WO2001049040A1

WO2001049040A1 - Projector for simulating a scene image by means of calligraphic lights

Info

Publication number: WO2001049040A1
Application number: PCT/EP2000/011631
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christhard Deter
Original assignee: Schneider Laser Technologies Ag
Priority date: 1999-12-23
Filing date: 2000-11-22
Publication date: 2001-07-05
Also published as: CN1341327A; JP2003518642A; CA2364674A1; EP1155574A1; DE19962826C1; KR20010111267A; IL144927A0

Abstract

The invention relates to a projector for simulating a scene image, especially the view from an aeroplane, by means of calligraphic lights. A control device that is connected to a modulator of the projector generates signals for the scene image and signals for the calligraphic lights. The invention is characterised in that the projector (100) comprises two light sources (10, 10'). Each of said light sources produces an intensity-modulated and colour-modulated collinear R-G-B light bundle (ΖA(t)) and (ΖB(t)) respectively in a determined time ratio in relation to the remaining light source and by means of the signals (A, B) of the control device (60). Modulators (2) are controlled in the first light source (10) by means of a first signal (A) in such a way that a first R-G-B light bundle (ΖA(t)) contains the optical information for the scene image (17) and the optical information for the calligraphic lights and modulators (2') are controlled in the second light source (10') by means of a second signal (B) in such a way that a second R-G-B light bundle (ΖB(t)) contains only the optical information for the calligraphic lights. A means (20) for combining beams is also provided. The first and the second R-G-B light bundle (ΖA(t)) and (ΖB(t)) radiate from said means in a spatially combined manner and are simultaneously projected onto the projection surface by means of one deflection device (11, 12; 18) only and in such a way that the two R-G-B light bundles (ΖA(t)) and (ΖB(t)) overlap in the image points in an intensity-wise manner, whereby the calligraphic lights are represented in said points and the deflection device comprises two axes.

Description

PROJECTOR FOR SIMULATING A SCENE IMAGE WITH CALLIGRAPHIC LIGHTS

The invention relates to a projector for simulating a scene with calligraphic lights, in particular the view from an airplane or a ship.

In addition to the realistic depiction of the landscape and the sky during the day and at night, the simulation of a pilot's view from an airplane must above all include the realistic display of up to 10,000 additional bright objects. These lights, which are created as a result of the airport lighting system (runway lighting or approach zone and threshold lighting of an airfield, taxiway signposts and taxiing traffic signs) and the position lights and orientation lights of the missiles are also known as calligraphic lights. These lights must be represented as more or less large sharply delimited points or lines in different colors within the front view of the landscape and / or the sky. This display must take place during a simulated night flight and under simulated daylight conditions. The simulation of the view from an airplane at dusk and in rain or fog is particularly problematic. The requirements for such flight training devices are, for example, in the Federal Gazette Part 11-93 / 98 "Announcement of the Guideline on the Requirements for Synthetic Equipment for Aircraft Training and the Teaching Staff for Aircraft Training Devices for Aircraft" S 1092 - 1103 and the oint Aviation Requirements cited therein JAR-STD described. According to Level D JAR, a visual display system is required that creates a horizontal field of view of 75 ° and a vertical field of view of 30 ° for each pilot, which provides realistic scene images with the associated calligraphic lights for day, twilight and night conditions. Up to now, calligraphic lights have been displayed within a scene using special CRT projectors, whose electron beam is overdriven in those pixels that represent calligraphic lights. The overdriving of the electron beam and its strong influence on the screen phosphors drastically reduces the life of the picture tubes, so that they have to be replaced after a relatively short period of operation. The picture tubes specially made for this purpose also cause considerable costs.

The invention relates to a projector for simulating a scene with calligraphic lights, in particular the view from an airplane or from a ship, a control device, which is connected to a modulator of the projector, generating signals for the scene and signals for the calligraphic lights.

