Abstract: A six degree of freedom (DOF) motion platform system is described that, in contrast to Stewart platforms, is adapted to include redundant load paths or to be without non-redundant load paths. During operation of the six DOF motion platform system, a controller may employ motion control software to provide desired movement of a ride vehicle supported on the upper plate or motion platform of the system. This makes the six DOF motion platform system particularly well suited for use in amusement or theme park rides and similar applications where it is desirable to provide redundant load paths because this reduces significant design constraints and also lowers fabrication and maintenance/operation costs when compared to rides using Stewart platforms. The actuation system used in the motion platform system include four pairs of linear actuators arranged as a rectangular truss instead of a more conventional triangular truss used in six DOF motion platforms.

Abstract: Improved automated methods of dynamically customizing displayed presentation of media content playback and/or live streams with the users seeking to add, remove, change, and/or fuse displayed information. Specifically, a user or users are able to add, remove, or move IntelliMark (Intelligent Bookmarks) that are separate parallel temporal bookmarks with associate dynamic run-time display manipulations within a separate file(s) that are NOT part of the media content nor live stream, and are stored within media players, enabling customized viewings without violating copyrights or terms of use for the underlying unaltered, un-copied original media content. In addition to an individual user customizing his own viewing experience, by sharing his IntelliMarks file(s) with others that have access to the same media content, these others can experience the customized playback as constructed by other users. Further, they can evolve their own interpretations and share back to the original user and/or others.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a projector system and a structure connected to the projector system. The projector system is configured to project an image on an exterior surface of an aircraft. The structure is configured to be connected to the aircraft and has a shape configured to reduce an undesired airflow caused by the projector system when the aircraft is in flight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cyclic variations in altitude condition that allows a user to rest in a pressure vessel while undergoing rapid variations or transitions between simulated altitudes. The pressure vessel comprises a blower to generate negative pressure, and a proportional valve to allow air back into the pressure vessel in order to relieve the negative pressure. An on-board interface, kiosk controller and master controller are all in electrical communication with each other in order to enable a user to implement a program of cyclic variations in altitude conditioning that is suitable to the specific user, and enables an operator to bill the user for such services, as well as to allow the user to use a different pressure vessel without re-entering data, so long as such data was originally entered and stored, and the different pressure vessel is in electrical communication with the master controller.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in training observers and search and rescue personnel in detecting and identifying visual cues related to potential threats to aircraft and to ground based search and rescue circumstances. A visual display displays a scene generated by a visual scene generator apparatus. A vision limiting device is placed between the trainee and the visual display and the trainee can only see a limited amount of the visual display through a window on the vision limiting device. The limited view of the scene afforded the trainee will force the trainee to move around at various angles to see more of the scene as he normally would in real life.

Abstract: A multiple degree-of-freedom motion simulator assembly comprises a fixed base, a displaceable simulator platform, and a plurality of linear actuators having upper ends thereof interconnected with the platform and lower ends thereof interconnected with the fixed base. A vibration damping unit is disposed between at least one of each of the upper ends and the platform and each of the lower ends and the fixed base. The damping units include at least a first resilient member preloaded and mounted to a major surface of a plate of the damping unit engaged to one of the ends of the linear actuator. The first resilient member provides vibration absorption such as to damp vibrations transmitted from the plate to the platform or base in at least a direction substantially perpendicular to the major surface.

Abstract: Provided is a game device which determines the goal point pursuant to the game progress and not in advance. The game device 1 is a game for competing for game scores in accordance with the superiority of the state of arrival upon the taxi, which is the moving object, reaching a goal. This game device 1 is a game wherein a presentation unit for presenting a goal determining element (passenger), which becomes the objective upon a taxi moving in the game space 511 (S104, S105), and judgment unit for determining the game results by judging the superiority of the state of arrival in accordance with such selected goal determining element upon selecting one goal among a plurality of goals (S105; YES) provided by the presentation unit (S104, S105) are processed by the CPU and displayed on the display.

Abstract: A method of forming an assembly from a plurality of components, the plurality of components each having a component volume and a respective locus point, is described. The method includes selecting a target volume by defining a target volume and respective locus point. The method further includes determining a solution group of components comprising a list of components having a component volume positioned at least one of within the target volume and a predetermined distance from the target volume. The method further includes displaying the solution group of components forming an assembly.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for teaching music to one or more students. The instructor's manual operation of a musical instrument controls in real-time the illumination of guide lamps on each student's musical instrument. This allows the students to visually connect the note to be played with the instructor's verbal instruction and then play the visually indicated note without having to look up at the instructor or a distant display. In another embodiment, the instructor's manual operation of his musical instrument provides a score display of the played note on each student's musical instrument. The students can visually connect the played note with the musical notation on the score display. Remote teaching over a communication network is also described as well as a removable interface for the musical instrument to assist in teaching and use of the instrument.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of modeling the costs associated with a system that includes a plurality of components are provided. In accordance with a preferred form of the present invention, a method includes using a first and a second node of a tree structure to represent a first and a second operation associated with the system. A branch of the tree structure is also used to represent a first dependency between the first operation and the second operation. A determination may then be made as to whether a third node, in addition to the first node, represents the first operation. In the alternative, a determination may be made as to whether a second branch branches from the first operation.

Abstract: An avionics maintenance training device to train cognitive and psychomotor skills is disclosed. The training device is a physical mock-up of an actual aircraft's cabin assembly. The avionics maintenance training device includes actual avionics components and non-functional and functional physically replicated avionics components of the actual aircraft. The avionics maintenance training device further includes an instructor workstation, a simulator/stimulator, and an interactive electronic training manual. The training device runs the actual operational flight program of the aircraft. The replicated components are three-dimensional components with physical characteristics similar to the avionics components they replicate to teach component removal and replacement skills. The actual and replicated avionics components are located in the training device in positions similar to positions of the avionics components in the aircraft to replicate accessibility.

