A flight simulator visual system based on direct injection and a control method thereof

Abstract

The application relates to a direct-throw type flight simulator visual system and a control method, and the system comprises a projector, a diffuse reflection curtain, a collimating mirror, a plane mirror and an ambient light illumination subsystem, wherein the collimating mirror is arranged at a certain height from the ground; the diffuse reflection curtain is arranged at a certain distance from the collimating mirror with the same ball center; the collimating mirror and the diffuse reflection curtain are evenly divided into a plurality of channels with the ball center as the origin; a plane mirror is arranged at the center position of each channel, and a projector is arranged at the top of the diffuse reflection curtain corresponding to the center position of each channel; and the ambient light illumination subsystem is arranged on the ground at the bottom of the diffuse reflection curtain or between the diffuse reflection curtain and the collimating mirror. The application has the advantages of simple and convenient installation, guaranteed light intensity in the field of view of the user and the ability to meet the continuous change of the light source in the large-view-angle equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of visual simulation in flight simulation, specifically relating to a direct-projection flight simulator visual system and control method. Background Technology

[0002] In evaluating the performance of flight simulators, the realism and smoothness of the visual system are crucial considerations, as their quality significantly impacts the user's experience and judgment. Currently, most visual systems achieve relatively realistic scene simulations, providing users with a similar experience within the simulator as during actual flight, enabling flight trainers to conduct simulated flight training on the ground.

[0003] Although the visual imagery has been well simulated, ensuring realism, current technology cannot effectively simulate ambient lighting. In real flight, if the sun is present within the field of view, sunlight will either shine directly into the eyes or be reflected secondary from the surfaces of objects within the cabin, obstructing the flight operator's vision—a phenomenon known as glare. The operator's field of vision will be too bright, making it difficult to see the external scenery and the instruments inside the cabin. This is a common occurrence in real flight, and flight operators need to recognize and be familiar with how to handle it. Similar situations exist in flight simulators.

[0004] Existing flight simulator visual systems simulate lighting by increasing the brightness of localized areas on the projected image, essentially increasing the brightness of sunlight. However, since the light intensity emitted by the projector is constant, the projector's light source cannot be modified. Furthermore, due to the imaging mechanism of virtual image systems and the presence of a diffuse screen, the user's subjective perception is merely that the image becomes whiter, not brighter or more glaring. Therefore, current technology cannot adequately simulate real-world lighting conditions. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop a direct-projection-based flight simulator visual system and control method. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a direct-projection flight simulator visual system and control method to overcome the current defects.

[0006] A flight simulator visual system based on direct projection, the system comprising: a projector, a diffuse screen, a collimating mirror, a plane mirror, and an ambient lighting subsystem, wherein the collimating mirror is positioned at a certain height above the ground;

[0007] The diffuse reflection screen and the collimating mirror are set at a certain distance from the center of the sphere;

[0008] With the center of the sphere as the origin, the collimating mirror and the diffuse reflection screen are evenly divided into several channels. A plane mirror is set at the center of each channel, and a projector is set at the top of the diffuse reflection screen corresponding to the center of each channel.

[0009] The ambient lighting subsystem is located at the bottom of the diffuse reflection screen.

[0010] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided in which the ambient lighting subsystem includes an ambient lighting device and a motion device, the ambient lighting device being disposed on the motion device and moving within a range of 0 to 180°.

[0011] In addition to the aspects described above and any possible implementations, a further implementation is provided in which the ambient lighting device includes a light source, a support module, and a drive module, wherein the light source is disposed on the support module, and the drive module provides driving force to the device.

[0012] In addition to the aspects described above and any possible implementations, a further implementation is provided in which the device further includes a base, and both the support module and the drive module are disposed on the base.

[0013] In addition to the aspects described above and any possible implementations, a further implementation is provided in which the support module includes a first support arm and a second support arm, the drive module includes a first motor, wherein the light source is disposed at one end of the first support arm, and the other end of the first support arm is connected to the first motor; the first motor is also connected to one end of the second support arm, and the other end of the second support arm is connected to the base.

[0014] In addition to the aspects described above and any possible implementations, a further implementation is provided in which the drive module further includes a second motor disposed inside the base.

[0015] In addition to the aspects described above and any possible implementations, a further implementation is provided in which the ambient lighting subsystem is disposed on the ground between the diffuse screen and the collimating mirror.

