Abstract: The present document describes a device and method for synchronizing a motion signal corresponding to a media content with a media signal for the media content, the motion signal being for controlling a motion feedback system. The method comprises: receiving a portion of the media signal; obtaining a fingerprint corresponding to the received portion of the media signal; from reference fingerprints associated with time positions of at least one reference media content, identifying a reference time position of the media content corresponding to the obtained fingerprint; obtaining the motion signal associated with the identified reference time position of the media content; and outputting the motion signal synchronized with the media signal using the identified reference time position of the media content for controlling the motion feedback system.

Abstract: An exercise and video game control apparatus comprising a carriage suspended from a frame by support cables; a first handle coupled to the support cables within arm-reach of the suspended carriage; and a first sensor that generates game related signals when the user biases the game chair away from the first handle. Some embodiments may further comprise a sway bar coupled to the game chair and a plurality of cables, wherein the sway bar reduces motion of the game chair when the user biases the game chair away from the first handle; a rocker coupled to a bottom surface of the frame; and a footpad coupled to the frame within leg-reach of the game chair, the footpad adapted to rotates the frame from a neutral position along the rocker.

Abstract: A display retraction assembly for a multi-display visualization device is provided comprising a first track in a first vertical plane, a second track in a second vertical plane offset from the first track, a display support member operably connected to the first track and second track and a display connected to the display support member wherein the display is movable simultaneously with the display support member along the first track and second track.

Abstract: A dynamic simulator includes a carrying platform, a movable platform, a load carrying seat, a first actuator pivotally coupled to carrying platform, and a second actuator pivotally coupled to movable platform, and an included angle is formed between the first actuator and the carrying platform, and an included angle is formed between the second actuator and the load carrying seat, and an included angle is formed between the second actuator and the first actuator, so as to simplify the dynamic simulator.

Abstract: A system for patron movement and entertainment comprising a track, and at least one vehicle engaged with and positioned below the track, capable of carrying at least one patron in a passenger portion and moving along the track. Each vehicle preferably includes a motion base between the track and the passenger portion, and a turntable between the track and the motion base for rotating the passenger portion in the yaw direction, and particularly for directing the patron's viewpoint toward desired show elements.

Abstract: The present description relates to the interfacing of a computer with a motion platform using a USB audio-class computer peripheral. The computer peripheral receives a digital audio-format signal according to the USB specification and provides a motion signal to up to four motion platforms. As the computer peripheral is a USB audio-class peripheral, no device-specific driver is required to play motion synchronously with a movie or a video game. The general purpose audio driver included in the operating system of the computer is advantageously used and the computer peripheral can alternately be used with any operating system comprising such a general purpose audio driver, such as Windows 2000, Windows XO or Mac OSX. The computer peripheral is seen by the computer as a USB sound card.

Abstract: An actuated support frame for transmitting motion to a seat with respect to a ground as a function of motion signals associated with video output, comprises a frame. The frame is expandable/retractable along translational degrees of freedom. Support surfaces are provided on the frame. The support surfaces are displaceable with respect to one another by expansion/retraction of the frame so as to be sized to support a seat. Actuators are provided between the frame and the ground. The actuators receive signals and selectively displace the frame with respect to the ground in synchronization with a video output, whereby a seat supported on the frame is displaceable within the frame. A method for installing a seating system of a motion simulator system is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motion platform system comprising of a base (1), a moving platform (2) displaceable by five actuators along and about the three axes in five degrees of freedom, said moving platform (2), connected to said base (1) by at least three links, wherein one of the said links is a column (3) capable of having at least one rotational freedom at the base of the column (3); the other two links include actuators controlling rotational degrees of freedom about the ‘X’ and ‘Y’ axes; another actuator controlling rotational degree of freedom about the ‘Z’ axis; other two actuators controlling translational degrees of freedom along the ‘X’ and ‘Y’ axes; said column (3) including a joint (12) at the top of the said column (3), said joint (12) capable of providing at least one rotational degree of freedom about any of the three axes.

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: The invention relates to a motion and orientation simulator with a cardanic suspension (4) for a cabin (5) that is carried by a heave carriage (3) that can be moved in a straight line in a carriage cage (2), characterized in that the carriage cage (2) is rotatable and that a cable drive is provided for the straight-line movement of the carriage (3) in the carriage cage (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating motion controls for a mobile platform of a vehicle simulator. The method uses, as input, accelerations calculated by a process for simulating the behavior of the vehicle. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of: filtering the accelerations calculated accelerations by use of a filter constructed according to a mathematical model of human perception of a motion; calculating successive positions of the mobile platform as a function of the filtered acceleration controls; scaling the positions of the mobile platform as a function of physical limitations of the mobile platform, to produce scaled successive positions of the mobile platform; and calculating acceleration controls to be applied by the mobile platform, as a function of the scaled successive positions of the mobile platform, to produce calculated acceleration controls.

