Vehicle Operator Instruction Or Testing Patents (Class 434/29)
  • Patent number: 10279274
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a ride system includes a turntable, a multi-axis motion device, and a control system. The multi-axis motion device may be mounted in a fixed position on the turntable. The control system may be configured to manipulate the turntable and the multi-axis motion device in synchronization with an environment of the ride system. In various embodiments, the control system includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, where the memory is configured to store a ride experience command sequence. The processor may be configured to use a turntable motor controller to manipulate a turntable to execute a ride experience command sequence and use the motion device controller to manipulate a multi-axis motion device to execute the ride experience command sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Thinkwell Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Keith Brister, Clifton Amir Montgomery, Craig Robert Hanna
  • Patent number: 10269261
    Abstract: Disclosed is a flight simulation apparatus. According to the flight simulation apparatus of the present disclosure, first left and right rails and second left and right rails slide along a pair of first front and rear rails and a pair of second front and rear rails so that first and second seats can freely move forward and rearward, first and second auxiliary rails are formed to position the first and second seats at various locations in the front-rear direction, and the first and second seats can be stably supported by first and second sliders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Naviworks Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Hee Won, Kyong Ju Min, Yong Taek Lee, Sang Haeng Lee
  • Patent number: 10163360
    Abstract: A virtual-reality navigation controller includes a base and a seating portion. The seating portion includes a seat for supporting a weight of a user seated thereon, and a back-rest coupled to the seat to move integrally with the seat and to support the user's back. The virtual-reality navigation controller further includes a displacement connector between the seating portion and the base to reciprocate the seating portion upwards and downwards, and a motion-detection controller to measure upwards and downwards displacement of the seating portion. The displacement connector is configured to move the seating portion upwards along with the user to support the user when the user ascends from the seat during virtual-reality activities. The displacement connector is further configured to move the seating portion downwards at a slower maximum speed than the upwards movement, when the user's body rests back on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Yury Anatolievich Petrov
  • Patent number: 10139794
    Abstract: In a movement system, the movement limit is determined by having a degree of freedom of the movement system defined and the respective current movement system state being available. Subsequently, an articulation trajectory is determined for each upper articulation point of the movement system, on which articulation trajectory the articulation point can move along the degree of freedom. The movement limit is then derived by calculating the point of intersection of the actuator movement in an extreme deflection with its respective articulation trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventor: Carsten Seehof
  • Patent number: 10134299
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for training a user to control an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in an environment. The systems and methods provide a simulation environment to control a UAV in a virtual environment. The virtual environment closely resembles a real flight environment. The controller used to transmit flight commands and receive flight state data can be used in both simulation and flight modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Liutao Zhang, Xuyang Pan, Shunnian Li, Chaobin Chen
  • Patent number: 10102096
    Abstract: Data is collected during the operation of a vehicle and used to produce a ranking of a driver's efficiency performance, and that ranking is shared on a hosted website, such that the drivers can compare their performance metrics to their peers. Fleet operators can use these performance metrics as incentives, by linking driver pay with efficiency performance. Individual fleet operators can host their own website, where driver rankings in that fleet can be compared, or the website can be hosted by a third party, and multiple fleet operators participate. The third party can offset their costs for operating the website by charging participating fleet operators a fee, and/or by advertising revenue. In some embodiments, all driver efficiency performance data is displayed in an anonymous format, so that individual drivers cannot be identified unless the driver shares their user ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan Hunt, Charles Michael McQuade
  • Patent number: 10088843
    Abstract: A control circuit includes a plurality of processing circuits integrated in a single chip assembly and coupled to a memory device via an electronic bus. At least a first processing circuit is configured to execute avionics instructions independent of at least a second processing circuit. The memory device includes an avionics circuit, a configuration circuit, and a sequencing circuit. The avionics circuit includes a plurality of avionics instructions that when executed control operation of avionics systems in an airborne platform. The configuration circuit includes a plurality of criticality indications corresponding to the plurality of avionics instructions. The sequencing circuit is configured to generate a sequence for execution of avionics instructions based on the plurality of criticality indications to satisfy a system requirement for operation of the airborne platform, and cause the plurality of processing circuits to execute the plurality of avionics instructions according to the sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.
