Circular screen and view control system for flight simulator

Abstract

This invention discloses a circular screen for a flight simulator, comprising: a support frame (1), a mounting platform (2), a skeleton (3), and a screen (4); the support frame (1) is used to fix and support the skeleton (3); the overall shape of the mounting platform (2) matches the bottom of the skeleton, and one of the four sides of the mounting platform (2) is semi-circular, while the rest are straight; the skeleton (3) is mounted on the mounting platform (2); the lower part of the skeleton (3) is vertical, and the upper part is semi-circular, and it is welded together by steel structure; the screen (4) is wrapped according to the inner and outer shapes of the skeleton (3) to form a circular screen. The circular screen provided by this invention can cover the entire field of vision of the pilot, providing the pilot with a realistic simulation environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aerospace engineering technology, specifically relating to a circular screen for a flight simulator and a view control system for the circular screen. Background Technology

[0002] In the training of pilots, the goal is to achieve the best training results in the shortest time and at the lowest cost. Simulation training, with simulation technology at its core, is sweeping the globe and has received high attention and widespread application from the aviation industry worldwide.

[0003] Simulation training has unique advantages such as safety, economy, controllability, repeatability, risk-free operation, and no restrictions from weather conditions and venue space. It can be used for both routine operational training and special handling training for various accidents (including catastrophic accidents).

[0004] Currently, most simulators use a visual screen composed of one or more flat screens, which cannot fully cover the pilot's field of vision, thus failing to provide a realistic training experience. Therefore, designing a circular screen that can fully cover the pilot's field of vision, providing a realistic simulation environment, is particularly necessary for the training of pilots' psychological qualities. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned technical deficiencies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a circular screen for a flight simulator and a view control system for the circular screen, which can cover the pilot's entire field of vision.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A circular screen for a flight simulator includes: a support frame 1, a mounting platform 2, a skeleton 3, and a screen 4;

[0008] The support frame 1 includes two semi-annular surfaces 11 and a bottom connecting corridor 12. The bottom of the two semi-annular surfaces 11 is welded to the two sides of the bottom connecting corridor 12 to form a whole. The inner side of the semi-annular surfaces 11 has a number of mounting pieces 13 for fixing and supporting the frame 3.

[0009] The overall shape of the mounting platform 2 matches the bottom of the frame. Of the four sides of the mounting platform 2, one is semi-circular and the rest are straight. The frame 3 is installed on the mounting platform 2.

[0010] The frame 3 is a steel structure component, comprising a frame 31 and several mounting panels 32, which are connected by bolts. The lower part of the frame 31 is vertical and the upper part is semi-circular, and it is welded together by steel structure. The mounting panels 32 have bolt mounting holes for connecting with the mounting pieces 13 on the support frame 1.

[0011] The curtain 4 is wrapped around the inner and outer shapes of the frame 31 to form a circular screen.

[0012] Preferably, the annular surface 11 has outwardly protruding bosses on both sides.

[0013] Preferably, the centers of the two semi-circular surfaces 11 are concentric, and the position of the center of the semi-circular surface 11 is adjusted by the position of the installation on the bottom connecting corridor 12.

[0014] Preferably, the support frame 1 further includes a top corridor, the tops of which are welded to the two sides of the top corridor.

[0015] Preferably, the mounting platform 2 has two symmetrical straight sides with grooves 22 for sliding the frame 3 back and forth; the grooves 22 have mounting holes, and after the position of the frame 3 is determined, the frame 3 is fixed to the mounting platform 2 by mounting bolts in the mounting holes.

[0016] Preferably, the bolt mounting holes for mounting the panel 32 and the frame 31 are slots, which are used to fine-tune the position of the panel 32 on the frame 31.

[0017] Preferably, the ring screen is mounted on a six-degree-of-freedom platform.

[0018] A perspective control system for a circular screen in a flight simulator includes an Ethernet switch, computer equipment, device management client, projector equipment, FPGA and PLC controller;

[0019] The Ethernet switch serves as a connector for computer equipment, device management clients, projector equipment, FPGA and PLC controllers;

[0020] The projector equipment is mounted on the frame;

[0021] Sensor devices are used to collect position information of a six-degree-of-freedom platform;

[0022] The FPGA acquires, filters, and converts the position information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform collected by the sensor device into pose information; then it converts the analog signal of the pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform into a digital signal and transmits the digital signal of the pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform to the device management client.

[0023] The device management client receives the pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform sent by the FPGA and displays the current pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform on the device management client. When the device management client receives the target pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform input by external devices or operators, it sends the target pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform to the PLC controller and computer equipment.