[0016] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided in which the motion device includes a guide rail, a connecting seat, a transmission shaft, a transmission belt, and transmission gears, wherein the guide rail is semi-circular, the transmission gears are disposed on the transmission shaft, and the transmission belt connects three transmission gears arranged in a triangular pattern; the connecting seat is disposed on the guide rail and fixedly connected to one of the transmission gears, the ambient lighting device is fixed on the connecting seat, and the connecting seat, under the movement of the transmission belt, drives the ambient lighting device to slide on the guide rail.

[0017] This invention also provides a control method for a flight simulator visual system based on diffuse reflection, the method being implemented using the aforementioned system, comprising:

[0018] System initialization and light source tracking.

[0019] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided, wherein the system initialization specifically includes: adjusting the position and orientation of the projector, the ambient lighting subsystem, and the plane mirror, so that the light spot projected by the projector onto the collimating mirror coincides with or nearly coincides with the light spot projected by the ambient lighting subsystem onto the collimating mirror.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] The system of this invention includes: a projector, a diffuse screen, a collimating mirror, a plane mirror, and an ambient lighting subsystem. The collimating mirror is positioned at a certain height above the ground. The diffuse screen and the collimating mirror are positioned at a certain distance from each other, concentrically at their centers. With the center of the sphere as the origin, the collimating mirror and the diffuse screen are evenly divided into several channels. A plane mirror is positioned at the center of each channel, and a projector is positioned at the top of the diffuse screen corresponding to the center of each channel. The ambient lighting subsystem is positioned at the bottom of the diffuse screen or on the ground between the diffuse screen and the collimating mirror. This invention has the following advantages:

[0022] (1) In view of the characteristics of the installation method, the present invention adopts the direct projection method, which can add an environmental simulation lighting subsystem without changing the original visual system hardware and software settings, and at the same time facilitates later maintenance and replacement.

[0023] (2) The direct-projection ambient lighting subsystem ensures the light intensity of the entire visual system entering the user's field of vision, and can more realistically simulate ambient light.

[0024] (3) The environmental pseudo-lighting subsystem of the present invention can meet the situation of continuous change of light source in a large field of view device. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flight simulator visual system of the present invention without an ambient lighting device installed;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ambient lighting device of the present invention and its AA cross-sectional view;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ambient lighting subsystem structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation effect of the ambient lighting subsystem of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation method of the ambient lighting subsystem of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path of one installation method of the ambient lighting subsystem of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second installation method of the ambient lighting subsystem of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path for the second installation method of the ambient lighting subsystem of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the imaging without the ambient lighting subsystem installed in this invention;

[0034] Figure 10 This is an imaging schematic diagram of one installation method of the ambient lighting subsystem of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 11 This is an imaging schematic diagram of the second installation method of the ambient lighting subsystem of the present invention. Implementation

[0036] To better understand the technical solution of this invention, the content of this invention includes, but is not limited to, the specific embodiments described below. Similar technologies and methods should be considered within the scope of protection of this invention. To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, a detailed description will be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0037] It should be understood that the embodiments described in this invention are merely some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a flight simulator visual system based on direct projection. The system includes: a projector 11, a diffuse reflection screen 12, a collimating mirror 13, a plane mirror 14, and an ambient lighting device, wherein the collimating mirror 13 is disposed at a certain height above the ground.

[0039] The diffuse reflection screen 12 and the collimating mirror 13 are set at the same spherical center;

[0040] With the center of the sphere as the origin, the collimating mirror 13 and the diffuse reflection screen 12 are evenly divided into several channels. A plane mirror 14 is set at the center of each channel, and a projector 11 is set on the diffuse reflection screen 12 corresponding to the center of each channel.

[0041] The light spots projected by the projector 11 are diffusely reflected by the plane mirror 14 and fall onto the diffuse screen 12 to form light spots. The diffuse screen 12 forms an image from the light spots, and the collimating mirror 13 reflects the image to the user. The ambient lighting subsystem is set at the bottom of the diffuse screen 12 or on the ground between the diffuse screen and the collimating mirror to increase the brightness of the system.

