Collimated Display Mirror Layout for Seamless 80° Vertical FOV
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flight simulators face limitations in vertical field of view (FOV), with typical simulators having a vertical FOV of only about 60°, which does not match the real-world view provided by vehicle windows, and secondary display systems cause discontinuities, misalignment, and are not compatible with Night Vision Goggles (NVGs, leading to reduced realism and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A flight simulator design incorporating a primary collimated display system with a secondary collimated display system, utilizing self-illuminating screens and mirrors to achieve a combined vertical FOV of at least 80°, ensuring continuous imagery without gaps or misalignment, and compatibility with NVGs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the lower edge of the screen is extended downward to increase lookdown, then the vertical FOV is improved, but the upper portion of the mirror array is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is divided into two independent segments: a primary display system for the upper FOV and a secondary display system for the lower FOV. Each segment has its own screen and mirror array, allowing independent optimization without mutual interference. The primary mirror array can be positioned higher without being obscured, while the secondary display provides the additional downward view.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary display system is positioned in a different spatial dimension (lower and forward) relative to the primary display system. This dimensional separation allows the secondary screen to extend downward without obscuring the primary mirror array, as they occupy different spatial zones and serve different angular ranges.
2Quantity of substance
If a secondary display system is added to extend vertical FOV, then the vertical FOV is improved, but image discontinuities and misalignment occur
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary display system acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the primary display's limited FOV and the user's need for extended downward view. By positioning the secondary system forward and downward, it provides the missing lower angular range while maintaining optical continuity through proper alignment of the combined mirror arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the display system are optimized for different functions: the primary display system (higher position) provides the upper FOV with one optical configuration, while the secondary display system (lower and forward position) provides the lower FOV with a different optical configuration. Each region is independently optimized for its specific angular range, and together they create a seamless combined image.
3Device complexity
If traditional display systems are used, then the system complexity is reduced, but NVG compatibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The collimated display system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides extended vertical FOV for normal vision and maintains NVG compatibility through proper optical design. The system uses mirrors and collimated optics that work with both direct viewing and NVG viewing, eliminating the need for separate display systems for different viewing conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a seamless and realistic extended vertical FOV, enhancing training realism and compatibility with NVGs, reducing user discomfort and improving simulation accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a primary collimated display to provide a first image to the user, comprising: a primary screen operable to display the first image; and a primary collimating mirror configured to reflect the first image at substantially infinity focus to a designated eye point
Implementation Method 2
a secondary collimated display operable to provide a second image to the user, comprising: a second screen operable to display the second image; and a second collimating mirror configured to reflect 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 substantially infinity focus
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing a simulator with an extended vertical field of view are provided. The simulator has a primary collimated display which is operable to generate a primary image at infinity focus. A secondary collimated display of the simulator is operable to generate a secondary image aligned with a primary image, at least a portion of the secondary image being at infinity focus. When viewed at a designated eye point of the simulator, the primary image and the secondary image form a combined image with a vertical field of view that is substantially continuous and which is at least approximately 80° when measured at the designated eye point. The secondary collimated display has a second collimating mirror positioned proximate to a primary collimating mirror of the primary collimated display such that the combined image is substantially continuous without significant breaks or interruptions at the junction of the primary image and the secondary image.