[0024] After receiving the target pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform sent by the device management client, the PLC controller reads the current pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform from the FPGA and compares it to obtain the control information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform, thereby driving the six-degree-of-freedom platform to run and ultimately enabling the six-degree-of-freedom platform to reach the target pose. At the same time, the PLC controller transmits the current control information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform to the device management client for display and monitoring.

[0025] After receiving the target pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform sent by the device management client, the computer equipment group generates the image corresponding to the target pose of the six-degree-of-freedom platform, and controls the projector to project onto the screen in real time according to the motion state process of the six-degree-of-freedom platform, gradually transforming the current image to the target image. At the same time, the computer equipment group transmits the control information and image of the current projector to the device management client for display and monitoring.

[0026] Preferably, the computer equipment group has two computers. One computer is responsible for communicating with the equipment management client and the projector to complete the corresponding control, while the other computer is specially configured to generate various geographical environment images for users to choose from.

[0027] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0028] 1. This circular screen can cover the pilot's entire field of vision, providing the pilot with a realistic simulation environment;

[0029] 2. The entire frame is welded from steel, ensuring safety and reliability;

[0030] 3. The position of the circular screen can be adjusted or the circular screen can be replaced as needed; it is easy to disassemble and maintain.

[0031] 4. This structure is applicable to various types of simulators, such as flight simulators and mission simulators.

[0032] 5. By adopting an equipment management client, the operating status of all electrical equipment can be centrally managed, effectively improving the level of system automation management;

[0033] 6. The PLC controller offers flexible wiring, high safety, and easy expansion.

[0034] 7. The six-degree-of-freedom platform pose information is acquired using FPGA, which leverages the hardware advantages of FPGA to acquire information quickly and respond rapidly. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this invention, the accompanying drawings required in the description of the embodiments or prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without any creative effort.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall shape of the circular screen for the flight simulator provided in the embodiment;

[0037] Figure 2 An exploded view of a circular screen for a flight simulator provided in an embodiment;

[0038] Figure 3 The schematic diagram of the view control system for a circular screen used in a flight simulator is provided as an example.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0040] 1-Support frame; 11-Semi-circular surface; 12-Bottom connecting corridor; 13-Mounting plate;

[0041] 2-Installation platform: 21-Observation platform, 22-Slide groove;

[0042] 3-Frame: 31-Frame, 32-Mounting panel;

[0043] 4-Curtain. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0045] Reference Figures 1-2 The circular screen for a flight simulator provided in this embodiment includes: a support frame 1, a mounting platform 2, a skeleton 3, and a screen 4. The bottom of the skeleton 3 is bolted to the mounting platform 2, the mounting platform 2 is fixed to the support frame 1, the support frame 1 provides fixed support for the skeleton 3, and the screen 4 is fixed to the inner and outer sides of the skeleton 3 by screws at its bottom.

[0046] See Figure 2As shown, the support frame 1 includes two semi-annular surfaces 11 and a bottom connecting corridor 12. The bottoms of the two semi-annular surfaces 11 are welded to the two sides of the bottom connecting corridor 12 to form a whole. The inner side of the semi-annular surface 11 has a number of mounting pieces 13 for fixing and supporting the frame 3.

[0047] Preferably, the two sides of the semi-annular surface 11 have outwardly protruding bosses that serve as reinforcing ribs.

[0048] Preferably, the centers of the two semi-circular surfaces 11 are concentric, and the position of the center of the semi-circular surface 11 can be adjusted by the position of the installation on the bottom connecting corridor 12.

[0049] Preferably, the support frame 1 also includes a top corridor, and the tops of the two semi-annular surfaces 11 can also be welded to the two sides of the top corridor to enhance the stability of the frame 3 fixed by the two semi-annular surfaces 11.

[0050] The overall shape of the mounting platform 2 matches the bottom of the frame. Of the four sides of the mounting platform 2, one is semi-circular and the rest are straight. The middle of the mounting platform 2 has an observation platform 21 for the pilot to observe. The two symmetrical straight sides of the mounting platform 2 are designed with grooves 22 for the frame 3 to slide back and forth to adjust the pilot's optimal observation angle. The grooves 22 have mounting holes. After the position of the frame 3 is determined, the frame 3 is fixed to the mounting platform 2 by mounting bolts in the mounting holes.

[0051] The frame 3 is a steel structure, comprising a frame 31 and several mounting panels 32, which are connected by bolts. The lower part of the frame 31 is vertical, and the upper part is semi-circular. It is welded from steel, and the position or size of the frame 31 can be adjusted according to different machine models. The mounting panels 32 have bolt holes for connecting to the mounting pieces 13 on the support frame 1.

