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 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 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.

Abstract: A method is described for converting a strip of film designed for showing at 60 fps (frames per second) to a film that can be shown at 24 fps. Instead of forming the 24 fps film so it alternately contains every second and every third frame of the 60 fps film, each frame of the 24 fps film includes two distinct overlapping successive images of the 60 fps film.

Abstract: An amusement ride is provided, of the type that moves and tilts passengers viewing a motion picture, which is more versatile than prior rides. A plurality of passenger-holding frames is provided, that are all moved in sychronism, each by a separate set of actuators, while the passengers view a stationary screen. The passenger-holding frame is pivoted up and down on a beam which is supported by only two largely vertical actuators, while two pairs of links or arms limit movement of the beam.

Abstract: An amusement ride is provided, of the type that moves and tilts passengers viewing a motion picture, which is more versatile than prior rides. A plurality of passenger-holding frames is provided, that are all moved in synchronism, each by a separate set of actuators, while the passengers view a stationary screen. The passenger-holding frame is pivoted up and down on a beam which is supported by only two largely vertical actuators, while two pairs of links or arms limit movement of the beam.

Abstract: An amusement ride is provided, of the type that moves and tilts passengers viewing a motion picture, which is more versatile than prior rides. A plurality of passenger-holding frames is provided, that are all moved in sychronism, each by a separate set of actuators, while the passengers view a stationary screen. The passenger-holding frame is pivoted up and down on a beam which is supported by only two largely vertical actuators, while two pairs of links or arms limit movement of the beam.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for projecting a motion picture image on a screen that extends 360.degree. around the viewers, by moving a film past a slit through which light shines, forming an image of the slit on the screen, and rapidly revolving the slit image around the screen. The film moves rapidly enough to permit the projected slit image to rotate around the screen at a rate of at least about 50 rotations per second. The film, which moves continuously, can be free of sprocket holes and can be driven by a capstan drive, and the film can have a thickness less than half the thickness of present film stock so that a roll of film of moderate diameter can last several minutes.

Abstract: A method is described for producing and projecting a theater quality entertainment motion picture, by photographing and then projecting the motion picture on a screen, which creates an unusually vivid impression of realism. The film frames have a resolution of over 40 line pairs per milimeter, and each frame has an area of at least 0.36 square inch, which creates more than 10 million pixels per frame on the film and on the screen. The illumination level on the screen is at least 15 foot lamberts. The film frames are photographed and projected at a predetermined constant rate of more than 50 frames per second, such as 60 fps. The high resolution and light level, combined with the unusually high frame rate, has been found to produce an unusually vivid impression of realism.

Abstract: A method is described for producing and projecting a theater quality entertainment motion picture, by photographing and then projecting the motion picture on a screen, which creates an unusually vivid impression of realism. The film frames have a resolution of over 40 line pairs per milimeter, and each frame has an area of at least 0.36 square inch, which creates more then 10 million pixels per frame on the film and on the screen. The illumination level on the screen is at least 15 foot lamberts. The film frames are photographed and projected at a predetermined constant rate of more than 50 frames per second, such as 60 fps. The high resolution and light level, combined with the unusually high frame rate, has been found to produce an unusually vivid impression of realism.

Abstract: A relatively inexpensive and compact ride for an amusement park and the like, which creates the illusion that the passengers are seated in a rapidly maneuvering vehicle, by applying forces to the passenger in synchronism with the display of a motion picture image. The apparatus includes a passenger-holding frame which has three locations resting on hydraulic rams that can tilt the frame or move it up and down, and a film projector and viewing screen connected to the frame to move with it. When the motion picture simulates the view from a vehicle that is turning to the right, the rams are operated to tilt the vehicle to the left, to simulate the centrifugal forces that would result from a vehicle turning to the right. When the motion picture indicates forward acceleration, the vehicle is tipped backwardly. When the motion picture indicates vertical acceleration, the rams are rapidly moved up or down.