Abstract: A seat assembly comprises a plurality of stabilizing members mounted to a base. A passenger support member is moveably mounted along the plurality of stabilizing members. A plurality of spaced apart inflatable actuators are drivingly connected to the passenger support member.

Abstract: An entertainment structure and apparatus principally comprising a 360-degree 2D and/or 3D cinematic theater. Seating for audience members is arrangeable on a circular motion base platform. A compound curved screen may lower from above to surround the theater upon a circular motion base platform, providing seamless media. A 2D/3D projection system is oriented within the structure to provide 2D/3D images on the screen through projection overlap for edge blending. A control system is used to rotate, pitch and roll the motion base platform. The control system can be synchronized with the media presentation. The structure includes a number of variations such as a variety of seating orientations, a stationary screen, a variety of screen configurations, and modular tracking seating.

Abstract: A ride system for moving a passenger vehicle through a dynamically-defined work space. The system includes a track structure that guides one or more motorized or driven carriers on the track structure. The system includes winches on the carrier(s) that are independently operable to set lengths of the vehicle supporting cables, which extend outward from the winches to the vehicle. During operation, the winch systems provide upper anchor points for suspending the passenger vehicle such that these anchor points are selectively positioned. The winches may be independently operated as the carrier(s) travels from a first position to a second position, such that the vehicle body pitches, rolls, or yaws and moves transversely relative to the track. The winches may be operated concurrently to drop or raise the vehicle to define the work space for the vehicle in the vertical direction. Passenger input may interactively control motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a motion-based attraction device engagable with a plurality of spaced guest supports that are movable along a path, having a rotatable carousel configured to temporarily and separately synchronize with the plurality of spaced guest supports, at least one pair of domes supported by the carousel, each dome having a viewing portion that is positioned towards the guest supports and the dome being movable to temporarily cover the guest supports, and an image projecting assembly supported by each dome and configured to display an image on the viewing portion.

Abstract: An image and motion corresponding to the image are presented in response to a request issued by an user. The user transmits image data from a terminal to a motion data generating apparatus. The motion data generating apparatus generates motion data from the received image data. The motion data generating apparatus transmits the generated motion data together with the image data, in a mutually related fashion, to an image/motion control apparatus. The motion data generating apparatus also transmits ID data assigned to the image data and the motion data to the terminal. The image/motion control apparatus stores the received data. When the image/motion control apparatus receives ID data input by a user via an image/motion presenting apparatus, the image/motion control apparatus reads image data and motion data corresponding to the received ID data and transmits the image data and the motion data to the image/motion presenting apparatus.

Abstract: A motion platform providing motion for roll, pitch, heave, surge, yaw, and sway from only three electric motors. Each motor moving one of three frames in a particular direction (roll, pitch, or yaw) via either a pulley style system or a direct system. The motion platform having a control system to precisely move the motion platform in response to received commands. The motion platform capable of operating in a room with at least eight foot ceilings and one standard power outlet. The motion platform utilizing pneumatic cylinders and infrared beams as safety devices.

Abstract: A motion simulator has a motive device having a base, a moving panel, twelve universal joints mounted on the base and the moving panel and six actuators connected to the universal joints and retractable. A seat assembly is mounted on the moving panel. Therefore, as the actuators retract, the seat assembly is moved in six degrees of freedom such as heave, sway, surge, pitch, roll and yaw. Audiences sitting on the seat assembly feel excited and experience a real virtual reality. Moreover, the actuators bear axial force such as drag force and thrust force and are endurable and safety.

Abstract: A collapsible, portable motion platform for use with video games, personal computers, simulators, and virtual reality systems is disclosed. The motion platform may include a motion control system including user adjustable regulating devices for setting the range of motion, acceleration and other motion elements in one or more degrees of freedom. The framing may be collapsible and may include an enclosure case. One embodiment of the platform is lightweight and portable, and includes an enclosure case for protection in storage.

Abstract: In a balance exercise machine, a swing mechanism swings a seat with composition of a swing motion in an anteroposterior direction and a swing motion in a widthwise direction. The swing motion of the seat in the anteroposterior direction is driven faster than, preferably twice as fast, as that in the widthwise direction. The origin of the swing motion of the seat in the widthwise direction is discrepant from origin of the swing motion of the seat in the anteroposterior direction within a half-cycle.