The invention is characterized in that the projector contains two light sources, each of which generates a brightness and color-modulated collinear RGB light bundle in a fixed time relationship to the other with the aid of the signals from the control device, with modulators with a first signal in the first light source are controlled so that a first collinear RGB light bundle contains the optical information for the scene and the optical information for the calligraphic lights and in the second light source modulators are controlled with a second signal so that a second collinear RGB light bundle only the optical Contains information for the calligraphic lights, furthermore a means for beam combining is provided, from which the first and the second RGB light beams emit spatially combined and at the same time this with a single biaxial deflection device on the project be projected on the surface so that the two RGB light bundles overlap in terms of intensity in pixels in which the calligraphic lights are displayed. The scene with the calligraphic lights is shown with the first RGB light bundle and only the calligraphic lights with the second light bundle, with a precise overlay of the calligraphic lights generated by the first RGB light bundle and the calligraphic lights created by the second RGB light bundle can be generated with which a deflection device takes place.

According to the current state of the art, the light source is a laser, since so far a sufficiently collinear light beam of sufficient intensity can only be generated with this. In principle, however, any other light source that emits a beam of low divergence also works, e.g. a super luminescent lamp.

The invention includes, as a means for spatial beam combining, all optical devices which collinearly overlap the two light beams with low loss under defined conditions, or lay them side by side in parallel or emit them at a defined angle. As can be seen from the cases mentioned below, "spatially combined" means that the two RGB light bundles are a certain number n of pixels within a line and / or a certain number m of lines apart. Here, n = 0 and m = 0, ie the two RGB light bundles are combined on the projection surface to form a collinear light bundle.

For the intensity modulation of the light beams and the biaxial deflection device, the time ratio and the time sequence are chosen so that they are synchronous, which minimizes the technical effort. Particularly expedient is the design of the means for spatial beam merging in the form of an optical fiber connection between the modulatable R-G-B light sources and the two-axis deflection device, which is contained in a projection head from which the image projection is based.

In a first case, the means for spatial beam merging generates a single collinear RGB light bundle from the first RGB light bundle and the second RGB light bundle, which is deflected line-by-line and image-wise from an origin point by the biaxial deflection device. The control device generates the first and the second signals for controlling the modulators, which at a time correspond to one piece of optical information for the same pixel in the same line. A mirror arrangement or an optical splitter in the form of a fiber coupler or a strip waveguide coupler or a prism splitter is used here, for example, as a means for spatial beam merging.

In a second case, the means for spatial beam merging maintains the first RGB light bundle and the second RGB light bundle separately, but brings them together spatially at a defined distance and at a defined angle, so that the beam deflection of both RGB light bundles from one plane out with the help of a biaxial deflector. The control device generates the first and the second signal for controlling the modulators at the same time, but the optical information generated thereby is assigned to different pixels in the image. In this case, the first signal corresponds to the optical information for the pixel which is represented by the first RGB light bundle and the second signal corresponds to the optical information for the pixel which is represented by the second RGB light bundle. In this case, the image information transmitted by the first signal and the second signal is delayed with respect to one another in such a way that the time shift Δt ₀ corresponds to a distance a 'that the two RGB light beams have on the projection surface. This distance is dependent on an integer n of pixels and / or an integer m of lines and on a clock rate of the pixels and / or lines determined by the video standard to be displayed. A precise description of the processing of the incoming signals for writing an image with adjacent light bundles can be found in DE 197 26 860 Cl.

A mirror arrangement or an optical waveguide in the form of a fiber duo or a strip waveguide that is brought together is used here as a means for spatial beam convergence.

The use of a fiber duo, in which two optical fibers are guided close together at one end and the other ends of which are each connected to one of the modulatable RGB laser light sources, offers advantages in terms of effort and efficiency of light transmission. The invention will be explained below with reference to figures. Show it

Fig. 1: Projector that writes the scene and the calligraphic lights with a single collinear RGB light beam. Fig. 2: Signal for a projector according to Fig. 1 Fig. 3: Projector that the scene and the calligraphic lights with two side by side Fig. 4: lying collinear RGB light bundles: signal curve for a projector according to Fig. 3.

