Abstract: An amusement attraction is housed within a building. The building contains several different settings. Each setting contains a variety of scenic elements. One setting acts as a pre-show and includes an audio-visual presentation. A second setting is designed to resemble a tornado-damaged building. A third setting contains various scenic elements designed to resemble an outdoor scene. In the third setting, a special effects show takes place that includes a man-made tornado. Other special effects are used to simulate the effect of the tornado on the scenic elements in the outdoor scene. Guests can safely view the man-made tornado from a guest viewing area.

Abstract: Provides a ride-type game machine which can provide special stimuli individually to a plurality of players. A game machine 1 designed to be ridden by a player, comprising a posture immobilization device 105 for immobilizing the posture of the player, and a medium-discharging device 109 or the like for discharging a prescribed medium (mist spray or the like) onto a specific bodily region (cheek or the like) of the immobilized player. The posture immobilization device 105 presses against the player's body, preventing the player's head from moving. Thus, the medium can be reliably directed onto a specific bodily region of the player, effectively scaring the player.

Abstract: A roller coaster includes a plurality of ride vehicles that ride along a track. Each vehicle provides seating for at least one passenger. The track is elevated off the ground and includes a variety of hills, curves, loops, rolls, drops, inversions and the like. The vehicles are totally enclosed and preferably designed to represent a space capsule. Sight line controls and a yaw mechanism are used at the load platform to prevent passengers from seeing the other ride vehicles. In addition, the track at the load platform is angled upwards to allow for easy access to the ride vehicles. Portals in the cabin are designed to control sight lines to focus the passengers' attention on show elements that are placed along the track. An on-board audio system enhances the realism of the ride experience. Adjustable restraint systems are provided in each vehicle to keep the passengers in their seats and inside the vehicle during the ride.

Abstract: A motion base device for simulators is disclosed. In the motion base device, an upper plate is positioned above a base plate with a simulating cabin being carried on the upper plate. Three cylinder actuators are positioned between the base and upper plates so as to heave, pitch and/or roll the upper plate relative to the base plate. Of the three cylinder actuators being respectively placed at apexes of a regular triangle, the first one is fixedly mounted to the base plate and is jointed to the upper plate using a universal joint. Each of the second and third cylinder actuators is jointed to the base and upper plates using a universal joint and a joint block. A hydraulic pressure supply unit supplies pressurized oil to the three cylinder actuators so as to allow the three cylinder actuators to be independently operated.

Abstract: A virtual reality system is provided including at least one game station. Such game station has at least one virtual reality outfit equipped with a helmet having an input device for subjecting a user to visual and audio stimuli upon the receipt thereof. The outfit also has a plurality of output devices including a movement sensor for generating an output signal upon the detection of a movement of the user and an audio sensor for generating the output signal upon the detection of a vocalization of the user. Further provided is a plurality of auxiliary sensory mechanisms for subjecting the user to various feeling sensory conditions upon the actuation thereof. A server is connected to each game station and adapted to transmit the audio and visual stimuli and further actuate a predetermined number of the auxiliary sensory mechanisms as a function of the output signals of at least one game station.

Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle includes a vehicle chassis that rolls on caster wheels. Pinch drive wheels, driven by on-board electric motors, engage a guide rail and propel the vehicle along a rack. A motion base is positioned on top of the vehicle chassis. A yaw ring is rotatably supported on the motion base. A passenger cabin is mounted on to the yaw ring. A slip ring assembly extends from the vehicle chassis to the passenger cabin, to provide electrical power and audio signals to the passenger cabin. A yaw drive motor turns the yaw ring, allowing the passenger cabin to spin on the motion base, and to provide continuous yaw movement. The motion base provides pitch and roll movements, as well as heave, slip and surge movements.