Abstract: A flight control structure for supporting various components of a flight simulator. The flight control structure includes a plurality of elongated members, the plurality of elongated members being adapted to receive a plurality of connectors for connecting the plurality of elongated members and for mounting a plurality of components of the flight simulator. One or more of the plurality of connectors are movable and/or removable so that the flight control structure assumes a first flight simulator configuration adapted to simulate a first aircraft or a second flight simulator configuration adapted to simulate a second aircraft.

Abstract: A platform of the type holding a plurality of normally-open electric switches in position for activation of a selected individual switch by application of a force in a direction normal to a surface of the switch by a portion of a human body. An exemplary platform according to the invention forms a dance platform on which a user steps to activate switches in accordance with instructions viewed on a video display device. A joining structure may by used to hold two platforms in a side-by-side competition arrangement. A security vault may be affixed to structure associated with platform to resist theft of a commercially available game controller adapted to operate the video display and to receive switch input from a platform. Certain aspects of the invention include one or more, typically inert, practice platforms structured to represent the user interface surface of an activatable platform. A method for using a system of active and inert platforms is also disclosed.

Abstract: A motion platform system includes a support and a motion platform supported by the support and rotatable about a plurality of bearing axes The motion platform is further rotatable with respect to the support about at least one axis that is offset from the plurality of bearing axes. The motion platform may include an intermediate frame supported by the support, where the intermediate frame is rotatable about a first bearing axis with respect to the support. The motion platform may further include an inner frame supported by the intermediate frame, where the inner frame is rotatable about a second bearing axis with respect to the intermediate frame. Rotations of the inner and intermediate frames about the first and second bearing axes facilitate rotation of the inner frame with respect to the support about at least one axis offset from the bearing axes.

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: The invention provides a structure of a horse riding machine and directs to a mechanism composed of a swinging device and a guiding device. The mechanism can produce the back-and-forth motion, the swinging motion, and the left-and-right and up-and-down motions and thus the 8-shaped motion. Thus, the effect of actually riding a horse can be obtained such that the horse riding machine having the effect of overall exercising the buttock, the waist and the leg and the body-shaping effect can be obtained.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are disclosed. For example, a training apparatus includes a moveable platform configured to allow an operating aircraft to land upon it, a set of actuators mechanically coupled to the platform to cause the platform to be controllable moved in a plurality of degrees of freedom. Control circuitry may be coupled to the set of actuators, the control circuitry configured to cause the moveable platform to move according to a simulated environment.

Abstract: A motion simulator, comprising a platform carried by at least three pairs of length-adjustable legs, wherein the connection between each leg and the platform comprises a first coupling, wherein the distance between the first coupling of one pair of legs is smaller than the distance between the first coupling of different pairs, wherein, viewed in the top plan view, at least two first couplings are located on a first circle and at least two further first couplings on a second circle, wherein the first and the second circle are concentric and have a different radius.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for producing movements of a cabin (or of a platform) along 3, 4 or 6 axes, enabling a dynamic simulator to obtained, easy to produce, light and with little vertical space requirement. It consists of a structure (7) designed to receive a cabin whereof the movement is controlled by a set of six passive or active arms acting in traction/compression connected to the frame (1), the number of active arms being equal to the number of axes of displacements. The drawing represents a version with 4 axes and 4 active arms (12) (13) (14) (64) and 2 passive arms (61) (62). The displacement can be shifted from 4 to 6 axes by activating the arms (61) and (62) and from 4 to 3 axes by rendering passive the arm (64). In certain embodiments, the active arms are mechanized by connecting rods actuated by rotary motors or actuators.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of flight simulators provided with a plurality of control posts and at least one display, wherein at least one control post is movable from a first fixed station to a mobile station.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motion simulating device that includes a first scissor jack having a helical screw and a motor that rotates the helical screw of the scissor jack thereby raising or lowering the first scissor jack. Also included is a second scissor jack also having a helical screw and a motor that rotates the helical screw thereby raising or lowering the second scissor jack. At least one platform can be connected to the first and second scissor jacks. A controller is in communication with the first and second motors so that rotation of the helical screws of the first and second scissor jacks raises or lowers the scissor jacks thereby moving the platform up and down in accordance with movement of the scissor jacks. The controller can be a joystick, a steering wheel, foot pedals, a voice trigger, a gear shifter, roller ball, or any other device capable of translating mechanical energy into an electrical signal. The motion simulating device can also include at least one additional controller.

