Date of Award

12-1990

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Computer Science

Department

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Advisor

Phil Amburn, Major, USAF

Abstract

The integration of the low-cost head-mounted display (HMD), an inexpensive graphics workstation-based flight simulator, and a communications network was investigated to determine if the prototype of an inexpensive multi- aircraft Virtual Flight Simulator could be built. Previous research efforts have coupled HMD technology and flight simulation; however, the cost of these systems has been high. This thesis effort emphasized the use of joystick devices to emulate pilot control, the implementation of a fully enclosed virtual flight simulator, and the utilization of low-cost NTSC-based television technology to produce a prototype. The virtual flight simulator also contained a basic set of instruments to help the pilot control the aircraft. The virtual world provided a full color 360 degree viewing capability which allowed the pilot to look around his aircraft and world. Although the display update rates of the final system were less than ideal, the results showed that the concept of virtual flight simulators has potential for improving the Air Force's overall pilot training capability.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GCS-ENG-90D-11

DTIC Accession Number

ADA230469

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

Share

COinS