[0052] Preferably, the bolt mounting holes for mounting the mounting panel 32 and the frame 31 are slotted holes, which facilitates fine-tuning of the position of the mounting panel 32 on the frame 31.

[0053] Preferably, the frame 3 has mounting holes for a screen imaging system, which can be used for projection in either front projection or rear projection.

[0054] The screen 4 is wrapped according to the inner and outer shapes of the frame 31, especially the inner arc surface, which must be smooth and wrinkle-free, thus forming a ring screen. The screen is tied to the steel frame by internally designed pull ropes, and then the outside of the steel frame is covered with a skin.

[0055] The circular screen used for the flight simulator also includes a rotating platform. The mounting platform has a stepped mounting hole in the middle, and the rotating platform is mounted on the mounting platform. A circular boss is designed below the rotating platform to cooperate with the stepped hole on the mounting platform. The rotating platform can rotate 360° on the mounting platform under the drive of the motor, which is convenient for simulating the perspective simulation of the pilot turning during the flight.

[0056] The circular screen for flight simulator shown in this embodiment can be easily mounted on a six-degree-of-freedom platform. During installation, first fix the support frame to the six-degree-of-freedom platform, then install the mounting platform on the support frame, then place the frame on the mounting platform, adjust the position of the circular screen according to the pilot's position on the mounting platform, and fix the frame 3 to the mounting plate 13 of the mounting platform 2 and the support frame 1. Finally, fix the screen 4 to the frame 3.

[0057] As an example, this embodiment provides a perspective control system for controlling the viewing angle of the circular screen used in the flight simulator, including: FPGA, sensor devices, PLC controller, device management client, Ethernet switch, computer equipment group, and projector device.

[0058] The Ethernet switch serves as a connector for computer equipment, device management clients, projector equipment, FPGA and PLC controllers;

[0059] Sensor devices are used to collect position information of a six-degree-of-freedom platform.

[0060] The FPGA includes a filtering module for filtering the position information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform acquired by the sensor device; the FPGA includes a signal acquisition and conversion unit for converting the filtered position information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform into pose information; the FPGA includes a digital signal junction box for converting the analog signal of the converted pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform into a digital signal; the FPGA interacts with the device management client via Ethernet, transmitting the digital signal of the pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform to the device management client.

[0061] The device management client receives the pose information of the six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) platform sent by the FPGA via an Ethernet switch and displays the current pose information of the 6DOF platform on the device management client, facilitating real-time input of the target pose information of the 6DOF platform by the operator. When the device management client receives the target pose information of the 6DOF platform from external devices or input by the operator, it sends the target pose information of the 6DOF platform to the PLC controller and computer via Ethernet. External devices refer to control devices in the cockpit; for example, if the pilot operates certain devices in the cockpit to make the aircraft turn right, the pose of the 6DOF platform needs to be adjusted accordingly.

[0062] Communication between the PLC controller, the device management client, and the FPGA is established through the communication module within the PLC controller and an Ethernet switch. After receiving the target pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform from the device management client, the digital input module within the PLC controller reads the current pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform from the FPGA and compares it to obtain the control information for the six-degree-of-freedom platform. The digital output module within the PLC controller outputs this control information to the six-degree-of-freedom platform, thereby driving its operation and ultimately enabling it to reach the target pose. Simultaneously, the digital output module transmits the current control information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform to the device management client for display and monitoring.

[0063] After receiving the target pose information of the six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) platform from the device management client, the computer equipment group generates the corresponding image based on the target pose. It then controls the projector to project onto the screen in real time according to the motion state of the 6DOF platform, gradually transitioning the current image to the target image. The computer equipment group can consist of one computer or multiple computers. For example, software on one computer can communicate with the device management client and the projector to complete the corresponding control, while another computer can be dedicated to generating various geographical environment images (such as desert or ocean environments) for user selection. Simultaneously, the computer equipment group transmits the current control information and image from the projector to the device management client for display and monitoring.

[0064] The projector is mounted on the frame and projects images under the control of the computer equipment group, providing flight personnel with a realistic view outside the cockpit.

[0065] As can be seen, in the perspective control system of the present invention, the position information of the target six-degree-of-freedom platform is first obtained by using sensor devices, and the hardware advantages of the FPGA itself are used to quickly obtain, filter and convert the pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform. Then, the sensor feedback signals collected by the FPGA in real time are sent to the device management client through the Ethernet switch and the PLC controller. The device management client sends instructions to the projector through the Ethernet switch, and finally achieves the consistency between the attitude information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform and the image information of the projector.