Abstract: A contents distribution system for a simulation ride system has a seat rocking unit, a video unit, an acoustic unit, and a simulation ride control apparatus. The simulation ride control apparatus has the simulation ride system controlling operations of the seat rocking unit, the video unit, and the acoustic unit by using content data, and a distribution apparatus for a ride contents administration center. The distribution apparatus for the ride contents administration center distributes the content data and the simulation ride control apparatus receives the distributed content data.

Abstract: A pneumatic motion platform is disclosed, adapted to allow an open center to handle shear stress without the need for a central support. In an embodiment, the platform comprises a deck; a base; a plurality of inflatable actuators, each actuator attached to the deck at a predetermined location intermediate the base and the deck, the plurality of inflatable actuators adapted for use as an active motive force with respect to the deck in a plurality of planes; a plurality of compliant stabilizers disposed intermediate the deck and the base, at least one portion of each stabilizer disposed proximate a predetermined one of the plurality of inflatable actuators; a fluid controller in fluid communication with the plurality of inflatable actuators; and a source of fluid in fluid communication with the fluid controller. A ride vehicle may comprise a cabin attached to a deck attached to the motion platform attached to a rotator such as a turntable.

Abstract: A motion platform system includes a support and a motion platform supported by the support and rotatable about a plurality of bearing axes. The motion platform is further rotatable with respect to the support about at least one axis that is offset from the plurality of bearing axes. The motion platform may include an intermediate frame supported by the support, where the intermediate frame is rotatable about a first bearing axis with respect to the support. The motion platform may further include an inner frame supported by the intermediate frame, where the inner frame is rotatable about a second bearing axis with respect to the intermediate frame. Rotations of the inner and intermediate frames about the first and second bearing axes facilitate rotation of the inner frame with respect to the support about at least one axis offset from the bearing axes.

Abstract: The current invention is an apparatus for and a method of producing a virtual reality effect of changing acceleration direction and magnitude by rotating a subject relative to a center axis to produce a centrifugal force, rotating the subject relative to a second axis perpendicular to centrifugal force and rotating the subject relative to a third axis perpendicular to the axis perpendicular to centrifugal force, and changing the magnitude of the centrifugal force. As a consequence the subject will perceive the acceleration upon his center of mass as changing in magnitude and angle. It is further enhanced by projecting a simulated image on a screen which is rotating in the same frame of reference as the subject.

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: To provide a lateral steady acceleration simulation system for railway vehicle, which is capable of simulating a situation in which lateral steady acceleration is applied to a railway vehicle for a long period of time, while having a compact structure. In a riding quality simulation system of the invention, a control unit activates each of actuators (40), thereby making a simulated passenger room (10) roll. Then, the simulated passenger room (10) is gradually inclined, while a component force, along an inclined plane, of gravitational acceleration g, that is, a first reproductive acceleration G1 is generated depending on an angle of inclination ?. In this manner, a person riding on the simulated passenger room (10) bodily senses the first reproductive acceleration G1 by the roll. At the same time, the control unit moves the simulated passenger room 10, by means of a laterally moving device, in either of the left or right direction with acceleration G.

Abstract: A horse riding sporting apparatus comprises a saddle support 10 for supporting a saddle 2, the support being disposed in the upper central part of a frame 1; a sliding assembly 20 for moving forward and backward the saddle support 10, the sliding assembly being disposed in the front part of the frame 1; an elevating assembly 30 for moving up and down the saddle support 10, the elevating assembly being disposed in the central part of the frame 1; a buffering member 40 connected to the elevating assembly 30; a first working assembly 50 and a second working assembly 60, for moving up and down the buffering member 40, the assemblies being respectively disposed in the rear and the central part of the frame 1; a driving assembly 70 for driving the sliding assembly 20 as well as the first and second working assemblies 50 and 60; a distance adjusting assembly 80 as well as a first and a second elevation adjusting assembly 90 and 100, respectively for adjusting the sliding distance as well as the vertical elevation; a

Abstract: The invention provides an interactive dark ride configured and designed to stimulate the development of creative thinking and problem solving abilities and to encourage group cooperation and team work. A dark ride vehicle is also provided having inward-facing seating adapted to facilitate socializing and group gaming activities among ride participants during the ride sequence. Various interactive effects are provided along a defined ride path and/or along various associated ride cueing areas. The interactive effects are configured and arranged such that ride participants selectively actuate the various effects by successfully completing various requested tasks. Some or all of the interactive effects require the cooperation of multiple ride participants (either on the same vehicle, other vehicles and/or in adjacent queuing areas) in order to actuate the desired effect(s).

Abstract: Disclosed a virtual reality simulator for enabling a user to feel motion in virtual reality as the real.

