Abstract: A vehicle seat can be configured to provide support to a vehicle occupant in conditions when lateral acceleration is experienced. Shape memory material members can be operatively positioned with respect to a seat portion of the vehicle seat. The shape memory material members can be selectively activated by an activation input. When activated, the shape memory material members can engage a seat pan so as to cause the seat pan to tilt in a respective lateral direction. As a result, a seat cushion supported by the seat pan can also tilt in the respective lateral direction. The seat cushion can be tilted in a lateral direction that is opposite to the direction of the lateral acceleration. Thus, the effects of lateral acceleration felt by a seat occupant can be reduced. The shape memory material members can be selectively activated based on vehicle speed, steering angle, and/or lateral acceleration.

Abstract: An eddy current brake for a steer-by-wire steering system of a vehicle that includes a steering wheel may include magnets and a magnet carrier. The eddy current brake may be connected in a force-transmitting manner to an axle to which the steering wheel is connected, and to the steering wheel, in a force-transmitting manner.

Abstract: Force feedback is applied to a computer simulation controller, such as to a joystick element or analog trigger of the controller, depending on the context of the simulation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for controlling a control instrument of a simulation system reproducing a desired system, in response to a force applied onto the control instrument.

Abstract: A data storage device waking up from a sleep mode rapidly is disclosed. The data storage device uses a controller to operate a non-volatile memory. The controller has a microprocessor and a volatile memory. The microprocessor loads boot code from the non-volatile memory to a not-always-on area of the volatile memory according to a script loaded on an always-on area of the volatile memory. The microprocessor executes the boot code loaded on the not-always-on area to load an in-system program from the non-volatile memory to the not-always-on area for execution of the in-system program. The script loaded on the always-on area is loaded from the non-volatile memory, and the non-volatile memory is searched to load the script to the always-on area in response to powering on a data storage device containing the non-volatile memory from a power-off state.

Abstract: Force feedback is applied to a computer simulation controller, such as to a joystick element or analog trigger of the controller, depending on the context of the simulation.

Abstract: The invention has for object a game controller having an actuator (2, 102) mobile in rotation in relation to a fixed part (3, 103), in such a way as to simulate a control of the rotation of a steering column of a simulated vehicle. According to the invention, the game controller implements means for detecting the displacement in rotation of the actuator (2, 102) comprising at least one Hall effect or magnetoresistive effect detecting unit, constituted of at least two elements, of which a permanent magnet and a magnetic sensor (24, 124). At least during the rotation of the actuator (2, 102), a first element is integral in rotation with the actuator (2, 102) and a second element is integral in rotation with said fixed part (3, 103).

Abstract: Provided is a control stick capable of measuring rotation angles thereof and automatically returning to an original point after the rotational movements. The control stick includes a rotating rod rotated in a yawing direction and a pitching direction, a first spring which returns the rotating rod to an original point when the rotating rod rotates in the yawing direction, a first rotation angle measurement portion which measures a rotation angle of the rotating rod in the yawing direction and transmits the measured rotation angle to a controller of the motion simulator, a second spring which returns the rotating rod to an original point when the rotating rod rotates in the pitching direction, and a second rotation angle measurement portion which measures a rotation angle of the rotating rod in the pitching direction and transmits the measured rotation angle to the controller of the motion simulator.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a portable metal working robot system includes a metal working tool configured to perform a metal working process on one or more metal parts. In addition, the portable metal working robot system includes communication circuitry configured to receive control signals from a control system located remotely from the portable metal working robot system. The portable metal working robot system also includes control circuitry configured to control operational parameters of the portable metal working robot system in accordance with the received control signals.

Abstract: A system for providing motion signals indicative of a motion to be performed by the motion platforms synchronously with video images comprising an input interface for extracting a motion signal from the input signal. A server provides a network address to each motion platform. A motion platform interface has control ports connected to arrays of motion platforms. Each motion platform being connected one to another by a wired connection according to a control protocol. The motion platform interface individually actuates each of the motion platforms by providing a client motion signal to each motion platform comprising the motion signal with a respective network address. Each motion platform is managed according to a respective feedback signal comprising the provided network address of each motion platform.

