A visual simulation device for producing pictorial motions of the real wo relative to the inside of a cockpit in terms of roll, pitch, yaw and altitude. A first attitude-direction indicator or "eight ball, " positionable in accordance with computed flight parameters, is located on an instrument panel. The calibrated markings on a second eight ball, driven in parallel with the first, are replaced with a suitably scaled rendition of sky and terrain. An image of a portion of the second eight ball's surface is projected onto a screen by a zoom lens, located behind a central opening in a parabolic reflector and coiled light source. The screen is viewed by the pilot through a Fresnel lens. The zoom lens is controlled by the computed altitude. The visual simulator is fully compatible with a dynamic G environment such as that produced in a flight simulator gimbaled on the end of a centrifuge arm.
A table as a playing field for a rollable ball which table is tiltable about one or both of a pair of substantially horizontal perpendicular axes, the apparatus being provided with suitable power source means for tilting the table whereby the ball travel relative to a table target is independent of a contestant's physical strength, but rather is dependent upon his ability in wielding a manipulator device for the powering means, which device is wielded at a remotely positioned operator's station. The table tilting powering means is preferably throttled whereby the ball is not catapulted from the table but rather remains rollably engaged therealong, the manipulator device motion is desireably directionally correlated with the ball rolling direction likely to result therefrom, and there is the further capability for two competing players at opposed operator stations including therewith apparatus means for resolving individual player efforts to control the ball through the table tilting powering means.
A spherical simulator is disclosed and includes a rotational sphere needing power to rotate, and containing a wall, a center, a center axis, a spherical compartment, a base assembly for supporting the sphere, and rotational propulsion assemblies for transferring the power from the base assembly to the sphere.
A vehicle simulator is disclosed in which a first motion platform is driven in translation and rotation from a datum position. A simulator user station is positioned on the first motion platform, the user station defining a predetermined eyepoint position and a predetermined field of view from the eyepoint position relative to the user station. A display surface is mounted on a second motion platform so as to lie within the field of view, and the second motion platform is driven to maintain a predetermined positional relationship between the eyepoint position and the display surface. An image is projected to be viewed from the eyepoint position via the display surface. The display surface is substantially spherical and the second motion platform is driven, in response to translations of the eyepoint position, so that the location of the eyepoint position relative to the center of the spherical display surface is substantially constant and, in response to rotations of the first motion platform about the eyepoint position, so that the second motion platform is maintained substantially stationary. The display surface extends to a perimeter that is outside the predetermined field of view for any possible rotations of the first motion system about the eyepoint position.
An enclosure having a horizon line, a scene, and lights is moved relative to a pilot to simulate vertigo during on-ground training of the pilot to overcome in-flight vertigo. Gravitational vertigo is simulated by a seat cushion inflatable to change the seated orientation of the pilot.
A flight simulator which abandons the traditional aesthetic preference for an aircraft-like flight compartment exterior in favor of an open strut cockpit construction affording convenient access to cockpit equipment for maintenance purposes. The simulated flight compartment, electronic equipment, a visual display and maintenance walkway are all enclosed within an octagonal enclosure and mounted on a motion system.
