Abstract: An interactive computer-based entertainment system interacts with a user and presents to the user an interactive show comprising audio, video images and computer-generated graphical images. The entertainment system comprises a user interface, a database, a show controller and an activity server. The user interface receives user input signals indicative of user input actions, and further presents user output signals to the user. The user output signals are indicative of the audio, video and computer graphical images generated by output devices. The database receives the user input signals and generates in dependence thereupon database signals which are indicative of an informational record of the user. The informational record is indicative of user characteristics which serve to uniquely identify the user. The show controller generates a first set of show control signals indicative of the audio, the video images and the computer-generated graphical images of the show.

Abstract: A simulator system for use in providing an event simulation to a passenger includes an inverted motion base having six degrees of freedom. An audio-visual display mechanism is included for providing a sequence of audio and visual images to the passenger. A motion base controller generates actuator drive signals. A system controller provides the command signals to the motion base controller in synchronization with the presentation of the audio-visual images. The motion base is characterized by an passenger platform which is suspended from a series of spars. Motion is accomplished by means of displaceable actuators arranged in a substantially orthogonal relationship. The present system has compact dimensions and minimize loads impressed to the surrounding structure; thereby allowing the present system to be incorporated into existing commercial structures with minimal modification.

Abstract: A motion base for use in a simulator system is characterized by three degrees of freedom and improved compliance characteristics. The motion base has a plurality of nested perimeter frames, some of whose members attached by means of a motice and tenon design. Motion is accomplished by means of displaceable actuators arranged in a substantially orthogonal relationship with a vertical and one horizontal actuator mounted within the motion base perimeter. The actuators have either 2 DOF mounts or spherical bearings to allow for slight off axis motion relative to the frame member. The present system has compact dimensions and minimize loads impressed to motion base bearings; thereby allowing the present system to be incorporated into existing commercial structures with minimal modification.

Abstract: A motion platform that is displaceable along three axes includes first, second and third carriage assemblies. There is an apparatus connected to each of said carriage assemblies for linearly displacing each of the carriages along a single planar axis. Therefore, the first carriage assembly is linearly displaceable along a first plane, the second carriage assembly is linearly displaceable along a second plane that intersects the first plane, and the third carriage assembly is linearly displaceable along a third plane that intersects at least one of the first and second planes. Each of the carriage assemblies is comprised of a circumferential array of frame members that define a substantially planar parallelogram configuration having a substantially open central portion, with the carriage assemblies being arranged in a nested array.

Abstract: A simulator system for use in providing an event simulation to an occupant includes a motion base moveable only along three mutually orthogonal displacement axes by means of displaceable actuators. An audio-visual display mechanism is included for providing a sequence of audio and visual images to the occupant. A motion base controller generates actuator drive signals. A system controller provides the command signals to the motion base controller in synchronization with the presentation of the audio-visual images. The projected visual images including "foreground" and "background" portions. The system controller generates the motion base command signals such that the displacement of the motion base is synchronized to the onset of movement of the foreground image and the foreground image is constrained to move, relative to the occupant, only along the same three orthogonal axes as the motion base.

Abstract: A compact theater for use with a simulator system includes a motion base moveable only along three mutually orthogonal displacement axes by means of displaceable actuators. A projector and screen are included for providing a sequence of audio signals and visual images to the occupants. A motion base controller generates actuator drive signals. A system controller provides the command signals to the motion base controller in synchronization with the presentation of the audio-visual images. The system controller generates the motion base command signals such that the displacement of the motion base is synchronized to the presentation of the audio signals and visual images. The motion base is characterized by a reduced height when fully retracted such that, when configured with the projector and screen, the total height is less than conventional simulators, enabling the present theater to be housed within buildings of a standard commercial height.

Abstract: A simulator system for use in providing an event simulation to occupants includes a motion base moveable along displacement axes by means of displaceable actuators. Feedback sensors provide signals indicative of the measured displacement of a corresponding actuator. An audio-visual display mechanism is included for providing a sequence of audio and visual images to the occupants. A motion base controller receives the feedback sensor signals and generates actuator drive signals below a cutoff frequency in response to received command signals. A system controller provides the command signals to the motion base controller in synchronization with the presentation of the audio-visual images to the occupants. A mechanism is included for generating supplemental actuator drive signals that have frequencies above the cutoff frequency.