Abstract: A new interactive simulator ride for providing an entertaining interactive visual, audio, and motion simulation. The inventive device includes a guidance track comprised of a plurality of laterally spaced guidance rails, a simulator vehicle housing having an interior and having lateral side walls having a plurality of support wheels mounted thereon for supporting the simulator vehicle housing on the spaced guidance rails. A seat for seating by a person is provided within the interior of the simulator vehicle housing. A viewing screen is provided within the simulator vehicle housing interior for providing a computer generated visual image for viewing by a person located in the simulator housing. The invention also includes a projection means for projecting a computer generated visual image on the viewing screen, a means for providing computer generated visual images to the projection means, and a user input device.

Abstract: The disclosed motion device comprises a triangular platform supporting a load, for example a simulator cabin. This platform is supported at all three corners by hinged arms driven by cranks that are moved by an actuator. There is provided a load compensation device facilitating the work of the actuators. Thus the load can be moved in pitch and roll as well as vertically.

Abstract: A bank of seats for use in an amusement type environment has at least two seats arranged in side-by-side orientation with all seats facing in the same direction. The bank of seats has a substantially planar platform and upstanding, forward support arms attached to the platform in spaced apart positions adjacent at the front edge of the platform. In addition, upstanding, rearward support arms are attached to the platform at spaced apart positions adjacent to the back edge of the platform to form respective pairs of forward and rearward support arms. Each of the seats is mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot axis that is adjacent to the distal ends of a respective pair of forward and rearward support arms. All of the seats are pivoted in unison about their respective pivot axes so that each seat sways from side to side in substantially the same pivotal movement as all other of the seats. Independent mechanisms raise and lower the front and back edges of the planar platform.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method for creating motion are provided. The apparatus includes a base and a frame connected by legs with a rod extending from the base towards the frame. Cylinders, preferably pneumatic, connect to the rod to the frame. Air or fluid to the cylinders may be controlled in a programmable manner to create motion to the rod and, hence, to the base. Another connecting element is provided between the base and one of the legs which may also include a cylinder creating an additional degree of freedom and motion to the apparatus.

Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle with motion controlled seating includes a chassis supporting a platform. Guests are transported through an amusement attraction in seating attached to the platform. Preferably, the guests ride in a chair having a hinged seat pan adapted to effect a bouncing motion or a chair adapted to effect a rocking motion. An actuator is advantageously provided to move the chair at a predetermined time. In a preferred embodiment, a triggering mechanism drops the seat pan from an inclined position to a declined position at a predetermined time, and a reset assembly returns the seat pan to the inclined position.

Abstract: An entertainment device is based on a sphere that moves in coordination with visual and auditory stimuli. Audience members are seated inside the sphere in one hemisphere while an image is displayed on the inside of the opposite hemisphere. The sphere is driven by actuators to roll, pitch and yaw without limit in synchrony with the images displayed. An audio system works in synchrony with the motion to further enhance the experience. Pure horizontal or vertical motion effects may be obtained by adding one or more linear motion stages which translate the entire sphere assembly horizontally or vertically. The audience members may interact with the ride using actuators. Multiple spheres may interact with each other.

Abstract: A realistic roller coaster simulator is disclosed having one or more passenger seats equipped with a safety harness and mounted for 360 degree rotational movement along at least two axes for simulating the motion of a roller coaster. A controller is provided for controlling and coordinating the motion of the simulator with a simulation controller which generates to the passenger synchronized audio and visual effects which would be experienced by a passenger on a roller coaster of a predetermined design. Linked to the simulator is a design station where a passenger can design his or her own roller coaster. Upon entering the simulator station, the passenger's design can be accessed from memory and selected for simulation on the simulator vehicle. Upon initiation of the simulation, the passenger can experience in real time the visual, motive, audible and other effects (such as wind, heat, cold, water, etc.) of the simulated roller coaster ride which the passenger has designed.

Abstract: A new motion cueing scheme has been found and adapted to an actual aircraft production seat to provide both transient and sustained heave acceleration cues. The mechanism is simple and compact enough to be easily implemented on G-seats. Changes in seat pan pitch angle synchronized with seat back vertical displacement result in a cue which feels realistic and reproduces consistently a number of the physiological and physical effects experienced by the pilot submitted to a real heave acceleration.