Abstract: Methods and devices for control for an automated welding system are provided. Disclosed control methods may include receiving a data set including one or more features of a joint to be welded and receiving a weld procedure for the joint to be welded. The weld procedure for the joint is determined based on a sample virtual weld performed by an operator, a stored procedure developed for a substantially similar weld joint, or a combination thereof. The method may further include determining one or more desired changes to the weld procedure based on the received features of the joint to be welded and generating an updated weld procedure by altering one or more parameters of the received weld procedure in accordance with the one or more desired changes, wherein the one or more parameters are included within a predetermined allowable data set.

Abstract: An aircraft simulation system comprising a user interface and a simulator in communication with the user interface. The user interface is configured to interact with an operator. The simulator is configured to generate a representation of controls in an aircraft that are visible from a current field of view identified by the user interface. The simulator is further configured to display the representation of the controls on the user interface. The simulator is further configured to identify interaction by the operator with the controls from user input received by the user interface. The simulator is further configured to record a sequence of performed operations from the interaction with the controls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel free-flowing powder pharmaceutical formulation for the delivery of a poorly-water-soluble drug substance that increases the solubility and bioavailability of the poorly-water soluble drug substance, as well as to a method of making the free-flowing powder pharmaceutical formulation. The invention also relates to dispersed particles that disperse instantaneously from the free-flowing powder formulation when the formulation is added to water, aqueous solvent, or organic solvent, wherein the bulk distribution of the poorly-water soluble drug substance of the free-flowing powder formulation in the dispersed particles is uniform. Such dispersed particles increase the bioavailable surface area of the poorly water-soluble drug substance and facilitate the drug substance's dissolution.

Abstract: A flight simulator yoke is provided having a single handle having a handgrip and yoke shaft operable from a left side of a user, wherein a neutral position for the handle is at a 45 degree angle. The yoke may further include two trim axes parallel to each other; and two moveable spring devices. The spring devices are operatively coupled to the trim axes, each spring device having a positive center detent, wherein the positive center detent requires a predetermined amount of force in order to move the yoke along each trim axis. The flight simulator yoke may simulate a yoke of a Cirrus aircraft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising an aircraft, a network interface, a display system, a sensor system, and a computer system. The network interface, the display system, the sensor system, and the computer system are associated with the aircraft. The network interface is configured to exchange data using a wireless communications link. The computer system is configured to run a number of processes to receive simulation data received through the network interface over the wireless communications link. The computer system is configured to generate simulation sensor data using the simulation data. The computer system is configured to receive live sensor data from the sensor system associated with the aircraft. The computer system is also configured to present the simulation sensor data with the live sensor data on the display system.

Abstract: The invention is aimed at a method simulating the aerodynamic flow around an aircraft, so as to detect the aerodynamic loads exerted on a predetermined surface of the aircraft. The method includes a phase of determining a value denoted QA of global dynamic pressure at the level of the predetermined surface of the aircraft. The method includes steps of carrying out simulations of aerodynamic flow around the predetermined surface of the aircraft for given environmental conditions, on the basis of a mesh produced around the shape of the aircraft, determining a local dynamic pressure qA around the predetermined surface of the aircraft, and then calculating the global dynamic pressure QA.

Abstract: This invention supplies a flight-icing simulator to train the pilots with skills under flight-icing conditions. This simulator is composed of several modules to provide pilots the information of ice distribution and strength on aircrafts, the distance of the aircraft to the icing dangerous zone, the perturbation of the points with feedback function, etc.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a dynamic motion seat with at least five directions of motion for vehicle simulation.

Abstract: This disclosure describes novel aircraft control systems for propeller-driven training aircraft, and methods for their use. In an aspect of some embodiments, a control system might comprise an integrated power control that takes a single power input from the pilot and translates that input into controls for a throttle, a propeller pitch setting, and a fuel/air mixture. In another aspect of some embodiments, a glass cockpit may be provided, with computer displays emulating the instruments of the aircraft for which the pilot is training. Advantageously, this allows a pilot in training to learn, from the beginning, the power controls and/or instrumentation for the aircraft for which the pilot is training, instead of having to learn one power control and instrumentation system, only to later have to learn another system. In a specific embodiment, the instrumentation displays may be reconfigurable, allowing the displays to emulate those of a variety of jet aircraft.

