Simulator utilizing a high resolution visual display

Abstract

A simulator comprising a projection surface, a line-of-sight detection apparatus for detecting the orientation of a trainee's head, a projection system for projecting a high-resolution image and a low resolution image on to the projection surface, and at least one mask for merging the high-resolution image and the low-resolution image in an area that is substantially in the trainee's line-of-sight.

1 . A simulator comprising: 
 a projection surface;    a line-of-sight detection apparatus for detecting the orientation of a trainee's head;    a projection system for projecting a high-resolution image and a low resolution image on to the projection surface; and    at least one mask for merging the high-resolution image and the low-resolution image in an area that is substantially in the trainee's line-of-sight based upon said trainee's head orientation.    
   
   
       2 . The simulator of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the at least one mask includes a transparency mask that reduces the light intensity of a background image in an area that is substantially in the trainee's line-of-sight.    
   
   
       3 . The simulator of  claim 2 , wherein the transparency mask includes: 
 a central region that provides a relatively low light intensity;    edge regions outside the central region that provide for a relatively high light intensity; and    wherein the light intensity of the background image is continuous between the central region and the edge regions.    
   
   
       4 . The simulator of  claim 2 , wherein the transparency mask includes: 
 a central region that provides a relatively low light intensity;    edge regions outside the central region that provide for a relatively high light intensity; and    wherein the light intensity of the background image has at least one inflection point that exists between the central region and the edge regions.    
   
   
       5 . The simulator of  claim 1 , wherein said projection system comprises: 
 a background projector which generates said low resolution image; and    a scene projector which generates said high resolution image.    
   
   
       6 . The simulator according to  claim 6 , wherein said scene projector generates a first circularly polarized light in a first direction and a second circularly polarized light in a second direction opposite said first direction.  
   
   
       7 . The simulator according to  claim 6 , further comprising: 
 a head-mounted assembly worn by the trainee which has a visor with a filter incorporated therein so that the trainee visualizes a three-dimensional image.    
   
   
       8 . The simulator of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the one or more masks includes an inverse mask that reduces the light intensity of a scene image in an area that is substantially in the trainee's line-of-sight.    
   
   
       9 . The simulator of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a mock instrumentation apparatus oriented with respect to said projection surface, wherein an intensity of the high-resolution image is increased when said line-of-sight detection apparatus determines that the trainee's head orientation is directed toward said mock instrumentation apparatus.    
   
   
       10 . The simulator of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 an image generator for generating said high-resolution image and said low-resolution image, said line-of-sight detection apparatus providing line-of-sight information to said image generator to assist in determining boundaries of said high resolution image.    
   
   
       11 . The simulator of  claim 10 , further comprising: 
 an image library providing image information to said image generator for the purpose of generating said high and low resolution images.