I could have titled this section "DISPLAY SYSTEMS" but I wanted to differentiate it from systems used to display instruments and the like on the flight deck. Displaying the world outside your simulated vehicle has a big impact on the overall experience and it deserves no small effort in getting it right. It would be really neat if we could borrow a Star Trek holo-deck. The external world would be rendered in amazing, 3D detail. Heck, we could render the whole simulator. Well, the holo-deck is just one of many proscribed Federation technologies, and it is unlikely that we will be able to get our hands on one. Another approach is indicated.

Displaying realistic 3D images with our non-Federation technology might seem to require some sort of binocular display with a dual channel, high frame rate video source driving it. As it turns out the geometry of a simulator significantly relaxes the demands on displaying scenery. The pilot is inside the simulator while the outside environment is, well, outside. To understand what adds value and what doesn't when we try to simulate 3D in the exterior view, let's take a look at how people perceive depth information.

It's possible that I'm not as smart as I think I am. (Occasionally, I have moments when I know this to be true. Fortunately the feeling passes quickly.) Although I have tried to make this information as accurate as I can, it is not only possible, but also quite likely, that errors lurk within. I cannot and do not warrant these pages to be error free and correct. Further I accept no liability for the use of this information (or misinformation). If, after reading this, you are still interested, please be aware that the contents of this site are protected by copyright (copyright © 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 by John M. Powell). Nonetheless, you may copy this material subject to these three conditions: (1) the copyright notice is copied and presented along with the material, (2) the copy is used for non-commercial purposes, and (3) the source of the material is properly credited. And of course, you may link to this page.