Education and demonstration – Vehicle operator instruction or testing – Flight vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
2001-06-22
2003-10-14
Nguyen, Kien T. (Department: 3712)
Education and demonstration
Vehicle operator instruction or testing
Flight vehicle
C434S062000, C472S059000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06632092
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of computer simulation hardware and software. Simulator mechanical makeup and the motion control devices and software used to operate them. Also, the methods that are used to dissipate the inertia of that motion. Military and Commercial aviation training simulators, simulators for Theme and/or Amusement Parks, Arcade simulators.
BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Throughout the history of motion base technology many different approaches to simulating motion have been tried. Since the 1970's the motion base of preference for simulating motion in serious training applications has been the limited range tilt-axis platforms which usually have 6 degrees of freedom with a limited range of movement. The process of synchronizing the center mass's movements with the graphics display using these limited range of movement bases is a very complex task. It has to be done in real-time in order to make the training effective which has made the simulation process at this end of the spectrum much more demanding in performance requirements and more expensive than a entertainment type simulator. For the purpose of comparison with the present invention, all of these motion bases share one single property in common. They all have stationary non-propelled bases that either have a limited range of motion on a horizontal plane of movement or none at all. Horizontal and vertical transitional motion is an integral component or part of the simulation process when it comes to training simulators used by the Military, NASA and Commercial aviation applications. Without a certain amount of it, using a simulator with rotational angles on a pitch roll or yaw axis would cause the onset of motion sickness. Many people seeking a thrill on some entertainment motion simulators with extreme rotation angles such as the R360 by SEGA or the Orbitron have gotten motion sickness from the disorientating effects given off by these stationary platforms that rotate an occupant 360 degrees on a roll, pitch or yaw axis without any transitional horizontal or vertical motion. The present invention seeks to change that somewhat by making unlimited motion on a horizontal plane available in any direction for any stationary base simulator that wants it.
SUMMARY
In accordance with the present invention, a propelled-pivoting motion base with a rotating disc for providing 360 degrees of unlimited motion on a horizontal plane of movement to an occupant. Additionally, a different method and mechanical approach to dissipating the inertia of the center mass during the simulation process both physically and computationally when compared to stationary motion bases.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
a.) Providing Unlimited Translational Motion on a Horizontal Plane of Movement
The ability of the present invention to move about the operating area freely means a more realistic feeling of motion to the occupant, a higher degree of “fidelity” or realism to the simulation experience especially when immersed in a 3D environment.
b.) Reducing The Computational Tasks for Dissipating a Center Mass's Horizontal Inertia
This applies to the more serious Military and Commercial flight training simulators that use a tilt axis platform controlled by hydraulic actuators. In dealing with requirements put forth by the Military, the operation of a “high fidelity” system needs to respond quickly in providing a motion cue. That motion cue must have a certain amount of power to it when delivered. Immediately after delivery, that cue's inertia must be dissipated correctly in time for the next motion cue to take place. It's some very sophisticated programming for some highly responsive actuators. The use of “washout filters” for controlling the actuators movement and inertia, must be continually processed during the simulation exercise in order to provide real-time responses. The availability of unlimited transitional motion on a horizontal plane of movement, using the present invention, allows for the dispersion of the horizontal inertia in a machine like way over a wider area the same way each time in an automatic or robotic manner. Pre-programmed to follow a natural path of movement and disperse the inertia more efficiently without the need to wash out any un-natural movement.
c.) Providing Large Centrifugal Forces
The propelled-pivoting vehicle chassis base and it's two main drives can pivot on either drive wheel delivering large centrifugal force to the occupant in either direction. Using the present invention, in it's preferred embodiment, large sustained centrifugal force will be available for turning maneuvers.
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