    Inventors: David J. Radack, John L. Hagen
  • Patent number: 10016068
    Abstract: An improved infant support structure is disclosed herein. The swing contains a frame, a motor compartment, a hanger arm, and a seat. The frame is configured to suspend the motor compartment, the hanger arm, and the seat above the support surface. The hanger arm extends downwardly from the motor compartment, and is capable of a first type of motion and a second type of motion. The first type of motion may cause the hanger arm and seat to rotate about a vertical axis. The second type of motion may cause the hanger arm and seat to sway or swing along a substantially circular curvilinear arc within a horizontal plane. The motor compartment may cause the hanger arm and seat to simultaneously perform the first and second types of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Maarten Van Huystee, Matthew Alan Szymanski, Philip R. Pyrce, Noah Paul Mauer
  • Patent number: 9969404
    Abstract: A computing system for a vehicle includes one or more processors for controlling operation of the computing system, and a memory for storing data and program instructions usable by the one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to determine required driver behaviors, determine a persistent sound indicative of the required driver behaviors, and generate a notification including the sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: John-Michael McNew
  • Patent number: 9885750
    Abstract: Techniques for intelligent tuning of speed models for configurable integrated circuits. The techniques consider data related to yield, quality-of-results, and data for individual programmable-interconnect-point (PIP)-contexts. More specifically, the speed of yield-related structures, quality-of-results related structures, and structures for measuring individual PIP-contexts are measured. These measurements are compared with estimated values stored as part of a speed model and scaling factors for the stored estimated values are calculated. The scaling factors are applied to the estimated values within the speed model and measurements are repeated if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: XILINX, INC.
    Inventor: Nagaraj Savithri
  • Patent number: 9839857
    Abstract: A method for operating an amusement ride includes at least one vehicle which moves along a route and accommodates at least one passenger. By means of an amusement-ride-specific computer program, a virtual reality corresponding to a journey of the vehicle is generated and is represented on a head-mounted display associated with the passenger of a vehicle in accordance with the position of the vehicle on the route, and in accordance with the position and/or the orientation of the head-mounted display. The amusement-ride-specific computer program is executed on a mobile terminal of the passenger which comprises a communication interface. Alternatively, the amusement-ride-specific computer program is executed on an apparatus which is firmly connected to the vehicle and is designed to connect with the head-mounted display of the passenger. Further, an amusement ride, in particular to a roller coaster, carries out the method above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: VR COASTER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Wagner
  • Patent number: 9829070
    Abstract: This mechanism for driving motions of a surface of spherical, ellipsoidal, plane, or other shape comprises a pair of drive wheels mounted on a freely pivoting frame, each wheel being driven by its own bidirectional motor. The motors and the active electronics of an angle encoder are mounted in an associated fixed frame, so no slip rings or other rotating connections are needed for motor power and control, or for determining the rotation angle of the pivoting frame. Control of the motors provides differential rotation of the two wheels to effect controlled rotation of the pivoting frame, and therefore of wheel direction. This avoids the use of a separate motor for changing the direction of motion of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: George W. Batten, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9811079
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for testing aircraft countermeasure dispenser systems (CMDS) by wirelessly monitoring and controlling wireless countermeasure dispenser testing system units (WCDTs). The disclosed systems and methods may be implemented in one example to allow functions of multiple WCDT units to be simultaneously monitored and controlled in real time via a wireless connection or wireless network connection such as wireless local area network (WLAN) or other short or long range wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, L.P.
    Inventor: Alton W Theiss
  • Patent number: 9782683
    Abstract: A motion simulator capable of being manufactured to have a small size so that an occupied area can be reduced, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: MOTION DEVICE INC.