Abstract: An actuator which can be installed in a system for the virtual simulation of aircraft, ships and vehicles to help the system with the controls. More specifically, the invention is an actuator used for a control loading system, which can be installed into a virtual simulation system, receive force delivered by the movement of a control stick laterally while measuring the applied force. It can connect a lever which delivers the control force equivalent to the applied force and reaction force by making use of a direct drive motor, including a potentiometer which senses the angle of rotation while sensing the initial reference position separately from an encoder, limiting the rotation range of the rotating lever, fixing the initial neutral position, and the control loading system for actuators manufactured compactly on the whole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a teleoperation method and a human robot interface for remote control of a machine by a human operator (5) using a remote control unit, particularly for remote control of a drone, wherein a vestibular feedback is provided to the operator (5) to enhance the situational awareness of the operator (5), wherein the vestibular feedback represents a real motion of the remote-controlled machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tester, its use and a method for testing signal lines of a flight control system for a trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS) motor of an aircraft. The tester comprises at least one test-relay (52, 54) to be connected with a relay socket of the flight control system, when the signal lines of the flight control system are to be tested, and at least one indicator (60, 70, 80, 90) being electrically connected with the at least one test-relay (52, 54) for indicating whether a voltage being applied to the test-relay (52, 54) is equal to or larger than a predetermined voltage. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of connecting at least one test-relay (52, 54) of a tester (1), in place of the original relay, with the relay socket of the flight control system, applying a voltage to the at least one test-relay (52, 54) and determining whether a voltage being applied to the at least one test-relay (52, 54) is equal to or larger than a predetermined voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to control the movements of a flight simulator involving linear and angular accelerations perceived at a pilot's seat and involving mathematical transformations of a lateral position y and a roll angle ? for said accelerations, wherein mathematical transformations are used with at least one of the following corrections: —Feed-forward of a specific force error due to the y-position wash-out into a roll angle transformation function; —Decomposition of specific force at pilot's position and addition of complementary filters to reproduce suitable side forces in the pilot's seat due to lateral accelerations; —Mathematical transformations linking a pilot's position in an aircraft and flight simulator to a motion base centroid.

Abstract: A method for simulating flight operations of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using an electronic device obtains movement data of the electronic device detected by an accelerator sensor of the electronic device, and converts the movement data of the electronic device into control signals. The method further adjusts the control signals using a physics engine of the electronic device, and simulates flight operations of the UAV by controlling flight statuses of a three dimensional (3D) virtual UAV in a 3D virtual scene on a display screen of the electronic device according to the adjusted control signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simulator comprising at least one projector arranged to project an image, and a non-spherical, generally continuous, dome-like projection surface on which the image is displayed.

Abstract: A flight simulator yoke is provided having a single handle having a handgrip and yoke shaft operable from a left side of a user, wherein a neutral position for the handle is at a 45 degree angle. The yoke may further include two trim axes traverse to each other; and two moveable spring devices. The spring devices are operatively coupled to the trim axes, each spring device having a positive center detent, wherein the positive center detent requires a predetermined amount of force in order to move the yoke along each trim axis. The flight simulator yoke may simulate a yoke of a Cirrus aircraft.

Abstract: An interchangeable instrument panel, throttle quadrant, and control device (stick and/or yoke) for a flight simulation system each independently interchangeable with another simulating a different aircraft. Each instrument panel simulating a particular type of aircraft and containing switches, knobs, and/or buttons of approximately the same type and approximately the same location as in the simulated aircraft. The instrument panels capable of simulating a variety of avionics suites, gauges, and other equipment. Each throttle quadrant simulating a particular type of aircraft (e.g. single engine; multi-engine; knob/pull style; lever style).

Abstract: A flight simulator, being a scaled model of an actual aircraft, equipped with a dual action joystick, to allow an operator to control a computer simulator program and movement of the simulator with one joystick. The roll movements of the simulator being accomplished by an actuator attached to the cockpit structure through an articulating member and another actuator connected to the pivotal pitch boom to provide ascent and descent movements. Both actions are controlled by movement of the joystick by the occupant who watches the action on the computer monitor and synchronously feels the movement of the simulator.

