Amusement devices – Illusion or stage device – Person experiences illusion of being in motion
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-05
2001-11-13
Nguyen, Kien T. (Department: 3712)
Amusement devices
Illusion or stage device
Person experiences illusion of being in motion
C472S130000, C434S055000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06315673
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to video games and, more particularly, to an inexpensive motion simulator that adds realism to a video game experience.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditionally, video games are played by standing or sitting at a stationary video game machine that generally includes a video display and controls. The controls may include joysticks, buttons, levers and/or pedals. Some video game machines include driving games where a player sits in a driver's seat, steers a steering wheel, shifts gears, and manipulates driving pedals to simulate driving a vehicle appearing on the video display. Typically, the video display is stationary with respect to the seated player. Recently, moveable video game seats have been introduced in an attempt to simulate movements of the vehicle appearing on the video display, thereby adding a degree of realism to the video game experience. These moveable seats, however, are typically moved by hydraulics and thus are costly to mass produce. Although some other seats are moved by levers and therefore are less costly to produce, such seats are less versatile in that only a few basic movements can be effectuated. With such limited versatility, the seats poorly simulate vehicular movements appearing on the video display.
Accordingly, there is a need for an inexpensive motion simulator that adds a high degree of realism to a video game experience.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a motion simulator for a video game. The motion simulator includes a base and a platform supported on the base. The platform has first and second sides. First and second motors drive respective first and second shafts. First and second cams are mounted to the respective first and second shafts. First and second cam followers are connected to the platform proximate the respective first and second sides. The first and second cam followers rest on the respective first and second cams such that rotation of either the first or second shaft causes vertical movement of the platform.
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Anderson Thomas P.
Bobrowski Christopher T.
Goschy Patrick E.
Kopera Thomas M.
Jenkens & Gilchrist, PCC
Midway Amusement Games LLC
Nguyen Kien T.
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