Collimated display system with extended vertical field of view

Abstract

A system and method are provided for providing a simulator having an extended vertical field of view. The simulator comprises a primary collimated display capable of generating a primary image at a focal point of infinity. A secondary collimated display of the simulator is capable of generating a secondary image aligned with the primary image, with at least a portion of the secondary image at a focal point of infinity. Viewed from a designated eye point of the simulator, the primary and secondary images form a composite image having a substantially continuous vertical field of view and having at least about 80° when measured at the designated eye point. The secondary collimated display comprises a second collimated mirror positioned in close proximity to the primary collimated mirror of the primary collimated display, so that the composite image is substantially continuous without significant breaks or interruptions at the junction of the primary and secondary images.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , ,

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 464,379, filed on May 5, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a collimated display system having an extended vertical field of view. More particularly, this disclosure provides a simulator having an extended vertical field of view and including a primary collimated display and a secondary collimated display.

Background Art

[0003] Referring to FIGS. 1 - 2, an advanced simulator 6 that trains a user to operate a vehicle (such as a flight simulator) typically has a primary display system 10 that provides an image 28 to the user 2. A projector 12 projects the image 28 onto a screen 14, and the image is viewed by the user 2 (such as a pilot) as a reflection at a mirror 20. Some prior - art simulators can have a single mirror 20. For example, some simulators have a mirror formed by stretching a reflective material such as Mylar over a mirror body. In other prior - art simulators, a plurality of individual mirrors 20 are arranged adjacent to each other to form a mirror array 18. When the user looks out of the window of the cabin of the simulated vehicle, the image 28 provides the user with a simulation of the environment outside the vehicle.

[0004] The presence of the image generated by the primary display system 10 is achieved by collimating light (and thus the image) to the user 2, thereby focusing the image 28 at an infinite distance. For example, the image can have a focal length exceeding about 30 feet.

[0005] As shown in Figure 2, the image 28 generated by the primary display system 10 is visible to the user as collimating rays 30 and is seen at the far focal point of the simulator's designated eye point 8. The collimating rays 30 are approximately parallel to each other.

[0006] As those skilled in the art will understand, the designated eye point 8 represents the preferred or optimal position of the user 2's eye when inside the simulator 6. The designated eye point is used when designing the components of the simulator to provide the optimal view of the image created by the simulator for the user to see. Although Figure 1 shows only one designated eye point 8, some simulators have two designated eye points that may be spaced apart in the lateral dimension X, for example, if the simulated vehicle has two operators seated side by side. Other simulators have two tandem designated eye points spaced apart in the longitudinal dimension Y. Some simulators may have three or more designated eye points, for example, to provide a simulated view to other crew members of an aircraft.

[0007] Collimated displays can have a horizontal field of view (FOV) that extends over a lateral dimension X greater than 200°. However, as shown in Figure 2, in the vertical dimension Z, the vertical FOV 26 between the upper line of sight 4A and the lower line of sight 4B is typically limited to about 60°. If the lower edge 24 of the mirror array 18 extends downward in the vertical dimension Z to increase the view looking up, then the lower edge 16 of the screen 14 must also extend downward to provide a portion of the image that appears as a reflection in the downward extension of the mirror array. However, if the lower edge 16 of the screen 14 extends downward in height or vertical dimension Z toward the user 2, the downward extension of the screen 14 extends within the user's upper line of sight 4A, obscuring and hiding part of the top and upper edge 22 of the mirror array 18. Therefore, designers of collimated displays typically sacrifice downlook to provide a better look while maintaining a 60° vertical FOV 26.

[0008] Some vehicles, including fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, may have windows or canopies that provide the pilot with a vertical field of view (FOV) greater than 60°. The pilot can use these windows or canopies to view a reference point or object (such as the ground) during takeoff, landing, while the aircraft is hovering, or during other maneuvers.

[0009] Some prior art simulators include a secondary display system 32 that provides a second image 34 of the environment below the lower line of sight 4B of the mirror array 18 (below the lower limit of the vertical FOV 26) for at least a portion of the horizontal FOV. Known simulators typically use either a real-image display system or a wide-angle collimated (WAC) display system as the secondary display system 32 to display the second image 34 which appears below the lower limit of the vertical FOV 26 of the primary display system 10.

[0010] The real-image display system uses a monitor or rear-projection screen to project the second image 34. However, the second image 34 produced by the real-image display system has a viewing distance of approximately 6 to 8 feet. The viewing distance is equal to the physical distance between the designated eye point 8 of the simulator 6 and the monitor or screen of the real-image display system. Therefore, the real-image display system cannot match the infinity focal length of the primary display system 10. This results in a noticeable discontinuity between the image 28 provided by the primary display system 10 and the second image 34 displayed in the real-image display system.

[0011] Another problem with the secondary display system 32 formed by the real-image display system is that the front surface of the real-image display system is flat. Therefore, the real-image display system cannot be placed in close proximity to the primary display system 10 without a visible gap.

[0012] The real-image display system is also incompatible with Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) if the NVGs are focused to match the near-infinity focus of the collimated image produced by the primary display system 10. As understood, this eliminates the use of simulators that provide training for specific activities and some simulated conditions (such as night flight operations), and negatively limits the training possible with conventional simulators 6.

[0013] Another problem is that an object (such as part of a tree) in a second image 34 generated by the real-image display system for user 2 to see may be misaligned with the same object displayed in the collimated image 28 seen by the mirror array 18 of the primary display system 10 as the user's head moves. Specifically, when simulating flight close to the ground, the image of an object (such as a tree) may be misaligned between the real-image display system of the secondary display system 32 and the mirror array 18 of the primary display system 10. For example, the top of a tree displayed in image 28 of the primary display system 10 may be offset by one or more of the lateral dimension X, longitudinal dimension Y, and vertical dimension Z from the bottom of the same tree displayed in image 34 generated by the real-image display system of the secondary display system 32.

[0014] Furthermore, since the real-image display system has a fixed focal length, and the primary display system provides a collimated image that appears to the mirror array 18 at infinity, the user's eyes need to adjust to different focal lengths when the user views the mirror array 18 of the primary display system 10 from the real-image display system of the secondary display system 32. The change in focus negatively affects the realism of the simulator 6, causing discomfort to the user and leading to eye strain. Known real-image display systems also provide unrealistic depth cues when the simulated aircraft has a simulated height exceeding approximately 15 feet from the simulated ground.

[0015] Furthermore, due to the structure of the real-image display system, it is not possible to provide a single continuous image extending from the primary display system 10 to the real-image display system used as the simulator's secondary display system 32. Specifically, a gap or seam exists between the mirror array 18 and the real-image display system of the secondary display system. Therefore, the sense of presence in the simulator 6 is negatively affected by positioning the real-image display system adjacent to the lower edge 24 of the mirror array 18 of the primary display system.

[0016] Therefore, by combining the primary display system 10 with the real image display system, it is impossible to form a continuous, seamless image that is at an infinite focal point for the user.

[0017] Using the WAC display system as the secondary display system 32 also presents several problems. The WAC display system is housed in a cabinet that includes the monitor, mirror assembly, and beam splitter that generate the image. Therefore, as with the real-image display system, it is not possible to position the known WAC display system at the lower limit of the vertical FOV of the mirror array 18 of the primary display system and generate an image that extends continuously from the primary display system to the WAC display system. Specifically, the size and shape of the WAC display system cabinet make it difficult to conceal the gap between the cabinet and the mirror array 18. Therefore, positioning the WAC display system adjacent to the lower limit of the vertical FOV of the mirror array 18 results in an image 34 with a noticeable discontinuity with the image 28 created by the primary display system 10, negatively impacting the realism of the simulator 6.