[0066] The above-described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention and are only used to facilitate the illustration of the present invention. They are not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any person skilled in the art who makes local modifications or alterations to the technical content disclosed in the present invention without departing from the scope of the technical features of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the technical features of the present invention.

Claims

1. A circular screen for a flight simulator, comprising: a support frame (1), a mounting platform (2), a skeleton (3), and a screen (4), characterized in that: The support frame (1) includes two semi-circular surfaces (11) and a bottom connecting corridor (12). The bottom of the two semi-circular surfaces (11) is welded to the two sides of the bottom connecting corridor (12) to form a whole. The centers of the two semi-circular surfaces (11) are concentric, and the position of the center of the semi-circular surface (11) is adjusted by the position installed on the bottom connecting corridor (12). The inner side of the semi-circular surface (11) has several mounting pieces (13) for fixing and supporting the frame (3). The overall shape of the mounting platform (2) matches the bottom of the skeleton. Of the four sides of the mounting platform (2), one is semi-circular and the rest are straight. The two symmetrical straight sides of the mounting platform (2) are provided with grooves (22) for the skeleton (3) to slide back and forth. The grooves (22) have mounting holes. After the position of the skeleton (3) is determined, the skeleton (3) is fixed on the mounting platform (2) by mounting bolts in the mounting holes. The frame (3) is a steel structure, including a frame (31) and several mounting panels (32). The frame (31) and the mounting panels (32) are connected by bolts. The lower part of the frame (31) is vertical and the upper part is semi-circular. It is welded from steel structure. The position of the frame (31) or the size of the frame can be changed according to the different models. The mounting panels (32) have bolt mounting holes for connecting with the mounting pieces (13) on the support frame (1). The curtain (4) is wrapped around the inner and outer shapes of the frame (31) to form a circular screen.

2. A circular screen for a flight simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that... The semi-annular surface (11) has outward protrusions on both sides.

3. A circular screen for a flight simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that... The support frame (1) also includes a top corridor, the tops of which are welded to the two semi-annular surfaces (11) on both sides of the top corridor.

4. A circular screen for a flight simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that... The bolt mounting holes for mounting the panel (32) and the frame (31) are slotted holes, which are used to fine-tune the position of the panel (32) on the frame (31).

5. A circular screen for a flight simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that... It also includes a rotating platform, with a stepped mounting hole in the middle of the mounting platform. A circular boss is designed below the rotating platform to cooperate with the stepped hole on the mounting platform. The rotating platform rotates 360° on the mounting platform under the drive of a motor.

6. A circular screen for a flight simulator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that... The circular screen is mounted on a six-degree-of-freedom platform.

7. A perspective control system for a circular screen of a flight simulator according to claim 6, comprising an Ethernet switch, a computer device, a device management client, a projector device, an FPGA, and a PLC controller, characterized in that: The Ethernet switch serves as a connector for computer equipment, device management clients, projector equipment, FPGA and PLC controllers; The projector equipment is mounted on the frame; Sensor devices are used to collect position information of a six-degree-of-freedom platform; The FPGA acquires, filters, and converts the position information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform collected by the sensor device into pose information; then it converts the analog signal of the pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform into a digital signal and transmits the digital signal of the pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform to the device management client. The device management client receives the pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform sent by the FPGA and displays the current pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform on the device management client. When the device management client receives the target pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform input by external devices or operators, it sends the target pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform to the PLC controller and computer equipment. After receiving the target pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform sent by the device management client, the PLC controller reads the current pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform from the FPGA and compares it to obtain the control information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform, thereby driving the six-degree-of-freedom platform to run and ultimately enabling the six-degree-of-freedom platform to reach the target pose. At the same time, the PLC controller transmits the current control information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform to the device management client for display and monitoring. After receiving the target pose information of the six-degree-of-freedom platform sent by the device management client, the computer equipment group generates the image corresponding to the target pose of the six-degree-of-freedom platform, and controls the projector to project onto the screen in real time according to the motion state process of the six-degree-of-freedom platform, gradually transforming the current image to the target image. At the same time, the computer equipment group transmits the control information and image of the current projector to the device management client for display and monitoring.

8. The view control system according to claim 7, characterized in that... The computer equipment group has two computers. One computer is responsible for communicating with the equipment management client and the projector equipment to complete the corresponding control. The other computer is specially configured to generate various geographical environment images for users to choose from.

Images