No. 4,177,579 and by making certain assumptions and by rearranging, collecting and reducing the equation further, the apparatus to produce the same result will cut the cost dramatically. All of this is accomplished in accordance with a demonstrated mathematical relationship.

Abstract: Visual system (37) for providing high detail, high resolution imagery anywhere a trainee is looking throughout a wide field of view. An image generation system (38) of visual system (37) accepts inputs from a helmet mounted oculometer system (30) which determines a trainee's instantaneous eye line-of-sight. The image generation system (38) provides a foveal view of high detail, high resolution imagery at the eye line-of-sight. The foveal view is projected on a screen (46) by a foveal projection system (40). The image generation system (38) further provides a peripheral view of low detail, low resolution imagery that is projected on screen (46) by a peripheral projection system (42). The foveal view is merged with the peripheral view by a merge electronics system (44).

Abstract: A monitor game machine comprising a cock-pit or driver cabin in which a player is seated, a monitor disposed at the front of said cock-pit, and a steering device operated by the player in response to pictures displayed on the screen of said monitor. The driver seat is inclined backward and forward, and right and left in response to the movement of said steering device.

Abstract: An interactive video disc system employs discs in which video presentations are arranged in parallel in a single spiralled track by being arranged in adjacent turns, or portions of turns, of the spiral. Additional capacity for interaction is achieved by the use of multiple heads and switching from one presentation to another during the formation of picture lines. Different scenes of video information are arranged in an interleaved format on the disc. This format permits special effects involving superimposition of the different scene data to obtain a combined smooth flowing scene without any disturbance in display of the combined scene.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) simulates scenic translation and comprises simulator controls (64) which generate signals (18-26) corresponding to the horizontal position of a vehicle. Video storage unit (12) generates a raster (54) including video information (58) representing a scene to be viewed. A microprocessor (65) responsive to the simulator controls generates control signals for selecting a portion (50 or 52) of said raster corresponding to the position of the vehicle. Horizontal and vertical delay gates (112,114) responsive to the microprocessor select a portion of each line in said raster. A video monitor displays the selected portions.

Abstract: A simulated thermal sight utilizes a computer to store digitized video data erived from photographs of actual thermal images. The computer inserts video images formed from the data into optical telescopes, via a miniature TV and mirror system, to simulate a thermal image for a trainee. An IR detector and emitter, whose location corresponds to the apparent location of the thermal image, are used to measure aim error and provide an input to the computer.

Abstract: A video controlling and viewing system has a tiltable platform which supports a chair in spaced relation to a console that has a video screen; and a user seated on that chair can manipulate the control element of that console to simultaneously (a) move the views on the video screen up and down and also rotate them in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction and (b) tilt the platform oppositely of the movement of the views on that video screen. The programming means for the console is independent of the driving means for the platform to some extent but the control element of the console will cause the view on the screen to shift in one direction while the platform is tilted in the opposite direction. Cables, drums and motors are used to tilt the platform while views are being displayed on the video screen, and they automatically return the platform to a "home" position at the conclusion of the displaying of those views.

Abstract: In an optical sight display for a fighter aircraft pilot training simulator, a performance monitor system is described as having a visual display for providing a pictorial representation (10) to a trainee's eye view (11) of real-time information. Electronic apparatus (31) such as a TV camera generates electrical signals responsive to visual images developed on a combining glass (13), and by means of a particularly described optical arrangement (lens 24, 27 & 30) when used with a fiber-optic bundle (29), the camera (31) is positioned remotely, out of the trainee's normal field-of-view. Due to the limited space in a fighter aircraft, this disclosed arrangement of component parts permit the generation of a substantially duplicate pictorial representation at an instructor's station for monitoring the performance of a trainee.

Abstract: A video display system employs a plurality of controlled cathode ray tubes producing individual images which are combined by dichroic prisms to form a single image which is transmitted by a fiber-optic cable to a set of optical elements which transmit the image to the viewer. The position and orientation of the viewing instrument are sensed to provide control signals to an image generator to provide an image appropriate to the orientation of the viewing instrument.