Abstract: There is provided a motion simulator comprising a platform mounted on a base, the platform being mounted by a multi directional swivel connection with first and second motion actuators situated proximate first and second sides of the platform. Each motion actuator comprises a motor, a shaft rotatably driven by the motor and a cam member mounted on the shaft. A roller is mounted on the cam member and is associated with a follower mounted on the platform, the arrangement being such that rotation of the shaft and the cam will cause the roller to move within the follower and cause vertical movement of the platform proximate the follower. The platform can thus move in a vertical plane and also have rotational movement about an axis extending longitudinally of the platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a geo-positional treading sphere (10) having a sphere (12) rotatably cradled within a base (14). The base (14) has at least one base pylon (14A) having a base pylon driver to rotate the sphere (12) longitudinally and/or latidudinally in response to an instant position which the user (16) is located within the sphere (12). The base (14) has a plurality of base bearings (14D) attached thereto which function to facilitate the sphere's (12) rotation. The user (16) adorns a user control (18) consisting of a user control backpack (18A) and a user control helmet (18B). The user control backpack (18A) has at least one user control backpack infrared distance sensor to send and receive signals to the inner wall of the sphere (12). The received signals by the at least one user control backpack infrared distance sensor is relayed to the geo-positional treading sphere operating system (110).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for producing an illusion of weightlessness. An enclosed room having walls, a floor and a ceiling defining an interior is provided. A plurality of visually polarized objects are rigidly secured to the walls, ceiling or floor to indicate an up and down direction. A user is secured into a cushioned user support member mounted in the enclosed room and rotated into the supine posture. The room is then rotated into alignment with the user's body. The room containing a rich variety of visually polarized objects having recognizable tops and bottoms still appears upright when the room and person in the support member are both rotated at an angle of 90.degree. from the upright position. The gravity sense organs in the inner ear (otolith organs) which normally indicate when the head is erect, are not powerful enough in most people to overcome the strong contradictory visual information.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a multiplicity of compartments are horizontally and vertically arranged, allowing spectators on seats in the compartments to enjoy the view of an image projected on a screen installed outside the compartments and to enjoy the realistic effects, without bothering or being bothered by the neighbors.

Abstract: A virtual reality system provides effective exposure treatment for psychiatric patients suffering from a particular anxiety disorder. The system is characterized by a video screen disposed in front of the patient to display an image of a specific graphical environment that is intended to trigger anxiety within the patient as a result of the particular patient phobia. A headset is worn by the patient, and has sensors disposed to detect movement and positioning of the patient's head. A computer program controls the operation of the system, and is designed to control the display of the graphical environment on the video screen, monitor the headset sensors and determine the position of the patient's head, and controllably manipulate the graphical environment displayed on the video screen to reflect the movement and position of the patient's head.

Abstract: A flight simulator for amusement rides simulating aircraft or space flight with visual presentations and motion having an operator station attached to a structural support frame through an articulating member providing unlimited angular rotation about a roll axis and limited angular rotation about a pitch axis. An electrical coupling concentric with a drive axle is rotatable through at least 360.degree. about the roll axis.

Abstract: A rotating apparatus for simulatively rotating a playing box of a simulation game machine includes: a turn table on which the playing box is mounted, the playing box being provided with a controlling portion having a first signal transmission wire; a driver which rotates the turn table, the driver being provided with a controller having a second signal transmission wire; and a rotary connector provided in a center of the turn table. The rotary connector includes: a first conductive member rotatable with the turn table, and electrically connected with the first signal transmission wire; and a second conductive member being stationary in relative to and electrically connected with the first conductive member, and electrically connected with the second signal transmission wire.