1 shows a projector 100 for displaying a scene image and calligraphic lights, in which the light of two light sources 10 and 10 ^' with the intensity Φ _Λ (t) + Φ _ß (t) is collinearly projected onto a projection surface 17. A control computer 60 which has stored an image sequence or which is supplied with image information from external sources with an input signal E is used to generate the scene image and the calligraphic lights. The control computer generates an image signal A for a first light source 10. This image signal A contains the control signals for intensity and color modulation, which correspond to the optical information for the scene with the calligraphic lights. The control computer also generates an image signal B for a second light source 10 ^' . This image signal B contains the control signals for intensity and color modulation, which correspond to the optical information only for the calligraphic lights.

The control computer 60 also provides signals for controlling a line mirror 11 (polygon mirror) and an image mirror 12 (tilting mirror) and receives signals from these modules for synchronizing the modulation of the light sources 10 and 10 ^' with the instantaneous angular positions σ and ß of the image mirror 11 or the line mirror 12. The light and color-modulated light bundle with the intensity function Φ _A (, t = time is linearly polarized, which is indicated by circles in FIG. 1. The light and color-modulated light bundle with the intensity function Φn (t ), is also linearly polarized, which is indicated by dashes in FIG. 1, but to the light Φ _A (orthogonal. The two light beams are fed to a device for beam combination 20, which in the example according to FIG. 1 is a polarization prism, with the aid of which the light beams linearly polarized perpendicular to one another are superimposed collinearly. Thus, a single collinear light beam falls on the line mirror 11, which is deflected in the line direction, then strikes the image mirror 12 and is deflected in the image direction. A transformation optics 13 enlarging the deflection angle projects a single light and color-modulated light beam with the intensity Φ _A (t) + Φ _ß (t) onto the projection surface 17. Within a time period T, which includes the time period for writing a line, the Image information of a line is written as an intensity distribution Φ _c {T} along the course of the line. This intensity distribution within the line is detected by the human eye, with the sense of vision combining all lines of an image area described with these lines to form a closed image impression.

FIG. 2 shows four functions which are related to one another and are therefore arranged directly one below the other. The diagram σ (t) shows the deflection of a mirror surface of the line mirror within a period T = {0 to 64μs) for writing a line. The time specifications correspond to the CCIR standard B, G. During the time interval between Oμs and 52μs the transmit optical information contained in the line and the time interval from 52μs to 64μs is the so-called dead time, which bridges the jump from one mirror surface to another mirror surface in a polygon mirror or is the reset time of a tilting mirror.

As can be seen from the diagrams Φ _A (and Φ _ß (t), an optical signal is only transmitted during the time interval from Oμs to 52μs; this is shown by the areas highlighted in white, which exemplarily show the light intensity of the RGB light source 10 that can be modulated in brightness and color as a function of time t with Φ _Λ (and the brightness and color modulable R-GB light sources 10 ^' with Φ _ß (t).

The diagram Φc {T} shows the light intensity which is displayed within the period T of a line and which, as described above, is perceived by the human eye within the period of a complete image change. Here, too, the areas highlighted in white represent the intensity. For example, at time ti it can clearly be seen that the intensities Φ _A (I _I ) = 100% and Φ _ß (tι) = 100%, which change within the period T of an image at time t | overlay and thus Φc (tι) = 200%. Thus, 200% intensity of the maximum possible 100% intensity in the actual image is present in certain pixels of a line. As a result of the non-linear and relative perception of differences in intensity by the human eye, a very bright bright point appears in an image, a calligraphic light. Here, each of the light intensities Φ _A ) and Φ _ß (t) at the same time T represents the same pixel n in the one m-th line, ie a delay in the signals Δt ₀ = Oμs controlling the modulators.

In pixels in which calligraphic lights are displayed, however, the intensity of 200% does not necessarily have to be set. Any value between 100% and 200%> can also be set, as shown at time t.