[0042] Preferably, the ambient lighting subsystem includes an ambient lighting device 9 and a motion device, which are integrated into one unit. For example... Figure 2 The ambient lighting device 9 shown includes a light source 6, a support module, and a drive module. The light source 6 is mounted on the support module, and the drive module provides driving force to the device. The device also includes a base, on which both the support module and the drive module are mounted. The support module includes a first support arm 1 and a second support arm 3. The drive module includes a first motor 2. The light source 6 is located at one end of the first support arm 1, and the other end of the first support arm 1 is connected to the first motor 2. The first motor 2 is also connected to one end of the second support arm 3, and the other end of the second support arm 3 is connected to the base. The base includes a rotating disk 5, and the second support arm 3 is fixed to the rotating disk 5 by several bolts 7. The drive module also includes a second motor 4, which is located below the rotating disk 5. The first motor 2 is connected to both the first support arm 1 and the second support arm 3 and is used to adjust the pitch angle of the ambient lighting device. The second motor 4 drives the disk to rotate, thereby adjusting the yaw angle of the ambient lighting device. Because the invention uses two motors, the pitch and yaw range of the ambient lighting device 9 can be increased to 180 degrees.

[0043] Preferably, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the motion device includes a guide rail 15, a connecting seat 16, a transmission shaft 17, a transmission gear 18, a transmission belt 19, and a third motor 20 at the bottom, all mounted on the upper part of the base. The guide rail 15 is semi-circular. The transmission gear 18 is mounted on the transmission shaft 17, and the transmission shaft and transmission gear form three gear pairs arranged in a triangular pattern. The transmission belt 19 is simultaneously wound around and connected to the three triangularly arranged transmission gears. The connecting seat 16 is mounted on the guide rail 15 and fixedly connected to one of the transmission gears. The ambient lighting device 9 is fixed to the connecting seat 16. Driven by the third motor 20, the connecting seat 16, along with the movement of the transmission belt 19, causes the ambient lighting device 9 to slide on the guide rail 15, from the leftmost end to the rightmost end. When the light emitted by the ambient lighting device 9 is blocked, the blocking problem is overcome by adjusting the direction and position of the ambient lighting device 9 on the guide rail 15, ensuring that the light emitted by the light source 6 illuminates the collimating mirror surface. The present invention can also adjust the deflection angle of the ambient lighting device 9 using its own two motors, but by setting up this motion device, the deflection angle of the ambient lighting device 9 can be quickly compensated, thereby achieving the purpose of rapid adjustment. Specifically, the visual system is set up as follows:

[0044] The system is installed in a dark, enclosed room within the flight simulator. First, the collimating mirror 13 is placed approximately 30cm above the ground. The collimating mirror 13 is part of a sphere, and the position of its center is determined after its installation. Centered on the center of the collimating mirror 13, a diffuse reflection screen 12 is installed. The diffuse reflection screen 12 is also part of a sphere, and its installation ensures that its center coincides with the center of the collimating mirror 13.

[0045] Using the center of the sphere as the origin, the collimating mirror 13 and the diffuse reflection screen 12 are evenly divided into three channels, labeled as the first, second, and third channels from left to right, as follows: Figure 1 As shown, All three angles are formed by each channel and the center of the sphere. A plane mirror 14 is installed at the exact center of each channel angle on the collimating mirror 13. A projector 11 is installed at the exact center of each channel angle above the diffuse screen 12. When installing the plane mirror 14 and the projector 11, it is required that the light projected by the projector 11 be reflected by the plane mirror 14 onto the diffuse screen 12. The image is formed on the diffuse screen 12, and then reflected again by the collimating mirror 13 for the user to see.

