The Ohio State University

Ronald W Ventola

Richard D Gilson

Marlin O Thurston

Karl W Olson

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.

Visual cue simulator

A flight simulator arrangement wherein a conventional, movable base flight trainer is combined with a visual cue display surface spaced a predetermined distance from an eye position within the trainer. Thus, three degrees of motive freedom (roll, pitch and crab) are provided for a visual proprioceptive, and vestibular cue system by the trainer while the remaining geometric visual cue image alterations are developed by a video system. A geometric approach to computing runway image eliminates a need to electronically compute trigonometric functions, while utilization of a line generator and designated vanishing point at the video system raster permits facile development of the images of the longitudinal edges of the runway.

Flight simulator with spaced visuals

An improved tactile control component for aircraft in which a tactile slide is positively driven through a box rack and pinion system from two oppositely disposed d.c. servo-motor assemblies. These assemblies include a relatively high RPM motor associated with a high gear reduction to achieve a positive and compelling tactile sensation at the hand of the pilot. Signals to the device are derived from the computer component of a flight director system or the like. To assure pilot tactile perception of the commands asserted through the apparatus, an emphasis is electronically inserted into command signals to accelerate the initial movement of the tactile slide at the inception of any given flight command. Through the relative positioning of the box racks in a mutually orthogonal disposition, the movement of the tactile slide may be along resultant vectors providing omnidirectional information particularly useful in controlling such components as the cyclic on rotary wing aircraft.

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Columbus, OH, United States of America

Ronald W Ventola