FIG. 3 shows a further projector for simulating a scene image and calligraphic lights, which works with four locally separated assemblies: a control computer 60, two RGB light sources 10, 10 ^' that can be modulated in brightness and color, and a projection head 14. The projection head 14 contains the biaxial deflection system, in this example a gimbal-mounted oscillating mirror 18. Furthermore, transformation optics 13 which increase the deflection angle are provided. The connections of the projection head 14 to the two light sources 10 and 10 'are made optically by the optical fibers 5 and 5' and electrically / control-wise via supply and signal lines 9 and data lines 6 and 6 '. Each optical fiber 5 and 5 ^' is provided at each input with a fiber connector 7. In this way, a simple, fast and adjustment-free connection of the two assemblies, RGB light sources 10, 10 ^' and projection head 14, which are relatively independent of one another, is realized. An electronics unit 8 or 8 'is installed in each of the RGB light sources 10, 10 ^' . The electronics unit 8 contains an input module 30 for converting a video signal assigned to this channel into a digital RGB video signal adapted to the device system, a control circuit 50 for controlling the oscillating mirror 18 for pixel and line scanning, and a unit for image calculation 40 for controlling the modulators 2. which is synchronized with the biaxial beam deflection. The electronics unit 8 ^'of the RGB light source 10 ^' has the same structure. The control of the electronics unit. 8 and 8 'is carried out with a computer 60 which distributes the incoming or stored video information E to the two RGB light sources 10 and 10 ^' . The outputs of the two optical fibers 5, 5 'are spatially guided in the projection head 14 so that they radiate the emerging light beams in a predetermined direction onto the biaxially operating deflection system. For this purpose, the optical fibers 5 and 5 ^' are aligned on a support 20 at a distance a parallel to one another, fixed and form a so-called fiber duo. The plane defined by the carrier 20, in which the ends of the optical fibers 5, 5 'are fixed, corresponds in the example to the line direction in the image. Therefore, different pixels are written here at one point in time on a line. The distance between these two pixels on the projection surface 17 is determined by a 'and corresponds to the distance of an integer n of pixels within an m-th line.

Furthermore, a coupling optic 16 is provided, which corresponds to the outputs of the optical fibers 5 and 5 ^' on the carrier 10.

The distance a between the optical fiber ends on the carrier 10 and the imaging properties of the coupling optics 16 determine the distance a 'between the two light beams on the projection surface 17, which is determined by an integer n pixels times the pixel distance and is therefore independent of the transformation optics and the projection distance. The design of such an assembly and alternative solutions are described in detail in WO 98/59500.

The fiber-Duo is made for example, and so aligned to the biaxially working deflection that the two modulated RGB light beams are away from each other on the projection 45 with pixel pitch a ^'in the row. At the same time, two collinear light bundles lying side by side in a line are written, each light bundle being modulated in such a way that the correct optical information is generated at the respective image point on the projection surface. The time delay of the two signals for modulation is then 2 μs. 4, it is explained below how this is done in accordance with the invention. FIG. 4 shows four functions which are essential for writing a single line using the oscillating mirror 18. The pictorial stringing of many lines by 12 creates the scene with the calligraphic lights.

The diagram σ (t) represents the deflection of the mirror surface of the oscillating mirror within a period T of a line. During the time interval between Oμs and 52μs, the optical information that is to be contained in the line is transmitted and the time interval from 52μs to 64μs is that So-called dead time, which is specified by the video standard. As can be seen from the diagrams Φ _A (and Φ _ß (t), an optical signal is only transmitted during the time interval from Oμs to 52μs; this is shown by the areas highlighted in white, which exemplarily show the light intensity of the RGB light source 10 that can be modulated in brightness and color with Φ _A (I) and the RGB light sources 10 'Φ _ß (t) which can be modulated in brightness and color. Here, in contrast to Fig. 2, the shift in intensity iebung _A (tι) to intensity Φ _ß (t ₃ ) by the delay time Δt ₀ = ti - 1 ₃ = 2μs The diagram Φc {T} shows the light intensity which is displayed within a period T of a line, but which is perceived by the human eye within the period of a complete change of image the areas highlighted in white represent the intensity. It can clearly be seen here that the intensity Φ _AI ) and the intensity Φ _ß (t ₃ ) within the period T ( d of writing a line) is superimposed. The image point associated with the time ti thus appears to the viewer of the image. with an intensity of 200%.