[0018] Therefore, there is a need for a system and method to increase the vertical field of view of a simulator that extends from a primary display system to a secondary display system without significant discontinuities or positional shifts, and that provides a continuous image compatible with NVGs. [Overview of the project]

[0019] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a flight simulator for training a user to operate an aircraft, the flight simulator comprising: (1) a primary display system for simulating a first view outside the window of an aircraft, comprising: (a) a primary screen capable of displaying a first image; and (b) a primary mirror that reflects the first image at a focal point substantially at infinity to a designated eye point of the flight simulator, wherein the primary display system has a first vertical field of view (FOV) measured at the designated eye point; and (2) a secondary display system capable of simulating a second view outside the window of an aircraft, comprising: (a) a second screen A secondary display system comprising (b) a second screen capable of displaying an image, and (b) a second mirror that reflects the second image from the second screen to a designated eye point such that at least a portion of the second image is at a focal point at substantially infinity, wherein the secondary display system has a second vertical FOV measured at a designated eye point of at least 20°, and the primary and secondary display systems are aligned vertically and horizontally to provide a composite image defined by the first and second images, the composite image includes a substantially continuous vertical FOV measured at a designated eye point of at least about 80°.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second screen is a self-illuminating screen.

[0021] In the embodiment, the flight simulator of the first embodiment does not include a projector for projecting an image onto the second screen if the second screen is a self-illuminating second screen.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, the self - emitting second screen of the flight simulator of the first aspect comprises at least one of a liquid crystal display, an organic light - emitting diode display, a liquid crystal on silicon display, a light - emitting diode (LED) display, a set of LED panels, a quantum dot display, and a plasma display.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the second screen comprises one or more LED panels.

[0024] Optionally, the LED display or LED panel is a micro - LED panel.

[0025] The flight simulator of the first aspect can include one or more of the前述 embodiments, and optionally, the flight simulator further comprises a self - emitting second screen that is flexible or stretchable so as to be formed into any desired shape. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the second screen is rigid.

[0026] Optionally, the second screen has a substantially planar front surface.

[0027] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the front surface of the second screen is convex.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, the front surface of the second screen is curved in at least one dimension.

[0029] Optionally, the upper edge of the second screen is curved. Additionally or alternatively, in at least one embodiment, the upper edge of the second mirror is curved.

[0030] In at least some embodiments, the secondary display system further comprises a second projector that projects a second image onto the second screen.

[0031] Optionally, the second screen is one of a front - projection screen and a rear - projection screen.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second mirror has a reflective surface directed toward a designated eye point, and the second screen has a front surface and a rear surface opposite to the front surface, the front surface being directed toward the reflective surface of the second mirror.

[0033] A flight simulator of the first embodiment may include one or more of the embodiments described above, optionally the second screen being a forward-projected screen, and the second projector being positioned and oriented such that its optical axis intersects the front of the second screen.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, the second projector is positioned further from the designated eye point than the second mirror.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, a second projector is optionally positioned behind the primary mirror.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second projector is oriented such that its optical axis extends between the upper edge of the second mirror and the lower edge of the primary mirror.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the primary mirror is positioned between the second projector and the designated eye point.

[0038] A flight simulator of the first embodiment may include one or more of the embodiments described above, wherein the second screen is a back-projected screen, and the second projector is positioned and oriented such that its optical axis intersects the rear surface of the second screen.

[0039] The flight simulator may include one or more of the embodiments described above, in some embodiments the upper edge of the second mirror is further from the designated eye point than the lower edge of the primary mirror.

[0040] Optionally, the lower edge of the primary mirror is positioned between the mirror surface of the second mirror and the designated eye point.

[0041] In some embodiments, the upper edge of the second mirror is positioned between the lower edge of the primary mirror and a designated eye point.

[0042] The first embodiment of the flight simulator may include one or more of the embodiments described above, wherein the second screen is optionally positioned outside the optical path of the first image of the primary display system.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, the second screen is not visible to the user from a designated eye point.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the second mirror is positioned outside the optical path of the first image of the primary display system.

[0045] In addition, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the secondary display system further comprises a second projector for projecting a second image onto a second screen, the second projector being positioned outside the optical path of the first image of the primary display system.

[0046] A flight simulator of the first embodiment may include one or more of the embodiments described above, in some embodiments the primary display system further comprises a primary projector capable of generating a first image.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the primary screen is a self-emissive display, which includes at least one of a liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode display, a liquid crystal on silicon display, a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a set of LED panels, a quantum dot display, and a plasma display.

[0048] In at least one embodiment, the self-illuminating primary screen comprises one or more LED panels.

[0049] A flight simulator of the first embodiment may include one or more of the embodiments described above, and optionally, the flight simulator further includes a self-illuminating primary screen, the primary screen being flexible or stretchable so that it can be formed into any desired shape. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the primary screen is rigid.

[0050] A flight simulator of the first embodiment may include one or more of the embodiments described above, wherein the first vertical field of view (FOV) of the primary display is up to approximately 65° as measured at a specified eye point.

[0051] The flight simulator may include one or more of the embodiments described above, in some further embodiments the rays reflected from at least a first section of the second mirror are substantially parallel such that at least a first portion of the second image reflected from the second mirror has a focal length at infinity.

[0052] Optionally, in at least one embodiment, the light rays reflected from the second section of the second mirror diverge such that the second portion of the second image has a focal length less than infinity.

[0053] In some embodiments, the composite image has a collimation gradient that varies from infinity to less than infinity.

[0054] The flight simulator of the first embodiment may include one or more of the embodiments described above, and optionally, the front surface of the second screen facing the second mirror has a shape that includes at least some of a circle, a sphere, a parabola, an ellipsoid, a plane, a freeform shape, and combinations thereof.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, the mirror surface of the second mirror is concave.

[0056] In some embodiments, the mirror surface of the second mirror is curved.

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, the mirror surface of the second mirror may optionally have a shape that includes at least some of a circle, a sphere, a parabola, an ellipsoid, a plane, a freeform shape, and combinations thereof.

[0058] A flight simulator of the first embodiment may include one or more of the embodiments described above, and optionally further comprises a cabin that simulates the crew compartment of an aircraft.

[0059] In at least one embodiment, the cabin includes a first window from which at least a portion of a first image is visible from a designated eye point.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first window is positioned facing the front of the cabin.

[0061] In at least one embodiment, only the first image is visible through the first window. More specifically, in at least some embodiments, the second image is not visible through the first window.

[0062] The cabin of the flight simulator in the first embodiment may also include a second window from which at least a portion of the composite image is visible from a designated eye point.

[0063] In at least one embodiment, the second window is located on the first side of the cabin.

[0064] The second window is arbitrarily spaced apart from the first window.

[0065] In at least one embodiment, the primary mirror is located on the outside of the cabin.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, a second mirror may be optionally positioned outside the cabin.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the second screen is located outside the cabin.

[0068] A flight simulator of the first embodiment optionally includes one or more of the embodiments described above, and optionally further includes a motion element related to the cabin, which moves the cabin to replicate the motion of the aircraft. In some embodiments, the motion element can move the cabin in one or more of the roll, yaw, and pitch directions in response to user input to control elements within the cabin.

