GB1439152A - Spatial simulator for maritime tactical navigation with in sight ships and coastlines - Google Patents

Abstract

1439152 Projection apparatus for simulating navigation R HERVIEU 26 May 1973 14837/73 Heading G2J A device for simulating navigation comprises a cylindrical screen on which images are projected, said images simulating the position of observed objects relative to an observer, the images being mounted on a rotatable carrier, and means being provided for varying the magnification and angle of projection of the images. As shown in Fig. 17, the cylindrical screen 14 forms the walls of the simulation room. A control desk has a helm and a speed control for simulating the manoeuvring of an observed ship NI from a ship N from which bearings are taken, both ships being in motion. These controls supply a computer with coordinates of the position of one ship from the other. A rotatable projector 11 with a variable focal length lens is arranged to project images of transparencies 12 which are reflected by a right angled prism on to the screen 14. The transparencies, of which there are a large number, e.g. 180, are arranged round the periphery of a disc 18, and represent photographs of ship NI, either directly or by means of a model, taken by rotating in steps of e at a time completely round the ship. Thus an image of ship NI may be projected as a representation of what would be seen by the observer by orienting a plate 20, which carries both disc 18 and projector 11, according to the bearing of ship NI from ship N, rotating the disc 18 until the transparency corresponding to the difference in course of the two ships is aligned with the projector, and adjusting the focal length of the projector lens. These three operations are effected by three motors, which are controlled from the computer. Non-moving objects such as islets or a coast line may be superimposed by having additional projectors. Several different ships may be represented by having a separate plate 20 for each ship, each plate being under the control of a separate computer.