Brainstorming for a collimated mirror display
Ok guys, admit it - - we are always looking for some way to improve our "pilot's perspective" when simming after a long nine-to-five. I personally use a DLP projector with both MSFS and X-Plane. It is definitely an improvement over a small CRT or LCD panel, but of course does not provide the true depth cues needed for a "real-as-it-gets" flight sim. I've been studying the collimated display design for years, and have all but given up on that level of display for the average simmer. "All but" meaning that I have an idea that may be worth investigating. I am planning on trying this myself after the holidays, but I thought you all might find an interest and expand upon it...
Has anyone ever tried something related to the following:
Build a plywood/plexi enclosure to accomodate a large section of mirror sheeting with both vertical and horizontal curves to provide needed "radius of curvature" for a flight display. The "box" would need to be sealed with silicone or a similar material, then again on the concave edges that would contact the mirror sheeting. Vaccuum would be provided by a vacuum pump, with possibly a relief-valve if needed. Amount of curvature of course would be determined by the location of the pilot in reference to the mirror.
The actual projection screen is another interesting idea, as it would need to be suspended/supported above and behind the pilot, with adequate curvature to reduce distortion. I thought maybe a thin bedsheet draped within a convex frame may do well, or maybe as far as soaking a sheet in a clear polyurethane-type coating that would help with rigidity. I have experimented with my DLP projector and there is quite a bit of forgiveness when projecting on a curved screen. Not near as much blurring on the edges as I expected!
Well, there is a challenge for my fellow simulator addicts - build a true collimated display!
Like I said, I will try this and may end up sadly disappointed but maybe you guys may be able to pull it off! I just couldn't help but share this idea.
Here's some links to get you started:
www.mirrorsheeting.com (the 7ml 10ft should work well)
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=3952 (would multiples be necessary?)
Keep on simming,
s4sha
Guess this didn't work, I will draw a quick pic one sec
S4sha,
What I have done is similar to your second idea, and I find it gives excellent depth. I have placed my Projector aprox 10 feet in the front of the screen. So it shines directly at the pilot sitting in the box. I took a sheet that was purchased at wallmart (aprox 200 Thread count). and placed a few staples at the top and then at the bottom dead in the middle of the framethen pulled the screen tight and on about a 30 degree angle (where the sheet meets the wall on each side)I placed another series of staples all the way down keeping the sheet tight. then along the top and the bottom I used a couple staples to get rid of all the wrinkles. See the ascii pic below for a better representation.
http://www.fsflightservice.com/sheet.gif
This is not a rounded curve, however from this top down view I am sure you get the idea. What happens is as the image moves across the angles sheet it gives you the feeling that there is motion past you, thus increasing the feeling of motion.
NOTE: #1 The sheet must extend past your normal view out the cockpit windows, otherwise the setup is useless.
***************** WARNING********** "Ask your wife before you staple the crumbs out of one of her sheets" ****************************
Best,
Trev
Another thought for a pseudo-collimated display
Trev,
Thanks for sharing a great idea to enhance motion cues!
I've been thinking (that's a scary thought) -- Here's another interesting idea that you could try:
Since the projection surface is relatively close to you, you probably lack the vertical and horizontal parallax cues that you would experience if the observed view was at an infinite distance (your view out-the-window does not change relative to your head position, left-right or up-down). For example, when piloting an aircraft or even driving a car and you see a cell tower in the distance, if you move your head from left to right while fixating on the tower you will notice that the tower seems to move right and left in relation to a point on your glareshield/dashboard. Now if you do that with your current setup i would imagine the relative difference between the two points(the tower and panel) is limited.
You may be familiar with NaturalPoint's TrackIR device for 6 DOF (degrees of freedom) viewability. I was thinking that one could have a large single-projector view out front, then utilize the TrackIR device to simulate the horizontal and vertical parallax.
The TrackIR does allow you to also "roll and yaw" and zoom (z-axis) to "look around", which is great-- but if it could be used to help that cell tower in the above example to appear to move left in relation to the panel when a left head movement occurs, one could experience the same sense of "infinite depth", albeit artificially.
I hope you understand my concept, and if anyone thinks I have too much time to daydream about flight simulation displays, please tell me to shut up and have a beer...
S4sha