[0069] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a second flight simulator for training a user to operate an aircraft, the second flight simulator comprising: (1) a cabin simulating the crew compartment of an aircraft; (2) a primary collimated display for providing a first image to a user, comprising: (a) a primary screen capable of displaying the first image; and (b) a primary collimated mirror that reflects the first image at a focal point substantially at infinity to a designated eye point in the cabin of the flight simulator, such that the first image simulates a first view outside the cabin; and (3) a secondary collimated display for providing a second image to a user, comprising: (a) a second screen capable of displaying the second image, such that the second image simulates a second view outside the cabin. (b) a screen and (b) a secondary collimated display comprising a second collimated mirror that reflects the second image from the second screen to a designated eye point such that at least a first portion of the second image is at a substantially infinity focus, wherein the curved upper edge of the second collimated mirror is positioned close to the curved lower edge of the primary collimated mirror, and the secondary collimated display is aligned with the primary collimated display such that the first and second images are aligned vertically and horizontally to produce a composite image visible at the designated eye point, wherein the composite image is substantially continuous without visible breaks or seams exceeding 0.5 inches as measured at the designated eye point, and the vertical field of view of the composite image is at least about 80° as measured at the designated eye point.

[0070] In some embodiments, the second image includes a first portion and a second portion.

[0071] Optionally, both the first and second portions of the second image are at a focal point at virtually infinity.

[0072] In at least some embodiments, the second portion of the second image has a focal length less than infinity.

[0073] A second flight simulator of a second embodiment may include one or more of the embodiments described above, in which, in some embodiments, the curved upper edge of the second collimating mirror is further from the designated eye point than the curved lower edge of the primary collimating mirror.

[0074] Alternatively, in at least one embodiment, the curved upper edge of the second collimating mirror is closer to the designated eye point than the curved lower edge of the primary collimating mirror.

[0075] In at least some embodiments, the upper edge of the second screen is curved.

[0076] A second flight simulator of a second embodiment may include one or more of the embodiments described above, optionally having a curved front of the second screen and facing a second collimating mirror.

[0077] In some embodiments, the front surface of the second screen has a shape that includes at least some of a circle, a sphere, a parabola, an ellipsoid, a plane, a freeform shape, and combinations thereof.

[0078] Additionally or alternatively, a flight simulator of the second embodiment may include one or more of the embodiments described above, and optionally, the mirror surface of the second collimating mirror facing the second screen is curved.

[0079] In some embodiments, the mirror surface of the second collimating mirror has a shape that includes at least some of a circle, a sphere, a parabola, an ellipsoid, a plane, a freeform shape, and combinations thereof.

[0080] In some embodiments, the second screen is self-illuminating. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the second flight simulator of the second embodiment does not require a projector to project an image onto the second screen.

[0081] In at least one embodiment, the self-illuminating second screen of the second flight simulator of the second embodiment comprises at least one of a liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode display, a liquid crystal on silicon display, a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a set of LED panels, a quantum dot display, and a plasma display.

[0082] In at least one embodiment, the second screen comprises one or more LED panels.

[0083] Optionally, the LED display or LED panel is a microLED panel.

[0084] A second flight simulator of a second embodiment may include one or more of the embodiments described above, and optionally, the second flight simulator further comprises a self-illuminating second screen that is flexible or stretchable so as to be formed into any desired shape. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the second screen is rigid.

[0085] A second flight simulator of a second embodiment may include one or more of the embodiments described above, optionally the cabin including a first window from which a first image is viewed at a designated eye point.

[0086] In at least one embodiment, the second image is not visible through the first window.

[0087] Optionally, the first window is positioned at the front of the cabin.

[0088] In some embodiments, the cabin includes a second window from which at least a portion of the composite image is visible at a specified eye point.

[0089] In at least one embodiment, the second window is located on the first side of the cabin.

[0090] The second window is arbitrarily spaced apart from the first window.

[0091] In at least one embodiment, the primary collimating mirror is located on the outside of the cabin.

[0092] Additionally or alternatively, a second collimating mirror is positioned on the outside of the cabin.

[0093] In one or more embodiments, the second screen is located outside the cabin.

[0094] A second flight simulator of a second embodiment optionally includes one or more of the embodiments described above, and optionally further includes a cabin-related motion element that moves the cabin to replicate the motion of an aircraft. In some embodiments, the motion element can move the cabin in one or more of the roll, yaw, and pitch directions in response to user input to control elements within the cabin.

[0095] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a method for providing an image to a user of a simulator, the method comprising: (1) generating a first image on a primary collimating display of the simulator, wherein the primary collimating display comprises: (a) a primary screen on which the first image can be displayed; and (b) a primary collimating mirror that reflects the first image to a user at a designated eye point of the flight simulator at a substantially infinity focus; and (2) generating a second image on a secondary collimating display of the simulator, wherein the secondary collimating display comprises: (a) a second screen on which the second image can be displayed; and (b) a second collimating mirror that reflects the second image from the second screen to a designated eye point such that at least a first portion of the second image is at a substantially infinity focus, wherein the curved upper edge of the second collimating mirror is positioned in close proximity to the curved lower edge of the primary collimating mirror.

[0096] In at least one embodiment, the method of the third aspect further includes aligning a secondary collimating display with a primary collimating display such that a first image and a second image are vertically and horizontally aligned to create a composite image visible at a specified eye point.

[0097] In some embodiments, the composite image is substantially continuous, without any visible breaks or seams exceeding 0.5 inches as measured at a specified eye point.

[0098] This method may include one or more of the embodiments described above, in which the vertical field of view of the composite image is at least about 80° as measured at a specified eye point.

[0099] A third embodiment of the method may optionally include one or more of the embodiments described above, further comprising positioning the curved upper edge of the second collimating mirror further from the designated eye point than the curved lower edge of the primary collimating mirror.

[0100] Alternatively, the method includes positioning the curved upper edge of the second collimating mirror closer to the designated eye point than the curved lower edge of the primary collimating mirror.

[0101] The method of the third embodiment optionally includes one or more of the embodiments described above, and optionally further includes changing the orientation of the simulator cabin so that the designated eye point is inside the cabin, the first image can be viewed through a first window of the cabin, and the second image can be viewed through a second window of the cabin.

[0102] The method optionally further includes moving the cabin in response to user input to control elements within the cabin. In at least one embodiment, a motion element is associated with the cabin, and the motion element moves the cabin to replicate the motion of an aircraft.

[0103] Optionally, the method further includes moving the cabin in one or more of the roll, yaw, and pitch directions, and simultaneously adjusting one or more of the first and second images in accordance with the movement of the cabin.

[0104] This summary is not intended to represent, nor should it be construed as representing, the entire scope and scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is described at various levels of detail in this summary, the accompanying drawings, and the detailed description, and no limitation on the scope of this disclosure is intended to include or exclude elements, components, etc., in this summary. Further aspects of this disclosure will become clearer from the detailed description, particularly in conjunction with the drawings.

[0105] As used herein, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and / or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in their function. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and / or C” means A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together.

[0106] As used herein, the terms “a” or “an” entity refer to one or more entities. Thus, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “at least one” are interchangeable herein.

[0107] Unless otherwise specified, all numbers used herein to represent quantities, dimensions, conditions, ratios, ranges, etc. should be understood in all cases to be modified by the term “about” or “approximately.” Therefore, unless otherwise specified, all numbers used herein to represent quantities, dimensions, conditions, ratios, ranges, etc., can be increased or decreased by approximately 5% to achieve satisfactory results. Furthermore, where the meaning of the terms “about” or “approximately” used herein is not particularly clear to those skilled in the art, the terms “about” and “approximately” should be interpreted as meaning within plus or minus 10% of the stated value.

[0108] Unless otherwise specified, the term "effectively" indicates that a difference of 0% to 5% from the stated value is acceptable.

