Computer generated images from digital grid databases

The author describes the application of computer-generated images (CGI) in training and terrain analysis devices. Many of these images are generated by converting a digital grid map (x, y, z) grid database to a perspective view which is then displayed on a TV monitor. The author presents a unique mathematical approach for this conversion and a basic functional design for real-time (TV-rate) display of these images. A seascape image generated is also described where the database is a mathematical model. The proposed techniques have been applied to generate very realistic terrain and seascape images. Pseudonoise patterns have been used to enhance realism. It is concluded that this has been very effective in the foreground where one x/y grid element covers many pixels. The approach is limited to about a 20° pitch down of the boresight. The computations required are primarily a series of accumulations