Abstract: A flight simulator yoke is provided having a single handle having a handgrip and yoke shaft operable from a left side of a user, wherein a neutral position for the handle is at a 45 degree angle. The yoke may further include two trim axes traverse to each other; and two moveable spring devices. The spring devices are operatively coupled to the trim axes, each spring device having a positive center detent, wherein the positive center detent requires a predetermined amount of force in order to move the yoke along each trim axis. The flight simulator yoke may simulate a yoke of a Cirrus aircraft.

Abstract: A joystick control system includes a first pair and a second pair of fluid enclosed resilient tubes with each pair of tubes having generally parallel spaced pressure sensing portions confined within a support housing with one pair of sensing portions disposed perpendicular to the other pair of sensing portions. A control stick extends between the spaced sensing portions of both pairs of tubes and is supported for slight lateral or universal tilting movement. Each pair of tubes is connected to a corresponding sensing transducer which varies electrical output signals according to the pressure applied to the sensing portions of the tubes by the control stick.

Abstract: A controller of a portable game machine comprises a steering wheel having a body and a rotary unit; a base for locating a portable game machine; a supporting frame for supporting the seat to the steering wheel; and a steering wheel seat for supporting the rotary unit of the steering wheel to a body. The piezoelectric switch is placed on the base, by mechanic linear power transfer, functions of the portable game machine is controlled by operation the steering wheel. By levers to transfer power, the function keys of the steering wheel are corresponding to function keys of the portable game machine.

Abstract: A reconfigurable control for a combat vehicle such as a tank, personnel carrier, or aircraft, is presented. The control includes a grip, a base and a seal. The grip has a lower surface and a chamber. The grip includes a first electrical connector and a key located within the chamber. The base has an upper surface and a shaft. The base includes a second electrical connector and a keyway. In an installed position, the shaft is located within the chamber such that the grip's lower surface and the base's upper surface are substantially coplanar, the first connector electrically engages the second connector, the key mechanically engages the keyway, and the seal facilitates a compression fit between the grip and the base for sealing the chamber such that at least one of contaminants are prevented from entering the chamber and noise vibration rattle is eliminated.

Abstract: A user can selectively engage some part or all of the haptic display of a haptic interface device to produce an enhanced interaction with an environment with which the user interacts using the haptic interface device. Further, the haptic interface device can be implemented so that the part of the haptic display that is engaged can be engaged to varying degree. The degree of engagement with the haptic display (together with whether part or all of the haptic display is engaged) determines the manner in which the haptic display is experienced by the user. The selective engagement with the haptic display is enabled by adding a haptic clutch model to the underlying haptic model used to produce the haptic display, the haptic clutch model engaging some part or all of the haptic model in response to user input. The addition of a haptic clutch model to the haptic model used to produce a haptic display provides a richer user interaction than is provided by a haptic display produced by the haptic model alone.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for training pilots by simulating the operation of gauges in aircraft. The self-contained device can be installed into training aircraft to be used during instruction. Alternatively, the device can be used during classroom and ground school training. A switch box control panel simulates the controls and indicators of aircraft. A logic circuit and program simulate normal operations and common malfunctions of aircraft. During malfunctions the program and circuit will evaluate the pilot's corrective control input, continuing the malfunction if the pilot's response is incorrect. The device's ability to accept inputs and to emulate characteristics of specific aircraft increases the realism of the simulation and training.

Abstract: A control frame for accommodating various control devices in different aircraft cockpit and vehicle configurations used with computer flight simulation programs and diverse games. The control frame allows realistic placement of control devices, simulating different cockpit configurations consistent with actual aircraft types and vehicles. Ergonomic consideration in the design reduces fatigue. The modular properties enable a quick change of the configurations. Stable mounting of device controllers and to fix in place a common computer/office chair will optimize control performance. The light, sturdy and small apparatus enables ease of handling and storage.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for easily adjusting flight characteristics of a simulated aircraft. The system allows a user to adjust commanded pitch, roll or yaw values or steady state frequency response values that are associated with an atmospheric temperature value, an atmospheric dynamic pressure value, aileron position, rudder position, and elevator position.