Abstract: A piloting aid system for displaying symbols representative of determined characteristics of the flight of an aircraft and representative of its environment is disclosed. The symbols are displayed on the screen of a display unit which displays a symbol representing the aircraft near a predetermined point on the display screen and a rectangular window for guiding the flight path of the aircraft. The sides of the guidance window are parallel to mutually perpendicular axes provided on the screen. The abscissa and ordinate of the predetermined point are respectively proportional to the drift and to the slope relative to the ground of the aircraft flight path.

Abstract: Optical probe (21) for simultaneously providing two images along independent lines-of-sight that correspond to front and side views in a single camera model visual system. An optical probe comprises a first pitch prism (24) and a second pitch prism (28). The pitch prisms have respective first and second apparent entrance pupils that are external to each prism and common to both prisms at a particular location (32). All motion of the optical probe is constrained to rotations about the location (32) of the first and second apparent entrance pupils.

Abstract: In a head-up display system by which visual information from a display is superimposed by means of a combiner on a pilot's view of the outside scene, the pilot's view is recorded by a head mounted camera to which light from the outside scene and superimposed display is reflected by a head-mounted mirror. The arrangement is particularly useful for pilot training purposes.

Abstract: A multiple output optical scanning probe consisting of a one power focussing telescope and a field splitting system with a plurality of imaging systems.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining dynamically a blending ratio for blending features in a computer image generated scene are disclosed. The invention is for use with a computer image generation system which provides a dynamic scene as viewed by the pilot of an aircraft simulator. Such a computer image generator system includes a main data base (62) which contains information representing features of the scene to be presented, a display means (76) and a main computational unit (74) for generating the dynamic visual scene. Apparatus of the present invention includes a control data base (78) which contains selected information related to selected features contained within main data base (62). The selected information contained in control data base (78) includes the spatial coordinates of a control point of the selected feature, and the range at which the feature should be included.

Abstract: An infinity image visual display system comprising an input image source, a concave projection mirror, a concave eyepiece mirror and a single path-folding beamsplitter. The projection mirror images the input image source at the focal surface of the eyepiece mirror, which image is reflected by the eyepiece mirror and focused at infinity.

Abstract: A landing display system for indicating to the pilot of an aircraft the relationship between his aircraft and a landing runway includes an aircraft symbol providing attitude information with respect to a reference horizon, a velocity vector indicative of the projected flight path of the aircraft, a descent profile vector indicative of the projected descent path of the aircraft, and a runway symbol in perspective to the aircraft. By reference to these displays the pilot can ascertain not only the present position of his aircraft with respect to the runway, but also the consequences of various corrective maneuvers accomplished with the aircraft.

Abstract: A 360 degree closed circuit television system is disclosed which includes x background scene cameras, each camera of which scans a sixty degree segment of a background scene appearing on a 360 degree reflective display screen, and each camera of which provides a background information signal in response to scanning of the background scene; and six target cameras, each target camera of which scans a target, and each camera of which provides a target information signal in response to scanning of the target.The background scene and target information signals are then supplied to an electronic gating circuit which synthesizes the background scene and target information signals so as to produce six background scene-target information signals. Each background scene-target information signal activates one of six projectors with each projector, in turn, broadcasting a sixty degree segment of the background scene upon one screen element of a hexagonal shaped transparent display screen.

Abstract: A wide angle infinity display system to be utilized by a trainee pilot for bserving a visual scene displayed upon a retroreflective screen. The system includes a helmet adapted to be worn by the trainee pilot, image producing means for generating visual information, image forming means mounted upon the helmet for projecting the visual information onto the retroreflective screen so as to form the visual scene observed by the trainee pilot, and communicating means for transmitting the visual information from the image producing means to the image forming means. Position monitoring means coupled to the helmet sense angular movement of the head of the trainee pilot, and the visual scene is changed correspondingly, to permit scanning of a wide angle field of view.

Abstract: A system is described for use in a simulator apparatus, particularly a simulator of an aircraft, whereby aircraft landing lights can be simulated effectively in a night scene. This is accomplished by increasing the illumination intensity of a part of each line across the screen, in accordance with a pattern generated for this purpose. The illumination intensity is increased in a manner unrelated to the objects in the scene; but rather, the scene that would be visible is made brighter where the landing lights would illuminate it.In accordance with the disclosure, a counter circuit 48 initiates a bell shaped pattern and also a counter circuit 49 initiates an envelope pattern. The bell shaped pattern is the primary pattern for use in increasing the intensity of the illumination across each scanline, but the particular shape of the bell shaped pattern is modified, as required, by the envelope curve. The envelope pattern is combined with the bell pattern in circuit 59.

