User:Jeffhogue
Virtual Reality Parachute Simulation
Virtual Reality (VR) Parachute Simulation is a technology which allows a user to interact with a computer simulation parachuting environment[1]. As a minimum, this technology consists of a display of a view of a computer simulated world through which the user's eye point is moved according to simulated parachute flight dynamics computations, usually as these equations respond to sensed user motions of simulated parachute controls. Visual displays may consist of a computer monitor(s), images projected on flat or curved surfaces, or in head-mounted displays (HMDs). Simulations using HMDs typically include a head motion tracker, usually providing only head orientation angles, to provide the user's eye location and orientation which is then computationally combined with the simulated parachute motions to provide a basis for the scene display. The parachute being simulated will typically be of round or ram-air configuration, although other configurations have been used in real parachuting. Each individual simulation needs to have appropriate matching vehicle motion dynamics equations and graphics model. Parachutes are typically termed steerable or non-steerable depending on whether or not steering control lines are provided, but the motion of any parachute can be somewhat modified by varying the loading applied to the suspension risers. Other parachute controls include ripcords to control parachute deployment or release and jumper's body position as it affects air flow.
Background
Application categories
Characteristics of VR parachute flight simulation can be categorized by the applications for which they are intended to be used. Typical categories include smoke jumpers, airborne forces or paratroopers, aircrew emergency, skydivers, and entertainment.