Interface between Image Generator and Display

Very low cost (and some legacy) image generators (IG) often lack the fidelity to perform in high fidelity, mission critical simulation systems. They can suffer from several key performance limitations including low image update rate, limited scene complexity, and non-graceful degradation during overload. Real-time signal processing techniques can be applied to help overcome these limitations in many systems. Utilizing rendered 3D imagery as the source, a graphics processor can perform 2D image generation functions to compute intermediate frames of video between IG updates, extrapolating images to be used in cases of skipped frames due to overload. This allows the IG to have an update rate lower than that of the overall system requirements. With a lower update rate, the 3D imagery calculations are given more time to compute frames, and therefore can include additional scene content to further enhance the overall simulation. Additionally, with the proper signal processing architecture, the system can perform tasks, such as non-linear image distortion (static and potentially dynamic) to map scenes onto curved surfaces or simulate complex sensor effects.