Abstract: A method for tutoring a trainee in a simulator comprises the steps of defining an expert system simulating an activity, and using the expert system to provide instructional feedback to the trainee. The step of defining an expert system comprises constructing a decision support system so as to define a human factors engineering module, programming a plurality of training scenarios, and establishing automated performance measures. The method for tutoring of the present invention eliminates the need to have an expert trainer available and the consequent expense associated therewith.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for simulator control include a training system (10) with indicators and controls (12) for interfacing with a trainee. A display (16) is used to display representations of preprogrammed units, each unit including a collection of detailed parameters for use with a selected training scenario. Selection of one of the representations results in configuring the training system (10) according to the detailed parameters of the unit associated with the selected representation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for training are provided in which a training system (10) includes indicators and controls (12) for interfacing with a trainee. A display (16) is used to display graphical representations of operating conditions. By selecting locations on the display (16), the training system (10) is configured to correspond with the operating conditions associated with the selected locations on the-display (16).

Abstract: A control mechanism for a simulator or stabilized platform comprising constant force spring device for supporting the weight of the platform and a plurality of impulsive force generating devices preferably in the form of electromagnetic linear rams although a rotary linkage driven by an electric motor would also work. The mechanism provides an agile arrangement at relatively low cost.

Abstract: A virtual reality flight control system displays to the pilot the image of a scene surrounding a vehicle or pod having six degrees of freedom of acceleration or velocity control by the pilot and traveling through inertial space, the image itself including a superimposed figure providing the pilot an instant reference of orientation consisting of superimposed sets of geometric figures whose relative orientations provide the pilot an instantaneous feel or sense of orientation changes with respect to some fixed coordinate system. They include a first set of geometric figures whose orientations are fixed to the pilot's vehicle and a second set of geometric figures whose orientations are fixed with respect to a fixed or interstellar coordinate system.

Abstract: An electronic control loading system to create tactile control feel for vehicles and vehicle simulators (especially aircraft) to provide a realistic reaction force by coupling a linear electro-magnetic actuator to a control element for real-time feedback from a preprogrammed computer controller. In an aircraft simulation system, a loadcell and position transducer are associated with the flight control element for measuring applied force and determination of flight control element position. The position transducer is integrated with an actuator, the actuator being capable of setting forth a drive force that reacts to the force and position data as manipulated by a preprogrammed computer based upon an aircraft data package used to construct real-time software models and a digital signal processor or the like high speed microprocessor used to manipulate flight control algorithms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating a desired response in accordance with an external applied force. The apparatus includes a member which is responsive to the applied force, an actuator coupled to the member for exerting a torque on the member, a force sensor for detecting the applied force, and a torque sensor for detecting the torque exerted by the actuator. Signals from the force sensor are used to determine the system response based upon a desired relation. The force sensor signals also are used to determine the actual system response based upon the physical characteristics of the apparatus. The detected torque is compared with the desired and the actual system response, and as a result of the comparison the torque exerted by the actuator onto the member is adjusted accordingly so that the member performs the desired system response. The actuator is preferably an electric motor so that the apparatus can simulate any desired response, notwithstanding the physical characteristics of the system.

Abstract: A decoy aircraft construction of compact format during transport and able to form a decoy model of an aircraft on disposition on an airfield has the form of a rectilinear box blank having six primary panels joined at edges so as to form a box on bringing together free edges thereof. The panels have hinged to each of one or more thereof a single secondary panel or a secondary panel complex formed in turn of a plurality of panels hinged together. No secondary panel or secondary panel complex of the construction when folded at its hinges has overall dimensions greater than those of the primary panels. The location and shape of the secondary panel(s) and secondary panel complex(es) are such that on dismantling to a flat format, the primary panels of the box with the secondary panel(s) and secondary panel complex(es) housed therein, the secondary panel(s) and secondary panel complex(es) augment the flat format by unfolding to impart to it a three dimensional shape simulating that of an aircraft construction.

Abstract: The rapid communication (RAP-COM) microprocessor controlled memory display system and method operates by presenting real-time data in rapid temporal succession at one spatial location. It can be embodied as a stand-alone instrument or as a small display window within a larger integrated display. It can be incorporated, for example, within larger display configurations in military crew stations, nuclear power plants, air-traffic control centers, space stations, or industrial process control plants. RAP-COM has two advantages over conventional display formats. First, it reduces the amount of required display space be presenting information in sequentially in one location rather than simultaneously in several locations. Second, it speeds the rate of system-to-operator information transfer by eliminating the time needed for the scanning saccadic eye movements that access information from conventional spatially separated displays.

Abstract: The simulator is used for the training of personnel. In the case of the controls of an aircraft, the simulator contains an exact reproduction of the command cockpit (1) with all its controls (2), and capable of ensuring the actuation of circuit simulation devices by a student-operator (3). Simulation devices (4) consist of at least one instruction panel (5.sub.1, 5.sub.2) representing at least one control circuit and used to display various parameters or simulation motifs visible to the student-operator. An operating console (6) ensures contact between the simulation devices (4) and the cockpit (1). The console makes it possible to carry out a training programme administered by an instructor-operator.

Abstract: A novel decoy providing the deceptive appearance of a genuine three-dimensional object, such as a vehicle, is described which comprises a plurality of modular table units each of predetermined shape and assembled in an abutting relationship to form an outline of the vehicle, each said table unit supported by a framework including leg elements in a spaced relationship above the ground whereby a shadow is cast in said outline, to further the deceptive appearance of said decoy as viewed from the air, and a vertical element, supported by said assemblage of table units, in the shape of an elevational view of said vehicle, to provide a deceptive elevational view of said vehicle.