Sensor-Independent Per-Pixel Stimulation for Flight Simulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flight simulator systems either lack realism by not allowing pilots to use actual vision-augmenting equipment or provide low-fidelity stimulated images due to varying display characteristics, resulting in a disparity between simulated and real-world experiences.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-independent per-pixel stimulating spectral method that characterizes display systems using spectroradiometry and creates color lookup tables to map simulated luminance to stimulating color values, enabling accurate stimulated imaging across different display systems and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If simulation systems display images as they would appear to a pilot using a given sensor, then the quantitative fidelity is improved, but the realism is worsened because pilots cannot use actual vision-augmenting equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a display characterization system as an intermediary between the simulation system and the display device. This system measures the actual spectral emissions of the display using a spectroradiometer and creates lookup tables that map simulated sensor output to actual display emissions. This intermediary layer enables the system to maintain quantitative fidelity while allowing pilots to use actual vision-augmenting equipment, resolving the contradiction between precision and realism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter mapping from direct simulation to spectral matching. Instead of displaying images as they would appear through a sensor (simulation approach), the system measures the actual spectral parameters of the display device and adjusts the stimulus images to match the sensor's spectral response. This parameter transformation enables both high quantitative fidelity and realism by allowing pilots to wear actual sensors while maintaining accurate spectral representation.
2Ease of operation
If stimulated systems provide images that match spectral wavelengths, then the realism is improved, but the quantitative fidelity is worsened due to varying display characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the display system before actual use. A spectroradiometer measures the display's spectral emissions across various test patterns, and lookup tables are pre-generated mapping simulated luminance to actual stimulating color values. This preliminary action ensures that when real training occurs, the system automatically maintains quantitative fidelity by referring to the pre-characterized display properties, thus resolving the contradiction between realism and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the display characterization process. By measuring the actual spectral output of the display device and using this information to adjust the stimulus images, the system creates a closed-loop system that ensures quantitative fidelity. The feedback from the spectroradiometer measurements allows the system to compensate for display variations and maintain accurate spectral matching while preserving realism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If display systems vary widely in their display characteristics, then the adaptability is improved, but the quantitative fidelity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal display characterization system that can work with any display device. The spectroradiometer-based measurement process and lookup table generation methodology is applicable across different display technologies and characteristics. This universal approach allows the system to adapt to various display systems while maintaining quantitative fidelity, as each display is individually characterized and the system automatically adjusts to match the specific display's spectral properties.
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
This approach provides high-quality, realistic flight simulation experiences by allowing pilots to use actual vision-augmenting equipment and ensuring accurate spectral matching, bridging the gap between simulated and real-world imagery.
Implementation Method 1
A spectroradiometer measures radiant power emanating from the display and stores the data
Data Source
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AI summary
Sensor independent display characterization system spectrally characterizes a display system to measure radiant power emitted by the display system that displays a video image to a trainee pilot during sensor stimulation. A sensor spectral response for each wavelength produced by the stimulated sensor is determined. A stimulated luminance for each color level of the displayed image or for a range of color levels is computed. A color look up table that maps computed stimulated luminance to a set of stimulating color values is generated. When a trainee pilot looks at the displayed image using a sensor having a sensor response that was used in computing the stimulated luminance, the pilot will see an image that was created by simulated spectral rendering. The displayed image is an accurate/ display and sensor independent image that the pilot can see during the real flight.