[0109] The term "parallel" means that two objects are oriented at an angle of plus or minus 0° to 5° unless otherwise specified. Similarly, the term "perpendicular" means that two objects are oriented at an angle of 85° to 95° unless otherwise specified.

[0110] All ranges described herein may be reduced to any subrange or portion of a range, or to any value within a range, without departing from the present invention. For example, the range "5 to 55" includes, but is not limited to, the subranges "5 to 20" and "17 to 54".

[0111] The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and their variations herein means to include the items listed thereafter, their equivalents, and any additional items. Therefore, the terms “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and their variations are interchangeable herein.

[0112] As used herein, the term “means” shall be given the broadest possible interpretation in accordance with Section 112(f) of the United States Patent Act. Therefore, any claim incorporating the term “means” shall encompass all structures, materials, or actions described herein, and all their equivalents. Such structures, materials, or actions and their equivalents shall include all those described in the summary of the invention, the brief description of the drawings, the detailed description, the abstract, and the claims themselves.

[0113] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and constituting part of this specification illustrate embodiments of the disclosed system and, together with the general description of the above disclosure and the detailed description of the drawings below, help to illustrate the principles of the disclosed system and device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0114] [Figure 1] This is a top view of the primary display system of a conventional simulator. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of the primary display system of the simulator along line 2-2, further comprising a secondary display system. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a simulator equipped with a primary display system and a secondary display system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a simulator showing the components of a secondary display system aligned according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] Figure 3 is a partial rear view of the simulator, showing components of a secondary display system aligned according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] Figure 3 is a partial rear view of a simulator having components of a secondary display system aligned according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C]This is another rear view of a portion of the simulator of Figure 3, having components of a secondary display system aligned according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a partial rear view of another simulator having a secondary display system with a back-projected screen according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] This is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of the simulator of the present disclosure, including a primary display system and a secondary display system. [Figure 7B] Figure 7A is another perspective view of the simulator. [Figure 7C] This is a partial rear view of another simulator similar to the simulator in Figure 7A, having components of a secondary display system aligned according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7D] This is another rear view of a portion of the simulator of Figure 7C, having components of a secondary display system aligned according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] The drawings are not necessarily to scale (but may be). In some cases, details not necessary for understanding this disclosure, or details that would make it difficult to perceive other details, have been omitted. Naturally, it should be understood that this disclosure is not necessarily limited to the embodiments shown herein. As should be understood, other embodiments are possible that use one or more of the features described above or below, individually or in combination. For example, various features and apparatus illustrated and / or described in relation to one embodiment may be combined with or replaced by features or apparatus of other embodiments, whether such combinations or substitutions are specifically shown or described herein.

[0116] The following is a list of components according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in the drawings. sign component 2 users 4 line of sight 6. Simulator of conventional technology 8. Specified eye point 10 Primary Display System 12 projectors 14 screens 16. Bottom edge of the screen 18 Mirror Array 20 individual mirrors 22 Upper edge of the mirror 24 Lower edge of the mirror 26 vertical field of view 28 Primary Image 30 Collimating rays 32 Secondary Display Systems 34. Image 2 40 Simulators 42 Specified eye point 44 Line of sight 46. ​​First (left) side 48. The second (right) side 50 Primary Display Systems 52 Primary projector 54 Primary screen 56 Front 58 Rear 60 Mirror Array 62 Primary Mirror 64 Reflective surface of a mirror 66 Back of the mirror 68 Upper edge of the mirror 70 Lower edge of mirror 72 Primary Images 74 Collimating rays 76 Secondary Display System 78. Second projector 80 Second screen 80A front projection screen 80B rear projection screen 80C self-luminous screen 82 Front of the second screen 84 Rear view of the second screen 86 Upper edge of the second screen 88 Lower edge of the second screen 90 The Second Mirror 92 Mirror surface 94 Back side 96 Upper edge of the second mirror 98 Lower edge of the second mirror 100 secondary images 100A First part of the secondary image 100B Second part of the secondary image 102 Composite Images 104 Horizontal reference plane X horizontal dimension Y Longitudinal dimension Z: Height or vertical dimension [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0117] Referring here to Figures 3 to 7D, a simulator 40 having an extended vertical field of view (FOV) according to embodiments of the present disclosure is schematically shown. The simulator 40 comprises a primary display system 50 and a secondary display system 76 that operates in coordination with the primary display system. The simulator provides the user 2 (e.g., a student) with a vertical field of view where the vertical dimension Z is greater than approximately 80° at a designated eye point 42 of the simulator 40, for at least a portion of the simulator's horizontal FOV. In some embodiments, the vertical FOV of the simulator 40 is greater than 90° when the primary image 72 of the primary display system 50 is combined with the secondary image 100 of the simulator's secondary display system 76 to create a composite image.

[0118] The simulator 40 may be an aircraft simulator that trains user 2 to operate an aircraft such as a fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter, tiltrotor aircraft, or any other aircraft. However, it will be understood that the simulator may also simulate the operation of any type of vehicle. For example, a simulator 40 for mobile devices and vehicles of all sizes and types, including automobiles, trucks, trains, tracked vehicles (such as tanks or construction vehicles), ships, and spacecraft, may include a primary display system 50 and a secondary display system 76 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0119] The simulator 40 of this disclosure may provide a primary image 72 and a secondary image 100 forming a composite image 102 to one, two, or more users 2 at one or more designated eye points 42. For example, simulators 40A, 40B are shown with one designated eye point 42 for one user 2. However, simulators 40A, 40B may also have the same or similar second designated eye point as simulator 40C shown in Figures 7A, 7B, and the simulated vehicle has two operators 2A, 2B seated side by side. The simulator 40 of this disclosure may also have two tandem designated eye points 42 spaced apart in longitudinal dimension Y. Other simulators may have three or more designated eye points to provide a simulated view to other crew members of a simulated aircraft, for example.

[0120] The primary display system 50 includes a primary screen 54. The front surface 56 of the primary screen faces the reflective surface 64 of the primary mirror 62 of the primary display system. The rear surface 58 of the primary screen (opposite the front surface 56) faces outward from the primary mirror.

[0121] In some embodiments, the front surface 56 of the primary screen can be described as convex. The rear surface 58 of the primary screen can be described as concave.

[0122] The primary screen 54 may be a self-illuminating screen. Therefore, in some embodiments, the front surface 56 generates the primary image 72.

[0123] In some embodiments, the primary display system 50 also includes a primary projector 52 that projects a primary image 72 onto the primary screen. Optionally, the primary projector 52 is positioned such that its optical axis is directed toward the rear surface 58 of the primary screen, as schematically shown in Figure 4. Alternatively, in other embodiments (for example, schematically shown in Figure 6), the primary projector 52 is positioned with its optical axis directed toward the front surface 56 of the primary screen 54.

[0124] Although only one primary projector 52 is shown, simulators 40A, 40B, and 40C in all embodiments of the present disclosure may have any number of primary projectors 52. In some embodiments, simulator 40 may have two or more primary projectors 52. In at least one embodiment, simulator may have up to 10 primary projectors 52. Optionally, simulator 40 in all embodiments may have one to 10 primary projectors 52.

[0125] The primary image 72 is seen (or can be seen) by user 2 as a reflection in the primary mirror 62. The primary mirror 62 can be formed by any method known to those skilled in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the primary mirror 62 may include a material having a reflective material (such as Mylar). In other embodiments, the primary mirror 62 may include a material having a reflective surface 64 formed by a vapor deposition method (such as glass). In yet another embodiment, the primary mirror 62 may include a body comprising at least a first material. An insert having a reflective surface 64 is bonded to the body, and the insert is formed from a second material. Alternatively, the primary mirror 62 may be one of a plurality of mirrors forming a mirror array 60.