    Inventor: Jong Chan Lee
  • Patent number: 9786162
    Abstract: A computerized method for adjusting control parameters of a traffic management system in a presence of one or more incidents on a network, said method includes representing, using a tree format, a prioritization across network junctions, as executed by a processor on a computer. Associating weights with each junction as a function of its height in the tree; and solving a real-time optimization of control parameters for the network, using the weights on the junctions, and upon an occurrence of an incident in the network and depending upon a severity level of the incident, an incident-affected junction is selectively elevated higher in the tree, and the reallocated junction weights resulting from the incident are used for solving the optimization of network control parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sebastien Blandin, Laura Wynter
  • Patent number: 9755848
    Abstract: A system and method for simulating a presence between a first user in a first pod at a first location and a second user in a second pod at a second location is provided. A first user suit is disposed in the first grid pod and a second user suit is disposed in the second grid pod. A first controller unit is electrically connected with the first pod and a second controller unit is electrically connected with the second pod. At least one input sensor is disposed in each of the first and second pods. Output devices are disposed in the first and second pods. A mainframe is electrically connected with the first and second controller units for receiving inputs from the input sensors and for providing instructions for activating the output devices to simulate the interaction of the first and second users with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventors: Richard Matthew Cieszkowski, III, Timothy David Smith
  • Patent number: 9731217
    Abstract: A dynamic multidirectional film watching system, comprising: a film watching system base; a motor arranged on the film watching system base; a film watching platform base fixedly arranged on the film watching system base; a film watching platform arranged in a rolling arrangement on the film watching platform base and comprising a plurality of rows of seats; a roller arranged on a rotation shaft of the motor; a transmission cable with one end arranged on the roller and the other end fixedly arranged on the film watching platform; and an incomplete spherical screen vertically arranged on the film watching system base, and an opening thereof facing the film watching platform. A bottom of a film watching platform is arranged in a rolling arrangement on the film watching platform base to provide audience with more dynamic and multidirectional film watching experiences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: SHENZHEN OCT VISION INC.
    Inventors: Jian Li, Hongguang Wen, Baoluo Jia
  • Patent number: 9711059
    Abstract: A motion platform device for flight simulation comprises: a base frame, a moving platform, which is spaced apart from said base frame and which has a user position surface opposing to the base frame, and a number of mounts connected to the base frame and connected with the moving platform, wherein the mounts are adapted to allow a relative movement of the user position surface, especially pivoting around a central point in three directions. The user is lying on the surface and actuates the flying movement through lateral inner wings and/or lateral outer wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: SOMNIACS AG
    Inventors: Max Rheiner, Thomas Tobler, Fabian Troxler
  • Patent number: 9675894
    Abstract: A cable driven elevator system having an elevator platform with an integral motion system is provided using one or multiple actuators. Each actuator includes a support plate attached to the elevator platform, a planetary gearbox engaged with and driven by an electric servo motor, and a drive shaft driven by the servo motor and engaged with a one crank. Connecting rods are connected between the crank and a frame. The frame supports a passenger platform. A control system is operable with each electric servo motor of each actuator for providing a simulated motion to the passenger platform including a heaving (vertical) motion such that the vertical downward acceleration experienced by persons riding the elevator exceeds 1 g, by way of example. The motion system is also capable of directly imparting vibrations to the elevator platform of up to at least 100 Hz without additional vibration generating equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Dynamic Motion Group GMBH
    Inventors: David J. Vatcher, Simon A. James, Andrew J. Cox
  • Patent number: 9669321
    Abstract: Provided is a system for providing a virtual reality experience, the system including a vehicle controlled to follow a pre-determined path; a virtual reality controller; one or more headsets each including a virtual reality generator and at least one screen, wherein the virtual reality generator is controlled by the virtual reality controller; and a synchronization sensor, wherein the controller includes a memory adapted to store data relating to the path, the synchronization sensor is connected to the controller and includes at least one accelerometer adapted to sense movement of the vehicle, the controller includes a processor adapted to compare data from the synchronization sensor to the data stored in the memory of the controller to calculate the location of the vehicle on the path, and the controller is adapted to synchronize the virtual reality generator with the location of the vehicle on the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Figment Productions Limited
    Inventor: Simon Paul Reveley
  • Patent number: 9666093
    Abstract: A test device includes a base plate configured to move on a slipping floor in X-Y directions by an air bearing, and rotate around a Z axis, a platform connected on the base plate by a movement connecting mechanism, and a magnetizing device disposed on a lower surface of the base plate to face the slipping floor and configured to change a magnetizing force to the slipping floor. The X-Y directions are substantially parallel to the slipping floor, and the Z axis is substantially perpendicular to the slipping floor. The base plate is disposed between the slipping floor and the platform. A magnetizing force of the magnetizing device to the slipping floor when the air bearing operates is stronger than magnetizing force of the magnetizing device to the slipping floor when the air bearing does not operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SAGINOMIYA SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Eisei In, Ryotaro Masuyama