Abstract: A simulator apparatus with at least two degrees of freedom of movement for an instrument which has an elongated shaft, has a holding device for the instrument, the holding device being designed such that the instrument has at least a first degree of freedom of rotary movement about the longitudinal axis of the shaft and at least a second degree of freedom of translatory movement in the direction of the shaft. The holding device has a gear arrangement for the first and second degrees of freedom, which has a first bevel gear, which is connected to the shaft and corotates with the latter about the longitudinal axis thereof, and has a second and a third bevel gear which are arranged on either side of the first bevel gear and are in rolling engagement therewith.

Abstract: An amusement ride includes an output member having an anthropomorphic robot arm adapted for six degrees of movement. The ride further includes a passenger station in moveable engagement with said output member, a platform, and optionally a ticket reader.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting simulator instruments to a simulator host computer includes a plurality of panel modules, a data bus having a connection to each panel module, and a control computer connected to the data bus and to the host computer. Each panel module further comprises at least one simulated instrument and a local computer. The local computer runs a computer program adapted to the instrument or instruments controlled by that panel module, so that the local computer communicates with the data bus for bi-directional communication between the instrument and the control computer. Each panel module has a unique address on the data bus.

Abstract: A reliable, cost effective motion simulator system wherein a motion platform controlled by three inexpensive fractional horsepower induction AC motors to provide n-axis of motion where n is two, three, four, five or six. A dynamic boost is applied to maintain the position of the motion platform at low speed or zero speed and to handle transient motion demands without use of an encoder. The personal simulator motion base includes a support structure for positioning a rider coupled to the motion platform. A support pedestal and a plurality of linkages support the motion platform. A plurality of motor assemblies 114 is coupled to the motion plate by the linkages. A control algorithm enables the use of low cost power electronics to drive the AC motor-linkage assemblies. The personal simulator may be controlled in response to user-initiated commands, remote-user initiated commands or by commands embedded in game software or the audio track of a video stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a real-scene tour simulation system and method of the same. As illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user could select a tour location (tour destination) through the Geographic Information System (GIS) or an expert system and set up the parameters for the tour such as the tour speed and the tour timeframe. The real-scene tour simulation system and method of the present invention will load in environment parameters based on the selected tour location, simulate the real scene of the tour based on the environment parameters, for example the terrain, the atmospheric temperature, the sunshine intensity and the environment sound effect, associated with the selected tour location and present the simulation result to the user.

Abstract: The system produces movements in a home entertainment chair. It has a motor controller and a plurality of movement generator units for generating small amplitude and low frequency movements in the viewers chair according to desired effects. A synchronization is achieved using an audio/video stream.

Abstract: In a VR motion producing apparatus and an apparatus, comprising: a reception unit for receiving a presently projected picture frame No. from a picture apparatus; a detection unit for detecting a frame No. of operation data of a motion base presently executed by a motion base; a difference unit for comparing the picture frame No. with the motion frame No. to calculate a difference between them; a calculation unit for calculating an operation velocity of a motion base so as to correct this difference value; and a synchronization unit for reducing the difference between the picture frame No. and the motion frame No.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scaling a large commercial flight simulator into a more compact flight simulator, without losing the look and feel of a corresponding aircraft in-flight, by modifying movement of the motion platform to conform to the recommendations of one knowledgeable of the actual aircraft.

Abstract: A propelled-pivoting motion base with a rotating disc that provides an occupant with an unlimited range of motion on the horizontal plane of movement and a method for manipulating the inertia of a center mass by physically following a natural path of motion as it occurs in realtime. The vehicle chassis base is propelled and steered upon and along the available operating floor area using two main drives which alternatively propell and pivot each drive assembly in a manner that shifts the center mass and its' inertia when changing directions on the horizontal plane of movement along its' realtime motion path, thus reducing the computational resources normally needed to remove un-natural movenment.

Abstract: A motion machine comprised of a lightweight spherical capsule (40) with locations for occupants. The capsule floats on a cushion of compressed air. Drive wheels (46) are positioned around the capsule's circumference controlling capsule pitch and roll. The drive wheels themselves are mounted in a rotatable drive assembly (49) controlling capsule yaw. The activation of drive wheels while in rotation about the capsule provides unlimited rotation of capsule in any direction.

Abstract: A motion simulator provided with a movable housing, preferably carried by a number of length-adjustable legs, in which housing projection means are arranged for visual information supply, while in the housing a control environment of a motion apparatus to be simulated is situated, the control environment being incorported in a removable unit, which unit is exchangeable for another, comparable unit having a different control environment to be simulated.