[simpits-tech] Falcon multiple monitor support workaround

[Inventmd at aol.com]

I just wanted to run this solution for multiple monitor support by y'all  to 
see if this is something that is worth designing. 
Specifically, for Falcon, the problem is that the software 4.0 does not  
allow for multiple monitor support at this time. 
Of course using the trackerIR device and a head mounted goggle and the  3-D 
cockpit, one can use that to slew around and see everything. Unfortunately,  
then you can't see anything in your beautiful cockpit 
It should be possible to use something like trackerIR to generate  keypresses 
of the arrow key (view key) for every certain number of degrees  of  head 
movement.  Falcon has the forward view (12  o'clock), left 45 degree (10:30), 
left 90 degree(9:00), left 135 degrees (7:30),  each of which is accessed by a 
left arrow key press. 
Let us, for the sake of argument say we have six LCD monitors arranged as  
follows:  One monitor at 12 o'clock,  1:30, 3:00, 9:00, 10:30 and one directly 
overhead.  All these monitors are connected to some  connection type device 
that we have yet to invent. 
All the monitors are connected through this device to only one  computer.  
This saves expenses on  the number of computers you need to buy and saves on 
network overhead.  Only one monitor is actively displaying  what the computer 
shows.  All the  other monitors freeze frame the very last frame it saw when 
hibernating in an  inactive state.  The active monitor  is selected by either the 
keypresses generated by pilot head movement using the  tracker system or some 
other way of determining where the pilot is looking.  (Using some sort of 
headmounted laser  pointer device for instance). 
So, while in use, the monitor that is the center of the pilot's attention  is 
active.  All the other monitors  are in a freeze frame state showing the 
appropriate position view for its  position in space.  For instance,  the 9:00 
monitor will always show the 9:00 view because it can only be activated  when the 
head is turned to look at the 9:00 monitor.  When the pilot looks away, the 
monitor  then freezes on the last frame which is still in the 9:00 view and the 
next  monitor at 10:30 takes over the viewing.  The idea is that although the 
peripheral monitors don't need to  contribute lots of data while we are 
concentrating on the monitor that we are  looking at, for full visual stimulation 
will give a more immersive sensation of  being in the cockpit. 
If the freeze frame idea is too hard to accomplish, then perhaps the  
monitors can be programmed to always show a predetermined picture when it is in  the 
idle state of a generic 9:00 view or 3:00 view depending on which monitor  
that is. 
I imagine the trackerIR technology cannot be terribly expensive since it  can 
be done with optical mice for under 10 bucks. 
Anyone have the know how and gumption? 
Thanks 
John Li 

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