  • Patent number: 9666092
    Abstract: A system for comparing energy usage of different vehicle platforms is provided. The system may include a processor to execute routines stored in a memory device. Further, in one embodiment the routines include routines configured to receive selection of a driving style by a user and to select a virtual test drive based on the received selection. Also, the routines may include routines configured to output the selected virtual test drive and to output a comparison of multiple vehicles having different characteristics based on the selected virtual test drive. Other systems, methods, and manufactures are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Rebecca K. Fitzgerald, Garth A. Cole, Kimberley S. Metcalf-Kupres, Thomas M. Watson, Craig W. Rigby
  • Patent number: 9666094
    Abstract: A test device includes a base plate configured to move on a slipping floor in X-Y directions substantially parallel to the slipping floor by an air bearing, and rotate around an axis substantially perpendicular to the slipping floor, and a platform connected to the base plate by a movement connecting mechanism. The base plate is between the slipping floor and the platform. The movement mechanism connected pivotally with the base plate is configured to move on the slipping floor in the X-Y directions, and rotate around the axis. When the base plate is at substantially a center of the slipping floor's upper surface, the tips of the movement mechanism are directed to points on a circle C or points close to C, and a central angle between a line from C's center to one of the tips and a line from C's center to another tip is 120°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SAGINOMIYA SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Eisei In, Tomohiro Hosaka
  • Patent number: 9665094
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a container that can be installed at a remote location, detect a disaster event, and automatically deploy a UAV. In response to detection of the disaster event, such a container may be configured to: (i) determine whether or not one or more weather conditions affecting operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are conducive to deployment of the UAV to fly to the first geographic area, (ii) if the one or more conditions are conducive to deployment of the UAV, then deploy the UAV to fly to the first geographic area, and (iii) if the one or more conditions are not conducive to deployment of the UAV, then monitor the second data until it is determined that the one or more conditions are conducive to deployment of the UAV, and then deploy the UAV to fly to the first geographic area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Martin Russell
  • Patent number: 9646417
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying simulation objects. A simulation of a live environment is run while a training device is present in the live environment. A set of simulation objects in the simulation is identified from a number of simulation objects in the simulation using a position of the training device in which the set of simulation objects is visible to the training device in the live environment. Simulation data is generated for the set of simulation objects. The simulation data is sent to the training device in the live environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Clifford B. Sowadski, Robert James Lechner
  • Patent number: 9586152
    Abstract: Provided is a motion simulator with two degrees of freedom of angular motion that is capable of performing pitching rotation and yawing rotation. The motion simulator includes: a first rotation body (100) that a user boards; a second rotation body (200) located under the first rotation body (100); a first driving unit (300) for pitching the first rotation body (100); a second driving unit (400) for yawing the first rotation body (100) and the second rotation body (200) as one body; and a controller for controlling rotation of the first driving unit (300) and rotation of the second driving unit (400).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: MOTION DEVICE INC.
    Inventor: Jong Chan Lee
  • Patent number: 9589476
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for training a user to control an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in an environment. The systems and methods provide a simulation environment to control a UAV in a virtual environment. The virtual environment closely resembles a real flight environment. The controller used to transmit flight commands and receive flight state data can be used in both simulation and flight modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Liutao Zhang, Xuyang Pan, Shunnian Li, Chaobin Chen
  • Patent number: 9581819
    Abstract: A see-through augmented reality system is disclosed. The system includes a head-wearable frame and a lens. The lens has at least one field-of-view (FOV). A sensor is configured to be coupled with respect to a head of a user. The sensor generates sensor data that changes responsive to movements of the head. A display apparatus is mapped to an interior surface of the lens. A controller is coupled to the sensor and to the display apparatus. The controller is configured to determine a current scene within the FOV based at least in part on the sensor data. The controller determines an out-the-window (OTW) scene portion of the current scene and a non-OTW scene portion of the current scene and generates OTW imagery that depicts the OTW scene portion. The controller causes the display apparatus to emit light in accordance with the OTW imagery toward the interior surface of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Boggs, Patrick J. Goergen, Gregory A. Harrison, Eric T. Sorokowsky, Edward T. Grant
  • Patent number: 9527515