Abstract: The invention regards an inflatable motion base for moving one or more loads, such as objects or riders, through various degrees of freedom, and a simulator employing the motion base. The invention includes a plurality of modular, inflatable cells on a foundation that serves as a structure to provide reaction forces, the cells being adjacent to each other and joined along their load-bearing surfaces with interlaced bungee cords. Each cell is connected to a high volume manifold through an inlet. The inlets each include an actuator controlling a butterfly valve to control the airflow into the cell. A plurality of pumps maintain the manifold pressure. Each cell is also provided with an exhaust passage, which includes an actuator controlling a butterfly valve to control the airflow out of the cell. The exhaust passages connect to tubes that direct the exhaust to blow on the cell load-bearing surfaces. The foundation houses manifolds, inlets, exhaust passages, pumps, and sound dampening material.

Abstract: A movement simulator that has a cabin (15) that rotates through the action of a servomotor (12). The cabin/servomotor set rests on an axis (xx') that has its rotation controlled by another servomotor (5). The set formed by the cabin and the two servomotors rests on a third axis (zz') that also has its rotation controlled by a third servomotor (1) in a way that all the moving components of the simulator have unlimited rotation, i.e., even beyond 360 degrees over its respective axes.

Abstract: A simulative moving apparatus for simulatively moving a playing box of a simulation game machine includes: a supporting frame slidable in a vertical direction and having a connection portion swingably connected to a center portion of a horizontal plane member of the playing box: a plurality of elevating cylinders for moving up and down the playing box, each elevating cylinder having a main body and a piston rod, a free end of the piston rod being swingably connected to an end portion of the horizontal plane member of the playing box: and a cylinder support mechanism including: a first support member having a first pivotal axis perpendicularly intersecting an axis of the elevating cylinder for supporting the elevating cylinder in such a manner that the elevating cylinder is swingable about the first pivotal axis: and a second support member having a second pivotal axis perpendicularly intersecting an axis of the first support member in such a manner that the first support member is swingable about the second p

Abstract: A modular assembly of theater seats aligned in a row. Each of the seats in the row moves with an identical motion in response to a coordinated sequence to create seat motions which can complement a scene being protrayed on a movie screen. Three or more rotatable shafts run along the row under the seats. The shafts are caused to rotate by hydraulic cylinders coupled to the shafts through bell cranks. Each seat is supported by three legs which are also coupled to the shafts by bell cranks. Rotation of the shafts causes vertical motion of the legs, and by coordinating the motions of the individual legs, in the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the seats can be made to move with linear vertical motion, or to rotate either side to side or fore and aft in the vertical plane. Linear fore and aft motion of the seats may be provided by a fourth rotatable shaft running along the row under the seats.

Abstract: An easily modifiable ride is provided with a track and a car for carrying at least one passenger along the track. The track creates changes of movement of the car to thereby produce G-forces to the passenger. A plurality of detectors are provided for detecting movements of the car. At least one display device is used for producing a series of images to create a displayed scenario of an amusement ride. There is also provided signal generators responsive to the detectors for synchronizing between the images and the movements of the car.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a game apparatus using a video display device especially a game apparatus that displays an interactive video with a co-driver, particularly a virtual reality video. The game apparatus having a video display device of the present invention comprises, as the basic elements, a plurality of video display devices for displaying a video watched by each of the plurality of players, a plurality of player control units for controlling the video display of the corresponding video display device and an position sensor device for detecting the positions or the movements of the players. Base on the position information of one player detected by the position sensor device, the player control units for the other players control the corresponding video display device to give some change to the displaying video watched by the other players.

Abstract: A dynamic ride vehicle for executing a sequence of distinct motion patterns and for providing unique ride experiences in an amusement park attraction or other environment includes a movable chassis and a body having a passenger seating area. A motion apparatus, including computer controlled actuators, imparts motion to the body along a plurality of axes independent of any motion of the chassis as it moves along a path. As the vehicle travels along the path, articulation of the body and appropriate steering of the vehicle enables the vehicle to execute, in cooperation with the motion apparatus, a sequence of distinct motion patterns. Execution of the motion patterns enhances the passengers' sensation of vehicle movement that is actually taking place, as well as the sensation of a realistic moving ride vehicle experience that is actually not happening.