Abstract: Flight simulator with the ability to subject a passenger in a passenger compartment to sudden and possibly substantial horizontal and vertical thrusts in addition to a full 360 degrees of motion along a pitch, roll and yaw axes is described. In some embodiments, sustained G forces are also possible by mounting the passenger compartment in a support arm which includes an additional boom around which the passenger compartment is rotated to provide sustained acceleration to passenger compartment occupants.

Abstract: Aircraft flight data collection is enhanced by changing the data sampling rate as a function of an operational condition of the aircraft, such as its flight phase. An algorithm is used to determine the flight phase. Then, the data is collected at a first sampling rate when the flight phase is one of a first set of flight phases and collected at a second sampling rate when the flight phase is one of a second set of flight phases. The second sampling rate is greater than the first sampling rate to maximize the data storage capacity of the system. Generally, the higher sampling rate is used with transient flight phases such as takeoff and thrust reverse.

Abstract: A flight simulator control loading system (10A) comprises a compression assembly (18a), a tension assembly (18b), and a motor (30) which rotates a shaft (78). The compression assembly (18a) and the tension assembly (18b) each include a fixed actuator (50a,50b) fixedly secured to an outer housing (46a,46b), and an adjustable actuator (52a,52b) slidably mounted within a guide housing (48a,48b). Springs (54a,54b,56a,56b) are located between and push against the actuators (50a,50b,52a,52b). As the shaft (78) is rotated in an increase direction, each adjustable actuator (52a,52b) slides toward the respective fixed actuator (50a,50b), compressing the springs (54a,54b,56a,56b) and increasing control load. As the shaft (78) is rotated in a decrease direction, each adjustable actuator (52a,52b) slides away from the respective fixed actuator (50a,50b), relieving compression on the springs (54a,54b,56a,56b) and decreasing control load.

Abstract: Interactive simulation including force feedback. The system includes a computer game display unit programmed with simulation rules. A control unit is connected to the computer and provides information and control signals to the computer to interact with the stored simulation rules and to receive information and control signals from the computer. A movable structure for movement in at least two degrees-of-freedom by an operator is interconnected to the control unit by means of actuators. A programmable unit processes signals and information from the computer to generate signals to drive the actuators so as to apply forces in the at least two degrees-of-freedom to the movable structure and thereby to the operator. The applied forces are based on internal programming within the programmable unit, events occurring in the simulation and movements of and forces applied to the movable structure by the operator.

Abstract: Interactive simulation including force feedback. The system includes a computer game display unit programmed with simulation rules. A control unit is connected to the computer and provides information and control signals to the computer to interact with the stored simulation rules and to receive information and control signals from the computer. A movable structure for movement in at least two degrees-of-freedom by an operator is interconnected to the control unit by actuators. A programmable unit processes signals and information from the computer to generate signals to drive the actuators so as to apply forces in the at least two degrees-of-freedom to the movable structure and thereby to the operator. The applied forces are based on internal programming within the programmable unit, events occurring in the simulation and movements of and forces applied to the movable structure by the operator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for transmitting data about an object within a defined field and using the transmitted data to generate a virtual object on the display screen of a computer. In one embodiment of the present invention the object used to transmit input data is a wireless glove assembly. The glove assembly supports a transmitting device which transmits data bursts, containing position and gesture information, in the radio frequency wavelength to four stationary receivers. The received signal is converted to a digital signal and input to a microprocessor control unit. The software used in the microprocessor control unit uses an averaging method to generate a virtual object on the computer display screen. The position of the virtual object is calculated based on the strength of the signal received. The movement of the virtual object on the computer display screen is in the same direction as and is proportional to the glove movement.