    Abstract: Data is collected during the operation of a vehicle and used to produce a ranking of a driver's performance, and that ranking is shared on a hosted website, such that the drivers can compare their performance metrics to their peers. Fleet operators can use these performance metrics as incentives, by linking driver pay with performance. Individual fleet operators can host their own website, where driver rankings in that fleet can be compared, or the website can be hosted by a third party, and multiple fleet operators participate. The third party can offset their costs for operating the website by charging participating fleet operators a fee, and/or by advertising revenue. In some embodiments, all driver performance data is displayed in an anonymous format, so that individual drivers cannot be identified unless the driver shares their user ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan Hunt, Charles Michael McQuade
  • Patent number: 9470967
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed toward a visual image projection and display system including a motion platform, a toroidal constant vertical resolution surface having a bottom portion mounted to the motion platform and capable of displaying a single substantially constant vertical resolution image by blending portions of adjacent projected images on the toroidal constant vertical resolution surface, a top surface screen intersecting the top portion of the constant vertical resolution surface defined by a circular azimuth curve, and a set of image projectors. The set of image projectors include a radial array of image projectors mounted on the motion platform that project a corresponding series of images via at least one mirror attached to the motion platform onto a convex portion of the toroidal constant vertical resolution surface, and at least one image projector that projects an image on the top surface screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Carl J. Vorst, Harold R. Streid
  • Patent number: 9430953
    Abstract: A simulation device imparts a force corresponding to a simulated event on a user. The simulation device includes a motion base mounted to a moveable surface and a capsule mounted to the motion base. The user is positioned within the capsule during the simulated event, and the motion base is configured to move the capsule relative to the moveable surface. The simulation device further includes a sensor that senses movement of the moveable surface. A controller is operably coupled to both the sensor and the motion base. The controller receives a signal from the sensor and controls the motion base to move the capsule according to the simulated event and the signal received from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Morris, David Johnson
  • Patent number: 9430942
    Abstract: A method (and structure) for adjusting control parameters of a traffic management system in a presence of one or more incidents on a network, including representing, using a tree format, a prioritization across network junctions prior to an incident. An incident-affected junction is elevated higher in priority on the tree, depending upon a severity level of the incident. Weights are associated with each junction as a function of its height in the tree. A real-time optimization of the control parameters for the network is solved, using the weights on the junctions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sebastien Blandin, Laura Wynter
  • Patent number: 9340263
    Abstract: A carrier frame on a vessel for local water motion includes a carrier frame (2); an actuator system (4, 5, 6) adapted for translating the carrier frame (2) along a z-axis and rotating the carrier frame around an x-axis and an y-axis; a sensor system (8) for sensing z-axis translational movement and x-axis and y-axis rotational movements of the vessel; and a control system (9) generating control signals for driving the actuator system in response to the sensor signals. The actuator system includes at least three cylinder-piston-units each having a longitudinal axis (14), which longitudinal axes are mutually parallel in a rest position. Each cylinder-piston unit has an upper support (15) for supporting the carrier frame on said cylinder-piston-unit and a lower support (16) for supporting the cylinder-piston-unit on a base. The upper support and/or lower support allows for rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: BARGE MASTER IP B.V.
    Inventor: Pieter Martijn Koppert
  • Patent number: 9289693
    Abstract: A motion simulation device includes a base and a first arm rotatably coupled to the base about a first axis. The device further includes a drive element rotatably coupled to the base about a second axis. A second arm is rotatably coupled to the drive element about a third axis. A first end of the first arm is rotatably coupled to a capsule, and a first end of the second arm is also rotatably coupled to the capsule. The first arm and drive element are selectively rotatable to control the pitch and the elevation of the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Morris, David Johnson
  • Patent number: 9223559
    Abstract: A configuration information generation section 11 uses configuration information of an ECU 2 and configuration information of a new device 5 which is to be newly connected to the ECU 2, generates and outputs to the ECU 2, new configuration information after the new device 5 is connected to the ECU 2. An executable file generation section 12 links an object file of a control program implemented on the ECU 2, and an object file of a control program to control the new device 5, and generates and outputs to the ECU 2 an executable file of a new control program after the new device 5 is connected to the ECU 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Masuo Ito
  • Patent number: 9159244