It is essential here that the modulation of the light beam with the intensity Φ _A is offset in time by -Δt ₀ compared to the modulation of the light beam with the intensity Φ _B. The time delay .DELTA.t ₀ must be chosen so large that the two light bundles, which emerge from the spaced-apart optical fibers at a distance a in parallel, strike the projection surface at a distance a 'and generate the optical information which is assigned to the respective pixels , This gives the viewer the impression that the intensities of the light bundles add up in certain pixels, although these are shifted in time by Δto and are written successively to the location of the same image point. As a result of the non-linear, relative and temporally unresolvable perception of intensity differences by the human eye, a very bright, bright point appears in an image, a calligraphic light.

Claims

claims

1. A projector for simulating a scene with calligraphic lights, in particular the view from an aircraft or from a ship, a control device which is connected to a modulator of the projector, generates signals for the scene and signals for the calligraphic lights, characterized in that the projector (100) contains two light sources (10, 10 '), each of which has a brightness and color-modulated collinear RGB light beam (Φ.) each with a fixed time ratio to the other using the signals (A, B) from the control device (60) _A ) and Φ _ß (t)), wherein in the first light source (10) modulators (2) are controlled with a first signal (A) so that a first RGB light beam (Φ _A () provides the optical information for the Contains the scene image (17) and the optical information for the calligraphic lights and in the second light source (10 ') modulators (2') are controlled with a second signal (B) since ß a second RGB light bundle (Φ _B (t)) contains only the optical information for the calligraphic lights, further a means for beam combining (20) is provided, from which the first and the second RGB light bundles (Φ _A ) and Φ _ß (t)) radially merged and simultaneously with a single biaxial deflection device (1 1, 12; 18) are projected onto the projection surface in such a way that the two RGB light bundles (Φ _A (and Φ _ß (t)) overlap in intensity in pixels in which the calligraphic lights are displayed.

2. Projector according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second signals (Φ _A (and Φ _ß (t)) at a time (t) of the optical

Correspond to information for the same pixel (s) in the same line (m), the means for spatial beam merging (20) generates a single collinear RGB light bundle from the first RGB light bundle and the second RGB light bundle, and the beam deflection (11 , 12; 18) both RGB light bundles from a point of origin.

3. A projector according to claim 2, characterized in that the means for spatial beam convergence (20) is an optical splitter in the form of a fiber coupler or a strip waveguide coupler or a prism splitter.

4. Projector according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second signals (A and B), which are generated at a time (t), correspond to the optical information for different pixels in the scene (17) and the means for spatial beam convergence (20) the first RGB light bundle (Φ _A () and the second RGB light bundle (Φ _ß (t)) spatially converge at a defined distance (a) and at a defined angle, so that the beam deflection of both RGB light bundles one level out with the help of a biaxial deflection device (1 1, 12; 18) takes place simultaneously, the image information transmitted by the first signal (A) and the second signal (B) being shifted in time so that this shift in time (Δto) from a distance (a ') of the two RGB light bundles (Φ _A (and Φ _ß (t)) on the projection surface, measured by an integer n of pixels and / or an integer m of lines and of a clock rate of the pixels and / or the lines is determined by the video standard to be displayed.

5. Projector according to claim 4, characterized in that the means for spatial beam convergence (20) is a mirror arrangement or an optical waveguide in the form of a fiber duo or a substrate with two strip waveguides guided together.

6. Projector according to claim 1, characterized in that the biaxial deflection device is a biaxially mounted oscillating mirror (18) or a polygon mirror as a line mirror (11) and a tilting mirror as an image mirror (12).