GRAPHICS DISPLAY SYSTEM

• US 3,736,411 A
• Filed: 05/17/1971
• Issued: 05/29/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 05/17/1971
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Carl W. Berndt
• Original Assignee: Carl W. Berndt
• Inventors: Berndt, Carl W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Botz, Eugene G.
• Application Number:
  US05/144,035
• Time in Patent Office: 743 Days
• Field of Search: 235/151
• US Class Current: 345/440
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 13/00 Animation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 376/914 Nuclear explosives

Abstract

A system for computing and displaying prompt and delayed effects of nuclear explosions with respect to a geographical area. The display is based on various input parameters concerning the initial conditions under which an explosive is detonated. The display is a superposition of prompt effects, viz., blast, thermal effects, etc., represented by concentric circles; fallout, represented by a time varying growing and variegated mosaic pattern; and a map whose scale is controllable upon command, this being accomplished by three separate images simultaneously projected on a screen from three separate sources. A computer controls the display and makes changes on it, utilizing relationships which characterize nuclear effects as functions of time. The apparatus is useful for understanding, analyzing, demonstrating and predicting the effects of nuclear weapons.

Claims

1. A system for computing and displaying prompt and delayed effect of an explosive detonation with respect to a geographical area comprising:

a computer means;

control means operatively connected to said computer means through control logic circuit means;

a circle generator means for generating a prompt effects display;

said control means being operatively connected to said circle generator means through circle logic circuit means;

said computer means being connected to said circle logic circuit means so as to direct signals thereto and receive signals therefrom;

said control means additionally being connected to said computer means through interface logic circuit means for directing at least a pair of operational mode control signals to said computer means;

a numerical readout means operatively connected to receive desired output signals from said computer means;

a map projector means operatively connected to said computer means for receiving therefrom image-scale data for display of a map background by said map projector means;

a fallout projection means operatively connected to said computer means and controlled thereby for projecting a fallout pattern as determined by said computer means;

a screen means;

said prompt effects, map background and fallout pattern being superimposed on said screen means, whereby a time varying display which illustrates prompt effects and fallout patterns of an explosive detonation, which can be readily changed to illustrate delayed effects, is shown on a map surface.

2. The system defined in claim 1, additionally including a disk memory means operatively connected to said computer means to receive therefrom and direct thereto information signals.

3. The system defined in claim 1, additionally including mirror means positioned between said screen means and each of said circle generator means, map projector means, and fallout projection means to assure proper superimposition on said screen means of said prompt effects, map background and fallout pattern.

4. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said computer means is a digital computer.

5. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said pair of operational mode control signals direct said computer means to display through said projection cathode ray tube means a previously predicted fallout pattern of a detonation and a fallout pattern as determined by current wind, gravity and pertinent physical characteristics of the detonation.

6. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said fallout projection means is a projection cathode ray tube.

7. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said control means includes numerous actuators, selectors, push-button and switch means positioned on a control panel;

and wherein said numerical readout means and said screen means are positioned adjacent said control panel;

the map background, fallout pattern, and prompt effects shown as concentric circles being superimposed on one side of said screen means in such a manner that same are viewed from the other side thereof.