    Abstract: The invention relates to a simulation device (110) for training equipment (100) for a real ground vehicle, comprising —a vehicle model (115) comprising a predetermined number of function models (130b; 131b; 132b) for simulation of corresponding physical function elements (130a; 131a; 132a) of said vehicle; —arrangements (399) for engaging physical function elements (130a; 131a; 132a) to the simulation device (110). The simulation device (110) is arranged such that a function model (130b; 131 b; 132b) concerning a determined function element (130a; 131a, 132a) is intended to be deactivated at engagement of corresponding physical function elements (130a; 131a; 132a) and such that the deactivated function model (130a; 131b; 132b) is reactivated at disengagement of said engaged function element (130a; 131a; 132a). The invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product comprising a program code (P) for a computer (110; 300).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: BAE Systems Hägglunds Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Per-Åke Nordlander
  • Patent number: 9138651
    Abstract: A universal game pedal controller and method of emulating the output of multiple game pedal controllers in a universal game pedal controller are disclosed. A universal game pedal controller according to the present invention provides a microcontroller-based interface board for mapping the inputs from multiple pedal sensors to analog outputs of a primary game controller interface having a common adapter cable port, and adapter cables configured to connect the interface board to different primary game controllers. A USB interface may also be provided, permitting connection of the universal game pedal controller to a personal computer. The method provides for calibration of the input signals to the full range of the outputs, whether analog or digital, for increased accuracy and responsiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: Jonathan B Gaug
  • Patent number: 9126695
    Abstract: Method and system for displaying meteorological phenomena encountered by an aircraft flying along a flight plan. The display system includes a display device configured to present on a screen a meteorological indicator, the meteorological indicator comprising a time line representing a time scale relating to the duration of the flight of the aircraft along the flight plan and, on this time line, a set of first symbols illustrating meteorological phenomena and a second symbol indicating the current instant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Pau Latorre-Costa, Adrien Jarry, François Bounaix
  • Patent number: 9022786
    Abstract: A method is present for flight crew training. Flight crew interactions are recorded during a lesson to form recorded flight crew interactions. Flight deck displays occurring during the lesson are recorded to form recorded flight deck displays. A flight training video is formed from the recorded flight crew interactions and the recorded flight deck displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Haywood Keith Fabling
  • Patent number: 9026312
    Abstract: A test buck, a test buck system and related method are disclosed. The test buck system may comprise a controller and a test buck. The test buck may include a portable bed, a seat module mounted to the bed, and a first OIM disposed on the bed. At least a portion of the first OIM may be selectively moveable in at least four degrees of freedom, up to six degrees of freedom. The controller may be electrically connected to a first Operator Interface Module (OIM). The controller may be configured to selectively move at least a portion of the first OIM in at least four to six degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Bartholomew Smith, Darin Patrick Brodie, David Hopp, David Asher, Robert Lewis, Casey Boyer, Roberto Lanzara, David Schweppe, Vern Alway
  • Patent number: 9011152
    Abstract: An aircraft control system for a user of a simulated aircraft. The system includes input devices for controlling the simulated aircraft, a video display having three-dimensional graphics, modeling software for determining position and orientation information based on desired direction of flight obtained through the input devices. User controls desired direction of flight through the input devices, thus controlling aircraft. The aircraft control system may be embodied as a flight game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Gaijin Entertainment Corporation
    Inventors: Kirill Yudintsev, Alexander Polyakov
  • Patent number: 9011259
    Abstract: A people moving system having a people pod and a cable support system attached to the people pod. The cable support system supports the people pod in the air and includes cables that are each connected at one end to the people pod and each connected to their own respective motor/winch system at the other ends. A computer control system is in signal communication with the motor/winch systems and allows the same to move the people pod in three (3) dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Jordan Michael Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8998617
    Abstract: A method for training an operator to control a powered system is disclosed including operating the powered system with an autonomous controller, and informing an operator of a change in operation of the powered system as the change in operation occurs. A system and a computer software code are also disclosed for training the operator to control the powered system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar
  • Patent number: 8986011
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating visible objects not blocked by other objects in a simulation during training with aircraft. A position for each aircraft in a number of aircraft is identified for which objects that block the fields of view for each aircraft are to be identified to form a number of positions for the number of aircraft. Any object in the simulation that blocks a portion of a field of view for each aircraft at the position for each aircraft is identified to form a number of objects. Simulation data is created for a number of visible objects not blocked by the number of objects in the simulation that has been identified as blocking the portion of the field of view for each aircraft in the number of aircraft. The simulation data is sent to each aircraft in the number of aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Clifford B. Sowadski, Robert James Lechner
  • Patent number: 8977441