[0126] The reflective surface 64 of the primary mirror has a shape adapted to collimate light scattered from the primary screen 54. The reflective surface 64 can be described as a concave surface.

[0127] Optionally, the reflective surface 64 of the primary mirror has a shape that includes at least part of a circle, a sphere, a parabola, an ellipsoid, a plane, a freeform shape, and combinations thereof.

[0128] As schematically shown in Figure 4, the alignment of the primary mirror 62 and the primary screen 54 can be described by referring to a horizontal reference plane 104A that extends in the lateral dimension X and the longitudinal dimension Y and intersects with the designated eye point 42. More specifically, the primary screen 54 is positioned above the horizontal reference plane 104A in the vertical dimension Z. The horizontal reference plane 104A also intersects with the reflective surface of the primary mirror 62.

[0129] The primary image 72 of the primary display system 50 is visible to the user as collimating rays 74 and is viewed at a distant focal point. The primary image 72 may include objects (such as trees) that are simulated to be outside the simulated aircraft and have a position that the user can see. The primary image 72 (and objects displayed in the primary image) may be at an infinity focal point, such as a focal length of more than about 30 feet. Specifically, the primary display system 50 provides collimating rays 74 of the primary image 72 that are substantially parallel to each other.

[0130] As shown overall in Figure 4, the primary display system 50 has a vertical field of view (FOV) measured by the vertical dimension Z between the upper line of sight 44A and the lower line of sight 44B from a designated eye point 42 up to about 60°. In some embodiments, the vertical FOV of the primary display system 50 is about 50° to about 65°.

[0131] In all embodiments, the secondary display system 76 aligns with the primary image 72 to provide a secondary image 100 that can be seen at a designated eye point 42. The user 2 can view the secondary image 100 by looking at the reflective (or mirrored) surface 92 of the second mirror 90 of the secondary display system 76.

[0132] The secondary display system 76 can have any desired vertical FOV measured from a specified eye point. In some embodiments, the secondary display system 76 has a vertical FOV of at least about 20°. Optionally, the vertical FOV of the secondary display system is up to about 50°. In other embodiments, the vertical FOV of the secondary display system is between about 15° and about 55°. In at least one embodiment, the vertical FOV of the secondary display system is between about 20° and about 50°.

[0133] The secondary display system 76 generally includes a second mirror 90 and a second screen 80. As schematically shown in Figure 4, both the second mirror 90 and the second screen 80 are located below the horizontal reference plane 104A in the vertical direction Z.

[0134] In some embodiments, one or more of the secondary display systems 76A, 76B include a second projector 78 as shown in Figures 3 to 6. The second projector 78 and the second screens 80A, 80B may have arrangements and positions other than those shown in Figures 3 to 6.

[0135] In some embodiments, the second projector 78 has a lens with a fixed focal length. Alternatively, the second projector 78 may include one or more lenses and / or mirrors or other optical systems so that the focal length can be adjusted and / or the size of objects in the secondary image 100 can be adjusted.

[0136] In some embodiments, the second projector 78 is positioned at a fixed distance from the second screens 80A, 80B. Specifically, in some embodiments, the distance between the second projector and the second screens does not change and is substantially constant, at least when the simulator is in use.

[0137] In embodiments in which the secondary display systems 76A and 76B include a second projector 78, the second screen may be a front-projected second screen 80A (shown in Figures 3 to 5C) or a rear-projected second screen 80B (shown in Figure 6).

[0138] In embodiments where the second screen 80A is a front projection screen, the second projector 78 is positioned to project the secondary image 100 onto the front surface 82 of the second screen 80A, as shown in Figures 3 to 5C. The second projector 78 may be positioned and oriented in any way suitable for illuminating the front surface 82 of the second screen 80A so that the secondary image 100 is visible at an eye point 42 designated as the reflection on the mirror surface 92 of the second mirror 90.

[0139] The second projector 78 is located outside the optical path of the primary image 72 of the primary display system 50. More specifically, the second projector 78 must be positioned so that it is not visible to the user 2 at a designated eye point 42. Placing the second projector in a position visible to the user may reduce the realism of the simulator and distract the user's attention. Therefore, in some embodiments, the second projector is positioned below the lower edge 70 of the mirror array 60.

[0140] In some embodiments of this disclosure (described, for example, in relation to Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D), the second screen 80C is self-emissive. Therefore, the secondary display system 76C does not include a separate second projector.

[0141] The second screens 80A (shown in Figures 3 to 5C), 80B (shown in Figure 6), and 80C (shown in Figures 7A to 7D) may have any shape and alignment with respect to the second mirror 90. In some embodiments, the second screens may be curved or flat. The rear surface 84 of the second screens 80A and 80B may be concave, and the opposite front surface 82 may be convex. In some embodiments, the second screens 80A and 80B have shapes that include at least some circles, spheres, parabolas, ellipsoids, planes, freeform shapes, and combinations thereof.

[0142] When in use, the second projector 78 (or second screen 80C) projects a secondary image 100 that is seen by the user 2 as a reflection on the mirror surface 92 of the second mirror 90. In all embodiments, the secondary display system 76 aligns the secondary image 100 with the primary image 72 of the primary display system 50 to form a composite image 102. For example, a part of an object in the primary image 72 displayed by the primary display system 50 (such as the top of a tree) remains aligned in the composite image 102 with another part of the object in the secondary image 100 of the secondary display system 76 (the bottom of a tree) from the user 2's viewpoint at a designated eye point 42.

[0143] Referring here to Figures 3 to 5C, simulators 40A equipped with a secondary display system 76A according to several embodiments are schematically shown. The second screen 80A of the secondary display system 76A is a front projection screen. Therefore, the second projector 78 is oriented so that its optical axis intersects the front surface 82 of the second screen 80A.

[0144] The secondary display system 76A is positioned to display the secondary image 100 in close proximity to the primary image 72 displayed by the primary display system 50. In this way, the secondary display system 76A increases the vertical FOV of the simulator 40A on at least the first side 46 and the second side 48 of the simulator.

[0145] In Figure 3, two secondary display systems 76A are shown only on the first side 46 and second side 48 of the simulator 40A, but the secondary display system can extend continuously from the first side to the second side of the simulator 40A. For example, in some embodiments, the second mirror 90 (or a plurality of second mirrors forming a second mirror array) of the secondary display system may extend continuously close to the lower edge 70 of the mirror array 60. In this way, the horizontal FOV of the secondary display system can be made approximately equal to the horizontal FOV of the primary display system. However, this may not be necessary in some simulators, depending on the type of aircraft or other vehicle being replicated. As those skilled in the art will understand, some aircraft include a nose (or other feature) that extends forward of the user and obstructs the user's downward view. Furthermore, some aircraft have wings that obstruct the user's downward view to the left and right. Therefore, providing a secondary display system that extends the vertical FOV forward of the user or covers the entire left and right sides of the simulator is not necessarily necessary, beneficial, or cost-effective.

[0146] The second screen 80A is configured and operable to display a secondary image 100 generated by the second projector 78. The second projector 78 is located outside the optical path of the primary image 72 of the primary display system. Like the second projector 78, the second screen 80 and the second mirror 90 must be positioned so that they do not obstruct or interfere with the first image, and so that the second screen is not visible to the user 2 at a designated eye point.

[0147] The second screen 80A may be formed of an opaque material. In some embodiments, the second screen 80A is formed of glass, plastic, fiberglass, metal, or a similar material.