Abstract: A helmet mounting device which allows a helmet to be securely mounted to a user's head in a desired alignment, without irritating chin straps, is provided. The device includes a frame and a liner with a retention band that can be uniformly tightened about the user's head and that aligns with cranial features such as the indentation in the occipital area at the base of the skull. A plurality of these devices can be given out in advance to users waiting on line for a virtual reality amusement attraction, who can don them in advance. When a user reaches the attraction, he or she can easily slip onto the device a helmet having shape complementary to the device for quick alignment. When the user is finished, the device can easily be cleaned before being given to the next user.

Abstract: A motion simulator having a people-holding capsule attached at the front end and at the rear end to a supporting structure. The supporting structure has movable arms that, when extended or retracted, provide positive and negative pitch to the capsule. The supporting structure also provides the mechanism for rotating the capsule up to and in excess of 360 degrees. It is also possible to make the support structure capable of supporting forward/backward as well as side-by-side motion. With a video display system installed inside the capsule providing optical cues, this invention provides the motion cues necessary to provide a safe entertainment environment for passengers.

Abstract: An amusement ride attraction, with a rotating tube and an image is disclosed that is, relatively inexpensive and compact. The viewer stands inside the rotating tube, and the forces applied to the viewer are in automatic synchronization with the projected image. This creates an illusion that the person is moving in a moving vehicle, thereby resulting in a feeling of motion and a simulated experience of participating in the activity. The cylinder is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in synchronization with movements of the projected image showing a "rider's eye" view from a moving motorcycle, airplane, car, or the like.

Abstract: A motion base for an apparatus for subjecting a user to sensory experience is provided. The motion base has a motion generator for moving a platform about at least one axis of rotation. The platform supports the user such that the user's center of gravity is substantially coincident with the center of rotation of the platform. The active elements of the motion generator are separate from the elements that support the weight of the apparatus and the user.

Abstract: A space game floater apparatus is disclosed, which can be utilized by any person for obtaining simulation experiment similar to space floating or enjoying various space games without need of any preliminary training.A dome-like floating space shell defines an inner artificial floating space, in which is sealed air supplied as pressurized gas under 2 to 3 atm. from a gas pressure control unit. A floater provided in the artificial floating space has a buoyancy vessel part and a support part in which a floating person rides. The floating person enters the artificial floating space through a gate unit and rides in the support part of the floater for steering the floater for floating operation thereof in the artificial floating space.

Abstract: A ride motion simulator comprising a first lower tier carried on at least three retractable and extensible legs secured to a base platform, the lower tier having support arms at edges thereof extending upwardly and outwardly a length approximately equal to the length which said legs may be extended. The upper ends of the arms are pivotally attached to upper ends of the legs. A middle tier is carried on the first tier and mounted thereto in a manner to allow forward and backward longitudinal motion of said second tier with respect to the first tier by a ram mounted at the rear of the first tier, and pivotally connected to the second tier. The second tier includes a plurality of seat supports. The seat supports have a rail running laterally on the tops. The tops also having an actuator mounted thereon with extensible and retractable rams secured to the seats mounted on the base and capable of moving the seats left and right laterally.

Abstract: A motion platform that is displaceable along three axes includes first, second and third carriage assemblies. There is an apparatus connected to each of said carriage assemblies for linearly displacing each of the carriages along a single planar axis. Therefore, the first carriage assembly is linearly displaceable along a first plane, the second carriage assembly is linearly displaceable along a second plane that intersects the first plane, and the third carriage assembly is linearly displaceable along a third plane that intersects at least one of the first and second planes. Each of the carriage assemblies is comprised of a circumferential array of frame members that define a substantially planar parallelogram configuration having a substantially open central portion, with the carriage assemblies being arranged in a nested array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for multi-media simulation of the sounds, sights, and motions associated with various real life experiences. Roadable trailers having modules are combined to form a platform or support for an exoskeleton in the shape of various structures such as a spaceship, moon base, cave, mountain, vehicle, airplane, helicopter, ship, submarine, etc. The modules are provided with cameras, viewing screens, audio equipment and actual and optical motion imparting mechanisms for real-time point-of-access imagery simulating take-off, landing, turns, and hover-type turns from the environment surrounding the simulator. External image gathering cameras are attached to a movable support to provide relative motion point-of-access imagery.