[0046] This invention comprises three channels, with each projector responsible for projecting images within its respective channel. The image projected by projector 11 is reflected by plane mirror 14 and then projected onto diffuse screen 12; subsequently, it is reflected by collimating mirror 13 and displayed to the user. Because the image projected by projector 11 in this visual system is reflected by plane mirror 14 onto diffuse screen 12, and the diffuse screen 12 displays the projected image, its surface is relatively rough, hence the diffuse reflection. Due to this diffuse reflection, and because the light intensity of projector 11 is constant during operation, and brightness cannot be increased at the light source, the subjective experience for the user is not very good. Figure 9 As shown. Therefore, the ambient lighting subsystem can be positioned at any location within the space from the lower edge of the diffuse screen 12 to the ground. Preferably, as Figure 5 and 6 As shown, the present invention places the ambient lighting subsystem at the bottom end of the diffuse reflection screen 12. This installation method involves mounting the motion device at the lower end of the diffuse reflection screen 12. The guide rail 15 is concentric with the arc containing the collimating mirror 13 at the same height, and the optical path is as follows... Figure 10 As shown, the image projected by the projector 11 is seen by the human eye through the plane mirror 14, the diffuse screen 12, and the collimating mirror 13. Simultaneously, the light emitted by the light source 6 of the ambient lighting subsystem located at the bottom of the diffuse screen 12 directly illuminates the collimating mirror 13 in a direct projection manner, and is then reflected to the human eye. Compared to the projector's light path, this path bypasses the plane mirror 14 and the diffuse screen 12. Thus, the light spot emitted by the light source 6 and the light spot projected by the projector 11 coincide or nearly coincide on the collimating mirror 13, thereby enhancing the brightness of the light spot projected by the projector 11. This coincident light spot is then reflected to the human eye for viewing. This installation method solves the problems of insufficient simulated light source intensity and inability to realistically simulate glare from sunlight, which are present in diffuse projection and other methods that require reflection through a diffuse screen.

[0047] Preferably, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the ambient lighting subsystem is installed on the ground between the diffuse reflection screen and the collimating mirror, which is the ground below the cabin. Similarly, during installation, it is required that the guide rail 15 and the arc containing the collimating mirror 13 at the same height be concentric. The optical path is as follows... Figure 11As shown, the image projected by the projector 11 is seen by the human eye through the plane mirror 14, the diffuse screen 12, and the collimating mirror 13; at the same time, the light emitted by the light source 6 of the ambient lighting subsystem set on the ground directly illuminates the collimating mirror 13 in a direct projection manner, and then reflects to the human eye. Compared with the light path of the projector, it does not pass through the plane mirror 14 and the diffuse screen 12. In this way, the light spot emitted by the light source and the light spot projected by the projector 11 coincide or nearly coincide on the collimating mirror 13, thereby enhancing the brightness of the light spot projected by the projector 11. Then, the coincident light spot is reflected to the human eye for viewing. During the projection process, if there is any obstruction of the light source 6, it can be overcome by adjusting the position of the ambient lighting device 9 on the motion device, or by adjusting the movement mode of the motor on the ambient lighting device 9. Since the position of the light source changes along with the flight attitude during flight simulator operation, the ambient lighting device 9 has two degrees of freedom. The rotation and pitch attitude of the ambient lighting device 9 are controlled by two motors 2 and 4 respectively, thereby correspondingly controlling the position of the light spot projected by the light source 6 onto the collimating mirror 13, ensuring that it coincides with or is close to coinciding with the position of the light spot projected by the projector.

[0048] The flight simulator's visual system is a spherical screen with a horizontal viewing angle greater than 180 degrees. Therefore, the present invention includes a motion device, the function of which is to track the position of the light source 6 on the collimating mirror 13 and adjust the ambient lighting device 9 to an optimal angle to prepare for subsequent rapid response to changes.

[0049] This invention also provides a control method for a direct-projection flight simulator visual system, the method being implemented using the aforementioned system, including: system initialization and light source tracking.

[0050] System initialization specifically includes adjusting the positions and orientations of the projector 11, ambient lighting device 9, plane mirror 14, collimating mirror 13, and diffuse screen 12, so that the projector 11 and the light spot projected by the projector 11 onto the collimating mirror 13 coincide or nearly coincide with the light spot projected by the ambient lighting subsystem onto the collimating mirror 13. Initialization is required after the initial installation of the ambient lighting device 9. Due to the advantages of this installation method—that the image projected by the projector 11 onto the plane mirror 14 is not distorted by the optical system, and the positional transformation between the light source in the image and the point projected by the ambient lighting device 9 is only a linear transformation—the initialization scheme is relatively simple and easy to implement.