[0148] The second mirror 90 is configured and operable to reflect the secondary image 100 displayed by the second screen 80A to a designated eye point 42. The second mirror 90 has a back surface 94 and a mirror surface 92 facing the back surface. The mirror surface 92 of the second mirror is directed toward the designated eye point 42 and toward the front surface 82 of the second screen 80A. The second mirror is oriented with the mirror surface 92 positioned to reflect light from the second screen 80A to the designated eye point 42. In this way, the user 2 sees the secondary image 100 on the mirror surface 92 of the second mirror 90. The second mirror 90 may be positioned and aligned with respect to the primary mirror 62 and / or the second screen 80A in ways other than those schematically shown in Figures 3 to 5C.

[0149] Referring here to Figures 4 to 5C, in some embodiments, the upper edge 96 of the second mirror 90 is positioned above the lower edge 70 of the primary mirror 62 of the primary display system 50. Furthermore, as schematically shown in Figures 5A to 5B, in at least one embodiment, the lower edge 70 of the primary mirror 62 is closer to the designated eye point along the line of sight 44 than the upper edge 96 of the second mirror 90. Thus, the lower edge 70 of the primary mirror 62 is positioned between at least a portion of the mirror surface 92 of the second mirror and the designated eye point. Consequently, the second mirror 90 may overlap the bottom of the mirror array 60 in vertical dimension Z. In this way, when the mirror surface 92 of the second mirror 90 is viewed by the user at the designated eye point 42, the composite image 102 formed by the combination of the primary image 72 and the secondary image 100 is substantially free of breaks or discontinuities.

[0150] As described herein, in some embodiments, the phrase “without gaps or discontinuities” means that there are no gaps or discontinuities exceeding approximately 0.5 inches in the composite image 102 as seen at a given eye point 42. Optionally, the primary display system 50 and the secondary display system 76 are configured and aligned such that there are no gaps or discontinuities exceeding 0.25 inches in the composite image 102 as seen at a given eye point 42.

[0151] In addition to or instead of this, in one or more embodiments, the phrase “without breaks or discontinuities” can be described as meaning that neither the support structure of the primary mirror 62 nor the second mirror 90 (such as a frame, mounting ring, or “skin”) is visible from a designated eye point 42 between the reflective surface 64 of the primary mirror and the mirror surface 92 of the second mirror.

[0152] As generally shown in Figure 5A, when a user at a designated eye point 42 looks along their line of sight 44, the user sees a composite image 102 formed by portions of the primary image 72 and the secondary image 100, and the composite image is aligned in the lateral, vertical, and horizontal directions. Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, the composite image 102 has a focal length of infinity at least at the boundary between the primary image 72 and the secondary image 100.

[0153] In some embodiments, the combination of the primary display system 50 and the secondary display system 76 provides a continuous vertical FOV of the composite image 102 measured from a designated eye point of at least about 80°. In some embodiments, the continuous vertical FOV of the composite image produced by the primary and secondary display systems is about 75° to about 100°. In other embodiments, the continuous vertical FOV of the primary and secondary display systems 50, 76 is about 80° to about 100°.

[0154] The second mirror 90 and its mirror surface 92 can be of any shape and size. For example, the second mirror 90 may be curved or flat. In some embodiments, the mirror surface 92 of the mirror has a shape that includes at least some circles, spheres, parabolas, ellipsoids, planes, free shapes, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the mirror surface 92 can be described as generally concave. In some embodiments, the mirror surface 92 of the second mirror has a shape that collimates light from the second screen 80A when the second screen is at a predetermined distance from the second mirror 90. Optionally, the mirror surface 92 of the second mirror is substantially rigid.

[0155] In some embodiments, the second mirror 90 may comprise a plurality of second mirrors. The plurality of second mirrors can be described as a second mirror array of a secondary display system. In such embodiments, the plurality of second mirrors may include a combination of curved mirrors and / or planar mirrors.

[0156] In at least one embodiment, the second mirror 90 is stationary with respect to the mirror array 60 and the designated eye point 42, at least when the flight simulator is in use. The second screen 80A may be fixed with respect to the second mirror 90 during the operation of the flight simulator. Furthermore, the second projector 78 is substantially stationary with respect to the designated eye point 42 during the use of the flight simulator, in at least some embodiments. Thus, the second screen 80A is substantially stationary with respect to the second mirror 90 and the second projector 78. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the positions of the second projector, the second screen, and the second mirror may be adjustable, for example, for calibration purposes and / or to optimize the quality of the secondary image 100.

[0157] The primary mirror 62 of the primary display system 50 has a first radius of curvature. The second mirror 90 of the secondary display system 76 has a second radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature is different from the first radius of curvature. Optionally, the second radius of curvature is smaller than the first radius of curvature.

[0158] Referring here to Figure 5A, in some embodiments, the second projector 78 may extend in a lateral dimension X and a longitudinal dimension Y and be positioned below a horizontal reference plane 104B defined by the lower edge 98 of the second mirror 90. Other orientations and positions of the second projector are possible.

[0159] Alternatively, referring here to Figure 5B, in some embodiments, the second projector 78 extends in a lateral dimension X and a longitudinal dimension Y and is positioned above a horizontal reference plane 104C defined by the upper edge 96 of the second mirror. Optionally, the second projector may be positioned such that its optical axis extends between the upper edge 96 of the second mirror 90 and the lower edge 70 of the primary mirror 62 of the main display system. Additionally or alternatively, the second projector 78 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the primary mirror 62 of the primary display 50 lies between the second projector 78 and a designated eye point 42.

[0160] The second projector 78 may be described as being further from the designated eye point than the primary mirror 62. Additionally, or alternatively, the second projector 78 may be further from the designated eye point 42 than the mirror surface 92 of the second mirror 90.

[0161] Referring here to Figure 5C, in at least one embodiment, the lower edge 70 of the primary mirror 62 is further from the designated eye point along the line of sight 44 than the upper edge 96 of the second mirror 90. Therefore, the upper edge 96 of the second mirror is positioned between at least a portion of the reflective surface 64 of the primary mirror 62 and the designated eye point 42, from the viewpoint of the user 2 at the designated eye point. Thus, the second mirror 90 may overlap the bottom of the mirror array 60 in vertical dimension Z. In this way, when the reflective surface 92 of the second mirror 90 is viewed by the user at the designated eye point 42, the composite image 102 formed by the combination of the primary image 72 and the secondary image 100 is substantially free of breaks or discontinuities. In this embodiment, the second projector 78 may extend in the lateral dimension X and longitudinal dimension Y and be positioned below the horizontal reference plane 104B defined by the lower edge 98 of the second mirror 90. Other positions and arrangements of the second projector are possible.

[0162] As shown in Figure 6, in embodiments where the second screen 80B is a back-projected screen, the second projector 78 is positioned to project the secondary image 100 onto the rear surface 84 of the second screen 80B. Optionally, the second projector 78 is positioned below the lower edge 70 of the mirror array 60 of the primary display system. Alternatively, in some embodiments (not shown), the second projector 78 may be positioned above the upper edge 68 of the mirror array 60.

[0163] The second screen 80B of the simulator 40B is positioned between the mirror surface 92 of the second mirror 90 and the second projector 78. The secondary image 100 can be seen in front of the second screen 80B 82, and is then reflected by the mirror surface 92 of the second mirror and can be seen at the designated eye point 42.