Abstract: This disclosure provides to a ride vehicle for used in an amusement attraction. The ride vehicle mounts a structure upon a hydraulically-actuated motion base, so that the passenger holding structure may be articulated about one or more axes as the vehicle moves. Thus, this "simulator ride" carries passengers through three-dimensional scenery and articulates the passenger holding structure in synchronism with motions of the ride vehicle, the motions of moving show sets, which are external to the vehicle, sound, projection and other effects. The ride vehicle is programmably-controlled, and derives electrical power from a track mounted power bus to drive vehicle hydraulics, which drive motion base actuation, steering and vehicle velocity.

Abstract: A compact theater for use with a simulator system includes a motion base moveable only along three mutually orthogonal displacement axes by means of displaceable actuators. A projector and screen are included for providing a sequence of audio signals and visual images to the occupants. A motion base controller generates actuator drive signals. A system controller provides the command signals to the motion base controller in synchronization with the presentation of the audio-visual images. The system controller generates the motion base command signals such that the displacement of the motion base is synchronized to the presentation of the audio signals and visual images. The motion base is characterized by a reduced height when fully retracted such that, when configured with the projector and screen, the total height is less than conventional simulators, enabling the present theater to be housed within buildings of a standard commercial height.

Abstract: An amusement park attraction having a dynamic ride vehicle for executing a sequence of distinct motion patterns and for providing unique ride experiences in the amusement park attraction or other environment. The ride vehicle includes a movable chassis and a body having a passenger seating area. A motion apparatus, including Ycomputer controlled actuators, imparts motion to the body along a plurality of axes independent of any motion of the chassis as it moves along a path in the amusement park attraction. As the vehicle travels along the path, articulation of the body and appropriate steering of the vehicle enables the vehicle to execute, in cooperation with the motion apparatus, a sequence of distinct motion patterns. Execution of the motion patterns enhances the passengers' sensation of vehicle movement that is actually taking place, as well as the sensation of a realistic moving ride vehicle experience that is actually not happening.

Abstract: A ship, in which stereoscopic imagery is displayed, can move, and the ship can swing in various directions and can vibrate. The ship moves along a guide path while the stereoscopic imagery is being viewed by inside viewers. The guide path includes a plurality of diverging guide paths midway along the guide path. The ship can freely select one of the diverging paths in accordance with the contents and running time of imagery. The ship, which has passed the diverging guide path, passes through a confluence portion and returns to the start position. Thereby, multisensation can be created, and an effective sensation atmosphere can be created on the basis of visual and other senses, with a small space for installation and low costs.

Abstract: In the simulator for shooting down the rapids in accordance with the present invention, a platform is installed on one side of a water channel in which a boat moves, and a theater zone is installed on the other side. In the theater zone, a boat swaying device and a wind generating device are installed, and these devices are successively operated in synchronization with the picture projected on a screen in the theater zone by a projector. Also, according to the present invention, three spherical seats are arranged in an isosceles triangle form under the boat moving in the water channel, and three vertically movable swaying rods are installed under the water channel in the theater zone at the positions corresponding to the spherical seats.

Abstract: A simulator for water rides, that has a raft which is moved about such that it approximates the movement of a raft floating along a body of water. The simulator has a theater projection system constructed to display visual images onto a screen located inside a simulator room. The visual images typically being scenes of a rapidly flowing river as seen from the front of a raft floating down the body of water. Within the room is a raft constructed to support an audience while they view the visual images. The raft is surrounded by a pool of water that can have valves or actuators incorporated to create waves and water mist to simulate a river. The raft can be moved within the pool, by displacing the water beneath the raft such that the raft moves in conjunction with the scene depicted on the screen. Water displacement may be induced by a wave created in the pool, or by pushing the water under the raft with actuators or a flexible plate located at the bottom of the pool directly under the raft.