[0051] The original image projected by projector 11 After complex optical imaging by the visual system, a distorted image is projected onto the diffuse reflection screen 12. After distortion correction processing, a corrected image can be obtained. . The length and height correspond to the horizontal and vertical field of view of the visual system, respectively. Each pixel in the image has a unique and definite field of view. During normal operation of the flight simulator, the rate at which the position of light source 6 changes is not constant. For example, during simulated flight stall, the position of light source 6 will change drastically. (Original image) A little bit The corresponding angle on the diffuse reflection screen 12 is Since the guide rail 15 of the motion device is concentric with the collimating mirror 13, the ambient lighting device 9 moves on the guide rail 15 to... degrees, its pitch angle is The system ensures that the light spot from the light source 6 hitting the collimating mirror 13 coincides with or nearly coincides with the light spot from the diffuse reflection screen 12 hitting the collimating mirror 13. The system's orientation is adjusted by the ambient lighting device to ensure that the original image projected by the projector is displayed correctly. A normal image is obtained after processing through this optical path. .

[0052] The terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in the embodiments of this invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0053] The foregoing description illustrates and describes several preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, as previously stated, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the inventive concept described herein through the foregoing teachings or techniques or knowledge in related fields. Any modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flight simulator visual system based on direct projection, characterized in that, The system includes: a projector, a diffuse reflection screen, a collimating mirror, a plane mirror, and an ambient lighting subsystem, wherein the collimating mirror is positioned at a certain height above the ground; The diffuse reflection screen and the collimating mirror are set at a certain distance from the center of the sphere; With the center of the sphere as the origin, the collimating mirror and the diffuse reflection screen are evenly divided into several channels. A plane mirror is set at the center of each channel, and a projector is set at the top of the diffuse reflection screen corresponding to the center of each channel. The ambient lighting subsystem is located at the bottom of the diffuse reflection screen, or on the ground between the diffuse reflection screen and the collimating mirror. The ambient lighting subsystem includes an ambient lighting device and a motion device. The ambient lighting device is located on the connecting seat of the motion device, and the connecting seat is located on the semi-circular guide rail of the motion device. The ambient lighting device includes a light source, a support module, and a drive module. The light source is mounted on the support module, and the drive module provides driving force for the ambient lighting device. The ambient lighting device also includes a base, and both the support module and the drive module are mounted on the base. The support module includes a first support arm and a second support arm, the drive module includes a first motor, the light source is disposed at one end of the first support arm, and the other end of the first support arm is connected to the first motor; the first motor is also connected to one end of the second support arm, and the other end of the second support arm is connected to the base, the base including a rotating disk; The drive module also includes a second motor, which is located below the rotating disk. The first motor is connected to both the first and second support arms and is used to adjust the pitch angle of the ambient lighting device. The second motor is used to drive the disk to rotate, thereby adjusting the yaw angle of the ambient lighting device. The ambient lighting device has two degrees of freedom, and two motors control the rotation and pitch of the ambient lighting device respectively, which respectively control the position of the light spot projected by the light source of the ambient lighting device onto the collimating mirror, ensuring that it coincides with or nearly coincides with the position of the light spot projected by the projector. The image projected by the projector is seen by the human eye through a plane mirror, a diffuse screen, and a collimating mirror. Simultaneously, the light emitted by the ambient lighting subsystem, located at the bottom of the diffuse screen or on the ground between the diffuse screen and the collimating mirror, directly illuminates the collimating mirror and is then reflected to the human eye. This light does not pass through the plane mirror and the diffuse screen. The light spot emitted by the light source coincides or nearly coincides with the light spot projected by the projector on the collimating mirror, thereby enhancing the brightness of the light spot projected by the projector. Afterward, the coincident light spot is reflected to the human eye for viewing.

2. The flight simulator visual system based on direct projection as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ambient lighting device is mounted on the motion device and moves within a range of 0 to 180°.

3. The flight simulator visual system based on direct projection according to claim 2, characterized in that, The motion device also includes a transmission shaft, a transmission belt, and transmission gears. The transmission gears are mounted on the transmission shaft, and the transmission belt connects three transmission gears arranged in a triangular pattern. The connecting seat is mounted on a guide rail and fixedly connected to one of the transmission gears. Under the movement of the transmission belt, the connecting seat drives the ambient lighting device to slide on the guide rail.

4. A control method for a direct-projection flight simulator visual system, characterized in that, The method is implemented using the system described in any one of claims 1-3, and includes: system initialization and light source tracking.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The system initialization specifically includes: adjusting the position and orientation of the projector, the ambient lighting subsystem, and the plane mirror so that the light spot projected by the projector onto the collimating mirror coincides with or nearly coincides with the light spot projected by the ambient lighting subsystem onto the collimating mirror.

Images