[0164] In some embodiments, the second screen 80B is formed of a transparent or substantially transparent material. For example, the second screen 80B may be acrylic or glass. Optionally, the second screen 80B is treated to diffuse light from the second projector 78. In some embodiments, the second screen 80B includes a diffusion coating or film. In some embodiments, the film or coating is applied to a convex front surface 82 to allow the secondary image 100 to be focused onto the second screen 80B.

[0165] Those skilled in the art will understand that any arrangement of the second projector 78, the second screens 80A, 80B, and the second mirror 90 is within the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the secondary display system 76 can be used with simulators 40A, 40B having second screens 80 and second mirrors 90 having different configurations and arrangements. For example, a curved second screen 80 can be used with a flat second mirror 90, a curved second mirror 90 can be used with a flat second screen 80, and / or a curved second mirror 90 can be used with a curved second screen 80. In one embodiment, the second screen 80 and the second mirror 90 are generally concave and curved in two or more dimensions.

[0166] Referring here to Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D, in other embodiments, the simulator 40C and the secondary display system 76C do not include the second projector 78. In these embodiments, the second screen 80C is a self-illuminating screen and may include projector elements that project the secondary image 100 from the front surface 82 of the second screen 80C. Thus, the second screen 80C projects an image from its front surface 82. The secondary image 100 is then reflected by the mirror surface 92 of the second mirror 90 and is visible at a designated eye point 42.

[0167] The second screen 80C may be any type of display capable of projecting an image. For example, the second screen 80C may be a self-emissive curved screen, a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a set of LED panels, a liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode display, a liquid crystal on silicon display, a light-emitting diode display, a quantum dot display, or a plasma display.

[0168] In at least one embodiment, the second screen 80C includes one or more LED panels. Optionally, the LED display or LED panel is a microLED panel.

[0169] Optionally, the self-illuminating second screen 80C is flexible or stretchable so that it can be formed into any desired shape. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the second screen is rigid.

[0170] Optionally, the second screen 80C has a substantially planar front surface 82. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the front surface 82 of the self-illuminating second screen 80C is convex.

[0171] In at least one embodiment, the front surface 82 of the self-illuminating second screen 80C is curved in at least one dimension. For example, in some embodiments, the front surface of the second screen 80C has a shape that includes at least some of a circle, a sphere, a parabola, an ellipsoid, a plane, a freeform shape, and combinations thereof.

[0172] Optionally, the upper edge 86 of the second screen 80C is curved. Additionally or alternatively, in at least one embodiment, the upper edge 96 of the second mirror 90 is curved.

[0173] Referring here to Figure 7C, in some embodiments, the lower edge 70 of the primary mirror 62 is closer to the designated eye point along the line of sight 44 than the upper edge 96 of the second mirror 90 of the simulator 40C. Thus, the lower edge 70 of the primary mirror 62 is positioned between at least a portion of the mirror surface 92 of the second mirror and the designated eye point. Thus, the second mirror 90 may overlap the bottom of the mirror array 60 in vertical dimension Z. In this way, when the mirror surface 92 of the second mirror 90 is viewed by the user at the designated eye point 42, the composite image 102 formed by the combination of the primary image 72 and the secondary image 100 is substantially free of breaks or discontinuities.

[0174] In another embodiment, referring here to Figure 7D, the lower edge 70 of the primary mirror 62 is further from the designated eye point along the line of sight 44 than the upper edge 96 of the second mirror 90. Thus, the upper edge 96 of the second mirror is positioned between at least a portion of the reflective surface 64 of the primary mirror 62 and the designated eye point 42 from the viewpoint of user 2 at the designated eye point. Thus, the second mirror 90 may overlap the bottom of the mirror array 60 in vertical dimension Z. In this way, when the reflective surface 92 of the second mirror 90 is viewed by the user at the designated eye point 42, the composite image 102 formed by the combination of the primary image 72 and the secondary image 100 is substantially free of breaks or discontinuities. Other positions and arrangements of the second screen 80C and the second mirror 90 are also possible.

[0175] The collimated secondary display systems 76A, 76B, and 76C described herein favorably increase the vertical field of view (FOV) of the simulator at a given eye point. Increasing the vertical FOV improves the realism of the image to the user, thereby improving the simulation experience.

[0176] The secondary display system 76 of the embodiments of the present disclosure offers the further advantage of being compatible with Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) in situations where the NVGs are focused on an actual aircraft. More specifically, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the NVGs used in the simulator 40 of the present disclosure are focused to infinity or near infinity to match the focus of the primary display system 50, as they are in an actual aircraft that the simulator 40 replicates. This level of realism is important because it means that the instrument panels in the simulator cockpit are out of focus of the NVGs, as they are in an actual aircraft. To see the instrument panels in the simulator, pilots must "train as they fly" and learn to pick up instrument cues by looking down the night vision goggles.

[0177] In at least some embodiments, all of the secondary images 100 provided by the secondary display system have a focal length of nearly infinity. This is beneficial because the composite image 102 has a substantially consistent focal length. Therefore, when a user looks at the composite image 102 from top to bottom, the user's eyes do not need to change focus.

[0178] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the secondary display system 76 provides a secondary image 100 having stepped focal lengths, i.e., a “collimation gradient”. For example, in some embodiments, the rays of light from the first portion 100A of the secondary image 100 reflected from at least the first section of the second mirror 90 are substantially parallel. Thus, at least the first portion 100A of the secondary image 100 (viewed along the first line of sight 44A) has a focal length of nearly infinity. Continuing this example, the rays of light from the second portion 100B of the secondary image 100 reflected from at least the second section of the second mirror 90 diverge. Thus, at least the second portion 100B of the secondary image 100 (viewed along the first line of sight 44B) has a focal length of less than infinity.

[0179] Optionally, the collimation gradient of the second portion 100B of the secondary image increases as the distance from the first portion 100A of the secondary image increases. For example, in at least one embodiment, the focal length of a portion of the second portion 100B of the secondary image may be less than about 15 feet. The collimation gradient is beneficial in some simulated flight environments, such as when the simulated aircraft is operating near the ground or near objects such as trees, buildings, or terrain features.

[0180] In some embodiments, the collimation gradient of the secondary display system 76 is achieved by positioning the lower edge 88 of the second screen 80 at a first distance from the lower edge 98 of the second mirror 90. In some embodiments, the second distance between the upper edge 86 of the second screen and the upper edge 96 of the second mirror is greater than the first distance. In other embodiments, one or more of the shapes or geometric shapes of the mirror surface 92 of the second mirror 90 and / or the front surface 82 of the second screen may provide the collimation gradient.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first section of the second mirror 90 is close to the upper edge 96 of the second mirror 90. The second section of the second mirror is close to the lower edge 98 of the second mirror.

[0182] Optionally, the first section of the second mirror 90 is adjacent to the primary mirror 62. The first section of the second mirror 90 may be located between the primary mirror 62 and the second section of the second mirror 90 in vertical dimension Z. In these embodiments, when user 2 views the composite image 102 from top to bottom, the focal length may vary from near infinity of the first image 72 and the first portion 100A of the secondary image to less than infinity of the second portion 100B of the secondary image.

[0183] While various embodiments of the system have been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and changes to these embodiments will be conceivable. It should be clearly understood that such modifications and changes fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that the expressions and terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and their variations herein means encompassing the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as any additional items.

[0184] Several variations and modifications of this disclosure may be used. It may be possible to provide some features of this disclosure without providing any other features.

[0185] The features of the various embodiments described herein are not intended to be mutually exclusive. Rather, features and aspects of one embodiment can be combined with features or aspects of another embodiment. Furthermore, a description of a particular element relating to one embodiment can be applied to the use of that particular element in other embodiments, regardless of whether the description is repeated in relation to the use of that particular element in other embodiments.

