Data processing: structural design – modeling – simulation – and em – Simulating nonelectrical device or system – Mechanical
Reexamination Certificate
2000-12-11
2004-11-02
Paladini, Albert W. (Department: 2125)
Data processing: structural design, modeling, simulation, and em
Simulating nonelectrical device or system
Mechanical
C434S030000, C434S038000, C348S123000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06813595
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to simulation devices, and more specifically to a two axes of motion flight simulator apparatus installed upon a trailer for portability. The present flight simulator includes a hydraulic system for driving the two axes of motion, with the operator of the device controlling the motion through a control stick. A video presentation is projected onto a relatively large screen, with the operator responding to the visual cues projected onto the screen. The screen assembly disassembles and folds for storage and trailering of the simulator.
2. Description of the Related Art
Flight and other vehicle simulators have been found to provide worthwhile benefits in the training of pilots and vehicle operators. This is particularly true when the simulator provides an extremely realistic simulation. However, it is universally true in the simulator field, that the more realistic the simulation, the more costly is the construction and operation of the simulator.
While the cost of such simulation may not be of extreme concern for the military, large airlines, and large flight training operations, where purchase, operational, and maintenance expenses are covered by government allocations or passed on to customers, and where such simulation is more cost effective than actual flight in a large and/or complex aircraft, it has been difficult in the past to provide a realistic and yet cost effective flight simulation for casual users of such devices or for smaller flight schools and the like. The personal computer has made the visual aspects of such flight simulation relatively affordable, even to the extent of simulating relatively complex military operations and aircraft. Such simulations can be quite enjoyable even for the casual operator, but their realism (or rather, lack thereof) leaves a great deal to be desired, with their relatively small monitor screens, lack of realistic enclosure, and particularly, the lack of any motion cues for the operator.
While such personal computer flight simulator programs are quite portable, they do nothing to simulate the physical environment, which detracts considerably from the experience. On the other hand, two and three axes of motion flight simulators with realistic enclosures for the operator, are almost universally very large and heavy, and are fixed in position at a single location; they are by no means portable.
Accordingly, a need will be seen for a portable flight simulator which utilizes a conventional personal computer flight simulation program, and projects the program onto a large screen to provide a large and realistic field of view for the operator. The present simulator also provides two axes of motion for the operator, with the motion being driven by a hydraulic system which is in turn actuated by a novel electronic pickup means at the control stick in the operator's cab or cockpit of the simulator. Additional realism may be added by means of a sound system driven from the flight simulator program of the computer. The entire system is mounted on a trailer for portability, with only the screen requiring erection for use of the simulator and disassembly and folding for movement of the device.
A discussion of the related art of which the present inventor is aware, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention, is provided below.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,198 issued on Jan. 21, 1992 to Navnit R. Patel, titled “Recreational Flying Vehicle,” describes a vehicle producing aerodynamic lift while being permanently but movably attached to a surface vehicle (boat, etc.). A multiple arm linkage extends between the surface vehicle and “flight” vehicle, thus permitting the “flight” vehicle to lift free of the surface vehicle to the extent of the attachment arms therebetween. The Patel device is not a true flight simulator, as its control system is not conventional, nor can the upper “flight” portion of the device move angularly relative to lower portion, more than a very limited amount. No visual simulation, hydraulic operation, or electronic control of a hydraulic motion actuation system is disclosed by Patel, nor is the Patel device mounted on a non-driven trailer for portability, as is the present portable flight simulator.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,652 issued on Dec. 21, 1993 to Leon Rosenshein et al., titled “Expanded Field Of View (EFOV) Display For Real-Time, Manned, Interactive Air Combat Simulation, Including Close-In Combat,” describes a simulator video system using a single cathode ray tube (CRT) to present the visual images. Contrary to the “expanded field of view” phrase used in the Rosenshein et al. patent, the device does not truly provide such an expanded field of view. Rather, the Rosenshein et al. video display tube presents visual information which would not be seen by the pilot in his or her forward field of view, in a supplementary “window” on the CRT screen generally in front of the pilot or operator. In contrast, the present flight simulator uses a wide angle projection system placed several feet in front of the operator, for realistic depth of field. Also, while Rosenshein et al. state that one of their objects is to use their system with a six degree freedom of motion flight simulation model, no such apparatus is disclosed. Moreover, Rosenshein et al. are silent regarding portability for their system.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,480 issued on May 31, 1994 to Thayne N. Ellsworth, titled “Portable Multiple Module Simulator Apparatus,” describes an amusement device seating a relatively large number of people (about a dozen). The members of the audience each have a relatively small video screen in front of them, with control of the video image being provided by touch screen means. Some limited motion of the device is also provided. The Ellsworth device differs from the present flight simulator in that it requires several trailers for carrying and storing the entire apparatus; does not provide realistic control of the motion by means of a control stick for the occupant; carries a plurality of occupants simultaneously, none of whom have any control over the motion of the device; and presents the video output as a relatively small screen in front of each occupant.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,380,204 issued on Jan. 10, 1995 to William M. Decker, titled “Night Vision Goggle Aided Flight Simulation System And Method,” describes a means for simulating relatively low lighting for display on multiple CRT displays, with the operator of the device wearing “night vision” glasses or goggles for seeing the low intensity displays. Decker makes no mention of any form of portability, and does not provide a projected visual image on a wide field of view screen, as is the case with the present simulator apparatus. Moreover, while Decker provides some motion, the motion is extremely limited in comparison to the motion provided by the present portable flight simulator.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,806 issued on Apr. 23, 1996 to Thayne N. Ellsworth, titled “Portable Multiple Module Simulator Apparatus And Method Of Use,” describes an amusement ride device substantially as described in the '480 U.S. patent to the same inventor. The '806 U.S. patent is in fact a continuation-in-part of the '480 U.S. patent, and accordingly, the same points of distinction between the '480 U.S. patent and the present invention are felt to apply here.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,030 issued on Apr. 1, 1997 to Bruce L. Watson, titled “Flight Simulator Employing An Actual Aircraft,” describes an assembly of components providing for removable installation in an actual aircraft for simulator use while the aircraft is parked on the ground. Simulated flight control actuation members (control yoke, etc.) and throttle(s) are removably attached to the actual control components of the aircraft, with movement of the simulator controls being input to a computer. The computer then provides an output to a single CRT screen which displays only a simulation of the instruments and readouts found on the conventi
Litman Richard C.
Paladini Albert W.
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