Abstract: Enhanced realism of a real-time simulator having multiple computer-controlled units results from making the units capable of reacting to only those other units that each of them can be aware of because of their spatial relationships to the unit. Awareness is based upon probabilities; it can persist after a relationship changes; and it can be influenced by a unit's designation of a target. Each unit selects a target based upon a score incorporating multiple aspects of its tactical situation, and can change targets when the situation changes. A unit selects a strategy in response to which of a set of tactical configurations exist between the unit and its target; the strategy can change short of completion when the configuration changes. A plan produces guidance commands from the high-level strategy. The guidance commands are converted into control settings for guiding the subject unit using a physics engine for simulating the physical dynamics of the unit.

Abstract: A haptic interface system or force feedback system having a magnetically-controllable device that provides resistance forces opposing movement. The magnetically-controllable device is adapted for use with a force feedback computer system to provide force feedback sensations to the system's operator. The magnetically-controllable device contains a magnetically-controllable medium beneficially providing variable resistance forces in proportion to the strength of an applied magnetic field. The system further comprises a controller that executes an interactive program or event, a video display, and a haptic interface device (e.g. joystick, steering wheel) in operable contact with an operator for controlling inputs and responses to the interactive program.

Abstract: A haptic interface system or force feedback system having a magnetically-controllable device that provides resistance forces opposing movement. The magnetically-controllable device is adapted for use with a force feedback computer system to provide force feedback sensations to the system's operator. The magnetically-controllable device contains a magnetically-controllable medium beneficially providing variable resistance forces in proportion to the strength of an applied magnetic field. The system further comprises a computer system that runs an interactive program or event, a video display display, and a haptic interface device (e.g. joystick, steering wheel) in operable contact with an operator for controlling inputs and responses to the interactive program.

Abstract: A haptic pointing device includes a plurality of rigid, elongated proximal members, each connected to a separate rigid, elongated distal member through an articulating joint. The other end of each proximal member is coupled to an actuator such as a motor, causing that member to swing within a separate plane perpendicular to the shaft of the motor in response to a control signal. An end-effector is interconnected to the second end of each distal member through an articulating joint, such that as the actuators move the proximal members, the end-effector moves in space. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes at least three proximal members and three distal members, and the end-effector is coupled to a user-graspable element such as a stylus which retains a preferred orientation in space as the members are driven by the actuators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for transmitting data about an object within a defined field and using the transmitted data to generate a virtual object on the display screen of a computer. In one embodiment of the present invention the object used to transmit input data is a wireless glove assembly. The glove assembly supports a transmitting device which transmits data bursts, containing position and gesture information, in the radio frequency wavelength to four stationary receivers. The received signal is converted to a digital signal and input to a microprocessor control unit. The software used in the microprocessor control unit uses an averaging method to generate a virtual object on the computer display screen. The position of the virtual object is calculated based on the strength of the signal received. The movement of the virtual object on the computer display screen is in the same direction as and is proportional to the glove movement.

Abstract: Aerosol formulations containing stabilized particles of drug microparticles with a mean size range of 0.1 to 10 microns coated with a membrane-forming, amphiphatic lipid and dispersed in 1,1,1,2-tetaafluoroetiane (HFA 134a) of 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFA 227) propellant.

Abstract: Interactive simulation including force feedback. The system includes a computer game display unit programmed with simulation rules. A control unit is connected to the computer and provides information and control signals to the computer to interact with the stored simulation rules and to receive information and control signals from the computer. A movable structure for movement in at least two degrees-of-freedom by an operator is interconnected to the control unit by means of actuators. A programmable unit processes signals and information from the computer to generate signals to drive the actuators so as to apply forces in the at least two degrees-of-freedom to the movable structure and thereby to the operator. The applied forces are based on internal programming within the programmable unit, events occurring in the simulation and movements of and forces applied to the movable structure by the operator.

Abstract: A robot teaching machine according to the present invention includes a guiding tool having a first angle sensor, a coordinate detector having a plurality of rotating portions and a second angle sensor for detecting a rotational angle of each of the rotating portions, a first motion transfer member for detecting a distance between the guiding tool and the coordinate detector that are connected with each other, a second motion transfer member for connecting the guiding tool and the coordinate detector and detecting an attitude of the guiding tool, and a coordinate converter for deriving a three-dimensional position and an attitude of the guiding tool from values detected by the first and the second angle sensors, respectively. The first motion transfer member and the second motion transfer member independently work for providing precise guiding data.