Simulator assembly

• US 5,226,816 A
• Filed: 11/10/1992
• Issued: 07/13/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rediffusion Simulation Ltd (Thales SA)
• Original Assignee: Rediffusion Simulation Ltd (Thales SA)
• Inventors: Hawkins, Michael J. C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Swiatek, Robert P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): TSO, LAURA K
• Application Number:
  US07/974,329
• Time in Patent Office: 245 Days
• Field of Search: 434/30, 434/35, 434/38, 434/40, 434/43, 434/55
• US Class Current: 434/38
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/165 Condition of cabin, cockpit or pilot's accessories
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/32 by projected image G09B9/307, G09B9/36 take precedence

Abstract

A method for assembling a simulator in which a visual display system is arranged to display an image for viewing from a predetermined viewing position within a simulated viewing station. The visual display system and viewing station are mounted on a base. The viewing station is fabricated such that the location of the viewing position relative to the viewing station is established. The visual display system is fabricated so that when mounted in a predetermined position on the base the location of the viewing position relative to the base is established. When the viewing station and visual display system are mounted on the base, the visual display system is mounted in the predetermined position, and the viewing station being mounted at a position relative to the base selected such that the eye position of a person sat within the viewing station coincides with the location of the viewing position relative to the base.

Claims

1. A method for assembling a simulator prior to its use, the simulator being intended to present a visual image to a user, comprising the steps of:

(a) manufacturing a base for the simulator;

(b) fixedly mounting a light projecting means on the base;

(c) fixedly mounting an optical system on the base to form the said image from light projected by the projecting means and thereby establishing an ideal viewing position relative to said optical system;

(d) adjustably mounting on the base a viewing station defining a predetermined viewing position relative to said viewing station and from which the image is to be viewed; and

(e) selectively adjusting the position of the viewing station relative to the base to displace the location of said predetermined viewing position relative to said light projecting means and said optical system to obtain substantial coincidence of said predetermined viewing position and said ideal viewing position.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the viewing station is assembled on at least one interface floor, said interface floor being supported on adjusting means mounted on the base.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the viewing station is supported on two interface floors each independently mounted on the base.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the base is mounted on a motion system.

5. A simulator arranged to present a visual image to a user of the simulator, comprising:

(a) a base;

(b) a light projecting means fixedly mounted on the base;

(c) an optical system fixedly mounted on the base for forming an image from light projected by the projecting means, thereby establishing an ideal viewing position relative to said optical system;

(d) a viewing station adjustably mounted on the base, the viewing station defining within it a predetermined viewing position relative to said viewing station from which the said image is to be viewed; and

(e) means for selectively adjusting the position of the viewing station relative to the base prior to use of the simulator to displace the location of said predetermined viewing position relative to said light projecting means and said optical system to obtain substantial coincidence of said predetermined viewing position and said ideal viewing position.

6. A simulator according to claim 5, wherein the said viewing station is mounted on at least one interface floor, said interface floor being supported on adjusting means mounted on the base.

7. A simulator according to claim 6, comprising two interface floors each independently mounted on the base.

8. A simulator according to claim 7, wherein the base is mounted on a motion system.