[0186] Furthermore, while the descriptions in this disclosure include descriptions of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects, and specific variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of this disclosure so that they may be, for example, within the scope of the skills and knowledge of a person skilled in the art after understanding this disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights to alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects within the permissible scope, including alternative, interchangeable, and / or equivalent structures, functions, scopes, or steps to those claimed, and not to publicly open up patentable subject matter, whether or not such alternative, interchangeable, and / or equivalent structures, functions, scopes, or steps are disclosed herein.

[0187] One aspect of this disclosure includes one or more of the aspects / embodiments substantially disclosed herein.

[0188] Another aspect of this disclosure is any one or more of the aspects / embodiments substantially disclosed herein, which may be optionally combined with any one or more other aspects / embodiments substantially disclosed herein.

[0189] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide one or more means adapted to carry out any one or more of the above aspects / embodiments substantially disclosed herein.

[0190] To provide further background and context and to further satisfy the written disclosure requirements of Section 112 of the United States Patent Act, the following references, namely U.S. Patent No. 7,414,595, U.S. Patent No. 9,191,659, U.S. Patent No. 10,942,360, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0206720, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0057311, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022 / 0357490, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2023 / 0154351, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A flight simulator that trains users to operate an aircraft, A primary display system that simulates a first view outside the window of the aircraft, The system comprises a secondary display system capable of simulating a second view outside the windows of the aircraft, The primary display system is A primary screen capable of displaying the first image, The flight simulator comprises a primary mirror that reflects the first image at a focal point substantially at infinity to a designated eye point of the flight simulator, This includes a first vertical field of view (FOV) measured at the aforementioned designated eye point, The aforementioned secondary display system is A second screen capable of displaying a second image, The system comprises a second mirror that reflects the second image from the second screen to the designated eye point such that at least a portion of the second image is at a focal point substantially at infinity, Having a second vertical FOV measured at the designated eye point of at least 20°, The primary display system and the secondary display system are aligned vertically and horizontally to provide a composite image defined by the first image and the second image. The composite image includes a substantially continuous vertical field of view measured at the designated eye point at least about 80°. Flight simulator.

2. The flight simulator according to claim 1, wherein the second screen is a self-illuminating screen.

3. The second self-emissive screen includes at least one of a liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode display, a liquid crystal on silicon display, a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a set of one or more LED panels, a quantum dot display, and a plasma display. The flight simulator according to claim 2.

4. The second screen described above is, It is practically flat, and Curved, Having a front that is one of the following, The flight simulator according to claim 2.

5. The secondary display system further comprises a second projector for projecting the second image onto the second screen. The flight simulator according to claim 1.

6. The second screen is one of a front projection screen and a rear projection screen, The second mirror has a reflective surface directed toward the designated eye point, The second screen has a front surface and a rear surface opposite to the front surface, the front surface being directed toward the reflective surface of the second mirror. The flight simulator according to claim 5.

7. The second screen is the forward projection screen, The second projector is positioned and oriented such that its optical axis intersects the front surface of the second screen. The second projector is, Further from the designated eye point than the second mirror, and The rear of the back of the primary mirror, Arranged in at least one of the following: The flight simulator according to claim 6.

8. The second screen is the rear projection screen, The second projector is positioned and oriented such that its optical axis intersects the rear surface of the second screen. The flight simulator according to claim 6.

9. The upper edge of the second mirror is From the designated eye point, further than the lower edge of the primary mirror, and Between the lower edge of the primary mirror and the designated eye point, It is placed on one of the following sides. The flight simulator according to claim 1.

10. One or more of the second screen and the second mirror are positioned outside the optical path of the first image of the primary display system. The flight simulator according to claim 1.

11. The primary display system is The system further comprises a primary projector capable of generating the first image, The flight simulator according to claim 1.

12. The aforementioned primary screen is, It is a self-illuminating display, and, A liquid crystal display comprising at least one of a liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode display, a liquid crystal on silicon display, a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a set of LED panels, a quantum dot display, and a plasma display. The flight simulator according to claim 1.

13. The rays reflected from at least the first section of the second mirror are substantially parallel such that at least the first portion of the second image reflected from the second mirror has a focal length at infinity. The flight simulator according to claim 1.

14. The light rays reflected from the second section of the second mirror diverge such that the second portion of the second image has a focal length less than infinity. The composite image has a collimation gradient that changes from infinity to less than infinity. The flight simulator according to claim 13.

15. The front surface of the second screen facing the second mirror has a shape that includes at least a part of a circle, a sphere, a parabola, an ellipsoid, a plane, a freeform shape, and combinations thereof. A flight simulator according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The mirror surface of the second mirror is curved. A flight simulator according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. A flight simulator for training users who operate aircraft, A cabin that simulates the crew compartment of the aforementioned aircraft, A primary collimated display that provides a first image to the user, The system includes a secondary collimated display capable of providing a second image to the user, The aforementioned primary collimated display is A primary screen capable of displaying the aforementioned first image, The flight simulator comprises a primary collimating mirror that reflects the first image at a focal point substantially at infinity to a designated eye point within the cabin, The first image simulates a first view of the outside of the cabin. The aforementioned secondary collimated display is A second screen capable of displaying the aforementioned second image, The system comprises a second collimating mirror that reflects the second image from the second screen to the designated eye point such that at least a first portion of the second image is at a focal point substantially at infinity, The second image simulates a second view of the outside of the cabin. The curved upper edge of the second collimating mirror is positioned close to the curved lower edge of the primary collimating mirror. The secondary collimating display is aligned with the primary collimating display such that the first and second images are aligned vertically and horizontally to produce a composite image visible at the designated eye point, and the composite image is substantially continuous without visible breaks or seams exceeding 0.5 inches as measured at the designated eye point. The composite image comprises a second collimating mirror, the vertical field of view of the composite image being at least about 80° as measured at the designated eye point, A flight simulator equipped with [features / equipment].

18. The second image includes the first part and the second part, The second portion of the second image has a focal length less than infinity. The flight simulator according to claim 17.

19. The cabin includes a first window from which only the first image is visible at the designated eye point. The flight simulator according to claim 17.

20. The cabin includes a second window from which at least a portion of the composite image is visible at the designated eye point. A flight simulator according to any one of claims 17 to 19.

21. A method for providing images to the user of a simulator, The first image is generated using the primary collimated display of the simulator, This includes generating a second image on the secondary collimated display of the simulator, The aforementioned primary collimated display is A primary screen capable of displaying the aforementioned first image, The flight simulator comprises a primary collimating mirror that reflects the first image to the user at a focal point substantially at infinity at a designated eye point of the flight simulator, The aforementioned secondary collimated display is A second screen capable of displaying the aforementioned second image, The system comprises a second collimating mirror that reflects the second image from the second screen to the designated eye point such that at least a first portion of the second image is at a focal point substantially at infinity, The curved upper edge of the second collimating mirror is positioned close to the curved lower edge of the primary collimating mirror. The secondary collimating display is aligned with the primary collimating display such that the first image and the second image are aligned vertically and horizontally to generate a composite image visible at the designated eye point. The composite image is substantially continuous without any visible breaks or seams exceeding 0.5 inches as measured at the designated eye point. The vertical field of view of the composite image is at least about 80° as measured at the designated eye point. method.

22. The arrangement of the curved upper edge of the second collimating mirror is From the designated eye point, further than the curved lower edge of the primary collimating mirror, The curved lower edge of the primary collimating mirror is closer to the designated eye point, To be placed in one of the two, The method according to claim 21.

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