Adjusted-projection panel for dome simulator vergence conflict
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dome-type simulators face a vergence-accommodation conflict due to the discrepancy between the focus distance on the dome surface and the perceived distance of virtual objects, leading to eyestrain and inaccurate perception of distances, particularly during landing or hovering maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
An interactive computer simulation system with an adjusted-projection panel mounted on the dome, projecting images at a distance closer to the real-world distance, addressing the conflict by displaying simulated ground or ground-like features on the adjusted-projection panel located between the dome's base and equatorial plane, reducing the perceived distance for more accurate simulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If images are projected onto the dome surface at a fixed distance, then the viewer's eyes can focus and converge at a comfortable viewing distance providing good depth perception, but the perceived distance to virtual objects (especially ground features) does not match the real-world distance, causing vergence-accommodation conflict and inaccurate distance perception
Solution Approach 1:
The dome surface is segmented into two distinct projection zones: an upper dome surface for general imagery and a lower adjusted-projection panel specifically for ground or ground-like feature imagery. This segmentation allows each zone to have optimized projection characteristics - the upper dome maintains comfortable viewing distance while the lower panel provides adjusted projection distance to resolve the vergence-accommodation conflict for ground features.
Solution Approach 2:
Different projection qualities are applied to different regions of the display. The adjusted-projection panel located at the lower portion of the dome has a different projection distance characteristic compared to the upper dome surface. This local differentiation ensures that ground features projected on the lower panel accurately represent real-world distances, while other imagery on the upper dome maintains optimal viewing comfort.
2Reliability
If the dome projection distance is kept at a fixed comfortable viewing distance, then good depth perception is achieved, but training realism for maneuvers such as landing or hovering is degraded due to inaccurate ground distance perception
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is divided into two functional segments: the upper dome for general scene imagery maintaining viewing comfort, and the lower adjusted-projection panel for ground features that enhances training realism. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously provide both comfortable viewing and accurate distance perception for training maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower portion of the dome features a specialized adjusted-projection panel with optimized projection characteristics for ground imagery, while the upper dome maintains standard projection properties. This local quality differentiation ensures that critical training elements (ground distance perception) are enhanced without compromising overall viewing comfort.
3Measurement precision
If a single projection surface is used for all imagery, then device complexity is minimized, but the system cannot simultaneously provide accurate distance perception for ground features and comfortable viewing for overall imagery
Solution Approach 1:
The projection system is segmented into two components: the existing dome structure and an added adjusted-projection panel at the lower portion. This segmentation enables enhanced ground distance perception without completely redesigning the entire projection system, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusted-projection panel acts as an intermediary element between the projection system and the viewer's perception of ground features. This intermediary component provides the necessary projection adjustment for accurate ground distance perception while working within the existing dome structure, thus minimizing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An interactive computer simulation system includes one or more processors for performing an interactive computer simulation in an interactive simulated environment based on user input and for generating images related to the interactive computer simulation. The system includes a dome for displaying the images, the dome being cut by a base below an equatorial plane of the dome, the images being displayed on the dome at a general-projection distance. The system further includes an adjusted-projection panel having an adjusted-projection surface defining an adjusted-projection distance smaller than the general-projection distance for addressing a vergence-accommodation conflict when simulated ground images are displayed.