Abstract: A visual display system of the computer generated image type, for a ground based flight-simulator having a rectangular raster-scanned display and having a surface detail information store for providing a visual display of textured surfaces in perspective during simulated flight. The system includes a surface detail generator comprising a perspective transformation computer and a surface detail store. The perspective transformation computer is organized as a pipeline processor to computete in real time the perspective transformation from the textured surface (ground) plane to the display plane. Scanning of the surface detail store is controlled in a manner comparable with a trapezium scan of a photographic image, for the purpose of the perspective transformation.

Abstract: A holographic terrain surface display system for simulating the visual scs available to a trainee pilot with respect to a terrain surface. The holographic terrain surface display system according to the present invention comprises a holographic film, having a plurality of holograms, illuminated by a laser light beam. The laser light beam is focused on one of the plurality of holograms to generate a real image of the terrain surface. The real image of the terrain surface is then projected onto a spherical front projection screen to be observed by the trainee pilot, at a remote location, through a closed circuit television system.

Abstract: An environmental fog/rain visual display system for aircraft simulators comprising a combination of electronic and mechanical integrated elements which operate together to produce realistic environmental conditions that would actually be encountered by a pilot flying an aircraft. The electronic elements of the system include a real time digital computer, a calligraphic color display which simulates landing lights of selective intensity, and a color television camera for producing a moving color display of the airport runway as depicted on a model terrain board. The mechanical simulation elements of the system include an environmental chamber which can produce natural fog, nonhomogeneous fog, rain and fog combined, or rain only. The environmental chamber is positioned between the color scene produced by the television camera and calligraphic color display and the windscreen of the teaching aircraft cockpit.

Abstract: A figure displaying device for generating a brightness signal which corresponds to a figure information to be displayed as well as for generating a brightness modulation signal which varies within a predetermined first region on a display screen. The device also generates a frequency characteristic control signal which varies within a predetermined second region on the display screen. Furthermore, the display is able to subject the brightness signal to a brightness modulation in accordance with the signal from the modulator generator with the brightness signal being controlled by the frequency characteristics control signal. The resultant figure displayed on a monitor is based on a modulation signal obtained through the modulation generator and the frequency characteristics control generator.

Abstract: In complex systems which involve a large amount of interacting electronic equipment and interconnecting cabling, the maintenance and testing required to isolate defective components or components having degraded performance become an almost continuous task. The system of this invention includes new techniques for continuous testing of components and interconnecting cabling of such a complex system such that deteriorating performance can be flagged thereby substantially eliminating catastrophic type system failure without at the same time requiring additional components and interconnecting cabling. This invention is potentially suitable for operation with a data transmission system which includes a master controller for converting parallel digital data from a computer to serial digital data for transmission to the using device through a single communication path where it is then converted to a form suitable for the using device.

Abstract: A simulator arrangement wherein visual cues are generated by a video system at a display surface (18) spaced from an eye position (14). The image at the display surface is formed as longitudinal boundaries emanating from a vanishing point (VP) positioned a predetermined distance above a fixed horizon (30) image. Hue and texture visual information are developed between the longitudinal boundaries from a memory function (178). The slopes of the longitudinal boundaries are developed as the quotient of the value of the transverse displacement of a boundary from the corresponding position of the eye position divided by a value representing simulated height of the eye position. The arrangement finds particular utilization in conjunction with flight trainers.

Abstract: Visual display apparatus for ground-based craft flight simulation apparatus using a raster scan display for viewing by the trainee pilot and providing an image comprising a target or other craft, together with cloud extending to the simulated horizon. The cloud image part has repetitively patterned features and is displayed in correct perspective, according to the simulated flight position relatively thereto, for providing speed and altitude cues. This part of the image is provided by digital means, a single cycle of the repetitive pattern being held in a digital store and perspective being computed continuously. The whole apparatus includes three generators providing respectively sky, horizon and patterned cloud surface all controlled by a general purpose computer receiving flight data from the simulator flight computer. Outputs from the three generators are selected appropriately during the raster scan of the display and also appropriately combined with a high-definition image of the target or other craft.