    Abstract: A machine includes a plurality of ground engaging elements and an operator control station supported on a frame. A work tool is pivotably attached to the frame using a lift arm assembly and a tilt linkage. At least one device measures a quantity associated with at least one of the lift arm assembly, the tilt linkage, and the work tool. An electronic controller, in communication with an operator display and the at least one device. The electronic controller is configured to store an operator selected orientation of the work tool, calculate a current orientation of the work tool based on the quantity, and calculate a deviation of the current orientation from the operator selected orientation. A visual representation of the deviation is displayed on the operator display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Grimes, Joseph Edward Forcash, Christopher Lee Mays, Steven Conrad Budde
  • Publication number: 20150050623
    Abstract: A system and method for training a student employ a simulation station that displays output to the student and receives input. The computer system has a rules engine operating on it and computer accessible data storage storing (i) learning object data including learning objects configured to provide interaction with the student at the simulation system and (ii) rule data defining a plurality of rules accessed by the rules engine. The rules data includes, for each rule, respective (a) if-portion data defining a condition of data and (o) then-portion data defining an action to be performed at the simulation station. The rules engine causes the computer system to perform the action when the condition of data is present in the data storage. For at least some of the rules, the action comprises output of one of the learning objects so as to interact with the student. The system may be networked with middleware and adapters that map data received over the network to rules engine memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Falash, Eytan Pollak, Michael Barnoske, George Rovny, Coy Stewart, Robert Ducharme
  • Publication number: 20140377719
    Abstract: In a method for training a person while operating a vehicle, the vehicle has a control system for receiving vehicle operating commands from the person for controlling the vehicle. A calculation unit is provided for simulating a state of the vehicle and/or the environment to which the vehicle is subjected, the simulated state being a possible real state of the vehicle and/or the environment which is different from the actual state of the vehicle and/or the environment. The vehicle operating commands and the calculation unit are used for calculating vehicle command signals. The vehicle command signals are used for controlling the vehicle so as to cause the vehicle to respond to the vehicle operating commands in a way that corresponds to the state simulated by the calculation unit instead of the actual state of the vehicle and/or the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: VOLVO AERO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas JOHNSSON, Anders LUNDBLADH, Dan RING, Olof HANNIUS
  • Patent number: 8894413
    Abstract: A method, simulator and program for simulating vehicular movement based upon user input parameters related to simulation topology and simulation vehicles including, but not limited to linear vehicular density. The simulator generates the simulation topology having a simulation area using the user input parameters, places a plurality of simulation vehicles within the simulation area at an initial placement using at least two input parameters related to simulation vehicle and the generated simulation topology; and determines movement of the plurality of simulation vehicles starting with the initial placement using a plurality of movement models. Each of the plurality of simulation vehicles has mobility characteristics generated using the plurality of movement models. When vehicle moves outside the simulation area, the vehicle re-emerges at a location within the simulation area. The vehicle re-emerges with new movement characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignees: Telcordia Technologies, Inc., Toyota Infotechnology Center, USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Pang, Wai Chen, Jasmine Chennikara-Varghese, Ratul Guha, John Lee, Rama Vuyyuru, Junichiro Fukuyama
  • Patent number: 8897931
    Abstract: A system for unmanned aircraft system (UAS) testing which incorporates a UAS flight control system and an optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) carrying the UAS flight control system. The OPV has an OPV flight control system and a flight control interpreter (FCI) which receives input from the UAS flight control system representing control parameters for a flight profile of the UAS. The FCI provides status commands as an output to the OPV flight control system to replicate the flight profile. These status commands are selected from the group consisting of data regarding attitude, vertical navigation, lateral navigation, turn rate, velocity and engine operations. The OPV flight control system includes a pilot override for emergency, flight safety or other contingencies allowing an on board pilot to assume control of the OPV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Charles B. Spinelli
  • Patent number: 8834165
    Abstract: A process for providing upset recovery training (URT) includes using a sustained-G multi-axis platform (e.g., a centrifuge-based simulator). Various embodiments of the present invention address an important aspect of URT that is not present in the prior art, namely the placing of physiological stresses on the trainees during URT, such as sustained motions including, but not limited to, sustained, elevated G-forces and continuous rotational cues. Elevated, sustained, G-forces and continuous rotational cues can create many physiological challenges to aircrew. These challenges can include motion discomfort, disorientation, and visual disturbances. Embodiments of the present invention provide URT that includes physiological stresses on the pilot. If a pilot learns the correct procedures for recovery from an upset, as in the prior art URT programs, but cannot execute the procedures in the real world because he or she has not been prepared for the physiological environment to be faced, then safety is compromised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Environmental Tectonics Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Glaser, Glenn B. King, Richard A. Leland